Jersey Travel Guide – taste2travel

This is a Jersey Travel Guide from taste2travel.com

Date Visited: April 2018 

Introduction

At 9 miles by 5 miles (15 km by 8 km), Jersey (pop: 105,000) is the biggest of the Channel Islands but, due to its myriad country lanes and long, rugged, windswept coastline, it feels much bigger than it actually is.

Jersey lies in the English Channel just off the coast of Normandy, blending British and French influences into a unique cultural mix.

Officially the Bailiwick of Jersey, the island is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, not a part of the United Kingdom.

As such, Jersey has its own independent legal, administrative, and fiscal systems, as well as its own democratically elected parliament, the States Assembly.

The term “bailiwick” refers to Jersey’s historical structure, led by a “Bailiff” (chief judge and civic head), and signifies a distinct jurisdiction, similar to its neighbour, the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

While the buzzing capital of St Helier (pop: 35,800) is its heart, the rest of the island has plenty of appeal, from the superb south and west coast beaches to the castles and WWII fortifications along the north and east coasts.

Add to that a laid-back atmosphere and excellent food and it’s easy to see how Jersey draws flocks of visitors, especially during the busy summer season, to its sun-drenched shores.

Jersey is renowned for its rich history, from Neolithic monuments to World War II fortifications, and for its celebrated local produce, including fresh seafood, creamy dairy, and world-class potatoes.

I spent one week driving a rental car around Jersey which was the perfect amount of time in this Channel Island paradise.

Location

Jersey is located in the Bay of St. Malo, 14 miles (22 kilometres) from the French coast and roughly 160 kilometres (100 miles) south of mainland Britain.

It is the largest of the Channel Islands, covering just 118 square kilometres (46 square miles), making it compact and easy to explore.

Despite its proximity to France, Jersey is a self-governing Crown Dependency of the United Kingdom, giving it a distinctive political and cultural identity.

Its position at the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Channel shapes the island’s dramatic coastal scenery, with high cliffs, sheltered bays, and sweeping sandy beaches, as well as a mild maritime climate that makes it an inviting destination year-round.

People

The people of Jersey are known for their strong sense of local identity, shaped by a blend of British and French heritage.

The island’s population of around 105,000 is predominantly of British descent, but centuries of proximity to France and historical ties to Normandy have left a lasting cultural influence, visible in place names, traditions, and even the island’s legal system.

English is the main language spoken today, though Jèrriais, a form of Norman French, remains an important part of the island’s cultural heritage and is still taught and celebrated.

The people are proud of their history of independence as a Crown Dependency, with their own government and traditions distinct from both the UK and France.

Jersey has a cosmopolitan community as well, with residents and workers from across Europe and beyond, giving the island a diverse and welcoming character.

Islanders are renowned for their hospitality, strong connection to the sea and land, and appreciation for local produce and traditions, which together give Jersey a warm, community-driven atmosphere that visitors quickly notice.

Flag

The flag of Jersey is a simple yet distinctive design that reflects the island’s heritage and identity.

It features a red diagonal cross (St. Patrick’s saltire) on a white background, with a small yellow Plantagenet crown placed within a red shield at the top of the flag.

Adopted in its current form in 1981, the flag replaced earlier versions of the red saltire, which had been used unofficially for centuries but was sometimes confused with other regional flags.

The addition of the crown and shield highlights Jersey’s loyalty to the British Crown, while the red saltire recalls the island’s historic ties to England and Normandy.

The flag is flown proudly across the island, especially on official buildings and during festivals, and serves as a powerful symbol of Jersey’s unique blend of independence and tradition within the Channel Islands.

Currency

Jersey’s official currency is the Jersey pound, which trades under the international currency code of JEP.

While the Jersey pound is issued locally by the States of Jersey, but it is pegged at parity with the UK pound and both currencies are accepted interchangeably on the island.

Jersey issues its own distinctive banknotes and coins, featuring the British monarch, local symbols, historic figures, and landmarks that reflect the island’s identity.

While Jersey currency is valid on the island, it is not legal tender in the UK, although most banks in Britain will accept it for exchange.

Likewise, visitors can freely use British pounds in Jersey, making transactions easy for travellers from the UK.

The use of Jersey’s own money adds a unique touch to the island experience, giving visitors a tangible reminder of its distinct heritage.

