Why Jersey should be on your bucket list for this summer!
Before you go:
Getting to Jersey with Jet2: Check out flights with Jet2 to Jersey here
Travel insurance: SafetyWing
Where to stay: The Club Hotel & Spa with Jet2holidays
Package options: visit Jersey with Jet2holidays
At the end of this blog post I have included a 3 day itinerary to help guide you on your travels to Jersey.
Jersey is a self-governing dependency of the United Kingdom located in the Channel Islands between England and France. It is the largest of the Channel Islands with a mix of British and French cultures. Jersey’s population is approximately 100,000 people with approximately 35,000 living in the capital, Saint Helier.
Map of places to visit
This article was written as part of a press trip with Jet2 and Visit Jersey, all words and opinions are my own. This blog post contains affiliate links, which means if you book through one of my links I may make a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Keep reading to find out more about Jersey, Great Britain and what there is to see and do on the island.
QUICK FACTS:
The offical languages of the island are: English, Jèrriais, French and Norman
Currencies accepted: Jersey pound but the British pound is also accepted
What is the weather like: it has an oceanic climate which means there are fewer hot and cold extremes
– Most popular/best months to visit are: June, July, August, September and October
– Warmest months are: July, August and September
– Best months for swimming: August and September
What is Jersey known for: its natural beauty which includes sandy beaches, picturesque cliffside walking trails, inland valleys and historical sites making it a popular destination for hiking and water sports.
Wildlife: seabirds (including puffins, these cuties get a special shout out from me because I find them so adorable, seals, dolphins, and whales.
Jersey is a unique (and fascinating) island filled with natural beauty and a rich history dating back thousands of years. The islands development has been influenced by Celtic tribes, Roman occupation, arrival of Normans in the 10th century when it became part of Normandy and was occupied by the German forces during World War II between 1940 to 1945.
There are plenty of things to do in Jersey to make the most of your visit. Here are some popular activities and attractions:
7 must do things in Jersey
1. Go on an exhilarating RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) boat trip
Do you love adventure, exploring, adrenaline, fun and laughter? Then this excursion if for you! Jump onto your RIB at St Catherine’s Breakwater and get ready for the for an unforgettable experience. You will be left wanting more!
Website – Jersey Seafaris
Address – St. Catherine’s Breakwater, JE3 6DD, Jersey
Jersey Seafaris opening hours – are 8:30AM to 7:30PM Monday to Sunday.
Jersey Seafaris cost – varies depending on the excursion you choose to do and there is different pricing for adults and children under the age of 16.
The excursion we went on was the Jersey Seafaris Écréhous and prices for this trip are as follows:
- 1.5 hours – £39.99 for adults, £34.99 for children under 16
- 2 hours – £45.99 for adults, £40.99 for children under 16
- 3 hours – £55.99 for adults, £49.99 for children under 16
The tour we did was to the Écréhous, which are a small group of islands and network of reefs that are located in the English Channel. You will find them 6 miles from Jersey and 8 miles from France. You get dropped off on the Écréhous where you will find old fishermen’s huts.
You will be in awe. Stepping onto the Écréhous you feel like you have been transported to another planet. The fishermen huts are scattered around the Écréhous on higher grounds/rock formations and the rest of the area is made up of rocks and pebbles of all different sizes – a truly other worldly landscape. It is a sight to behold.
There is plenty of time to explore all around the Écréhous. During the warmer months you can go for a swim or enjoy some paddle boarding in the area.
If you are lucky and go during low tide along your journey you will find sandbanks littered in the area. You will be questioning yourself if you have somehow ended up in the Maldives.
Check out Jersey Seafaris website to see what I’m talking about.
Top tip: it is a fast speed boat and there is some bouncing that goes on, so make sure everything you are wearing/have on you is secure and won’t fly off. Jersey Seafaris have a special waterproof bag so if you are worried about something getting wet during the journey just let them know and they will look after for you until you reach your destination. You may get a little wet on the trip.
2. Go wine tasting at La Mare Wine Estate Vineyards
Website – La Mare Wine Estate
Address – La Rue de la Hougue Mauger, St Mary, Jersey JE3 3BA, Jersey
La Mare Wine Estate opening hours – are 10AM to 5PM Monday to Sunday.
La Mare Wine Estate cost – Entry into the estate is FREE! You can sit down and have lunch or afternoon tea in the estates cafe.
The tour includes learning about the history of the estate while tastings Branchage Cider, red, white and rose wines, Jersey Cream Liqueur, estate-made fudge, chocolate and our famous Jersey Black Butter.
