Jersey
With miles of unspoilt, surf-lapped coastline and a balmy climate, the most southerly of the Channel Islands is a truly beautiful place.
Head to Jersey’s rugged north coast for stunning clifftop walks or adventure inland to explore the capital, St Helier, where you’ll everything from Victorian seafood markets to fascinating museums.
Getting Around
At only nine miles (14km) by five miles (8km), Jersey is a small island (the sea is never more than 10 minutes away) – so a decent pair of walking shoes will get you a long way on foot. But to really explore the island, there are plenty of ways to get around.
Public transport
Local buses travel from the central terminal at Liberation Station to key tourist sites, including the Medieval Mont Orgueil Castle, the blustery Corbière Lighthouse and the wildlife-loving Durrell Foundation. A heads-up, though, many bus routes stop running after 1900.
Taxis
There are taxi ranks outside the airport, at the Elizabeth Harbour terminal and dotted across the island, but mainly they are based in the south. Public taxis are meter controlled.
Car hire
Local taxis can be expensive for the small distances travelled. Consider hiring a car in St Helier or at the airport, or have an adventure by hiring a bicycle in town. On a bike, explore the designated cycle paths along the seafront from St Helier to St Aubin and make use of the network of Green Lanes, where you’ll have priority over cars.
Key neighbourhoods
St Helier: for shopping and eating out
Small enough to explore every nook and cranny, St Helier has a vibrant culinary scene that spans experimental street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, it’s also the ideal place to indulge in some shopping. Pedestrianised King Street, with pretty flower boxes and a love of bunting, has familiar high-street names alongside luxury brands and several local independents, such as La Mare Wine Estate – the perfect place to pick up Jersey-grown and Jersey-made souvenirs.
St Ouen's Bay: for authentic local life
The long stretch of St Ouen's Bay, which makes up most of the west coast of the island, is home to one of the oldest surfing clubs in Europe and a popular barbecue spot for locals in the summer. Spend a day on rambling beach walks, a bit of dune adventuring or watching the surfers and kite surfers do their thing. But make sure you have your camera because the sunsets over the Atlantic are amazing.
Factbox
Voltage: 230V
Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP) is accepted everywhere, although the island does still use the Jersey pound (which has the same value), and you will often be given change in Jersey money while shopping.
Time zone: GMT
Language: English, although some road signs are in French. Jersey also has its own native language, Jerriais, but it is not widely spoken.