THINGS TO DO IN JERSEY

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Jersey is a beautiful island in the English Channel, known for its stunning coastline, historical attractions, and outdoor activities. Here are some of the best things to do in Jersey

Mont Orgueil Castle, located in the picturesque village of Gorey, is one of Jersey’s most iconic landmarks. Also known as Gorey Castle, it stands on a hill overlooking the harbour and the neighbouring French coast.

The castle’s history dates back to the early 13th century when it was built to defend Jersey against French invasion. Over the centuries, it underwent numerous modifications and played a crucial role in safeguarding the island.

The castle features a mix of medieval architecture, with towers, battlements, and a keep. Visitors can explore various levels, including the dungeons, living quarters, the Great Hall and the castle gardens and grounds.

You can also climb to the top for panoramic views of the harbour, the surrounding coastline and the sea.

Mont Orgueil Castle often hosts events such as historical reenactments, family activities, and outdoor performances.

Gorey is a charming coastal village situated beneath the impressive Mont Orgueil Castle. Its picturesque harbour, lined with colourful buildings, creates a postcard-worthy scene.

At the waterfront, you will find fishing boats, yachts, and a selection of waterfront cafes and restaurants. It is a great place for a stroll.

Adjacent to the village is the sandy Gorey Beach, providing great views towards the castle and village.

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Jersey is renowned for its beautiful beaches and its picturesque coastal scenery. Visiting one of the amazing beaches for swimming, watersports or just relaxing is one the best things to do in Jersey.

Here are some of the best beaches and bays in Jersey:

1. St. Brelade’s Bay: Considered the most beautiful bay in Jersey, St. Brelade’s Bay features a wide sandy beach and clear waters.
2. Greve de Lecq: Greve de Lecq is a picturesque and popular beach located on the north coast of Jersey.
3. Plemont Bay: Plemont Bay is a picturesque cove surrounded by cliffs and caves on the north coast.
4. St. Ouen’s Bay: Known for its vast stretch of golden sand, St. Ouen’s Bay is a popular destination for surfers and beachgoers in low tide.
5. Beauport Beach: Beauport Beach is a secluded bay situated on the south coast of Jersey with clear waters and golden sand.

More information regarding the best beaches and bays in Jersey can be found here.

Elizabeth Castle is one of Jersey’s most popular attractions. The castle is located on a tiny islet, in St. Aubin’s Bay, near St. Helier and becomes accessible by a causeway during low tide.

The castle has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. It was initially built to protect Jersey against French invasion and played a crucial role in the island’s defence over the centuries.

The castle is named after Queen Elizabeth I, who was the reigning monarch during its construction. It has served various military functions throughout its history, including as a royal fortress and a garrison.

Elizabeth Castle features a mix of architectural styles reflecting its different periods of construction. Visitors can explore various sections, including the Governor’s House, the Tudor Keep, and the bastions.

Access to Elizabeth Castle is primarily by foot during low tide via a causeway. However, during high tide, the castle is reachable by ferry from St. Helier. The tide-dependent access adds an element of uniqueness to the visit.

The castle now houses a museum that provides insights into its history, the island’s military past, and the role it played during significant events, such as the English Civil War.

You can explore the fortifications, cannons, and defensive structures that showcase the military architecture of the time. The panoramic views from the castle offer a nice view of St. Helier and the surrounding coastline.

La Corbière Lighthouse is located on the southwestern tip of Jersey. It stands on a rocky promontory surrounded by the sea and is accessible by a causeway during low tide.

This is one of the best attractions on the island and definitely worth visiting.

The lighthouse was first lit in 1874 and was designed by Sir John Coode. It has since become one of Jersey’s most iconic landmarks.

La Corbière Lighthouse serves a crucial role in guiding ships through the hazardous waters around the southwest coast of Jersey. The rocky terrain and strong currents make this area particularly challenging for navigation.

During low tide, a causeway is exposed, allowing visitors to walk to the lighthouse from the mainland. However, at high tide, the causeway is submerged.

The lighthouse is closed to the public but you can arrange a walking tour in advance to go inside. The lighthouse is also a great spot to watch sunsets.

