Things to see and do Jersey

Housed in the galleries of a former underground hospital, this museum depicts life in Jersey during the German occupation (July¹, 1940 - May 9, 1945). Outside, the site includes a library where visitors can consult archives, a large garden, The Garden of Reflection, and a photo exhibition held in the adjoining café. Hospital Ho8 (or Hohlgangsanlage 8) was excavated in galleries 40 metres deep and several kilometers long (some corridors are over 100 metres long). This formidable work was carried out between September 1941 and June 1944 by prisoners specially brought to the island to build German defense structures under inhuman conditions. The hospital had a capacity of over 500 people, but was so ill-adapted that it was virtually never occupied. Throughout the tunnels, visitors discover the true and terribly realistic story of the German Occupation, from the invasion of France to the liberation of the island, the social life of the Jersians, the hospital's medical facilities, the fate of forced laborers.. It's a truly interactive museum (you can touch a lot of things), as demonstrated by the facsimile identity card you'll be given at the entrance, which will enable you to follow the life of an islander during the occupation as you go on to the café. This is one of Jersey's finest museums, and since 2022 it has been offering two greatescape game courses.

It is for us without any doubt the most beautiful bay of the island of Jersey. In any case, it is the most accessible from the capital. At the end of the beach, the small fishing port is one of the most charming postcards of the island. To take advantage of the landscape, many quality restaurants have been set up around the basin and the parish hall, which stands in the center of the village. Opposite the beach is the fort of Saint-Aubin, accessible at low tide. This is the place to go for a nice walk or a long swim.

Starting from Grosnez Castel, a little further south and lost in the Jersey moors, is a needle-shaped rock over 60 meters high called the Pinnacle. It was a place of worship for thousands of years and is believed to date back to 4800 BC. From the point, you can clearly see Sark and Guernsey. A superb view on a sunny day and a great reward after a long walk in a rugged and sea-swept area. The fauna and flora here are superb. Get your walking shoes on!

Government House is the official residence of the Lieutenant-Governor (the man who rules Jersey on behalf of the King) and his wife. It is also the King's residence when he visits Jersey, as was the case with the late Queen during the last royal visit in 2005 to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Jersey. This vast residence was built in 1814 and has been occupied by the Lieutenant-Governors since 1822. During the Second World War, it was also the residence of the German Command.

The Jersey Wetland Centre overlooks a beautiful bird sanctuary, the St. Ouen Pond, which has been protected since 1975. The center is a nature center and an interpretation center where you can observe birds in their natural environment and even nest. In addition to the many observation posts (no less than 16 windows), the center offers many explanatory panels and an exhibition for explanations on the different species and wetlands. Harriers and other wading birds await you!

This is a great way to visit the Jersey coastline and especially the small archipelagos around Jersey. For half a day or a full day, we set course for the Ecréhous, the Minquiers, the Chausey islands and Sark. These small pieces of land will have no more secrets for you and, at the same time, you will discover the avian fauna (puffins, cormorants, waders, gulls, etc.) and the maritime fauna of the archipelago (seals, dolphins...). With beautiful sunsets as a bonus... Guaranteed sensations and discoveries!

At Jersey Yachting, we will organize discovery trips to Les Minquiers and Ecréhous, but especially charming afternoons (or mornings) or beautiful days on a boat to discover the island of Jersey. Aboard a superb catamaran (and with the help of a skipper), you will discover the superb coasts of the Channel Islands. Relaxed atmosphere, especially since the beautiful sailboat can also be rented for romantic dinners... Jersey Yachting also offers training courses to skipper this type of boat.

These vintage buses will allow you to visit the island or to go to certain attractions such as the Jersey War Tunnels or the Durell Wildlife Park. Whether you come for a day or a longer stay, this is a very interesting activity, as it allows you to visit a large part of the island in a few hours and discover very different landscapes. These green convertible buses are reserved for the visit of the island and you will have the choice between an East or West circuit. Note: audio-visit in French in all the buses.