Costs

Travel costs on Jersey depend mainly on your travel style, but because the island is small and well-served by buses, costs can be quite reasonable.

Suggested daily travel budgets:

• Budget traveller: £95–£135
• Mid-range traveller: £155–£230
• Deluxe traveller: £275–£450+

Sample costs: 

• Coca Cola (0.33L bottle): £2.50
• Water (0.33L bottle): £1.90
• Bottle of Liberation IPA Beer: £5.75
• Cappuccino: £3.60
• Big Mac Meal at McDonalds: £7.60
• Meal for 2 (inexpensive restaurant): £27.50
• Meal for 2 (expensive restaurant): £90.00
• Budget Accommodation at Villa Nova (summer): £78.00
• Mid-range Accommodation at the Ommaroo Hotel (summer): £144.00
• Top-end Accommodation at Radisson Blu Waterfront, Jersey (summer): £194.00
• Taxi (Airport to St. Helier): £20 to £25
• Liberty Bus Ticket (Airport to St. Helier): £3.00
• Rental car (per day): £30-£40
• Litre of petrol: £1.60

Sightseeing

Note: The sightseeing section starts in St. Helier, then follows a clock-wise direction around the island. 

Jersey offers a striking mix of natural beauty and historic charm, with sights that capture both its rugged coastline and its layered past.

Approaching the island, visitors are greeted by dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and green patchwork fields rolling gently down to the sea.

At low tide, Jersey reveals one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, uncovering vast expanses of sand and rocky seabed’s that transform the shoreline into an otherworldly landscape.

Inland, the scenery shifts to quiet country lanes, wooded valleys, and traditional stone farmhouses, while along the coast, medieval castles such as Mont Orgueil stand proudly, guarding the island’s bays.

From the lively capital, St. Helier, with its bustling markets and marina, to peaceful rural parishes and wildflower-covered cliffs, Jersey’s sights are diverse yet never far apart.

The best way to maximise your time on the island is with a rental car, with most destinations being a short drive from St. Helier.

Whether viewed from a clifftop trail, a seaside promenade, or a boat skimming the waters, the island presents a constantly changing but always picturesque scene.

St. Helier

St. Helier is the capital and largest town of Jersey, located on the island’s south coast overlooking St. Aubin’s Bay.

It is the island’s main commercial, cultural, and transport hub, home to the port, airport, shopping streets, markets, and government buildings.

St. Helier blends historic sites with modern amenities, restaurants, and museums, making it the focal point of daily life and tourism in Jersey.

Jersey War Tunnels

The Jersey War Tunnels are an extensive underground complex built by German forces during World War II using forced labour as part of the Atlantic Wall.

Carved deep into the hills near St. Helier, the tunnels were intended as a protected military hospital and command centre.

Today they operate as a museum, offering powerful exhibitions on the German occupation of Jersey, wartime life, and the island’s liberation in 1945.

The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by German forces during the Second World War.

The British government considered the islands to be of little strategic importance and were reluctant to spend money on their defence.

Corbiere Lighthouse

La Corbière Lighthouse stands dramatically on a rocky headland at Jersey’s south-western tip, marking one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints.

Built in 1874 to guide ships around treacherous reefs, it is linked to the mainland by a causeway revealed at low tide.

The lighthouse is especially famous for its sunset views, rugged coastal scenery, and panoramic vistas over the Atlantic.

“St. Malo” Boat Disaster Memorial

Located on the headland, overlooking La Corbière Lighthouse, is a memorial sculpted by Derek Tristram.

Crafted from a huge, flawless block of Jersey granite, the memorial is a sculpture of two hands clasping, and was erected to commemorate the rescue of 307 passengers from the catamaran “Saint-Malo” which ran aground on rocks off this point in 1995.

All passengers were successfully rescued!

St. Ouen’s Bay

Stretching to the north of, the west coast of Jersey is dominated by St. Ouen’s Bay, a vast, windswept stretch of golden sand, extending for several kilometres beneath dramatic dunes and headlands.

Exposed to Atlantic swells, it is the island’s premier spot for surfing, kite-surfing, and beach walks, with powerful tides and a wild, open feel.

The bay is also known for its spectacular sunsets, historic bunkers from the German occupation, and the nearby rural parish of St. Ouen.

