The 8 things to do in Jersey

Did you plan a trip to Jersey? Here are our must-sees to discover all the facets of the largest Anglo-Norman island!

Immediate packing! If you want to visit Jersey, you will have to choose between the plane or the boat! Unless you test the crossing at the swim, but you are strongly advised!

Jersey is the largest of the Anglo-Norman Islands. Located off the coast of Cotentin in Normandy, Jersey is an independent island. About 20 kilometers from France, Jersey promises you a refreshing stay. Left, English, pubs, tea time and english breakfast ... However, you will notice some traces of the French proximity, in the street names and some shops in French. Between sandy beaches and rocky coasts, its landscapes reminiscent of Brittany. So, what do we do in Jersey to discover all its riches? Here are the essentials of the island with flowers!

1. Saint-Hélier

How to visit Jersey without evokeing its capital? Saint-Hélier is located on the south coast. The city is very pleasant, with its houses with colorful facades. So, what do you do in Jersey when you get to Saint-Hélier? You can go see him. Saint-Hélier Central Market , a covered market full of colors. Enjoy it also to visit Elizabeth Castle , located south of the city. You will have a breathtaking view of Saint-Hélier. The visit is about the history of Jersey. The castle is accessible by foot to low tide, and by bus amphibian to high tide. If you are at the right time, you will be able to witness a real gunshot.

2. Jersiaise gastronomy

Jersey is renowned for its delicious culinary specialties. To taste them, just go to one of the restaurants or pubs on the island. Here are some of the dishes you must absolutely test during your stay:

• Potatoes Jersey Royals: they are grown only on the island and harvested in spring. They are simply cooked with butter and herbs.
• Jersiais milk: Jersian cows produce a very rich milk. It is the only cow race allowed on the island. Enjoy an ice produced with local milk.
• Jersiais beef meat: if you’re a meat lover, you have to taste the jersiais beef whose reputation is no longer needed.
• The black butter says Black butter: it is a marmelade of apples with cider and spices.
• Seafood: from fishing, they are fresh and delicious! The same applies to all fish-based dishes.
• Cider: there too, a local production that makes the pride of its inhabitants.
• ♪ Jersey Wonder: they are small pastry shops that make think of doughnuts.

If you're wondering what to do in Jersey to discover local products, you have to look for Genuine Jersey. It is a label that was created to identify products from the terroir of Jersey. You can see it appear on the restaurants maps, when the products concerned are prepared.

3. Saint-Aubin Bay

This is Jersey’s second largest bay. Take a walk in the village of Saint Aubin, observe the different landscapes that offer to you at the edge of the tides. When the sea is low in Jersey, its surface almost doubles! If you're wondering what to do in Jersey at nightfall, walk to the port of Saint-Aubin. You will probably notice the 6 km light garland that connects Saint Aubin to Saint-Hélier along the coast.

The fort of Saint Aubin is accessible to low tide. It is private and cannot be visited, but the ruined part remains accessible. It offers a nice view of the village.

4. The Corbière lighthouse

Corbière's lighthouse is a must when you want to visit Jersey. If you are a photo enthusiast, this place is emblematic. It is located on a peninsula whose path is discovered at low tide. You can observe, in the passage, the shells and shrimp in the small ponds that formed. If you hear a sound signal, it’s time to come back on your steps: the tide goes back!

5. Saint-Ouen Bay

Grown Castle

The military museum is also worth seeing. The island was occupied by the Germans from 1940 to 1945. The museum, located in a real blockhouse, showcases the objects of the Second World War. He details the life in Jersey during this period.

6. The castle of Mont-Orgueil

Located southeast of Jersey, Mont-Orgueil Castle was built in the 13th century to defend the island. He was abandoned for the benefit of Elizabeth Castle after his construction. Used as a prison, he was later modified by German troops during the Second World War. It offers a superb view of the port of Gorey.

