If you are looking for things to do in Jersey, this article is for you!
We’ve included everything you need to know before you go to Jersey, 20 different activities to do over a weekend in Jersey (or more, if you’re lucky), as well as tips on where to stay!
First of all, this article concerns Jersey, the Channel Islands.
This isn’t New Jersey.
Before our trip to this tiny but spectacular island in November, when we told our friends and family we were going to Jersey, most of them thought we were going to the States-United and started asking us if we could bring back Reese’s Pieces and other things.
Jersey and New Jersey are two very different places – after all, many places whose name includes the word “New” have an equivalent in the “Old World”.
Think of York and New York, the French city of Orléans that became New Orleans, the Australian state of New South Wales and even New Zealand – named after the westernmost Dutch province.
Interesting things to know before heading to Jersey
Before we landed at the Jersey airport, we realized that we knew little or nothing about the island.
Basically, we knew its location and the fact that it was a tax haven – but that’s all.
It is an island, so it must have some beaches, and a beautiful nature, since it is quite far away.
But nothing was known about his political system, his history, or even the practical aspects of the trip.
So, before we move on to our Jersey Things to do guide for a weekend or longer stay, here are the most common questions we were asked before and after our trip
Where is Jersey? How far is it from England?
Jersey is the largest and southernmost of the British Isles.
It is located in the English Channel, but it is much closer to France than to Great Britain – it is located 22 km from the Norman coast, and 160 km from the southern coast of Great Britain.
Is Jersey a country?
Jersey, or the bailiwick of Jersey as it is officially called, is not an independent country but a dependency of the Crown – meaning that it is autonomous, with its own judicial and financial systems, but it is defended and represented internationally by the United Kingdom.
Jersey is also a separate entity from Guernsey, another Channel Island that forms the jurisdiction of the Bailiff of Guernsey with other small neighbouring islands – which is also a dependency of the Crown, such as Jersey.
With Guernsey and the Isle of Man, Jersey is not part of the UK or the EU, but it is part of the British Isles.
What currency is used in Jersey?
The Jersey pound, which has the same value as the British pound and is used interchangeably on the island.
You can pay in pounds sterling and receive Jersey pounds (including one-pound notes) as change – make sure you use them on the island, as they are not widely accepted in the UK.
Is life in Jersey expensive?
We didn’t find that Jersey was expensive – prices are about the same as in the UK outside of London.
Hotels can be rented for as little as 40 € per night, a quality meal in a pub costs about 15 to 20 €
per person and the sights and attractions are all at very reasonable prices.
How big is Jersey, islands?
It’s tiny! Really, really tiny!
The size of Jersey is only 118.2 square kilometres (45.6 square miles), including intertidal lands and reclaimed.
The island of Jersey is only 8 km long and 15 km wide.
What language is used in Jersey?
The most spoken and official language is English.
Some people also speak Jèrriais, the original language of the island of Jersey, with Norman roots.
The French can understand some Jèrriais – to give you an idea, bonjour is Bouônjour and aurevoir is À bêtôt
Polish and Portuguese are also heard in the vicinity of Jersey, as large communities of both countries live on the island of Jersey.
How to get to Jersey?
Gatwick London Airport is the main gateway to Jersey, British Airways and Easyjet fly there daily all year round.
FlyBe links to other British airports, and there is also a ferry service from Poole and Portsmouth in the UK and from Saint-Malo and Granville in France.
If you are travelling from Europe to Jersey, you will probably need to take a transfer to Gatwick.
If you need to spend the night at the airport, don’t forget to go to YOTELAIR – this airport hotel offers accommodation in spacious pods with attached toilets and showers, which can also be rented on time!
What’s the best way to get around Jersey?
We recommend renting a car, especially if you visit Jersey out of season as we have done.
Jersey’s bus service is called “Liberty Bus” and it is affordable and reliable, but infrequent in winter.
Having your own car will allow you to travel the island freely and cheaply, with a daily rent starting at £24, including half a gas tank (which will be enough if you plan to visit the island for 2 or 3 days).
When is the best time to visit the island of Jersey?
Jersey Island can certainly be considered a year-round destination.
The climate is similar to that of the southern UK, cool and humid all year round.
In winter, average maximum temperatures are about 8°C, with a slight drop at night, while in summer, high daytime temperatures reach 20/22°C.
Heat waves above 25°C are rare – the Atlantic Ocean has a cooling effect on the island climate.