For only £4 you can upgrade your experience to include a premium tasting of a spirit (estates vodka, gins or brandy) with mixer to enjoy at the end of the tour.
Available Tours:
Estate & Distillery Experiences £15.95 for adults, £14.95 for concession (over 65’s) £7.45, for Children (10 years and over) and FREE for Children under 10.
A visit to La Mare Wine Estate in Jersey is a must. It is a delightful experience that combines nature and the art of winemaking. At the estate, you are greeted by picturesque vineyards and charming gardens. The wine tour is guided by an expert who works at the estate and is very knowledgeable about the wine making process. As part of the wine tour you will learn about the estate’s rich heritage and the intricacies of wine production (from grape cultivation to the fermentation process). Every step of the process is explained, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating La Mare Wine Estate award-winning wines.
You will also get to visit the distillery, where you can witness the production of artisanal spirits and find out about how they are made. Not only will you get to taste La Mare Estate’s delicious ciders, wines and brandy, but you will also get to taste their homemade chocolate and other delicious items like “black butter”. Yes, you read that right, but it’s not what you think. Black butter is a traditional delicacy from Jersey – it is made from apples, cider, and spices. To make black butter the ingredients are slow-cooked for hours, resulting in a thick, dark spread with a sweet and spiced taste which gives you all the festive vibes.
3. Take a morning yoga class on top of a castle
Website – Kalimukti Yoga
Address – Studio: 2nd Floor, 31 The Parade, St Helier, Jersey JE2 3QQ, Jersey
Mont Orgueil Castle: Castle Green, Gorey, JE3 6ET, Jersey
Kalimukti Yoga opening hours – are 7AM to 10PM Monday to Sunday.
Mont Orgueil Castle classes: usually every Saturday of the month starting at 9AM. Please check website and timetable to confirm times.
Kalimukti Yoga cost – Drop In Passes:
First week: FREE
Express Pass | £10 – One time use for any of their Express classes
Standard Pass | £14 – One time use for any of their Standard classes
Other Passes available: 10 Class Passes, Memberships, Private Class Passes, Reformer Pilates Passes and Equipment Pilates Passes. To find out more about pricing click on the link here to find out more.
If you know me, you know that I love yoga. I have been practicing for years, but never have I ever experienced a yoga class like this. Kalimukti Yoga offer yoga classes on the rooftop of a castle. It was truly an enchanting experience that I cannot recommend enough.
The classes take place on Mont Orgueil Castle – a castle which is over 800 years old. To get to the area where you will be taking your castle rooftop yoga class you will need to climb the stairs to the top of the castle. This walk to the top is such a beautiful experience in itself as you ascend through the historical sight it gives you a chance to see and explore more of the castle.
When you get to the rooftop you are welcomed by a beautiful area carpeted by grass. It is such a sanctuary for the yoga practice as you are surrounded by breathtaking views. When you start your yoga practice you really start to feel the natural surroundings – the gentle sea breeze against your skin and the warmth of the sun which fills your body and soul with energy. This elevated setting helps you delve deeper into your yoga practice by helping distance you from the noise of the outside world and connecting with the present moment to find your inner peace.
The castle’s ambiance absolutely adds a touch of magic to the yoga practice as I felt a sense of awe and a timeless energy seeping through. Kalimukti Yoga on the rooftop of a castle is a otherworldly experience that nourishes your mind, body, and soul.
4. Jersey War Tunnels Facts
Website – Jersey War Tunnels
Address – Les Charrières Malorey, Jersey JE3 1FU, Jersey
Jersey War Tunnels opening hours – are 10AM to 5PM Monday to Sunday.
Jersey War Tunnels cost – General admission tickets prices are as follows: Children under 5: Free, Children (5-15): £11.00, Students (16+ with I.D.): £16.00, Adults (16+): £17.00, Senior citizens (65+): £16.00
On day one our trip we explored the tunnels and learnt about the Jersey War Tunnels history and island’s occupation history. If I have one word to describe this experience it would be “poignant”. The tunnels are located in the parish of St Lawrence. Unbeknownst to me, there was a hidden underground world waiting to be discovered. This is a great place to start if you want to learn about the history of the island.
Quick Facts about the Jersey War Tunnels:
- There are over 1,000 metres of tunnels to explore.
- The complex is dug over 50 metres deep underground.
- It took more than 5,000 slave labourers to dig and build the tunnels. The labourers included:
- 40% slave workers – these were rounded up from Russia, Ukraine which included prisoners of war (boys as young as 14 and men too old to be conscripted).
