Places to go and things to do in Jersey
Jersey is well equipped for solo trips, romantic getaways and family holidays. Here are a few of the many highlights the island has to offer.
St Ouen’s Bay
St Ouen’s Bay is a popular spot for everyone who loves the seaside. It’s a haven for water sports, with opportunities to surf, kitesurf and paraglide. If you’d prefer to relax, the bay has five miles of sandy beaches, so there’s space for everyone.
Across from the sand dunes are areas where you can light up a barbecue while gazing at the Atlantic. It’s an idyllic way to spend a summer’s day.
War tunnels
For history lovers, the Jersey War Tunnels provide fascinating insight into what life was like on the island during the Nazi occupation during World War II.
The tunnels were built by over 5,000 European slave labourers to help the German military withstand Allied air bombardment. In 1943 they became an emergency hospital.
The tunnels now serve as a museum, telling incredible stories of hardship and heroism. It’s an immersive experience which brings the past to life.
Jersey Zoo
You’ve most likely been to a zoo before, but perhaps not one quite like Jersey Zoo. Over 60 years ago it opened as the world’s first conservation-themed zoo. It specialises in critically endangered animals, with expertise in animal husbandry which helps protect these species.
The zoo features orangutans, aardvarks and even the world’s most threatened tortoise. Many of the animals here aren’t found in many places on Earth.
Learn about what’s being done to help the animals while observing them in their spacious enclosures.
Val de la Mare Arboretum
This botanical garden enables you to take a trip around the world via a short walk in Jersey. There are ten distinct tree collections, including the North American Collection, the Australasian Collection and the Chinese Collection.
It was once known as the ‘The Forgotten Forest’ as funding issues left the area without adequate care. That has since been addressed and the trees are thriving.
The arboretum is a dream for birders, with owls, harriers, egrets, moorhens and more being frequent visitors.
Devil’s hole
Devil’s hole is a natural wonder with a supernatural link.
The ‘hole’ is better defined as a crater, 100ft wide and 200ft deep. It’s been formed by years of erosion from the sea, collapsing what was the roof of a cave.
So why the name? A shipwreck in 1851 left the boat’s figurehead in the crater, which a local sculptor shaped into a wooden devil, evoking the forces that may have caused the boat to crash. Today, a metal replica stands in a pool on the way down to the hole.
Portelet beach
Portelet beach is one of the island’s finest.
Its south-facing location gives you the maximum amount of sunshine, while the cliffs offer protection from the elements on windier days. The water is so clear at Portelet that it’s popular for snorkelling.
Getting to the beach involves some steep steps down from the cliffs, but it’s worth it. After you’ve ascended back to the top at the end of the day you can reward yourself by popping into the Portelet Inn.
La Pouquelaye de Faldouet
There aren’t many man-made structures on Earth that outdate the pyramids. But Jersey has one.
La Pouquelaye de Faldouet was built around 6,000 years ago. This neolithic passage grave has a double chamber, and various excavations have uncovered human remains, pottery and weapons.
If you'd like to get a small impression of what life was like in ancient times, here’s the place to do it.
Mont Orgueil Castle
Keeping Jersey safe for over 800 years.
Mont Orgueil Castle is a medieval fortress which sits on the precipice of the island, facing the French coast. Spectacular views compliment the rich history that this building holds.
Inside you can explore its stairways and towers, learning about the strange and gory practices that occurred here. In the basement there’s even a witchcraft exhibit. It’s everything you want from a castle.
Jump Jersey
Need a rainy-day activity to do with children? Check out Jersey’s biggest indoor activity centre.
40 trampoline beds allow you to spend most of your day in the air, but it’s not all about bouncing. You’ll also find climbing walls, soft play areas and a Ninja Warrior course.
Kids can go bouncing off the walls in a fun and safe way.
Grève de Lecq Beach
This beach is perfectly equipped for a full day out.
There are plenty of parking spots around, so once you’ve parked up you can grab a drink at one of the beachside cafes. Then, kayak to a secret beach, look for animals in rock pools or just lie on the sand.
The beach is north-facing, so when the sun goes in you can head to one of the many country pubs, only a short walk away.