Rain is likely to occur throughout the year, with an average of 7-15 days of rain per month.
Summer is the driest season, and autumn/winter is the rainiest.
Don’t forget to take an umbrella or raincoat, and expect variable weather throughout the day!
What’s the weather like in Jersey in November?
In our experience, the best way to describe the weather in Jersey in November is “variable”.
Due to the remoteness of the island, you will certainly have four seasons in one day, as the weather changes frequently, from beautiful to windy to cloudy and rainy.
Why is Jersey famous?
There is A LOT to see and do in Jersey.
We know that the island was famous for its delicious dairy and agricultural products, and that favorable taxation made it a hotbed of international finance, but to be honest, I was completely blown away by the amount of breathtaking scenery, beautiful walks, beautiful nature and historic sites.
How long to visit Jersey?
A weekend is certainly not enough to visit Jersey – but just focus on what you love most.
That is why we have divided this list of points of interest into six sections:
- the best walks in Jersey,
- historic sites,
- attractions for nature lovers,
- the weird things to do in Jersey,
- tourist attractions for families and children,
- and other places for those who want to enjoy a nice “Island Break”.
If you have time, we recommend spending up to a week in Jersey.
Believe us, the island is indeed small, but there is much to see and do.
If a week is too long, 4/5 days will be enough to enjoy the island of Jersey without stress.
You can always come back!
Can we visit Jersey by day from France?
You can indeed!
Between April and September, there are daily ferries between St Malo in Normandy and St Helier in Jersey.
The duration of the trip is one hour twenty in each direction, and you can also board the ferry with your car.
Of course, the opposite is also true: you can visit France in one day from Jersey!
In addition to St Malo, a popular destination is Carteret, a French coastal village located half an hour away from the island.
Are there any other islands near Jersey?
Oh yes! If you want to “jump island” from Jersey, there are many choices.
The most obvious choice is Guernsey, the second largest Channel Island, easy to reach in one day from Jersey.
The other options are Sercq, a neighboring island without a car where the main means of transport is the horse-drawn wagon, Herm, the smallest Anglo-Norman island, only one kilometre and a half long and with only 60 inhabitants, or the Minquiers, a group of uninhabited islets that also includes the southernmost point of Britain.
Found here: Well kept secret : The Chausey islands near Granville
The best things to do in Jersey
Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands
1) North Coast Cliff Trails
One of the main reasons to visit Jersey is to explore its wonderful and varied nature and landscapes, and a network of well-maintained trails makes hiking a great way to explore.
Plus, you know how much we love hiking!
The north coast is probably the most picturesque part of Jersey, with cliffs plunging into the wild and frothy sea, paths lined with heather and ferns and wild beaches with caves and waterfalls.
You can hike the entire north coast by following the Cliff Paths – the route from Rozel to Greve de Lecq is about 17 km long and will take you most of the day.
We had originally planned to travel the whole way for one of our three days in Jersey, but we had to change our plan because of the extreme wind.
A shorter alternative is to leave your car in the Priory Inn Pub parking lot and walk to Devil’s Hole, a crater formed by the collapse of a cliff-side cave, then join the coastal path from there and walk as far as you like – then turn around.
2) South Coast Trails
Jersey’s north and south coast couldn’t be more different – the first is spectacular and natural, while the second allows for gentle walks along sandy beaches and sheltered bays, where you can also appreciate the magnitude of the impressive Jersey tides.
The path between St.Helier and St.Aubin is one of the most popular on the island, bordering St.Aubin Bay and offering great views of Elizabeth Castle.
If you still have some energy, you can continue to the Corbiere Lighthouse, one of Jersey’s iconic landmarks.
3) Lac de Val de La Mare
This 5 km circular path starts not far from the airport, and is ideal for a short walk in the afternoon.
The trail climbs over the reservoir dam wall and then loops around the Val de La Mare reservoir, offering views of the west coast of Jersey and the opportunity to explore the recently restored Arboretum of the Forgotten Forest with specimens of trees from around the world.
4) Walk on the sea floor to Icho or Seymour Tower
One of Jersey’s best-known features is its impressive tides – the difference between high and low tide is so great that at low tide, Jersey almost doubles its size, as the sea retreats up to two miles from shore.
One of the nicest things to do in Jersey is to take advantage of low tides to walk to Icho or Seymour Tower, two coastal defense towers erected in the 18th century following the attempted invasion of Jersey by France.