Surrounded by green hills and surrounded by cliffs, Grève de Lecq is a small and friendly beach located between Saint-Ouen and Sainte-Marie in the southwest of the island. Here, it is the absolute calm and a perfect spot for a day at the beach with family, lovers or friends. Conveniently, there are a few restaurant options, in high season, above the beach. Ideal for a drink, an ice cream or a quick lunch on the go. In short, a dream spot for idleness! We love it.

Since 1831, successive owners of this beautiful granite mansion (built in 1797) had devoted themselves to wine, but the tradition was gradually lost. Fortunately, in 1968, the Blayney family, with the help of German and French winemakers (the grape varieties are German and French), managed to save the farm from ruin and re-establish a 6-hectare vineyard of quality. Annual production ranges from 13,000 to 21,000 bottles, with a range of dry white, red and rosé wines of excellent quality (Sainte-Marie, Baliwick, Perquage) sold on the estate.

On your tour (10:45, 11:45, 12:45, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 pm), you'll learn about the distillation process used to make wine and Jersey's famous cider brandy. What's more, it's all accompanied by a wine tasting (and delicious local apple juice for young and old alike)! In addition to wine, you'll also find Grapple (a refreshing blend of wine and cider), ciders, Jersey Apple Brandy and house gin, as well as many other local products such as traditional Jersey Black Butter, chocolates, fudges and cookies. A café is also available for lunch or tea. And, of course, there's a well-stocked store where you can do your shopping and slip a few goodies into your suitcase before boarding the boat home. An unmissable visit to the area.

This orchid foundation houses gigantic tropical greenhouses in which hundreds of varieties of orchids from all over the world are gently growing. This collection, which began in 1958, is today one of the most important in the world. The foundation has received several awards and proudly displays its titles in the entrance hall. For the amateurs and also those who would like to enjoy the gardens for a nice walk or a picnic.

This dolmen is one of the best preserved on the Island of Jersey, although the burial mound which covered this Neolithic burial site has disappeared. It dates from approximately 4500 BC. The huge flat stone that sits at the end of the chamber (which is actually double, which is very unusual) is thought to weigh over 24 tonnes. It was discovered and excavated between 1839 and 1868. And the dolmen inspired Victor Hugo for his poem Nomen, numen, lumen written in 1855, during his exile in Jersey.

Located at the end of a small winding road, Le Couperon is a burial chamber. Dating from 2400 B.C., this megalithic site is a covered walkway about 7 meters long and surrounded by an enclosure of raised stones (18 pieces supporting covering tables) in the center of which stands a dolmen 8 meters high. This ensemble is in a very good state of conservation. It was discovered in 1868. It can be the object of a nice walk and a beautiful point of view, a little lost in the North-East of Jersey.

This family attraction has received numerous awards for the quality of the thirty or so activities offered. In particular for its corn maze, offered in summer, for a unique treasure hunt! Actors offer you to solve enigmas to discover hidden treasures. But you can also go go-karting, have water gun battles, meet the farm animals, and many other fun activities. An ideal getaway for families with children of all ages.

In the hollow of the bay, you can see the islet of Guerdain, topped by a tower, known as "Janvrin's tomb". Philippe Janvrin, a sailor from Saint-Brelade, was approaching the coast when the plague broke out on board his ship. The authorities decided to quarantine the ship offshore. When he died, he was buried on this islet. The promontory of Portelet is also a nature reserve. In addition to the grandiose nature, it is an archaeological site. Excavations have brought to light the remains of Neanderthals, mammoths and rhinoceroses.

Noirmont Point is the southernmost point on the island of Jersey. Beyond its superb view, this promontory is also a War Museum. This open-air spot, displays heavy artillery pieces from various eras. The promontory also bears three observation towers built by the Germans during the Second World War, as well as the Lothringen artillery battery. The latter was part of the famous Atlantic Wall, the set of coastal fortifications built by the Third Reich to defend itself.

