Jersey enjoys more hours of sunshine per year than any other part of the British Isles, making it well worth a visit to bask in the glory of its marvelous sandy beaches and wander its rugged coastal walks, as well as discovering many other fascinating attractions.
Island fortress
Owing to its exposed position in the English Channel, Jersey has long been a prime target for international invaders. As such, it retains to this day a wealth of artefacts and architecture that tell the tale of its storied past as an oft-attacked fortification. Not surprisingly, the island boasts a collection of impressive defensive forts, the pick of which is the 16th-century Elizabeth Castle, standing proudly on its own tiny island in St Aubin's Bay.
At low tide you can take advantage of the waters subsiding to walk out to the island. There’s also the option of taking one of the ferries from the harbor at nearby St Helier, the island’s cosmopolitan capital and the main focus for shopping, eating, entertainment and nightlife.
Another dramatic coastal defensive site is the 13th-century Mont Orgueil Castle, above the harbor of Gorey on the island’s east coast. Built to protect Jersey against French invasion, the castle has breathtaking views across the Channel as well as staircases, turrets and secret rooms to uncover and explore.
Delve even further back in time at the dolmen, or Neolithic tomb, at La Hougue Bie, a few miles inland from Mont Orgueil Castle. This sacred site is one of the finest passage graves in Europe and, as one of the ten oldest buildings in the world, it’s an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the island. The site also includes an excellent archaeological museum.
Going underground
Jersey was occupied by German forces during World War II, and this part of the island’s history is relayed in vivid and compelling detail at the Jersey War Tunnels. Buried deep underground in a hospital bunker built by Prisoners of War at Les Charrières de Malorey, a few miles east of the airport, the complex consists of almost a mile of chambers and corridors in which the experiences of the island residents as well as the occupiers are brought to life in striking detail.
Festival fun
Festivals play a big a part of life on Jersey. In August residents celebrate the annual Battle of Flowers, when the streets are drowned in color, filled with flower-bedecked floats accompanied by musicians, dancers and entertainers. It all happens again the following night at the Moonlight Parade when the floats are spectacularly illuminated against the night sky by thousands of lights.
Island tastes
The island also has its own distinct food culture that makes use of its wealth of local produce. Best known are the sublime Jersey Royal potatoes that you’ll find on the menus of the island's restaurants, but Jersey is also famed for its seafood; scallops from Bouley Bay, oysters from Grouville, lobster, chancre crab and mussels are all wonderful. And don’t forget the delicious local ice cream, made from the creamy milk of Jersey cows. To sample these fine local ingredients at their stunning best, reserve a table at the superb Tassili restaurant at the Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa in St Helier, renowned for its perfect marriage of local ingredients and French flair.
Fitting so much into a small island, Jersey is replete with great things to see and do – car rental here means you can tick it all off in comfort and at your own pace.