Both towers are located on islets about two miles from the coast, and are only accessible for a few hours a day when the tide is low enough.
Walking on the seabed is a unique and sinister experience – as divers, we found it really strange to be able to see living creatures above the water like anemones, which are normally under the waves.
The Seymour Tower is accessible almost every day, but the Icho Tower can only be reached a few days a month, as it is further away and requires specific tidal conditions.
Tides are predictable but Jersey’s intertidal environment is full of rocks, channelling the rising and falling tide in different directions.
That’s why, instead of walking independently to Icho or Seymour Tower, we recommend you join the guided tours to Jersey Walk Adventures.
Our guide Barry was originally from Jersey and was full of knowledge and anecdotes about the nature of Jersey – not to mention the fact that guided tours are a bargain at £18 for three hours (with welly rental!)
Historic Sites in Jersey
1) Jersey War Tunnels
If you have time to visit a museum in Jersey, be sure to choose the Jersey War Tunnels, which detail the history of German occupation during the Second World War.
The museum is located in a partially built underground hospital complex, erected by the Germans as part of the fortification project of the Channel Islands during the war.
The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles occupied by Nazi forces, and the Jersey War Tunnels present this period of war history with exhibits, testimonies and many individual stories, allowing visitors to understand not only the social and historical implications of the German occupation, but also to learn about everyday life.
2) Channel Islands Military Museums
War and history enthusiasts should then continue their exploration at the Channel Islands Military Museum, located in a bunker built by the Germans on the west coast of Jersey.
The exhibition is less experiential and interactive than that of the war tunnels, but it is still worth visiting, and its location by the sea makes it even more interesting.
3) Elizabeth Castle
Elizabeth Castle is located on the island of Jersey south of the parish of the city of Saint-Hélier
This castle is much more recent than the Mont Orgueil, having been built in the 16th century, but it is not spectacular.
It is located on an island off the bay of Saint-Aubin, reachable on foot using a causeway at low tide, or with an amphibious ferry at low tide.
If you do not have enough time, do not miss to walk along the bay of Saint-Aubin to take a picture of the castle!
What to do in Jersey for nature lovers
1) Jersey’s Best Beach – Plemont Bay
For an island that is only 9 miles wide and 5 miles from north to south, or only 45 square miles, Jersey has an enviable number of beaches.
When we asked the people of Jersey what was the best beach on the island, most people seemed to mention Plemont Bay in the northwest corner of the island.
All recommended us to visit it at low tide, to explore the many caves located along the cliffs.
We visited a covered morning, with rain coming and going, and yes, Plemont Bay was spectacular – a dramatic set of cliffs in colors ranging from rust to green and steel grey, dotted with caves surrounded by pools and rocks with barnacles on top.
One of the caves is even crossed by a waterfall, but unfortunately, there was only one trickle of water because of the lack of rain.
2) West Coast Sunset
If you’re looking for the best place to watch the sunset in Jersey, head to the West Coast – La Corbiere Lighthouse is one of the best places for the sunset on the island, but if you want to have a drink at sunset, You should visit Watersplash, a pub located in St.Ouen Bay, one of Jersey’s main surf spots.
3) Jersey Wetland Centre
This small island is also an ideal place for bird watching!
The Jersey Wetland Centre is located near the west coast, overlooking the St.Uen Pond.
The center includes a tunnel that leads visitors to a view of the pond, and to improve things, the entrance is FREE!
Birders should visit the Jersey Birds site, where lists of bird species found on the island are published daily.
4) Botanical Gardens at Samares Manor
Garden lovers and those visiting Jersey in the spring and summer should definitely visit Samares Manor, a beautiful mansion located on the south coast of Jersey.
In 1920, the current owner created the botanical gardens, which can be visited until today.
The gardens have different sections devoted to herbs, heritage apples and pears, grasses and other plants, making Samares Manor one of the best places to visit in the spring, when the flowers are in bloom and the gardens are at their best.
Choses amusantes à faire à Jersey
5) La Hougue Bie
Did you know that in Jersey, you can find some of the oldest buildings in the world, even older than the pyramids?
The Bie Hougue is a tomb of passage that dates back to the Neolithic, that is to say about 6000 years ago!
There is also a small archaeological museum that gives an overview of Neolithic life, and a chapel built on the burial mound in medieval times.
