When considering brief flights from Britain, the frequently wet Scotland and Ireland likely come to mind first.

However, what if you could reach a sun-drenched paradise in under an hour? This isn't fantasy – it's now possible thanks to a new British Airways year-round service to Guernsey. Dubbed the sunshine island, the archipelago can be accessed in as little as 35 minutes from London Heathrow.

My mother and I were fortunate enough to secure places on the inaugural flight to discover what the island has to offer. "This is a big deal for Guernsey and puts our wonderful island back on the map," said Visit Guernsey's lead marketing officer Zoe Gosling as we boarded the aircraft.

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It marks the first time the carrier has served the island since the 1980s, so the atmosphere on board was electric. As we climbed into the sky, a cheer rang out and one delighted couple waved Guernsey flags. Before we'd finished our complimentary glass of champagne, we were screeching along the runway in the capital St Peter Port. Our adventure had commenced.

The six-mile-long bailiwick of Guernsey lies in the middle of the English Channel, just 30 miles from the Normandy coast. Its southerly location places the island in the path of the Mexican Gulf Stream, meaning it enjoys a notably milder year-round climate than mainland Britain. We stayed at the four-star Duke Hotel, which was absolutely superb, though there are plenty of more affordable alternatives nearby.

St Peter Port sits within easy reach of a host of stunning vistas, cultural treasures and exciting day trips. History enthusiasts simply cannot miss the magnificent Castle Cornet. Perched at the entrance to the harbour, the 800 year old fortification provides a captivating glimpse into the island's past and present.

We spent several enjoyable hours discovering the four museums and historic gardens, though we gave the tea rooms a wide berth, which appeared almost as ancient as the castle itself (think pine furniture and Victoria sponge beneath a yellowing sneeze guard). Yet what the landmark lacks in contemporary dining, it more than compensates for with breathtaking vistas across the Channel.

Expect a similarly old-fashioned atmosphere at the adjacent Guernsey Museum at Candie, where informative exhibits are accompanied by a generous helping of dusty taxidermy. However, do make a point of visiting the nearby Victoria Tower, where, according to legend, Les Misérables author Victor Hugo would secretly rendezvous with his mistress. Simply request the key at the museum reception, and you can enjoy private access for up to 30 minutes.

The 99-step climb left us exhausted and overheated, so a refreshing dip at the nearby Valette bathing pools was next on our list. Constructed during the height of Queen Victoria's reign, the four pools fill with seawater at high tide and provide islanders with year-round access. Mum and I are keen sea swimmers, so the early April water temperature was just about tolerable. However, if immersing yourself in freezing waters doesn't appeal, I would recommend holding off until July or August.

Perhaps the greatest revelation of the trip was the island's surprisingly diverse selection of dining establishments. Naively, I'd expected we would be limited to greasy pub fare throughout our three-night visit, but I was utterly mistaken.

Having built up quite an appetite at the bathing pools, we made our way to restaurant Dhaka for a Bangladeshi banquet. We were welcomed by Mahi, who proved exceptionally hospitable and took the time to talk us through the menu. We shared the Murgi Rezala (roast chicken curry) and vegan vegetable Niramish, accompanied by a samosa, rice and naan. While not searingly hot, the dishes were aromatic, delicate and remarkably flavourful.

If you have some money to spend, Japanese restaurant Fukku is equally deserving of a visit. Featured in the Michelin guide, it serves traditional Japanese cuisine with a contemporary edge. The edamame beans in hot sauce, coal-cooked beef and chicken skewers and matcha tiramisu were absolutely exquisite. They also boast an impressive range of distinctive cocktails. With appetites satisfied, we made our way back to the hotel. Our brief Guernsey escape had drawn to a close. The island offers a delightfully diverse blend of traditional and contemporary, and I was reluctant to depart. Do yourself a favour and experience it firsthand.