Are you planning to visit the island of Jersey? This small Channel Island is a destination conducive to rejuvenation and a change of scenery. You want to know what to do in Jersey for a successful stay? You are in the right place! In this article, I share with you 14 must-sees to discover in Jersey.
1. Saint Helier
It is the capital of the island and therefore the beating heart of Jersey. This pleasant little town is located on the south coast of the island. You will appreciate the charm of its colorful houses, its Elizabeth Castle (which we talk about in more detail below) and its fish market.
Additionally, St. Helier is also known for being home to several museums, including an art gallery and a maritime museum. There is also a superb church and tourist places like the Royal Square and the Place de la Libération. Finally, if you are looking for where to go out in the evening in Saint-Hélier, know that there is a multitude of pubs and restaurants along its marina.
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2. The bay of Saint-Aubin
The second largest bay on the island of Jersey, the bay of Saint-Aubin offers you changing landscapes with the tides. These infinite movements invite the traveler to contemplation and make the bay of Saint-Aubin a place conducive to rejuvenation.
Furthermore, in addition to its attractive coastline, the village of Saint-Aubin itself is particularly pleasant to visit. On site, among the monuments not to be missed, we find in particular a fort in ruins. Even if you can't really visit it, getting closer will allow you to discover a beautiful panorama of the city. At nightfall, you will also discover a net of lights along the coastline which connects Saint-Aubin to Saint-Hélier.
3. The Corbière lighthouse
This pretty white lighthouse is located on a rock at the end of the Pointe de la Corbière. It is a fairly wild area located at the southwest end of the island. Built in 1874this lighthouse particularly attracts photography enthusiasts for its unique setting. To get there, two options are available to you: either by boat, or on foot when the tide is low. On the other hand, it is advisable to return quickly when the tide begins to rise. But to make things easier for you, know that an audible signal sounds to warn visitors that it is time to turn back.
4. The bay of Saint-Brélade
Located on the south coast of Jersey, St. Brelade Bay is a long golden sandy beach often found among the most beautiful beaches in the United Kingdom. In addition, it is sheltered from the wind which means that we always find calm water there, ideal for families with childrens. Buses can take you directly to this beach to facilitate your discovery.
5. Plémont Bay
In the somewhat wilder area of the northwest of the island, we find Plémont Bay. You will find landscapes of ocher colored cliffswhich contrast with the blue of the sea. It is a place which generally attracts surfers, because by being exposed to the wind, the bay of Plémont offers a remarkable spot. I advise you to'go there twice. Firstly, at high tide, when the sea is not rising. It is then possible to rent a kayak to venture near its rocks and thus discover hidden caves.
On the other hand, Plémont beach itself, surrounded by spectacular cliffs, is only accessible at low tide and offers landscapes not to be missed.
6. The bay of Saint-Ouen
On the other side of Groznez Castle, you will find the bay of Saint-Ouen, neighboring that of Plémont. This is the largest bay on the island of Jersey! It is famous for its long sandy beach (more than 8km!) and for being a popular surf spot.
In addition, the ruins of Grosnez castle are accessible to the public and will allow you to enjoy an exceptional panorama of the surrounding area.
7. Enjoy local gastronomy
Thanks to its proximity to the sea, Jersey is obviously an ideal island for taste fish and seafood.It is also here that we find some of the best oysters in the world. Moreover, most restaurants on the island offer them on their menu, so don't hesitate to take advantage of them.
In addition, the island of Jersey will invite you to make some gastronomic discoveries during your trip. For example, you can try Jersey ice cream produced with local milk, royal potatoesas well as Jersey beef.
8. The castle of Mont-Orgueil
Mont-Orgeuil Castle is located on the east coast of Jersey, in Gorey. Built in the 13th century, it overlooks its port for over 800 years.
This castle is one of the most fascinating monuments on the island of Jersey and still remains a beautiful witness to its independence. It is possible to visit the interior to discover its many meanders. Guided tours are also available there.
9. Devil's hole
Furthermore, in the north of the island, you can explore wilder landscapes which will also seduce you. Among them, I recommend the famous Trou du Diable or Devil's hole in English. Embark along a pedestrian promenade to discover the reddish rocks of the island and its rugged coastline.
10. The military tunnels of Jersey
During the Second World War, many tunnels were built by the Nazis on the island of Jersey. Still present today, we can now visit them in order to delve into this dark history of the island.
The visit bears witness to the life of the inhabitants under German occupation, presenting the food shortages and other unfortunate events that the population suffered. If you would like to discover this site in a more fun way, please note that it is also possible to make a Escape Game (on the theme of war obviously).
11. The port of La Rocque
Between St. Helier and Gorey you will find a small bay which marks thesoutheastern tip of the island of Jersey. Harbor Rocque is a pier where you can walk on foot or by bike. You will then enjoy magnificent landscapes made up of submerged rocks and boats waiting for the tide to pull them out of their immobility. It's aquieter place than the rest of the islandwhere you will also find a small sandy beach where you can relax.
12. Elizabeth's Castle
It is one of the most impressive sites in Jersey and also one of the most visited. This large fortress is accessible on foot during low tides or by ferry via a journey of approximately 15 minutes from Saint Helier. You will be able to discover ramparts dating from the 16th century and thus enjoy an impressive panorama of the surrounding area.
Exhibitions are presented there regularly. However, it is also possible to attend a historical reconstruction of the Battle of Jersey, which took place on site in 1781.
You may not know it, but Jersey is an island where the products are not subject to VAT. This way, you can save up to 20% on your purchases, which will undoubtedly motivate you to do some shopping during your stay.
Of course, I advise you to stay in the capital for shopping, because it is here that you will have the most choices. You will find in particular the Liberty Wharf shopping center, in the heart of Saint-Helier and the Voisins department store. Additionally, the St. Helier Covered Market is also a great place to shop, althoughit focuses mainly on fresh products. Either way, this is good news for saving on your travel budget during your stay!
14. Discover the gardens and flowers of Jersey
Jersey enjoys a fairly mild climatewhich is conducive to flowering. Thus, it is sometimes nicknamed “the island of flowers”(like Martinique and Madeira). You will easily understand why if you discover Jersey in summer or spring.
Indeed, during your visit, you will be able to discover several places that highlight the flowers and plants of the island.
Among them:
- Judith Queree's garden, generally open from April to November. This garden actually belongs to a couple who landscaped it for visitors. We find there more than 2500 varieties of flowers, but also sculptures.
- The Eric Young Orchid Foundation : this place hosts dozens of varieties of orchids and will amaze you.
- The gardens of the Samares manor were founded in the Victorian era. Today it is one of the most important botanical gardens in the British Isles. They take place in an old Norman manorial villa in Saint-Clément.
- There battle of flowers of Jersey: every year in August, a major carnival is organized in Jersey and has been since 1903. Each village enters the competition by exhibiting its own flowered float. This is a very original event to take part in if you are planning a trip to Jersey in August.
You understood it, There are dozens of things to do on the Channel Island of Jersey. This small island offers you both an exceptional historical heritage, but also breathtaking wild landscapes. If you're looking for a change of scenery while staying close to home, this is probably the destination for you!