6) Castel Mont Orgueil
The castle of Mont Orgueil is an ancient castle, from the 13th century
The Mont Orgueil Castle, overlooking the village of Gorey, is another of Jersey’s iconic images.
Most visitors are happy to walk on the Gorey Pier to take a perfect picture of the castle, built over 800 years ago and one of the best examples of medieval architecture on the island.
However, if you have time, we recommend you also visit the interior of the castle, get lost between the turrets, passageways and secret rooms, and explore some of the sights found in the castle like the Urine Wheel, the replica of a medieval apparatus that diagnosed diseases from the colour of urine.
If you are ready for a truly adventurous and unforgettable experience, you can abseil along the medieval walls of the Mont Orgueil castle!
7) Full moon or bioluminescence night walks
Jersey Walk Adventures also organizes night walks at low tide, usually to the Seymour Tower.
Depending on the time of your visit, you may have the opportunity to take a full moon walk, or a bioluminescence walk, on the darkest nights of the lunar cycle, when bright plankton is visible around the rocks.
We originally had to take a full moon walk, but we had to cancel due to heavy rains – which gave us a reason to return to Jersey!
8) Yoga on a desert island
Okay, technically, it’s not even on Jersey.
The Minquiers are a group of uninhabited islands, rocks and sandbars in the south of the island of Jersey, marking the southernmost point in Britain.
You can participate in guided tours of the Minquiers with Jersey Seafaris, including boat transportation to and from Jersey.
Tours usually include time on Mistress, the main island, as well as time spent enjoying the outdoor sandbars, where the water is so blue and clear that you’ll feel like you’re in the Maldives!
Another amazing and unique experience is taking a yoga class on the Minquiers beach.
You may see dolphins swimming, and the sun and stunning scenery will make your practice unforgettable!
Things to do in Jersey with children
1) Jersey Zoo (formerly Durrell Wildlife Park)
The Jersey Zoo, formerly known as Durrell Wildlife Park, is the world’s first zoo dedicated to conservation projects, opened by naturalist Gerald Durrell in 1959.
The zoo is only part of larger conservation projects, and profits are reinvested on the ground.
Among the species with which the Durrell Conservation Trust works are the aye aye, a mysterious nocturnal animal from Madagascar, famous for its large eyes and oversized middle finger, but also less “showy” animals like the orange-tailed skink, surviving on a single island off Mauritius.
You can also stay at the Jersey Zoo in flashy glamping tents, recreating the ambience of a luxury safari – perfect for those visiting Jersey with kids!
2) Museum of Steam and Automobile of Pallot
Your children love
- the trains,
- the locomotives
- fire cars?
The Pallot Steam and Engine Museum in Trinity is a great way to spend a rainy day in Jersey, which you’ll probably have in all seasons!
In the museum you will find an extensive collection of vehicles of all kinds, including vintage trains, bicycles and tractors, agricultural machinery and much more.
There is also a Victorian railway station and on Thursdays you can take guided tours on vintage steam trains!
3) aMaizin! Adventure park
This place is one of the best tourist attractions in Jersey for families!
You can easily spend a whole day enjoying the Maïzin Adventure Park, which offers many attractions for families with a single entrance fee.
You will find there
- of slides,
- bouncy castles,
- tractor rides
- and an indoor playground
For the rainy days of Jersey.
There is also a farm with many miniature animals that your children can meet and play with!
4) Valley Adventure Centre
Another great option for adventurous families and children visiting Jersey.
At the Valley Adventure Centre, you can have fun on various routes
- clinging to trees,
- climbing,
- zip-line
Other places to visit in Jersey
1) Mansell Car Collection
Remember Nigel Mansell, the famous mustache Formula One driver from the ’80s and ’90s?
After his car career ended, he moved to Jersey and opened the Mansell collection, which includes a museum of his career and life and some spectacular F1 cars on display.
The museum is located in an Art Deco building and Nigel himself visits it often – if you’re a F1 fan, don’t miss it!
This is undoubtedly one of the most unusual points of interest in Jersey!
2) Shopping in St.Helier
To be honest, we only spent a little time in St. Helier because we wanted to visit natural landmarks in Jersey.
Jersey’s capital still looks like a small village, but it offers plenty of shopping opportunities – from iconic department stores like Voisins and De Gruchy to independent retailers and food markets, St.
