JERSEY

COUNTRY CODE: GB

Currency:
Jersey has its own currency tied to the British Pound with all UK
notes and coins legal tender. Pound Sterling (JEP £) = 100 P

JERSEY

The most southerly and largest of the Channel Islands has
much to offer with its fine blend of the best of England and
France. Situated around its 72km coastline are quaint fishing
villages such as St Aubin, marvellous sandy beaches (rated
as some of the cleanest in Europe) and a collection of
dramatic craggy coastal walks. Inland is just as rewarding,
with fascinating attractions, endless, diverse historic sites
and gentle verdant scenery all linked by narrow country
lanes. Festivals play a big a part in island life and barely a
month goes by when a local seasonal event is not being
celebrated. The capital of St Helier while small, is a
cosmopolitan smart harbour town and the main focus for the
islands shopping, eating, entertainment and nightlife culture.

THE ISLAND

Jersey has been hotly contested through
the centuries and its strategic position
between France and Britain has left a long
legacy of fascinating historical sites. From
Medieval castles such as Mont Orgueil at
Gorey, through to the evocative Jersey
War Tunnels at St Lawrence created by
German occupying forces during the
Second World War. Today, Jersey is a
unique and intriguing destination to both
explore and relax in. Within the beautiful
and varied coastline, the island takes on a
gentle verdant green countryside rich in all
kinds of flora and fauna. Split into 12
parishes, Jersey very much takes on its
English persona, with villages based
around the parish church and the local pub
all connected by leafy lanes ideally suited
to cyclists and hikers. Along the way are
some fine vistas across rich woodland and
fields that grow both the famous Jersey
Royal Potato crop and provide pasture for
cute doe-eyed Jersey cattle that supply the
unique and deliciously rich dairy produce
famously used in the Jersey cream tea.
Jersey really is a contrasting place, despite
being only 116sq km in size. On the one
hand its isolation as an island and reliance
on the land and sea creates a genuine
sense that a visit is a trip back in time to a
more idyllic less complicated world.
Whereas in St Helier, the capital, the
atmosphere and surroundings assume a
confident, affluent air of fine hotels and
dining, luxury marinas and high- end
shopping mostly inspired by its high
earning residents and its well established
status as an off-shore banking centre.

DO & SEE

For such a small island there is a wealth of
attractions and activities to suite just about
every age and taste. History lovers of all
periods will find something of interest.
From the Neolithic monument at La
Hougue Bie to the legacy of preserved
fortifications of the German occupation
scattered around the island of which many
are free to explore. But it’s the award
winning Jersey War Tunnels in St Lawrence
that draws the largest crowds. Deep
underground, more than a kilometre of
chambers and corridors vividly relates the
experiences of both residents and
occupiers in an interactive and sensitive
way making it a real must for any visit to
the island.
Also in St Lawrence is the Hamptonne
Country Life Museum which recreates rural
life within a number of painstakingly
restored buildings, living history
interpretations and demonstrations of
traditional rural crafts. Alternatively, The
Living Legend in St Peter also offers
displays of Jersey’s heritage and comes
with a number of children’s attractions,
including crazy golf, an adventure
playground, crèche and a karting track.
Other museums worthy of sometime are
the Jersey Museum and the Maritime
Museum. Both located in St Helier, they
offer all kinds of interactive, hands-on fun
and learning that will appeal to both adults
and children.
An absolute must for animal lovers is the
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in
Trinity. Established by author and
broadcaster Gerald Durrell and renowned
worldwide for its endeavours in the animal
kingdom, its main purpose is the breeding,
survival and showcasing of endangered
species from across the world. Allow at
least 4 hours to do this worthwhile,
important and entertaining attraction
justice. Continuing on a natural theme,
nearby is the Eric Young Orchid Foundation
which allows visitors to marvel at one of
the finest collections of hybrid orchids in
the world, while at St Brelade, the Jersey
Lavender Farm is open to visitors to learn
of the islands long tradition of perfumery.
For the more active, there are multitudes
of walks and footpaths to suit even the
seasoned ’hiker’ and it’s possible to walk
from the far north-west to the far north
east of the island on a delightful 16 mile
course, taking in some of the most
fabulous scenery. There is also an
extensive network of green lanes, which
give priority to the pedestrian, cyclist and
horse riders.
Jersey’s 72km coastline is certainly a
contrasting one. The south is dominated by
golden sweeps of fine sandy beaches such
as St Aubin’s and St Brelade’s while, some
of the world’s best surfing and wake
boarding can be found on St Ouen’s Bay on
the west coast. In complete contrast, the
north of the island is one dramatic cliff and
headlands that shelter hidden coves and
tiny fishing harbours such as Rozel and
Bonne Nuit Bay. This is also one of the
best places to observe bird life and like the
rest of the island is interspersed with
former German fortifications. The eastern
seaboard combines both rocky outcrops
and some more fine beaches such as
Longbeach which also attracts water skiers
and wind surfers.

