Jersey is famous for its castles, amazing natural sights, puffins, and Jersey cows; Gerald Durrell’s zoo (he was one of my favourite authors when I was a kid), military history and Jersey potatoes.
It’s a perfect weekend destination from London, as the flight is super short, and two days are enough to see the main landmarks. However, I’d suggest coming here for three to four days for a more relaxed experience. Make sure to buy Heritage passes – they cover all the most important historical landmarks and museums of Jersey!
Have you ever thought about what the Channel Islands are? Actually, these are the islands in the English Channel between France and the United Kingdom that legally do not form part of the UK but are British Crown Dependencies instead. Jersey and Guernsey are the main such islands.
Jersey is a self-governing entity and even has Jersey pound banknotes, which are different from the ones you see in England. Apart from using English and French, Jèrriais is also officially spoken in Jersey; it’s a traditional local language that is rooted in an old French dialect different from modern French.
What to See in Jersey?
1. Gorey Castle
The Mont Orgueil, or Gorey Castle, is the main historical stronghold of Jersey.
Come here to enjoy the dramatic views, as the castle overlooks France! Its history traces back to the early 13th century, and since then, it has witnessed many glorious and dramatic events.
Initially, its future was determined when King John lost the territories of Britain in continental Europe (Normandy in France), and Jersey chose to stay with Britain – this required the building of a new castle.
This castle’s exposition highlights many aspects of its history from military, religious, mythical, and other points of view. Conquer all 200 steps to the top and learn about its royal connections as well!
The most recent of these is the two famous holographic portraits of Queen Elizabeth II by Chris Levine and Rob Munday housed in the castle.
Kids can dress up here as knights and princesses and walk around the castle in outfits like this!
2. Jersey Zoo
If you’re a fan of Gerald Durrell, famous British writer and naturalist, and his books (I admired him when I was a kid!), the Jersey Zoo is a must-visit for you.
This initiative was established by Durrell, and his second wife still lives nearby. Durrell’s ashes are buried here too, and the center of the zoo – Les Augrès Manor – still houses the headquarters of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Durrell’s birth, so there are installations and extra events celebrating this date! Spot their symbol – the extinct bird dodo – too!
The zoo was established in 1959 with a focus on endangered and rare species (just what Durrell was advocating for), and there are about 130 species of animals you can see here: gorillas, orangutang, sloths, capybaras, lemurs, exotic birds, numerous reptiles, amphibians, and so on.
The zoo also has play areas for kids, a few cafes, and a shop don’t forget to support them!
3. Maritime Museum
Make sure to visit the Maritime Museum here, consisting of six galleries highlighting the importance of maritime trade, the fishing industry, and seaside tourism in the history of Jersey.
The museum occupies 19th-century warehouses and provides a plethora of interactive experiences for kids and adults; you can learn here about the winds and tides, how to build and balance a ship, how to tie various knots, and more. Everything you need to know to start your career as a cabin boy!
Besides that, the museum also houses the Occupation Tapestry in a separate gallery: Jersey was occupied by German Nazis during WWII, and this large modern tapestry, in 13 pieces, was created from 1988 to 1994 by locals illustrating daily life and the most important events from 1940 to 1945.
4. Jersey Museum, Art Gallery, and Victorian House
The Jersey Museum, Art Gallery, and Victorian House, located in St. Helier, is the main museum of Jersey.
You start your visit by watching a movie about the history of the island and its main landmarks, and then you proceed to explore the museum itself, with artefacts from the prehistoric period up to the Victorian period.
The Victorian part of the exhibition is dedicated to Dr. Charles Ginestet’s family: because of debts, they are about to flee Jersey and move to France! There’s also a shop and a restaurant on the museum’s premises.
5. Elizabeth Castle
Elizabeth castle is one of the main landmarks of Jersey, and your fun starts when you get ready to reach to because you have to ride Nancy, a ferry to the Castle! Yes, that’s an amphibious vehicle!
In less than 10 minutes, it takes you to an island where Elizabeth Castle is located – but when the tide is low, you can even walk along the causeway to the island.
Elizabeth Castle is one of the main landmarks of Jersey. In the 12th century, this island was initially occupied by an abbey dedicated to Saint Helier; you can still see the remains of the Hermitage of Saint Helier here on the island. And yes, the capital city of Jersey takes its name after this saint too!
A fortification here was built by Sir Walter Raleigh, the Governor of Jersey appointed by Queen Elizabeth, in the 16th century, and he named it after his Queen.
For centuries, the fort was extended and enlarged, including the erection of Fort Charles for the future King Charles III during the Civil War and the king’s exile. This castle also played a role in the wars with the French and was used by Germans during WWII.
It’s an extremely picturesque place – make sure to climb to the very top for the best views! Now it’s turned into a museum, with some collection of arms presented here as well. Some historical scenes are also recreated here for visitors.
6. Central Market
Make sure to make a quick stop at the central market of St. Helier.
It dates back to the 1880s and is famous for its bright cast-iron architectural elements, a fountain by Abraham Veil dating back to the early 19th century, and a variety of farmers’ stalls. You might also want to pop into the fish market nearby.
7. Explore more of St. Helier
If you have time, explore more of St. Helier, the main city of Jersey.
There are other spots to see in St. Helier if you have time: King Street, the 11th-century parish church of St. Helier, the Liberty Wharf Shopping Centre with the Liberation Square Sculpture in front of it, the States Chamber, and the Royal Square.
8. Beaches
There are plenty of picturesque beaches in Jersey, and you can choose any to your liking! Usually there are cafes and cute houses along the promenate, and you can amuse yourself by collecting shells too.
I must note that walking the causeway at low tide is a very special feeling – just look at the seaweed, boats, and shells!
Where to Stay in Jersey
The Club Hotel and Spa is located in the center of St. Helier, close to all the main landmarks of the city, and we were invited to spend two nights there.
We loved the breakfast, our spacious room, and the Elemis skincare products.
Did you know they also have a Michelin-starred restaurant called Bohemia? (Sadly, we didn’t pay them a visit.)
We also had a fantastic dinner at the bar and terrace of The Club Hotel and Spa: we had scallops, salmon, and tomatoes for starters, then the catch of the day, a steak with Jersey potatoes and risotto for the mains, and of course, we couldn’t skip dessert: Jersey ice cream, mango pudding, and seasonal fruit crumble were delicious.
Besides that, we absolutely admired the afternoon tea at the bar and terrace.
For the kids, this afternoon tea is really special; they can prepare their own mocktail and decorate their cookies and cupcakes in the kitchen with the real chef! What a unique approach!
And of course, tasting the things that you’ve made yourself is just twice as tasty! Our afternoon tea was a creative take on a classic: freshly made finger sandwiches, warm scones (with raisins and plain), some damson and strawberry jams, clotted cream, and of course, the most alluring desserts.
You might also like my other blogs about Great Britain.
Hope you liked my blog!
Yours, Anna
Xxxx