Located offshore, and accessible at low tide, La Rocco Tower, is a distinctive round coastal defence tower standing on a rocky reef.

Kempt Tower

Kempt Tower is a 19th-century coastal defence tower located on the headland above St. Ouen’s Bay on Jersey’s west coast.

Built in the 1830s as part of the island’s fortifications against potential French attack, it is a circular stone tower designed to mount artillery and protect the bay.

Today, Kempt Tower is a prominent historic landmark within a scenic area popular for coastal walks and views over the Atlantic.

Kempt Tower is classified as a Martello Tower – a type of small, circular, defensive coastal fort that was built across the British Empire during the 19th century, from the time of the French Revolutionary.

Jersey Pearl

Located at the northern end of St. Ouen’s Bay, Jersey Pearl specialise in cultivated pearls, which are farmed in the waters off of Jersey.

While pearl shopping is the main attraction, the visitor’s complex includes an excellent cafe.

Battery Moltke

Battery Moltke is a well-preserved coastal fortification located on the cliffs at Les Landes, in the north-west of Jersey.

It was built during the German occupation of the island in World War II as part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall defences.

The battery was designed to protect the surrounding coastline and sea approaches and originally housed heavy artillery guns, along with bunkers, ammunition stores, observation posts, and underground tunnels.

Its elevated clifftop position provided wide views over the Atlantic, making it strategically important.

Today, Battery Moltke is a historic site and museum, open to visitors who can explore its concrete fortifications, restored rooms, and gun emplacements.

Interpretation panels explain life during the occupation and the role the battery played in Jersey’s wartime history.

Surrounded by open heathland and dramatic coastal scenery, Battery Moltke offers a powerful contrast between stark military architecture and natural beauty, and it is a key site for understanding Jersey’s unique experience during World War II.

Grosnez Castle

Located at the north-western tip of Jersey, Grosnez Castle is a ruined medieval fortress perched on dramatic cliffs at Jersey’s north-west corner, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Built in the 14th century to defend the island against French attack, the castle once guarded approaches from the sea.

Although now largely in ruins, its rugged setting, stone remains, and sweeping coastal views make Grosnez Castle a striking and atmospheric historic site, popular with walkers and photographers.

Plémont Bay 

Located on the northwest coast, Plémont Bay is one of Jersey’s most picturesque bays, surrounded by soaring cliffs.

The beach is flooded by the sea at high tide, and at low tide it reveals a beautiful golden sandy beach.

The beach is accessed by a steep staircase from the car park atop the bay.

Grève de Lecq

Grève de Lecq is a small, sheltered bay and harbour on Jersey’s north coast, framed by steep green cliffs.

Known for its calm waters and sandy beach, it contrasts with the island’s wilder west coast and is popular for swimming, kayaking, and family outings.

Grève de Lecq, which boasts the only Martello Tower on the north coast, has a sedate, charming, almost village-like feel, with historic fortifications, seaside cafés, and scenic coastal walking routes nearby.

Devil’s Hole

Devil’s Hole is a dramatic natural sea cave and blowhole on Jersey’s north coast, near the village of St. Mary.

The best time to visit Devil’s Hole is at noon when the sun is directly overhead and illuminates the hole.

At other times, the hole is in shadow.

Formed by erosion of the island’s granite cliffs, it plunges deep underground and connects to the sea below.

During rough weather, waves force air and water through the cave, creating a booming sound that gave the site its name.

Bonne Nuit Bay

Bonne Nuit Bay is a small, picturesque natural harbour located on the north coast of Jersey in the parish of St John, part of the Channel Islands.

Its name comes from the French words for “good night” — a nod to its long-standing reputation as a sheltered, peaceful anchorage where sailors could find refuge overnight.

Gorey

Gorey is a picturesque coastal town on the east coast of Jersey, best known for the imposing Mont Orgueil Castle that towers above its harbour.

The town has a relaxed, village-like atmosphere, centred around a small marina and fishing port lined with cafés, restaurants, and pubs.

With nearby sandy beaches, coastal walking paths, and views across the English Channel toward France, Gorey is a popular spot for dining, seaside walks, and exploring Jersey’s medieval history.

