I HAVE to confess my knowledge of Guernsey was pretty limited ahead of my family's two-night stay on the Channel Islands.

I'm yet to see the film The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society, but I was keen to discover the history behind it and the small island that inspired its story.

Being a football fan, I knew former Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier hailed from Guernsey, but beyond that, I really needed a history lesson.

Yet before we had the chance to venture from our base for the weekend - the St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort - who should I see walking through reception fresh from his golf day? It was 'Le God'.

Yes, Le Tissier, along with fellow ex-footballers Francis Benali and Gordon Watson, was hosting a charity event at the hotel with Guernsey FC. I was tempted to ask for an autograph but I haven't forgiven him for his goals against Liverpool.

I was here to explore the island with my partner and young daughter and see what's on offer for families on an island once occupied by the Nazis during the Second World War.

Keeping a little girl entertained is a task in itself, so I realised that history lesson might have to take a backseat.

Getting to Guernsey was simple. We took the fast ferry Condor Liberation, just a smooth three-hour crossing from Poole. There was a 'Kids Zone' on board which kept our little one happy, meeting some new friends on the way. We ate well at the on-board buffet restaurant before stocking up at the duty free shop.

Once there, Guernsey has an impressive range of events for all ages. From guided walks around St Peter Port to art exhibitions, town carnivals and an outdoor cinema - we were spoilt for choice.

The island is well known for beach resorts like Cobo Bay and the scenery of its coastal cliffs. With 27 beautiful beaches, Cobo, Pembroke and Port Soif are particularly popular where you can enjoy the soft, sandy beaches and swimming at high tide or exploring the rock-pools when the sea retreats.

But with the weather overcast on our first morning there, we skipped the beach and drove to the only aquarium in the Channel Islands.

Fully refurbished and with a focus on local marine fish and life, this underwater experience is housed in tunnels used as a store by the Germans during the Occupation between 1940 and 1945.

The Terrapin Tank has a large bomb-shaped light above it, mines floating in the water, and a large spitfire plane suspended above it with Action Man military parachuters also hanging from the cave ceiling. Alongside the tank, housing locally rescued terrapins, is a mini Second World War display.

There were crayons and colouring-in books that helped to keep our daughter amused in between the fishy fun before we headed to Saumarez Park for a picnic, with the sun finally out.

Something that impressed me during our stay was the array of exotic plants that flourish here. Trees such as trachycarpus fortunei and cordylines are ten a penny while I was surprised to see several mature phoenix canariensis and champerops humilis growing quite happily.

Camellias and magnolias often grow to be huge in Guernsey, not least in the public gardens of Saumarez Park. Its exotic species were originally planted by a Guernsey diplomat who served as the British Ambassador to Japan. A nature trail links the park with nearby Cobo Bay, and we found it made a great destination for a picnic and family walk.

Saumarez Park is one of the island's main social venues and is centrally located in the parish of Castel. The largest public park in Guernsey, it is very popular with families, with many facilities for young and old, including The National Trust of Guernsey's Folk and Costume Museum, a cafe, a children's playground, large lawns, and a duck pond.

After our girl had finished kicking our inflatable ball around, we headed back to the hotel to take full advantage of the plush swimming pool.

St Pierre Park Hotel has undergone a £2.5m refurbishment of the health club and spa. Having re-opened in July 2016 it now offers the pool, a marble steam room, dual aspect volcanic stone sauna, experience showers, five treatment rooms, a relaxation room and stunning views overlooking the lake and grounds. And the outdoor jacuzzi? Well, it would be rude not to, so I took a dip. For half an hour.

And the food is first class, too. Located on the garden level, on the first night we enjoyed table d’hôte dinner in The Pavilion Restaurant, an AA Rosette restaurant offering contemporary food. With a large terraced area adjacent to the children’s play area, it was just the job for our three-year-old to let off steam while I polished off my sticky toffee pudding.

It was more kids play for our meal on Saturday evening, where we took a pleasant drive along the coast before stopping at Crabby Jack's - an airy, informal seafood, steak and burger restaurant, with sea-facing deck and a fantastic outdoor play area compete with bouncy castle.

Our three-year-old loved it here - and it appears, so does most of Guernsey. Be warned - it's often full so best to book ahead otherwise you'll be eating on the tables in the kids' area (no bad thing on a nice summer's day).

There was no let up in the fun on our final day, either, After checking out of the first-class hotel, we popped around the corner to Pirate Bay Adventure Golf. The golf club at St Pierre Park is one of the top family attractions on the island and it's not hard to see why.

Based around a pirate theme, we tackled an array of challenges on the 12-hole course, including water and moving obstacles. I lost (again), but it was still fun trying out the portable rafts that transport you around the course.

After a quick visit to the play areas at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre, we made our way back into the port on Sunday afternoon ready for our return crossing.

There were huge crowds along the seafront. Was Le God here again?

Not this time. On Sundays throughout the summer, St Peter Port seafront is closed to traffic and transforms into a sea of market stalls and al fresco dining. The theme on our weekend was ‘Arts’, which included various music, dance and drama stages, with more than 100 stalls celebrating arts in Guernsey.

Our little one tried the lucky dip - on several occasions. Well, we had to give her something to keep her amused until the Kids Zone on the crossing home.

FACTFILE

Condor Ferries operates a year-round service to the Channel Islands from Poole with the fast ferry Condor Liberation, alongside a conventional ferry service from Portsmouth. To book and check current prices, visit condorferries.com or call 0345 609 1024.

St Pierre Park Hotel

Classic room from £159 per room per night

Classic family room from £167 per room per night

Suite from £223 per room per night

Rates include full traditional breakfast and are subject to availability.

Book: https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/stpierrepark

Tel: 01481 728 282

Enquiries: stpierrepark@handpicked.co.uk

For more information on Guernsey visit www.visitguernsey.com