Jersey Travel Guide
Jersey is a self governing British Crown dependency and the largest of the Channel Islands situated just 12 miles (19 km) west of France. I’d never visited before but when I was invited on a press trip to Jersey with Jet2holidays. I jumped at the opportunity.
Jet2 offer holidays from Leeds Bradford Airport to Jersey and with flight times of around one hour you are there in almost no time at all. With a very generous luggage policy of 22 kg of hold luggage and up to 10 kg of cabin baggage this was a real bonus for me as I find it impossible to travel lightly.
During our flight I just had time for a hot drink and to glance at the in-flight magazine before our descent into Jersey Airport. Leaving the airport was quick and easy as being within the common travel area there was no passport control and we just had to collect our bags from the carousel before boarding our transfer bus to the hotel. Another great thing about Jet2 Holidaysis that as hotel transfers are included, it eliminates the need to search out a bus or taxi.
Where to stay:
There’s a wide variety of accommodation available in Jersey catering for every budget and our stay with Jet2holidays was at the Club Hotel & Spa. This 5 star hotel is located in the main town on the island, St. Helier.
The stylish boutique hotel boasts a Michelin starred ‘Bohemia’ restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, and a Spa wellness centre with sauna, steam room, gym and treatment rooms. If this wasn’t enough, there’s also a rooftop cocktail bar, Gin-honesty bar and 38 deluxe rooms all with little touches including fluffy dressing gowns and Elemis toiletries to make stays extra special.
Getting around:
Getting around the island couldn’t be easier as Jersey is only 5 miles (8 km) long and 9 miles (14.7 km) wide, meaning that you are never more than a 10 minute drive from the sea.
Rental cars can be hired from the airport or if you prefer to let someone else take the wheel you can explore by bus. Best value is to purchase the Discover Jersey Pass which allows unlimited travel on all Jersey’s buses for 1, 2, 3 or 7 days. Another alternative is to book excursions with Bay Tours Jersey who we used several times during our stay. As well as walking a lot we also made use of Domino Cabs, a reliable taxi firm who were always punctual with friendly, helpful drivers.
See and Do:
I recommend purchasing the Jersey Island Pass which offers four attractions for the price of three. It can be obtained from any of the island’s heritage sites, museums and attractions.
St. Helier
The capital of the island is a delightful town with cobblestone streets and attractive squares creating a continental flavour.
With a wide range of high street stores, small independents, cafes and bars there’s everything at hand for a pleasant stay.
Start at Liberation Square and the Old Harbour where you’ll find a shopping centre, restaurants and pubs just across the road from the vibrant marina. The town is compact and easy to get around and from there you can take buses to all parts of the island.
Attractions:
Jersey War Tunnels – explore the war tunnels and discover the true story of life in Jersey during the German occupation. Learn about the hardship, heartache and heroism from the locals who experienced it.
Dug deep into the hillside, the 1,000 metres of tunnels were occupied for five years bearing witness to the Nazi regime.
These tunnels have been brought to life providing an interesting and thought provoking self-guided tour. I suggest wearing a jumper or coat as it can be quite chilly 50 m underground whatever the time of year.
Jersey Museum – discover the history of the largest of the Channel Islands. Start with a viewing of the film ‘Story of Jersey’ then continue upstairs to follow the timeline journey of the island from its earliest days. Learn about Jersey’s link with the English Crown despite the island being so close to France.
Elizabeth Castle – this island fortress lies just off the coast of Jersey in St. Aubin’s Bay. Getting there is an adventure in itself as you ride on an amphibious duck boat across the beach and bay. The castle defended Jersey for more than 400 years and covers a 15 acre site.
Climb the ramparts for spectacular views and explore the museum and battlements to learn about castle life during German occupation in World War II.
Mont Orgueil Castle (also known as Gorey Castle) – a medieval castle whose history stems from the Norman Conquest. Follow the 200 steps to the top and be rewarded by some of the best views in Jersey. Discover the hidden treasures and gruesome stories of castle life through information boards and murals.
If you time your visit for a Saturday morning (as we did) then you can enjoy castle top yoga with gentle breathing, stretching and mindfulness techniques in a stunning location. Yoga in Jersey Kalimukti.
La Mare Wine Estate – visit the island’s only vineyard in the parish of St. Mary. Located in the stunning setting of a large 18th century farmhouse. Book a tour of the vineyard which includes a behind the scenes tour of the winery, distillery and chocolate kitchen.
Sample generous tastings of their impressive red, rosé and white wines. As Jersey enjoys a mild climate and sits on the same latitude as Champagne, conditions are ideal for the production of wines, especially sparkling. Whilst we were there, we enjoyed a delicious lunch in their fabulous Vineyard Cafe. Their seafood platter with a glass of Rosé was just perfect for a warm, sunny day. La Mare Wine Estate, Jersey.