- 25% conscripted or forced labourers – French, Belgian and Dutch workers.
- 25% other nationalities – several thousand Spanish and a large number of French North African prisoners of war.
- 10% private contractors – German and French civilian building firms worked on the island fortifications and recruited from the local population.
- The working hours for the labourers were 7am to 7pm with a midday break on special occasions such as tunnelling. Work was rotated on two twelve hour shifts.
As you walk through the tunnels you will be transported back through time and find out about this significant chapter of the island’s history. It is moving reading about stories of those people who had to live through the occupation – the challenges and difficulties they faced, the sacrifices made as well as stories of survival and resistance.
The Jersey War Tunnels complex, in a former hospital excavated by slave labour and documents the island’s 5-year German occupation during WWII.
5. Take the Duck Boat from St Aubin’s bay to Elizabeth Castle
Website – Duck Boat experience and Elizabeth Castle
Address – St Aubin’s Bay, JE2 3NU
Jersey War Tunnels opening hours – are 10AM to 5:30PM Monday to Sunday.
Jersey War Tunnels cost
Castle and Castle Ferry:
- Adult (16+) £17.85
- Child or student £12.80
- Senior (65+) £16.40
- Family ticket £56.45
Castle only:
- Adult (16+) £14.50
- Child or student£9.45
- Senior (65+)£13.05
- Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children or students) £43.10
- Children under 6 FREE
Looking for an alternative and fun way to get to Elizabeth Castle – then a Duck Boat adventure is for you. The Duck Boat departs from St. Aubin’s bay and it will get you to Elizabeth Castle in around 10 minutes. It is a thrilling way to make your way to the castle.
What is a Duck Boat you ask? It is an amphibious vehicle that drives on land like a car and floats on water like a boat. Depending on the tide this can mean a lot of driving on land, a lot of floating/driving on water or a mixture of both. The way it usually works is that you start off by driving the Duck Boat on land like a car and then slowly making your way into the water until the Duck Boat starts floating and then driving it in the water like a boat. The Duck Boat is such a fun way to get across as it effortlessly transitions from land to sea. Going across in this way offers a unique perspective of the stunning coastline and panoramic views of St. Aubin’s Bay.
6. Explore Elizabeth Castle
Website – Elizabeth Castle
Address – St Aubin’s Bay, JE2 3NU
Jersey War Tunnels opening hours – are 10AM to 5:30PM Monday to Sunday.
Jersey War Tunnels cost
Castle and Castle Ferry:
- Adult (16+) £17.85
- Child or student £12.80
- Senior (65+) £16.40
- Family ticket £56.45
Castle only:
- Adult (16+) £14.50
- Child or student£9.45
- Senior (65+)£13.05
- Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children or students) £43.10
- Children under 6 FREE
Elizabeth Castle is located on a tidal island in St. Aubin’s Bay. It is a beautiful historical landmark that showcases centuries of military and architectural heritage. It is accessible both by foot during low tide or by Duck Boat (as mentioned above) during high tide.
Built in the 16th century, it was instrumental in defending Jersey from attack for over 400 years. The castle is a testament to the island’s strategic importance throughout the ages. You can explore the various sections of Elizabeth castle, including the battlements, barracks, and the Governor’s House. Not only is the castle beautiful, but it has breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and coastline. It has the most beautiful turquoise waters surrounding it.
7. Go for walk and explore Jersey’s coastline
Jersey offers stunning coastal landscapes, with cliffs, beaches, and hidden coves. Take a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores, go for a dip in the clear waters, or simply relax and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Coastal walks in Jersey are beautiful, a must for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The coastline of Jersey has stunning cliffs, picturesque bays, and sweeping panoramic views. The island has so many coastal walks to offer all around the island. Whether you choose the rugged trails of the north coast or the more gentle paths in the south you will not be disappointed with the beautiful vistas of the sparkling blue sea. There are so many things to discover along your coastal walk – hidden coves, sandy beaches and charming fishing villages.
What are you waiting for?! Go book your holiday to Jersey! If you are located in the north of the UK check out Jet2 holidays with flights departing from Leeds Bradford airport.
Getting to Jersey with Jet2: Check out flights with Jet2 to Jersey here
Travel insurance: SafetyWing
Where to stay: The Club Hotel & Spa with Jet2holidays
Package options: visit Jersey with Jet2holidays
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN JERSEY
Oyster Box @theoysterboxjersey
Cuisine: Gourmet | Fusion | Seafood | Vegetarian | Vegan | Cocktails
Nestled in the heart of St. Brelade’s Bay, Oyster Box not only has a beautiful interior with small touches giving you all the seaside vibes, but amazing sea views. The menu features local seafood, fresh meat, vegan and vegetarian dishes. It’s the perfect location to soak up the sun in the outdoor seating area or enjoy the beautiful interior on those cooler days and nights.