The location offers views of the rugged coastline and it’s a popular spot for photographers, especially during sunset. Walking along the causeway while enjoying the ocean and the rocky landscape is one of the best things to do on the island.

St. Helier is the capital and largest town of Jersey. It serves as the administrative, cultural, and economic centre of the island.

With several excellent visitor attractions, a vibrant shopping centre, a picturesque waterfront and good restaurants and bars, St. Helier is a great base for exploring the remainder of the island.

Additional attractions worth seeing include the Maritime Museum and Jersey Museum and Art Gallery, the stunning Elizabeth Castle and the Regent Fort, which offers stunning views of the entire harbour as well as the city. You could also go to the charming Lido and Bathing Pool area in Havre Des Pas.

The town has a mix of high-street brands, independent boutiques, and local markets. King Street and Queen Street are major shopping thoroughfares. The Central Market is housed in a Victorian building with a stunning glass roof. It offers a variety of goods, including local produce, flowers, and crafts.

The best attractions and a suggested walk are included on this map.

Best Attractions & Things to Do in St Hellier

1. Elizabeth Castle: Located on a small islet off St. Helier’s coast, Elizabeth Castle has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Accessible by foot during low tide, it provides panoramic views and insights into Jersey’s military past.
2. The Royal Square: The Royal Square is a historic square in the heart of St. Helier surrounded by Georgian-style buildings. It often hosts events, markets, and outdoor performances.
3. Central Market: A bustling market housed in a Victorian building, the Central Market offers a variety of goods, including fresh produce, flowers, seafood, and local crafts.
4. King Street and Queen Street: These bustling streets are the main shopping thoroughfares in St. Helier. You’ll find a mix of high street brands, boutique shops, and cafes.
5. Regent Fort: Fort Regent is a leisure and entertainment complex offering a range of activities, including a swimming pool, fitness facilities, and entertainment events. You can also enjoy the view of the town and harbour from the top of this fort.
6. St. Helier Waterfront & Marina: The waterfront is a hub for various activities, including boat trips, water sports, and seaside dining. Have a stroll at the marina and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
7. Havre Des Pas Bathing Pool and Lido: Experience outdoor swimming at Havre des Pas Lido, a historic seawater pool.
8. Maritime Museum: Explore Jersey’s maritime history at the Maritime Museum, located on the waterfront. The museum showcases the island’s seafaring traditions, shipwrecks, and maritime heritage.
9. Jersey Museum & Art Gallery: This museum provides insights into Jersey’s history, culture, and art. Exhibits cover everything from prehistoric artifacts to contemporary artworks, offering a comprehensive look at the island’s heritage
10. Liberty Wharf: Liberty Wharf is a modern development along the waterfront, featuring shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
11. Howard Davis Park:A Victorian-era park with beautifully landscaped gardens. Howard Davis Park is a peaceful retreat in the heart of St. Helier, ideal for picnics and leisure activities.

St. Aubin is a charming harbour village situated on the west coast of Jersey. It’s known for its picturesque waterfront and vibrant atmosphere and it is a great place for a stroll.

Here are the best attractions and things to do in St. Aubin:

1. St. Aubin’s Harbour: St. Aubin’s Harbour is the heart of the village, featuring a picturesque marina with fishing boats, yachts, and waterfront cafes. The waterfront promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
2. St. Aubin Fort:: St. Aubin Fort is located at the entrance of the harbor. It dates back to the 16th century and served as a defensive structure against French invasion. While not always open to the public, the fort adds to the historic ambience of St. Aubin.
3. Coastal Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the beach to the south of the harbour , taking in the views of the sea, and the surrounding rocky shoreline.
4. Dining and Cafes: Enjoy al fresco dining with views of the harbour, and savour local seafood or international cuisine.

Jersey boasts stunning seascapes and it is a great place to view the tides.

At low tide, you can walk to many iconic landmarks (e. g. Elizabeth Castle, La Corbière Lighthouse, St Aubin’s Fort, Seymour Tower or La Rocco Tower).

