Travel Tips

There is no better place for a glorious weekend getaway than the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands. You can pick and choose from such a wide variety of activities; it’s hard to know what to do. From hiking to biking, beaches to medieval castles, sea kayaking and surfing, the list goes on.

One of the most popular things to do on a weekend break to Jersey is to take a walk along the coastline. No matter where you stay in Jersey you are never far from the sea. The island itself is only nine by five miles. Surprisingly this makes it the largest of the Channel Islands. There are a large variety of walks and hikes you can do on the island, from gentle beach strolls to cliff top paths, making it ideal for any fitness level.

A visit to Mont Orgueil also makes the list of things to do. Mont Orgueil is a mediaeval castle that overlooks Gorey Harbour and the Royal Bay of Grouville. It was recently restored to its former glory and features a great view of the French coastline, which is only 14 miles away, from the top of the turrets.

For an extended break, why not take a week-long walking tour of the island? There are a number of companies that offer guided and self-guided tours along the coastal walking paths. Take a stroll through the St Helier Central Market to grab some supplies for your walk of the day. Dating back to 1882, the fruit, vegetable and flower market is worth seeing for the produce and the architecture. The market was built with cast iron in a Victorian fashion and holds much of its former glory to this day. The Central Fountain is a gorgeous spot to stop and watch the bustle of the market take place.

There is a long tradition of pottery making in Jersey, particularly in Gorey, with plenty of places to stop and watch the pottery being made, fired and glazed. You can even try your hand at decorating your own which is a great activity for children and adults alike and is especially handy if the weather is bad.

Last, but not least, take in the sights and smells of the Lavender Farm. Best visited between May and September, you can explore nine acres of lavender and watch it being made ready for a whole host of uses. The gift shop is particularly nice smelling, as you can imagine.

Of course, regardless of what time of year you choose to take your flights to Jersey, with these handy tips, hopefully you’ll be able to organise your break to fit in the best of what this popular destination has to offer.