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10 Things to do in Jersey

Jersey has to be one of the best places to visit for an outdoor adventure weekend by the sea. There are so many things to do in Jersey: there’s cycling, running, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking and much more. And that doesn’t include the places to visit around the island, including Grosnez Castle, Jersey War Tunnels, Elizabeth Castle and Jersey Oyster Co. And there also some great restaurants in St Helier you must try.

Weekend in Jersey

READ MORE: Ultimate Guide to a Weekend in Jersey

ACTIVITIES IN JERSEY

Cycling – Jersey is the perfect place to go for a cycling holiday with miles of beautifully scenic routes all over the island. From calm cycle tracks along the coast to scenic routes that will raise your pulse, Jersey’s fresh air and spectacular views make it a world class destination for cycling.

Kayaking – I love kayaking and everywhere I go I try to get on the water, whether its paddleboarding or kayaking. Jersey is a great place to kayak with many superb kayaking locations to choose from. We didn’t get the chance to hit the water as we visited in December but we were recommend to return in the summer and explore some of Jersey’s secret beaches.

Surfing – Surfing is the activity of choice for many locals in Jersey! The most popular place to surf is St. Ouen’s Beach where the Atlantic swell and tidal shifts, make it the perfect place to try your hand at surfing. Whether a taster surf lesson, a one-to-one, or a family day with a difference, hit the water and feel the rush! The lifeguards run from May through to October every year and are always approachable and happy to offer some advice.

Hiking – Just like cycling, hiking around the island offers you sweeping dunes, green fields, towering cliffs, and unspoilt beaches. The variety of landscapes within a short distance make Jersey one of the best places to go walking or hiking. It’s easy to set out on your own and explore the island using their green lanes to ramble through farm and field or find hidden bays and secret coves. And if you get tired, you’re never far from a public bus or friendly local to point you in the right direction.

Weekend in Jersey

Weekend in Jersey

READ REVIEW: Jersey Accommodation: The Royal Yacht Hotel

PLACES TO VISIT IN JERSEY

Jersey War Tunnels – Jersey War Tunnels tells the true story of wartime Jersey in a way that no other visitor attraction does. It’s the best place to get a true picture of what life was really like in Jersey during WWII. The exhibition is housed within an underground tunnel complex, built by the Germans using slave labour.

Grosnez Castle – Grosnez Castle is a ruined 14th-century castle in St. Ouen, situated in Grosnez in the north-west corner of the island. Philippe de Carteret held it against the French when they held half of Jersey between 1461 and 1467, but it has been a ruin since the mid-16th century. Today, the ruins are open to the public with concrete steps that lead from the rear of Grosnez Castle to an automated signal station where you will have fantastic views across to the other Channel Islands.

Jersey Lavender Farm – Jersey Lavender is a working farm that grows lavender. During the harvest season (June to mid-August) the lavender crop is processed, the oil extracted and used to make a range of fragrant Jersey Lavender products. Don’t miss the talks in the distillery at 11.30 and 3.00 when you’ll learn about the whole process.

Elizabeth Castle – As part of the Jersey Heritage attractions, Elizabeth Castle is accessible at low tide by foot, or, at both low and high tide, the Castle Ferry, which will transport you across the bay to and from the Castle. Elizabeth Castle is the perfect place to spend a day exploring Jersey’s history. Climb the battlements, explore the turrets and bunkers and discover the Hermitage where Saint Helier is thought to have lived around 550 A.D.

Jersey Oyster Co – The company is the largest oyster growing concern in the British Isles and exports over 1,000 tons of oysters a year with 80% being exported to France. The produce is purified in tanks and packed at a purpose-built plant in Grouville. The business is owned by Chris Le Masurier, a third-generation oyster farmer.

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Weekend in Jersey

 

Jersey Zoo – Jersey Zoo began as the first ever conservation-themed zoo. 60 years later, Gerald Durrell’s animal haven is the natural place to discover some of the world’s most incredible creatures. Whether you’re after fun, tranquillity, knowledge or a place to soak up the sunshine, this stunning 32-acre park with valleys, woodland and some of the world’s rarest animals is the perfect chance to experience ‘the jewel in Jersey’s crown’. Relax and stay a while or see the best bits in under two hours.

Mont Orgueil Castle – Jersey Heritage make history come to life at Mont Orgueil Castle, which protected Jersey against the French invasion over 600 years ago. Explore the network of staircases and secret rooms to discover hidden treasures and breathtaking views. Discover secret artwork commissioned to tell the story of the castle and climb turrets to find the medieval ‘wheel of urine’.

La Mare Wine Estate, Distillery & Cider Farm – La Mare Wine Estate is a 20 acre working estate well known for its wines and popular Jersey Apple Brandy Cream. La Mare makes some of the island’s legacy recipes such as Black Butter preserve as well as its own contemporary produce from the distillery and production kitchens. Tours and tastings of the wines and handmade products are available daily.

The Botanic Gardens at Samarès Manor – The Botanic Gardens are privately owned by Seigneur de Samarès, Vincent Obbard. They are a development of gardens created in the 1920s by Sir James Knott. The gardens are diverse in style, extensive, tranquil and peaceful including a renowned herb garden and Japanese garden.

 

*I was invited by Visit Jersey to explore this wonderful island but as always all opinions are my own.

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  • Jess
    01/29/2019 at 15:26

    It looks like there is a huge range in activities, perfect for all tastes! I love the sound of the Lavender farm, especially with a Distillery Tour!

    xoxo
    Jess
    The Crown Wings | UK Travel & Lifestyle Blog

    • Sophie
      02/19/2019 at 15:50

      So many things to do on this tiny island!