From long golden beaches, with tiny secret bays and winding cliff paths, to unsurpassed restaurants and good entertainment, the island is never boring. Its compact size makes Jersey easy to explore. There is such an air of tranquility that wandering along the scenic walks becomes more enjoyable than visiting the next attraction.
Getting around Jersey
The island is divided into twelve parishes, each of them offering something different and it is worth visiting them all. It won’t take long, even driving at a leisurely pace. Surprisingly, it is still difficult to see everything the island has to offer in one visit, for there is always yet another hidden cove or spectacular cliff walk.
Getting around Jersey is easy. Car hire is relatively cheap and the bus service is excellent. Private coach operators also offer tours around the island. Drivers need to be careful of the narrow roads, especially during the busier mid-summer periods. Turning can be a problem in some of the smaller areas. However, the frustration of manoeuvring in tight spaces is worth it to reach the picturesque villages.
St Helier Main Town of Jersey
The main town of Jersey, St Helier, is large and busy with the greatest variety of shops, restaurants and accommodation. There is also the lovely walk across a causeway in St Aubin’s Bay, to Elizabeth Castle. If visitors get caught by the high tide, there is always the ferry service to bring them back to dry land. Overlooking St Helier is Fort Regent, originally a Napoleonic Fortress in 1809 and now an entertainment and sports centre which is open year round.
It is good to forget the bustle of town life for a while and visit the other eleven parishes. It is advisable to park the car as soon as possible and walk. Each small village offers either a sandy beach and cliff walk with stunning views or a leisurely stroll around country lanes, usually with the reward of a scrumptious Jersey cream tea at the end.
The Village of Gorey
Gorey, in Grouville district is a must. With its long promenade and flower filled verges, attractive harbour, shops and restaurants, this is one of the favorite places for visitors to stay, outside of St Helier. The sea front is overlooked by the magnificent 13th century Mont Orgueil Castle. A little further into the actual village of Gorey, is the famous Jersey Pottery. Visitors can watch the potters at work and buy their wares, then enjoy a fabulous sea food meal at the restaurant.
Corbiere Point, St Brelade’s Bay and Rozel Bay
Corbiere Point, near St Brelade’s Bay, is reminiscent of Lands End. A lighthouse reaches out into the wild bay, from a coastline of craggy rocks. The only sign of life on an off season day is the seagulls wheeling overhead.
St Brelade’s Bay is a beach lover’s paradise. Long sands and tranquil water, it is a good place for families with its safe swimming, cafes, beach games and watersports.
Rozel Bay is a picturesque fishing port, where there is nothing more strenuous to do than walk around the charming, peaceful harbour. Finish the walk off with tea and scones in a welcoming tea room, or enjoy lunch in the attractive white inn.
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
The famous Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is at Trinity. Still sometimes called the Jersey Zoo, it was founded by Gerald Durrell more than fifty years ago. It is very much concerned with the breeding and conservation of endangered species such as orangutans, gorillas and bears. It is far more interesting and educational than any zoo.
Among the many other places of interest on the island are:
the Steam & Motor Museum at Trinity
Jersey Pearl at St Ouen
the Lavender Farm at St Brelade
Jersey Museum at St Helier
Jersey War Tunnels
Jersey was occupied by the Germans during the Second World War and their fortifications can still be seen at various points on the island. One of the most interesting, yet poignant, places to visit is the Jersey War Tunnels at St Lawrence. This is an unequalled piece of living history, depicting island life under German rule.
Along underground corridors, that were partly made by hundreds of foreign prisoners and forced civilian laborers, visitors can look into rooms that still show the officers’ mess and operating theatre, among others. It is cold underground, even when hot outside, so it is essential to take warm clothing to wear inside.
An Island Haven between England and France
One of the most attractive things about Jersey is that every season has something different to offer. Good weather is not guaranteed but the relative peace of off-season months is probably preferable to the height of the busy summer period. It is an island of flowers and there are various flower festivals during the summer months.
Essentially British, but acknowledging its close proximity to France in its French village and street names, and with the best of British and French cuisine, Jersey is a peaceful yet cosmopolitan haven between two nations. One visit is never enough to fully appreciate this small island with the huge personality.
Day trips are available to the other Channel Islands of Guernsey, Sark, Alderney and Herm. St Malo in France is only a ferry ride away.