Visit the Ecrehous islands – enjoy an exhilarating two hour RIB boat trip from St. Catherine’s Bay out to a small group of islands and rocks situated six miles from Jersey. Although close to France the islands are part of the Jersey Coastal National Park. Waterproof jackets are supplied as there’s a chance you might get wet during the 20 minute journey.
Cruise around the reef spotting varied birdlife, seals and if you are lucky bottle nose dolphins. We didn’t see the latter but enjoyed the trip immensely. We moored on one of the uninhabited islands for 45 minutes to explore rock pools, stroll along the pebble beach and pick shells.
None of the islets have permanent residents but there are several fisherman’s huts scattered around. The Ecrehous Islands are Jersey’s hidden secret and for a thrill seeking sense of adventure I’d recommend adding the excursion to your itinerary, Jersey Seafaris.
Coastal scenery
St. Brelades Bay
One of the island’s most beautiful and popular beaches with its stunning, sweeping bay, crystal clear water and golden sand. Enjoy a promenade stroll through the Churchill Memorial Park and Seafront Gardens and end the day watching the sun set with a cocktail at one of the beachfront bars.
Gorey Harbour – located on the east coast of the island and one of my favourite coastal spots. With pastel coloured cottages clustered around the harbour, fishing boats bobbing up and down in the water and a towering castle above, it’s absolutely idyllic. On a clear day you can even see the coast of France just 14 miles away.
The hillsides above the harbour are where the first of the island’s Jersey Royal potatoes are harvested. Jersey Royals are my favourite and as they were in season during our visit I even managed to bring home a bag of them for a last taste of the island.
Rozel Bay – a small fishing village on the north east coast with the prettiest of settngs. Enjoy a clifftop walk or a gentle stroll around the harbour.
St. Ouen’s Bay – spanning almost the entire west coast of Jersey it’s a popular spot for surfing with several surf schools along this stretch of coast and a protected area forming part of Jersey’s national park.
Wine & Dine:
La Bastille – located in a 16th century building in the heart of St. Helier this bar/brasserie has a relaxed atmosphere and is very popular with locals as evidenced on the evening of our visit. There’s a varied menu serving the best of local produce from seafood to meat. My crab salad starter with avocado and sweetcorn was delicious as was my tender fillet steak served with seasonal vegetables.
The Oyster Box – a beachside restaurant at St. Brelades Bay. Chic, casual dining with a seaside vibe in this contemporary styled restaurant. Everything on the menu was appealing but I opted for Jersey asparagus with a hollandaise dipping sauce followed by a main of freshly caught Sea Bass with samphire and of course, my favourite Jersey Royals.
Sea views from all the tables are magnificent and it was a night to remember watching the sun set whilst sipping an espresso martini. Oyster Box.
Bass and Lobster – another favourite of the local crowd with indoor and terrace seating. Whilst studying the menu I sipped a ‘Sippin rhubarb gin and ginger ale’ which was very refreshing. Again, a good range of dishes and a specials board. My starter of king prawn tempura with coconut aioli was divine as was my main of pan roasted lamb rump.
The restaurant makes its own ice creams with some very outlandish flavours including Red Thai Curry, Stilton and Wild Garlic. I opted for a scoop of their espresso martini which was delicious and sampled a spoonful of the wild garlic which was certainly different but I’m unsure it was suited to ice cream. Bass & Lobster.
El Tico – Cantina – occupying a fabulous location overlooking St. Aubin’s Bay, this restaurant has large windows taking in the stunning views plus an outside terrace for alfresco dining. The menu is wide ranging from seafood to steaks and burgers with vegetarian and vegan options also available. As we were so close to the sea I couldn’t resist the freshly cooked fish and chips in a light tempura batter served with mayo, salsa verde, mushy peas and hand cut chips. El Tico Cantina.
The Hungry Man Cafe – Nestled on the harbour wall at Rozel Bay has been an institution on the island since 1947. With its relaxed, informal outdoor dining its freshly prepared crab sandwiches are to die for.
But don’t worry if seafood isn’t for you as they also serve a selection of gourmet burgers, snacks and home made cakes. The Hungry Man Cafe
Sip cocktails at The Porter’s Store located in the centre of St. Helier. This retro style cocktail bar is hidden down a set of steps in the style of a speakeasy but is well worth seeking out. It’s reminiscent of a time capsule capturing bygone days brought up-to-date with a contemporary edge. Serving eclectic cocktails, it’s the perfect place for a nightcap. The Porter’s Store, St. Helier
There are even more lovely things to see and do in Jersey than we didn’t have time to fit in including the Maritime Museum, Durrell Conservation Zoo and the Botanic Gardens at Samares Manor. I’m sure it won’t be too long before I make a return visit to this beautiful small island as I adored every minute of my stay. Hopefully, this travel guide might inspire some of you to plan Jet2 flights to Jersey,for your holidays this summer.