3) Looking for food at sea and visiting oysters
Jersey also offers a delicious seaside tour in search of food and oysters, where visitors are taken around the oyster beds at low tide and shown the best examples of edible seaweed, before ending the tour with an oyster tasting with a glass of sparkling wine.
4) Jersey lavender farm
You don’t have to go to Provence to photograph lavender fields in bloom – you can do it in Jersey too!
Jersey’s lavender farm is located in St. Brelade, in the southwest of the island, and is open every year from October to April, with late May being the best time to visit the fields.
Visitors can stroll through the fields, follow the discovery trail to various points of interest around the farm, and visit the distillery to learn more about making essential oils.
5) Vineyard of La Mare
The mild climate of Jersey makes the island ideal for growing
- of potatoes,
- of tomatoes,
- grape…
You know what that means, don’t you? WINE!
The Mare Wine Estate was created in 1972 and produces a range of wines
- red,
- whites
- and rosés,
But not only that !
There are also
- cider,
- beer,
- the gin
- and the brandy of La Mare,
As well as a range of branded food products.
If you’re looking for treats and souvenirs from Jersey, this is the place to go!
Where to stay in Jersey
Jersey, between England and France, is the largest of the Channel Islands
In Jersey, we had the chance to stay in a truly unique place – the Hamptonne Country Life Museum, a 15th-century property transformed into a museum of rural life on the island, with an orchard, demonstrations of ancient crafts and even piglets and calves.
In the summer, then!
During our visit in November, the museum was closed and there were no animals, except for chickens in a nearby farm, but we still had the chance to stay in the magnificent apartment attached to the museum, in complete tranquility.
If you are looking for more conventional accommodation in Jersey, see:
- Atlantic Hotel – one of the best hotels in Jersey, open for over 50 years. Includes some of the best restaurants and cafes as well as an outdoor pool, gym and spa.
- Le Royal Yacht – one of the most elegant places in Saint-Hélier, with lots of light, views of the marina and a superb spa.
- Chateau La Chaire – a charming B&B located in a 19th century mansion with excellent service and a delicious restaurant.
- Ommaroo Hotel – a historic hotel opened in 1916 and retains the ambience of early 20th century holiday hotels. It has been recently renovated, but still has a lot of character.
- Hôtel Pomme d’Or – a historic hotel, and the place where the Union Jack was raised when the German occupation ended in the Channel Islands. This hotel has a classic luxury, a slightly old-fashioned atmosphere, but it offers interesting offers in low season.
- The Inn Boutique Hotel – one of the most economical places in Saint-Hélier, with beautifully designed rooms and a good restaurant on site.
- Durrell Wildlife Camp – a spectacular glamping site for an unforgettable stay surrounded by the nature of the Jersey Zoo, giving you the feeling of being on an African safari!
Where to eat in Jersey
Eating out is one of the main reasons to visit Jersey!
High quality products and a cuisine that refers to the French and British tradition make that you can enjoy good meals almost everywhere.
Here are some of the best cafes, bars, restaurants and other places to eat in Jersey!
- Hocq Inn – This is the southernmost bar of the British Isles, which is reason enough to visit! It is a very lively place with unusual dishes like the delicious espetadas (a Portuguese specialty of giant meat or seafood skewers) and a very friendly owner.
- The Farm House – here the atmosphere is more restaurant than bars, and the food is really exceptional! Fish and chips were one of the best we’ve ever had. Jersey crab is also often on the menu.
- Seymour Inn – If you want to have dinner in a «suitable» local pub, this is one of the best places to try Jersey oysters!
- Bohemia Bar & Restaurant – the only Michelin starred restaurant in Jersey, in a beautiful setting not far from the port of Saint-Hélier. The menu includes excellent Jersey seafood and crab, and the price is a bargain considering the Michelin star – a three-course lunch menu can be served for just £39!
- The Shipyard – this pub is perfect if you want to dine near the water in the port of Saint-Hélier. You will find breakfast dishes, pub dishes and good seafood!
- Ocean Restaurant – wonderful luxury restaurant in the Atlantic Hotel, with creative cuisine using seafood and Jersey products. If you don’t know what to order, opt for the marinated Jersey crab salad!
- The Gunsite Café – this cybercafé is located in a truly unique location, a refurbished World War II bunker near the bay of Saint-Aubin. Aubin’s Bay. The unmissable dish here is undoubtedly the breakfast of the day!
Also to read: 11 Tips for Visiting Mont Saint Michel (in 2021)
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