Located in the English Channel, off the coast of Normandy, the island of Jersey has a unique culture that reflects its geographic position and historical influences from countries on either side of the sea. Although it is a British Crown Dependency, Jersey has its own legal system (a mixture of Norman and English law) and even its own language – Norman dialect Jèrriais – that remained in widespread use as recently as the 20th century.
The island’s beautiful countryside and rugged coastline draw visitors in droves. They book cheap flights to Jersey to enjoy the more than 30 beaches it has to offer, historic sites ranging whose significance ranges from the modern era to prehistoric times, and the charming atmosphere and well-preserved architecture of towns such as St Helier and St Ouen.
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Its southerly location and sheltered position in the bay of St Malo means that Jersey is often subject to warm summers and mild winters. In fact, the island usually enjoys hotter summers than any destination in the UK. The summer months of July and August are generally warmest and driest, whereas the winter months from December to February are usually coolest and wettest.
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Peak Season:
The summer months, between May and September, constitute Jersey’s peak season, as this is when weather is warmest and driest. The island is busiest in terms of tourism at this time, and this is reflected in accommodation and travel prices and availability.
Off Season:
Jersey’s tourism is at its least during the winter months, when weather is likely to be coldest and wettest. Spring is a very good time for off-peak visits to the island, as the weather is still usually pleasant but the high tourism season has yet to commence.
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Although Jersey’s picturesque countryside is ideal for hiking, hiring a car or taking public transportation may be desirable for longer trips across the island.
Connex Transport Jersey offers bus routes, with pickups roughly every 20 minutes, throughout the island starting and terminating at Liberation Station bus station on St Helier’s Esplanade. Services include routes from the station to Gorey Pier, Durrel, Bonne Nuit Bay, St Ouen’s Bay, Elizabeth Harbour, and the airport.
Taxis are also available, with taxi ranks in St Helier and at the airport as well as pre-booked services on offer.
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- The Jersey War Tunnels, also known as Hohlgangsanlage 8, is an underground hospital complex built by the German occupying forces in Jersey during the Second World War. The site is now an occupation museum, explaining what life was like for the people of Jersey under Nazi rule.
- Mont Orgueil Castle, also known as Gorey Castle, was founded in the 12th century and protected the island from French invasion for hundreds of years. The castle allows stunning views of the bay and harbour of Gorey, and even the French coast, which is a mere 22.5km away.
- aMaizin! Adventure Park at La Hougue Farm is an excellent attraction for all the family, containing a maze, a “barnyard” petting zoo, and more. Children will be sure to love meeting the adorable calves, goats, horses, rabbits and other animals, as well as tractor rides included with the price of entry.
- La Hougue Bie, a Neolithic burial ground dating back five and half thousand years, was first excavated in 125 and now allows public entry. On top of the burial mound, there are also two medieval chapels, and the site also contains a German World War II bunker.
- St Matthew’s Church in St Lawrence, also known as the Glass Church, is renowned for its splendid glasswork, found in the font, altar rail, pillars and cross among other places, which was created by renowned French glass and jewellery designer Rene Lalique.
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