Living There
If you are looking for somewhere unusual to go for a weekend break, why not try the Channel Island of Jersey?
Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands (the others being Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm). It has a beautiful coastline, lots of fascinating visitor attractions and historical sites, and a cosmopolitan capital in St Helier.
Here are some of Jersey’s top attractions and things to do.
Start out with a trip to the Durrell Wildlife Park, named after author Gerald Durrell (who penned My Family and Other Animals). You’ll see lowland gorillas, geckos, Andean bears, black howler moneys, the Galapagos giant tortoise and a poison dart-frog!
If history is your thing, we suggest Elizabeth Castle and Mont Orgeuil Castle. Mont Orgeuil, constructed in the early 13th century, protected Jersey until replaced with Elizabeth Castle in 1594. Elizabeth Castle, whose first governor was Sir Walter Raleigh, played an important role in the defence of Jersey from French invasion, especially during the Seven Years Way and Battle of Jersey. It can be accessed by causeway at low tide and by boat for the rest of the time.
The Jersey War Tunnels are another fantastic Jersey attraction. Jersey was occupied by the Nazis in summer 1940 and not liberated for almost five years. The tunnels, over one kilometre in length, were constructed by the Germans to provide shelter during air raids and to house an underground hospital. Informative exhibits teach visitors about the war years.
Jersey’s natural beauty is another of its draws. It has over 50 miles of coastline, including 12 major beaches and scores of coves, bays, interesting rock formations and caves. St Aubin’s Bay is the most popular beach, offering golden sand and good amenities. Other popular beaches include St Brelade’s beach, St Ouen’s Bay, and the beach at Grouville. If you go for a stroll along the coast, you will come across the scores of pillboxes and other embattlements built during Jersey’s occupation.
St Helier, Jersey’s capital, is another great place to visit. It has a cosmopolitan feel, with high-end shopping, great cafes and dining, and exciting nightlife. St Helier is also home to the Jersey Maritime Museum and Occupation Tapestry, the Jersey Museum and Art Gallery, the Royal Square (where you will find the Royal Court and Jersey’s legislature, the States Chamber), and the lively Central Market.
Jersey is also a great place to base yourself if you want to explore the other Channel Islands. Guernsey, the second largest of the islands, and Alderney can be accessed by 15-minute flight from the Jersey airport. The smaller islands of Sark and Herm can only be reached by hour-long ferry ride; they are a great option for those seeking solitude.