In this very extensive area of dunes, at the back of the very popular and visited bay of Saint-Ouen, one can observe a series of menhirs: the Trois Rocques, the Grand, the Petit Menhir and the Menhir Brisé and, at their heart, a burial chamber where the bones of about twenty people were found, presumably, during the excavations that brought the site to light in 1922. This megalithic site can be the occasion for a walk inland in a corner of the island where people come mostly for iodine-filled walks along the coast.

The Quétivel Mill is a water mill that was built in the 14th century. It was carefully restored by the National Trust for Jersey in 1978. The restoration of the water wheel has made it a living monument to the island's heritage. It is the last one in operation in Jersey. And what about the decor, which seems to come straight out of a children's book illustration? Charming. All around, the woods and meadows of St. Peter's Valley also invite you to take a delightful bucolic stroll.

Les Monts Grantez is a gallery dolmen in the commune of Saint-Ouen. This megalithic monument has been dated to the Middle Neolithic (between 4000 and 3250 BC). If it has lost its main table, it is still relatively imposing. This dolmen was discovered in 1839 and the excavations date back to 1912. Eight skeletons, animal remains and a beautiful variety of pottery were also found. It is a site with a rather intriguing atmosphere. A beautiful mystical walk in perspective, especially if the fog is of the part.

The Channel Islands Military Museum is a very interesting military museum where British and German military equipment - including a machine to decode secret messages - dating from the Second World War is displayed. A collection composed of hundreds of pieces and which is installed in a large restored German bunker. At the time, it was part of the Atlantic Wall, the defense system designed by Adolf Hitler. A very instructive visit.

This is a charming little chapel adjoining the church of Saint-Brélade and built around the 12th century. Inside, one can observe wall frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries, partly covered at the time of the Reformation. The chapel is built of large pebbles bound with a mortar of crushed shells and mixed with sea water. The stone roof was raised in the 14th century. To this day, it is not known if the name of the chapel (Fisherman) refers to Jersey fishermen or if the term was used to refer to fishermen.

This long beach is dominated by gentle hills where pretty manors are scattered here and there. It is really nice and, when the weather is (very) good, you can see France in the distance. For swimming, it is better to go there at low tide for safety reasons. Otherwise, kayaking and sailing are particularly popular activities in the bay. It is bounded on the south by the Archirondel tower (1794) and on the north by a long jetty which advances towards the sea. The jetty, very popular with anglers, is long and can be the object of a nice little stroll. It protects some boats (but also geese and ducks!). At its entrance, not far from the popular Breakwater Café and the parking lot, you will notice a plaque commemorating the exploit of a young Jersey man who swam around the island. This Victorian jetty was one of the elements of one of the two large naval bases of the islands (the other is in Alderney). The purpose was to face a possible French attack coming from Cherbourg. Construction began in 1847 and quickly became a financial drain. Before becoming useless anyway, militarily speaking. The second pier, which was to start from the Archirondel tower and close the bay, was never built. The Sainte-Catherine's Breakwater was completed in 1855... but proved to be unsuitable to receive warships. It was to be the largest port on the south side of the English Channel after Le Havre.

The dolmen of Mont Ubé is a Neolithic corridor tomb. This dolmen dates back to 4000 BC and was discovered and excavated in 1848. At the time of its discovery, we also found vases, tools, axes, a polished stone pendant and... human bones. It is presented as a gallery passage, with lateral niches in the burial chamber. It is today partially destroyed. But prehistory enthusiasts will have to go there to discover what remains of the dolmen. Notice to the amateurs!

The parish church of Grouville is absolutely charming and is one of the oldest on the island of Jersey. The first church in Grouville dates back to 1035, but local historians believe it to be even older. One of the most remarkable features of the church is the double-vessel baptismal font. A church to be seen if one walks in the village of Grouville. There is also a peaceful little cemetery adjacent to the church.

The church of St. Clement, the smallest parish in the island of Jersey, is located along the A5 road and was already in existence in the early 17th century. Still standing, it has since undergone extensive restoration work in the 19th century. These works have brought to light beautiful medieval murals, including one depicting the archangel St. Michael slaying a dragon. This is the main interest of this church which doesn't necessarily look like it from the outside. Don't hesitate to enter!