Many areas around Jersey feature rugged and rocky shorelines. The tide can create some unique rocky seascapes, e.g. La Rocque Harbour and Green Island Beach, which is known for its distinctive seaweed-covered rocks.

Tidal pools are common along the coast of Jersey. During low tide, these pools form among the rocks, creating miniature ecosystems. The reflections in the calm water contribute to an enchanting seascape.

Jersey War Tunnels is one of the most visited attractions in Jersey. The Jersey War Tunnels are a significant historical site on the island, offering insights into Jersey’s wartime experience during the German occupation in World War II.

The tunnels were originally constructed by the Germans during the German occupation of Jersey in World War II. The occupying forces repurposed the tunnels as a hospital and barracks to accommodate the increasing number of German troops stationed on the island.

Today, the Jersey War Tunnels serve as a museum dedicated to preserving the memory and history of the islanders during the German occupation. The exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of life under occupation, featuring personal stories, artefacts, and multimedia presentations. These presentations add depth to the overall narrative and create a more immersive experience.

La Hougue Bie is a historic site located in Grouville. It holds significant archaeological and historical importance, and it’s a prominent attraction on the island.

One of the most notable features of La Hougue Bie is its Neolithic burial mound. The site dates back over 6,000 years, making it one of the earliest known examples of human activity on the island.

The burial mound covers a megalithic chamber tomb, and it is surrounded by a large earthen mound. The site’s construction reflects the architectural practices of the Neolithic period.

At the summit of the mound, you’ll find the medieval Chapel of St. Martin. The chapel was built in the 12th century and is dedicated to St. Martin de la Hougue Bie.

La Hougue Bie Museum provides information about the site’s history, archaeology, and the people who lived on the island during different periods. Exhibits include artefacts and interactive displays.

Noirmont Point is located on the southwestern tip of Jersey. It holds historical significance and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Noirmont Point played a crucial role during World War II as part of the Atlantic Wall, a coastal defence system constructed by the Germans. The area features bunkers, gun emplacements, and other wartime structures.

Battery Lothringen, is one of the several well-preserved German bunkers.

Jersey Zoo is another popular attraction in Jersey. The zoo, established by naturalist and author Gerald Durrell, is a renowned wildlife conservation park. The zoo, officially known as Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, focuses on saving endangered species from extinction and raising awareness about the importance of conservation.

Jersey Zoo is home to a diverse range of endangered species from around the world, including lemurs, gorillas, orangutans, aye-ayes, and more. The zoo plays a vital role in the global effort to conserve these species.

The zoo’s naturalistic exhibits provide visitors with the opportunity to observe and learn about animals in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats. This unique experience allows for a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting biodiversity.

Jersey’s coastal location makes it perfect for watersports. Try kayaking, paddleboarding, or coasteering to experience the island from a different perspective.

Take a boat tour around the island to appreciate its coastline, sea caves, and marine life. Tours often include commentary on Jersey’s history and landmarks.

Visit Jersey Pearl to explore the world of pearls. The attraction includes workshops, and a shop where you can purchase pearl jewellery.

Grosnez Castle is a medieval castle located on the northwest coast of Jersey.

The castle dates back to the 14th century and was likely built during the reign of Edward III. It served as a defensive structure to protect the island from potential invasions.

Today it is mainly in runs, but it is a good spot to wander around and enjoy the views of the rugged coastline, cliffs, and the surrounding seascape.

I have created a map that shows all the attractions and best things to do in Jersey with additional practical information.

You can check the following posts:

• Jersey Travel Guide
• Best beaches and bays in Jersey

• Flights: I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Momondo is another very good search engine as well as Google Flights.
• Accommodation: I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers a great choice of accommodation at affordable prices and it’s so easy to use. HotelsCombined is one of the best search engines to check deals from different websites. Airbnb is a great alternative to find out homes and apartments to rent by real homeowners.
• Ferries: Condor Ferries and Manche Iles Express are the two main ferry operators.
• Car Rental: I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options. Discover Cars is also one of the biggest car rental comparison sites.
• Public Transport: LibertyBus is the public bus operator in Jersey with a variety of routes.
• Travel Insurance: SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.
• Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, and at no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping this site running and ad-free.

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