Hundreds of thousands of people make their way to Jersey each year, and for good reason. Located just off the coast of France, the island country has a very interesting history to explore, as well as plenty to do outdoors, including on the water. When you combine all that with how easy it is to travel there from the UK, adding Jersey to your must-visit list is a nobrainer.
1: Adventures on the Water
If you’re drawn to the thrill of water sports, you’ll love your time in Jersey. Due to a number of different factors, the island has both mild temperatures and a decent amount of sunshine, while also providing favourable conditions for sailing and surfing. Sailing clubs welcome both seasoned sailors and novices, and surfers are often found catching waves at St. Ouen’s Bay.
If you’re looking for something a bit less adrenaline-pumping, head out into the sea on a kayak and access hidden coves and beaches that are otherwise unreachable by land. In addition, fishing and scuba diving are two other great reasons to get out on the water.
You’ll find local boat tours that feature insider tips from experienced fishermen, as well as dive sites ranging from easy shore dives all the way to advanced wreck explorations.
This type of maritime culture is so strong in Jersey that each year, tens of thousands of people attend the Jersey Boat Show.
The event is typically held at the scenic St. Helier Marina, and attendees can visit exhibits featuring everything from new boats to luxury yachts. The British Royal Navy often has a presence at the event, too, showcasing new technology or educating visitors about naval history.
2: Jersey’s Historical Significance
Speaking of history, this is the second reason that Jersey is so appealing as a destination. If you fancy yourself as a World War II buff, you might already know that the Channel Islands were the only British soil occupied by German forces. Many remnants of this era live on today, and a number of companies offer tours of former bunkers and other occupation sites from wartime.
The island’s maritime history can be explored, too. The 13th-century Mont Orgueil Castle stands guard over Gorey harbour, and this was a key defence point against French invasion for centuries. Elizabeth Castle is another important landmark, named by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1600. Tourists can access and learn all about Elizabeth Castle from St. Helier’s beach during low tide.
For an even deeper dive into the island’s history, the Jersey Museum and Art Gallery is a good choice. Here, you’ll find artefacts that date as far back as the Neolithic times. You might find coins on display from the Iron Age, as well as plenty of interactive exhibits featuring seafaring tales of the island’s past.
3: Wildlife Sightings and Nature Walks
Wildlife watching in Jersey is a captivating experience, particularly for bird enthusiasts. As you might imagine, the island’s location makes it a haven for migratory birds, offering rare sightings during different seasons. You’ll also find seals basking on offshore rocks, as well as dolphins dipping in and out of the waves.
If you simply want to get out and walk along the beach, you have plenty to choose from. Grouville Bay has a long stretch of sand and views of Mont Orgueil Castle, Plemont Bay has waterfalls and caves reminiscent of the Algarve and Greve de Lecq is a popular beach surrounded by cliffs. Save some time for the coastal walks, too. Particularly the ones that offer great views of the Corbiere Lighthouse.
4: Ease of Travel and Accessibility
Another reason to consider Jersey for your next travel destination is how easy it is to travel there. Although most visitors arrive by air, that’s not your only choice. Regular ferry services operate from both England and France, and this more scenic route to Jersey’s shores has the added benefit of more flexibility with travel schedules and luggage limitations.
For the vast majority who do want to fly, you’ll be pleased to know that cheap flights to Jersey are readily available, with carriers including easyJet and Blue Islands offering direct flights from the UK. August and September are usually the most popular months to fly, and once you land, the airport is only a short distance away from the city centre.
Once you’re on the island, getting around is not that difficult, largely due to Jersey’s small size. Most visitors choose to rent a car, but there is also an expansive public bus service operated by Liberty Bus. The island is even small enough to get around by bicycle if that’s your thing.
Jersey’s unique blend of water-based adventures, compelling history, accessibility, and access to wildlife and nature make it a great destination for your next trip. You don’t always have to travel far away for a great experience, and Jersey is strong evidence of that.