The church and adjacent cemetery dominate the beach. Founded in the ^11th century, during the Norman period, the church has expanded over the years. This is the reason for its somewhat motley architecture, which makes it all the more charming. The interior features a pre-Reformation baptismal font. The nave and choir date from the Romanesque period. The altar stone dates from the ^13th century. The cemetery is considered one of the most beautiful marine cemeteries in the world. It is magnificently embellished by immense oak trees. It's an enchanting place.

Coronation Park, also known as Millbrook Park, is a public garden with a large collection of plants, a beautiful Victorian shelter and a nice playground for children. It is a quiet and pleasant place just a stone's throw from the sea. It is typically British, down to the smallest detail: traditional, practical. A commemorative plaque specifies that the place was donated by a lady to celebrate the coronation of George VI in 1937. A good option for a walk that changes a little from the beach.

Here's a magnificent three-century-old group of rough-hewn stone farm buildings surrounded by meadows. Unlike ordinary farmers who, as they grew richer, destroyed their old houses to build bigger ones, these farmers built their farm buildings side by side. Inside, you can visit this reconstructed past. The buildings include 2 thatched cottages, a distillery, a bakery, a laundry and stables.

A pleasant maritime garden where greenery is quite rare, but where you can see a sculpture by the artist Philip Jackson, representing a group of swimmers and dolphins. Children will have fun in summer around the fountain with its jumping jets. You can also eat at the very good café La Frégate in the shape of an overturned boat. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the Elizabeth Castle. It is a starting point for a walk on the beach or the marina and the favourite meeting place of the young people of the city on Saturday afternoon.

It is easily identifiable, thanks to its large white dome that covers the hill overlooking the city center. It was King Edward VI who decided in 1550 that a fort should be built on this strategic hill. The aim was to provide the island with a defensive fort, a place of retreat for the inhabitants in case of invasion. But in the end, it would be a long time before the fort was built, long after the fortresses of Gorey and Elizabeth Castle. The plans for the Regent were drawn up during the Napoleonic Wars (there was a fear of invasion by Napoleon's troops) by John Hambly Humphrey. The beginning of the work was delayed for financial reasons. The fort was nevertheless built between 1806 and 1814 and named Regent, in honor of the Prince Regent of the time who would later become George IV.

The defensive system included towers, batteries, ramparts, arsenals and barracks. All this... for nothing. Because before its completion, the battle of Waterloo put an end to the reign of "the one for whom" the fort had been built: Napoleon. The British troops nevertheless remained there until 1928.

After the departure of the military, the islanders did not know what to do with this immense building that dominates the city. In the 1970s, it was finally transformed into a temple of sports and leisure. Swimming pool, tennis, gym, games, auditorium, etc., and always a beautiful view on the city and the sea. There are also promenades.

The right wing of this building, which houses the States, was built at the end of the 19th century, as was the left wing, which houses, on the first floor, the very interesting session room of the States. It is a small amphitheatre with three rows of seats, a hemicycle with oak panelling. Framed texts are affixed on both sides of the seats. These are the addresses offered to the King of England during his visits to the island. The Jersey Parliament, the States Assembly, administers its own particular affairs in a completely autonomous manner according to age-old traditions. While foreign policy and defence matters are managed by London, the Island can refuse to comply with any measure if it feels its independence and interests are threatened. Like Guernsey, it had refused to become part of the European Union. There was no question of harmonising with other European countries a tax system that had made and still makes it rich. All members of Parliament are elected by universal suffrage for a term of 3 to 6 years, and none of them is expected to represent a political party. The Parliament is composed of 12 representatives of the parishes, 10 senators and 29 deputies. They each participate in the various committees in charge of the different areas of the island's administration. The Lieutenant-Governor and the Legal Advisers are appointed by the Crown. The Bailiff is appointed for life by the King or Queen.