Gorey combines history, seaside scenery, and a friendly local atmosphere, making it one of Jersey’s most attractive and enjoyable towns for both visitors and residents.

Mont Orgueil Castle

Mont Orgueil Castle is a large medieval fortress on the east coast of Jersey, overlooking the fishing port of Gorey Harbour.

Built starting in 1204, it was the island’s main defensive stronghold against French invasion for centuries and is one of the best-preserved medieval castles still standing today.

The completed medieval fortress protected the island until the development of gunpowder and cannon-shot made its position untenable.

It features towers, staircases, secret rooms and battlements with dramatic views toward France, and now operates as a historic site open to the public, showcasing exhibits and Jersey’s history.

La Rocque Harbour

La Rocque Harbour is a charming small fishing harbour and coastal spot on the southeastern tip of Jersey.

It’s known for its natural beauty, sandy beach and relaxed seaside atmosphere — making it an ideal place to visit if you’re exploring Jersey’s coastline.

The harbour’s character changes dramatically with the tides.

At low tide, wide expanses of sand, rocky gullies and reefs are exposed, great for rock pooling and exploring marine life.

At high tide, the sea comes right up to the beach and you can swim from the sand (though the seabed can be rocky, so care is needed).

Accommodation

During my time on Jersey, I stayed at one of the many guest houses which can be found in downtown St. Helier.

Jersey offers a wide and well-developed range of accommodation options, catering to every style of traveller, from luxury seekers to budget backpackers.

This compact island has an impressive hotel scene, especially in and around St. Helier, St. Brelade’s Bay, and the island’s picturesque southern coast.

Rates during the (low) winter season are much cheaper than during the (high) summer season.

A complete list of options is available on the Accommodation page of the Visit Jersey website.

Accommodation Costs

Jersey has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, with examples being:

Eating Out

From downtown St. Helier to clifftop restaurants and beachside cafes, Jersey is brimming with dining options.

The cuisine of Jersey reflects its island setting, combining fresh seafood, high-quality local produce, and influences from both British and French cooking traditions.

Seafood is central to Jersey’s food culture. The island is especially famous for lobster, crab, scallops, oysters, and mussels, often served simply to highlight their freshness.

Jersey is also renowned for its dairy products, made from rich milk produced by Jersey cows.

Butter, cream, ice cream, and cheeses are widely used in both savoury and sweet dishes.

A signature local ingredient is the Jersey Royal potato, a protected early-season potato with a delicate, nutty flavour. It is commonly served boiled with butter or paired with seafood and lamb.

Meat and farm produce include locally raised lamb, beef, and pork, along with seasonal vegetables grown in the island’s mild climate.

Jersey Dairy Products

Jersey is famous for its dairy products, especially its milk, cream, and butter.

The island is world-renowned for the Jersey cow, a distinctive breed known for producing milk with an exceptionally high butterfat content.

This rich milk gives Jersey dairy products their characteristic creamy texture and deep flavour.

Jersey milk is naturally golden in colour due to high levels of beta-carotene while locally made varieties of cheese and ice cream benefit from the milk’s richness.

From creamy and delicious Jersey Dairy products to fine, fresh seafood and farm produce, Jersey is paradise for travelling gourmands.

Visa Requirements

Jersey has a visa policy aligned with the UK, so you’ll generally need a UK visa (grey countries on the map above), or an ETA – Electronic Travel Authorisation – (lime green countries on the map above) to enter Jersey, unless you are a visa-exempt national, or already have UK immigration permission to live, work, or study in the UK.

Citizens of Ireland (blue on the map above) can enter Jersey without a visa or ETA.

You can check your requirements and apply for an ETA here: https://www.gov.uk/eta

If arriving from the UK, you will normally enter Jersey without any immigration formalities.

I received no passport stamps during my visit.

Getting There

Getting to Jersey either involves a ferry trip or a flight.

Air

Flights arrive at Jersey Airport (IATA: JER), which is an international airport located in the parish of Saint Peter, 7.4 km (4.6 mi) northwest of Saint Helier.

The airport serves as the hub for Blue Islands airline.

The following airlines operate scheduled services to/from Jersey Airport:

• Blue Islands – flies to/from Bristol, East Midlands, Exeter, Guernsey, Southampton
• British Airways – flies to/from London–Gatwick, London–Heathrow
• easyJet – flies to/from Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London–Gatwick, London–Luton, Manchester

Airport Transport

Both taxis and buses connect the airport to downtown St. Helier.