7. Devil’s Hole

Jersey's North Coast is amazing. If you ask that you do in Jersey to get a glimpse of it, go to the Devil's Trou (or Devil’s Hole ). This lovely walk will offer one of the most beautiful views of the island! You can enjoy it to start a hike a little over 4 kilometers to Grève de Lecq.

8. The flowers

If you are going to visit Jersey in the spring or summer, you will understand where it comes from the nickname island to flowers. Its geographic location allows it to have a mild climate that very much likes plants. Different places highlight the multiple flowers that grow on the island:

• The garden of Judith Quéré: open from April to September, it is the private garden of a couple. More than 2,500 species of flowers are valued.
• Lavender Farm: it is a family business that distills lavender to use the fragrance in different products. Lavender fields and distillery are visiting.
• The Eric Young Foundation of Orchids: If you like orchids, you can admire dozens of different species.
• The Samares Manor: the Manoir gardens offer different universes (English, Japanese, rose garden and aromatic garden).

Finally, if you are in Saint-Hélier in August, you must witness the battle of flowers. It is a carnival that has taken place since 1902. During the parade, each parish of the island defends its colors with a flowered tank.

How to get to Jersey?

By plane

It is possible to visit Jersey by plane. To land on Jersey, you'll have to make a stopover in London Gatwick. The flight time between London and Jersey is one hour. To find the ideal flight schedules according to your departure city, feel free to use a flight comparison like Skyscanner!

By boat

If you do not choose the plane, the ferry will be a must for you to reach Jersey Island! The crossing takes place mainly from Saint Malo to reach Saint-Hélier in 1 h 20 : there are up to 13 crossings a week. You can also make the crossing from another port:

• From Granville to Saint-Hélier: 2 crossings per week, 1h25.
• From Barneville-Carteret to Saint-Hélier: 3 trips per week, 1h05 trips.
• Always from Barneville-Carteret to Gorey: 3 trips per month in summer, 55 minutes drive.
• From Diélette to Gorey: 3 crossings per month in summer, 1h25 journey.

You can cross as pedestrians or with your vehicle (car, motorcycle). Plan to arrive a good time before the departure of the boat to pass the customs and check your baggage. You can enjoy your crossing to go to the shop duty-free or to change your euros in pounds sterling.

It is also possible to take you to Jersey from Granville or Saint Malo in renting a boat, or using the services of a skipper (if you do not have the boat permit or are not comfortable on the bar).

How do I move to Jersey?

By car

The car can be pleasant, once arrived on the island, to move as you wish. If you have not taken yours, you can take it rent one on site . Attention: Jersey is an island where you drive left. The speed is limited to about 50 km/h in general and 40 km/h in town. To drive your car, you will need a nationality plate.

Bike

Depending on your sporting habits, cycling the island can be a (too) big challenge. But if you have sunshine, discover the coast of Jersey and its incredible landscapes will leave you a memorable souvenir. Good to know: you can rent bicycles on site. Do not hesitate to choose an electric model if you are not used to pedaling.

The bike is ideal to borrow the Green Lanes. Indeed, it is the small roads that pass the island, limited to 25 km/h. You will find a map of the 150 kilometers of bike paths in Jersey at the tourist office.

By public transport

The bus network Liberty bus serves every corner of the island. If you want to visit Jersey at your own pace, choose a pass. It exists during the day, for several days or a week. The pass gives you access to the entire network, unlimitedly, during its validity period. You can combine walking and bus to discover the island according to your desires. The day pass is on sale on the buses directly. Otherwise, go to the Liberation Station In Saint-Hélier. You can buy the right pass and advise you on the routes to use.

Where to stay in Jersey?

Now that you found what to do in Jersey, you still have to know where to stay. As the island is relatively small, you can choose your accommodation in any parish on the island. It will be very easy to get to the various must-sees in Jersey, wherever you stay! The island is 8 kilometres wide for 15 kilometres long. You will find many charming hotels which will allow you to rest after a beautiful day of discovery. If you prefer to stay at home, turn to a rental in AirBnB .

You now have all the information to enjoy a beautiful getaway in Jersey! What inspires you most on this island?