In partnership with Visit Jersey
When you visit Jersey, you’ll experience the best of British charm combined with European style – from rugged coastal walks and golden sandy beaches, to awe-inspiring medieval castles and the freshest local produce.
Thanks to a new easyJet route from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport this month, Jersey is easier to reach than ever before. This compact island in the English Channel is packed full of adventure. Whether you’re into food, nature or history, you’ll find more than enough to keep you entertained in the sunniest spot in the British Isles.
Here are 10 reasons to make 2023 the year you discover Jersey.
1. With new flights from Schiphol, Jersey is closer than you think!
An island-hop to Jersey is now easier than ever, with easyJet launching a direct route between Amsterdam and Jersey. This 35-minute flight will run twice a week from April to October, perfect for short – and longer – breaks.
2. Its famous local produce is delicious
Jersey is famous for its delicious local produce, including creamy milk from Jersey cattle and small, buttery Jersey Royal potatoes. Foodies will find plenty of ways to feed their souls. Tuck into hearty fare in the cosy pubs and inns that line the island’s country roads, or go highbrow at fine-dining institutions. Seafood fans will be in heaven, with freshly caught lobster and the famed Jersey Oysters gracing menus.
Self-catering stays are their own reward in Jersey. As you explore the network of country lanes, you can pick up freshly dug potatoes and strawberries from farm-side honesty boxes.
Pro tip: Enjoy an ice cream from Jersey Dairy. Jersey’s famous cows have been making the world’s creamiest, richest and smoothest ice cream since 1763. The ice cream tastes best with the sand between your toes or as a sweet treat after a hard day’s exploring.
3. You’ll be immersed in fascinating history
History buffs will love discovering more about Jersey’s interesting past. The island is home to the 10th oldest building in the world, predating the Egyptian pyramids. In addition, the island offers fascinating museums that highlight the occupation history of the island during WW2 and well-preserved medieval castles.
On the island, you’ll find maze-like war tunnels and well-preserved medieval castles; Mont Orgueil in Gorey is one of the most famous. Head up to the tower, and on a clear day, you’ll see all the way to Normandy. Or, walk across the causeway to Elizabeth Castle. This imposing 16th-century hermitage-turned-abbey was built on the orders of Queen Elizabeth I.
4. There’s wild scenery to explore
From rugged coastline to rolling green countryside, Jersey’s natural beauty is undeniable. Lovers of the Great Outdoors will find plenty of ways to soak in the fresh air. For the wildest scenery, spend a day at Jersey National Park on the west coast, a conservation area spanning 2,145 hectares. Stroll along woodland trails, watch waves crash alongside clifftop paths or take a moment to breathe in the sea air. In the summer, look out for birds like puffins, razorbills and terns.
While this vast national park is full of history, it’s only been an official national park since 2011 – two years after 7,000 nature-loving locals formed a human chain to protect it from development.
5. There are lots of breathtaking beaches to visit
When you visit Jersey, you’ll have your pick of 24 pristine beaches – all washed clean by Europe’s biggest tide. And don’t worry about that infamous British weather. Jersey is the sunniest spot in the British Isles, so you can expect plenty of European sunshine. In Jersey, you’re never more than ten minutes from the sea. From the golden sandy bays of the south, the Atlantic waves of the west coast and the sheltered coves and hidden rock pools of the north and east, Jersey’s beaches are a playground to explore.
6. You can walk all the way around the island
To really get the lay of the land, why not try walking the island’s circumference? Jersey’s extensive network of walking trails makes this possible. Even if you don’t make it all the way around, you’ll never be short of variety when you hop on the walking trails. Spend one day winding up and down rolling green hills and the next breathing in the salty sea air from rugged clifftop paths. Or immerse yourself in nature as you walk through densely wooded valleys before spending another day strolling through tree-lined country lanes where birdsong fills the air.
7. The island is a cyclist’s paradise
You don’t need to worry about the traffic, either. Jersey prioritises cyclists with its network of bicycle-friendly ‘Green Lanes’. Limited to 15mph in speed, they allow you to truly relax and enjoy the immersive experience. There’s something for everyone, whether you prefer a gentle cycle alongside sandy beaches or a thigh-burning hill climb on the north coast. The crash of waves, the coconutty scent of gorse and the caw of seabirds will accompany whichever route you choose.
For a real challenge, test your mettle on the 100km island ride. With 1,000m of elevation, it’s not one for the faint-hearted (or weak-legged!)
Download a free copy of the Visit Jersey cycle network to find your preferred route.
8. And you can take it easy on an e-bike
If cardio isn’t your cup of tea, you can still enjoy the great outdoors on an Evie e-bike. These simple and sustainable bicycles are powered by an electric motor, giving you a helping hand as you pedal. You can power up hills, whizz along lanes and spend the whole day in the saddle without using up as much energy. You still get the endorphin rush, too.
When you hop on an e-bike, you can pack more into your cycling holiday. Visit Jersey even has a suggested three-day e-bike itinerary, taking in some of the island’s most interesting sights. Swim in an Art Deco-era lido, enjoy views from the island’s highest point, and tuck into the best-ever bacon sandwiches.
9. It has unique accommodation
Jersey is a land steeped in legend and history. Its unique culture and tapestry of traditions can also be found in a range of unique places to stay. How about a historic fort, a radio tower perched on the cliff edge, or a 30’s-style boat-shaped beach hut just steps from the sand? Make one of the island’s heritage locations your home and get a unique island experience
Or, for a hotel break, you can follow in the footsteps of Victor Hugo and Dame Vera Lynn at The Pomme d’Or Hotel in St. Helier. Built in 1837, this grand Victorian hotel has a rich history – and was commandeered by German forces during WWII. It’s from the balcony of this hotel that the Union Jack was raised to mark the Liberation of Jersey in 1945.
10. Go Dolphin spotting on the English Channel
Carve through Jersey’s clean waters on an RIB experience to Les Ecréhous. As you explore this serene archipelago, just six miles from the coast of Jersey, you’ll feel like a desert island castaway. Keep your eyes peeled during the journey. You might be lucky enough to spot a pod of bottle-nosed dolphin playing in your wake.
Visiting Jersey: frequently asked questions
Jersey is the sunniest part of the British Isles, so it’s a wonderful place to visit all year round. It gets its best weather from May until October. July and August are best for basking on the beach, while shoulder season (May, June and September) is ideal for getting out and exploring. The temperature is pleasant, but there are fewer crowds. As for winter, it may be wet, but it’s still perfect for cosying up in the island’s pubs and inns.
Jersey is compact, so you can easily get around it in a weekend break. This will give you enough time to see the major sights, explore a few walking or cycling trails, and squeeze in a few dinners in the island’s excellent restaurants. However, there’s so much packed into the island that you could easily visit Jersey for a week or two and not get bored.
Absolutely! Jersey is a compact island, and it’s easy to get around by bike or e-bike. For longer journeys, there are taxis and buses. If you do decide to hire a car, remember that in Jersey, they drive on the left. The speed limit for the whole island is 40mph – apart from the cyclist-friendly 15mph Green Lanes.
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