This small granite church with its rural Norman appearance was founded around the ^11th century. Over the ages, this place of worship has also served as an arsenal and warehouse. As parishioners grew and architectural styles changed, the church was repeatedly enlarged. In the ^14th century, the roof was raised and flamboyant Gothic stained-glass windows were installed. Originally a Catholic church, it was transformed into a Protestant temple after the Reformation. Inside, numerous commemorative plaques cover the walls.

The Royal Court was built later than the State building, in 1856. It sits every two months for criminal trials. The courtroom includes, like ours, a courtroom, boxes for lawyers and clerks, and a gallery for the public. However, there was also a bench for the lords, as a result of the feudal system.

Two sessions are very important for the perpetuation of the feudal system of the island, the Assises d'Héritage (the Thursday following May 4 and the Thursday preceding October 11), because the lords of the manors of each parish must "appear": if the holder of the fiefdom fails to answer the call 4 times, the fiefdom is confiscated for the benefit of the king. On the fateful day, all the lords took their places on the bench. The Court was presided over by the Bailiff, assisted by 12 jurats. The island's lieutenant-governor was also present with his entire staff. Halberdiers stood guard. The attorney general then calls out the names of the fiefs. Each lord rose in turn and replied, "I keep my day," reaffirming his allegiance to the Duke of Normandy. The bishop of Coutances and the abbot of Mont-Saint-Michel were then called. This time, it was the lieutenant-governor who answered. No lord has ever failed to answer the call and it will be so until the end of time. If you are passionate about this institution, read Roger Vercel's excellent book(Les Iles Anglo-Normandes, Albin Michel, 1956). His descriptions of the ceremonies are a delight!

The Jersey Maritime Museum is absolutely brilliant. Don't miss it under any circumstances! For once, the public is allowed to touch the exhibits and you can have a great time. It's very playful, very amusing and there are explanations in French. The museum presents absolutely all the facets of the maritime life of the island, without forgetting any: the phenomena of the tides, the currents and the winds; the tools of the marine carpenter; the flora and the fauna; models of boats and one of the rorqual whale, a miniature replica of the one that ran aground on the coasts in 1910, an illustration of the various marine knots, the inevitable sailors' songs and so on. On certain days, you will also be able to see craftsmen making wooden models. Children will also be able to sail model ships in basins where a small fan inflates the sails as the wind would. On the deck of the Orient Star, where there is a giant earth mobile, you will smell the dried fish, gunpowder and heavy steam of the ships of the time and even listen to the song of the whales... Don't hesitate to press all the buttons and open the doors of the small wall cabinets. Here, it is really possible to touch everything! Also not to be missed, just next door is the Occupation Tapestry Gallery with beautiful, richly decorated panels woven for the 50th anniversary of the Liberation.

The transition from the Maritime Museum to this gallery offers a striking contrast! We leave a playful atmosphere to enter a very solemn one. This tapestry originally had 12 panels, made by the 12 parishes of the island on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation, and which told the story of Jersey under the German occupation. A 13th, woven by local artist Wayne Audrain, was added for the 70th anniversary.

For over a century, this very serious agency has been offering standard tours of the island (1/2 day, 1 day...) and à la carte tours. Tours scheduled upon arrival of ferries from France are possible for a glimpse of Jersey before dropping you off in time for the return boat. Walking tours are also available. The many tours are fully described on the website. The agency also offers to handle ferry and air bookings for inter-island transfers or crossings to/from France.

If the Samarès manor can be visited from Monday to Saturday, one can visit every day the superb botanical gardens, created in the 1920s by the rich and philanthropic owner of a shipping company: Sir James Knott. Today, you can enjoy a unique collection of plants on the archipelago, rich in rare botanical species. A perfect place for a romantic walk or a family outing. Also a charming store and a café-crêperie.

Convenient for families, but also available to individuals, the Jersey Heritage Pass is a passport giving unlimited access to four attractions for the price of three for seven days (Mont Orgueil Castle, Elizabeth Castle, Jersey Museum & Art Gallery and Victorian House, Maritime Museum & Occupation Tapestry Gallery, Hamptonne Country Life Museum and La Hougue Bie). It is, of course, possible to buy the pass in advance, as it is only activated from the first attraction visited.