What I ordered – cannot recommend the following enough. Absolutely DELICIOUS:
Starter: Jersey asparagus with vinaigrette
Main: Bass, samphire, tenderstem broccoli, new potatoes, coconut, kaffir lime and lemongrass
Dessert: creme fraiche and blackberry ice cream
The Bass & Lobster in Gorey @bassandlobster
Cuisine: Seafood | Traditional British
The Bass & Lobster is located along the Gorey coastline. It has a beautiful interior which features art made by one of the owners. You are guaranteed amazing service and delicious locally sourced food.
What I ordered – one word MOUTHWATERING
Starter: sharing plate with fresh bread (still warm), dip, olives and the most delicious truffle infused honey
Main: The title dish “The bass and lobster” – grilled bass with fried lobster and homemade gnocchi
Dessert: Sourdough and stilton flavoured ice cream (a little adventurous, but it paid off – I really enjoyed the stilton ice cream)
La Bastille @labastillejersey
Cuisine: Seafood | Traditional British | French
La Bastille is located in the heart of St Helier and offers a mixture of Seafood, Traditional British and French cuisine. It has a lovely setting and is the perfect spot to catch up with friends or go for a bite with colleagues after work.
What I ordered – all very yummy!
Starter: pan fried local scallops
Main: Jersey crab linguine
Dessert: vanilla creme brulee as a desert.
La Mare Wine Estate Café @lamareestate
Cuisine: Desserts & ice cream | Seafood | Traditional British | Vegetarian | Vegan | French
La Mare Wine Vineyard Café is a must, it has a relaxed feel and beautiful views over the vineyards with both indoor and outdoor dining. I didn’t get a chance to try it, but I heard their Afternoon Tea is highly recommended.
What I ordered – fresh and filling – YUM!
Lunch: Goats cheese salad paired with the estate’s rose.
El Tico Beach Cantina in St. Ouen’s Bay @elticojersey
Cuisine: Desserts & ice cream | Fusion | Portuguese | Sandwiches & snacks | Seafood | Thai | Traditional British | Vegetarian
El Tico is located on the west coast right next to the beach and within one of the best surf bays in Europe. It is said to be one of Jersey’s original beach cafés and started hiring out surf boards in 1948. It has beautiful views over the sea and is the perfect spot to watch beachside sunsets.
What I ordered – finger licking delicious
Lunch: Hot grilled gambas with local jersey potatoes
Hungry Man Café in Rozel @thehungrymanjsy
Cuisine: Chip shop | Desserts & ice cream | Sandwiches & snacks | Seafood | Traditional British | Vegetarian | Vegan
You will find the Hungry Man Café on the harbour wall of Rozel Bay. It offers a variety of food options which include – gourmet burgers, crab sandwiches, homemade cakes amongst others. 90% of the seating is outdoors except for a small table (which would fit around 6 people) which is tucked away under a little open hut. It is a chill area in which you can sit down to take in the relaxed atmosphere and natural surroundings. Perfect for a quick pit stop before or after a coastal walk in the area.
What I ordered – veggie burger
Porter’s Store @the_porters_store
Cuisine: Cocktails
Tucked away in the streets of St Helier’s you will find The Porter’s Store. A bar serving delicious cocktails inspired by the stories from throughout the years. It is the perfect stop to catch up with friends, after work drinks and nightcaps.
What I drank – The King Suite “a concoction fit for a newly coronated King; as smooth as the threaded quilt in our most sought after room.” – Royal mash vodka, jersey apple brandy, lavender syrup, lemon, black butter and homemade apple soda.
WHERE TO STAY IN JERSEY
The Club Hotel & Spa @theclubjersey is a luxury Boutique Hotel in the heart of St Helier, Jersey.
Central location close to the harbour and shops, Michelin star restaurant, Luxury spa and wellness centre, Indoor salt water pool and outdoor freshwater pool. To find the best deals a book at The Club Hotel and Spa check out the Jet2holidays packages available.
Getting to Jersey with Jet2: Check out flights with Jet2 to Jersey here
Travel insurance: SafetyWing
Where to stay: The Club Hotel & Spa with Jet2holidays
Package options: visit Jersey with Jet2holidays
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