LibertyBus route 15 connects the airport to downtown St. Helier with a single ticket costing £3.00 (cash) or £2.55 (contactless).

A public taxi from the airport to downtown St. Helier should cost no more than £20.

Sea

Condor Ferries connect the UK and France to Jersey and Guernsey.

To/ From the UK

As per the company website: 

“If you’re travelling to the UK, you have a choice of sailings.

From Guernsey, you can sail to Poole or Portsmouth port onboard our high-speed ferry, Condor Liberation from 3 hours. Or, you can travel onboard Commodore Clipper to Portsmouth port in 12 hours and 55 minutes overnight via Jersey. If sailing directly from Guernsey to Portsmouth, it will take approximately 8 hours instead. 

Travelling from Jersey to the UK means you can either sail to Poole port onboard Condor Voyager or Condor Liberation in just over 4 hours, or you can sail to Portsmouth port onboard Commodore Clipper in 8 hours and 55 minutes. However, if Commodore Clipper sails via Guernsey, it will take longer.

If you’re travelling from St Malo to the UK, you’ll take the Condor Voyager via Jersey for your crossing to Poole, giving you a total sailing duration of 6 hours and 20 minutes. You may also have the chance to take Condor Liberation, which will make the sailing slightly longer.”

To/ From France

From Saint‑Malo: The crossing time is around 1 hour 25 minutes on the fast ferry with foot passengers paying £36 one-way.

Typical ferry frequency: up to ~7 sailings per week on Saint‐Malo to Jersey.

You can view the full timetable on the Condor Ferries website.

To / From Guernsey

Brittany Ferries operate a weekly service between Jersey and Guernsey which takes 1 hour on a high-speed boat.

Getting Around

Getting around Jersey is straightforward, with a range of transport options suited to its compact size and scenic landscapes.

Because the island is only about 9 miles (14 km) by 5 miles (8 km), journeys are short, and visitors can easily explore multiple parts of Jersey in a single day.

Public Transport

The island has a reliable public bus network operated by LibertyBus, connecting St. Helier (the capital) with towns, villages, beaches, and attractions across the island.

Routes are frequent in summer, with reduced services in winter, and tickets can be purchased on board or via contactless payment.

Of importance to arriving visitors is route 15 which connects the airport to downtown St. Helier.

You can view the route map and timetables on the LibertyBus website.

LibertyBus operates a flat fare single ticket policy for travel on any route, anywhere around the Island.

Tickets can be purchased from the driver on the bus either using cash or contactless.

Adult fare

• Cash: £3.00
• Contactless: £2.55
• LibertyBus App: £2.55, block of 10 trips- £ 22.50 (only via the App)
• AvanchiPAYG: £2.25

Discover Jersey Pass

Both ‘individual’ or ‘family’ passes are available, with a one-day pass costing £9.50 (individual) or £22 (family).

Taxi

The easiest way to book a taxi on Jersey is with the Jersey Taxi app.

Taxis are available at ranks at the airport and in downtown St. Helier.

Contact Numbers for Jersey Taxi Companies: 

• Citicabs: +44 (0) 1534 499999
• Domino Cabs: +44 (0) 1534 747047
• Liberty Cabs: +44 (0) 1534 767700
• Neo Taxi: +44 (0) 7700 709916
• Panda Cabs: +44 (0) 1534 481666
• Premium Cabs: +44 (0) 7797 844882
• Ryde: +44 (0) 1534 666333
• Yellow Cabs: +44 (0) 1534 888888

Rental Car

During my time on Jersey, I explored the island using a rental car which is the best way to maximise your time in this idyllic part of the UK.

A typical car rental price on Jersey is around £30-£40 per day, depending on the car type and time of year, with mini and economy cars being the cheapest options.

Smaller cars are the best option since Jersey’s roads are generally narrow and winding, especially in the countryside, and speed limits are lower than in the UK (usually 40 mph / 64 kmh or less).

A full list of car hire companies is available on the Visit Jersey website.

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That’s the end of my Jersey Travel Guide.

If you wish to leave any feedback, you can do so using the form below, or the contact page.

Safe Travels!
Darren

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