Food

There are over 200 eateries to cater for all
tastes and budgets including many ethnic
restaurants and of course traditional
French cuisine.
Surrounded by the sea, it’s no surprise
Jersey is well known for its fish dishes and
range of quality sea food, with scallops,
spider crabs, lobster and oysters
particularly good. If unsure what to have,
opt for a fruits de mer, a vast plate of
mixed sea food goodies created to leisurely
share amongst your companions. Other
fish that feature high on seasonal menus
includes thick white monkfish, tasty bass
and Jersey plaice often eaten with a salad
of locally grown lettuce, tomatoes and
peppers.
National specialities include Bean Crock, a
variation on the French Cassoulet La Soupe
d’anguilles (conger eel soup) and Fiottes
(balls of flour, sugar and eggs, cooked in
milk). The Island is, of course, famous for
Jersey Royal potatoes, so make sure that
you get to taste them while you’re here,
glistening with melted Jersey butter.
Alternatively, why not try the unique Black
Butter. Made from local apples, its darkly
sweet taste can be enjoyed straight of the
spoon or as an accompaniment with
cheese, Jersey ice cream or just toast. To
finish off why not try local apple brandy or
a cream liqueur.
Haute cuisine thrives here with the island
boasting more than its fair share of the
finest restaurants and award-winning
chefs. It can even claim 2 Michelin star
restaurants – Tassili at the Grand Hotel, St
Helier and Bohemia at The Club Hotel &
Spa, St Helier. But one of the beauty’s of
Jersey is that eating need not cost the
earth and aside from the many fine dining
experiences on offer, there are plenty of
good quality restaurants and cafes to suit
every need and whim including the
traditional British pub. Whatever is chosen
of the vast and varied menus try at least
once to accompany it with a local island ale
or Jersey wines produced from the La Mare
vineyards.
The harbour town of St Aubin is a favourite
foodie haunt with islanders with a healthy
number of quality eateries, such as The
Salty Dog, which fuses New World
influences with local produce, while
another good choice would be the
sensational views offered by the Boat
House on the harbour edge.
Such is the pride and enthusiasm for
standards of food and drink on the island
that a regular number of annual events
take place to celebrate the best of local
produce and its preparation including The
Feast of Food and Culture and World
Jersey Cheese Festival in May and the
Grand’s Festival of Food in June. During
October through to mid November, when
most of the tourists have left the island,
‘Tennerfest’ takes place, when the majority
of the restaurants on the island take part
in offering special discounted rates in order
to keep business up during their quieter
season.
At the other end of the food chain and for
kids who simply can’t survive without one,
there is a branch of McDonald’s in St
Helier.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE

With a choice of traditional pubs, funky
new bars, live music, and al fresco dining,
there is something here to exceed the
expectations of even the most seasoned
night owl.
Local laws dictate that 2.30am is the latest
any venue can stay open. Despite these
restrictions, the islands bar and club scene
has come on leaps and bounds over recent
years and there should be a place for the
young at heart to dance and enjoy at least
some of the night away.
For the cool and the chic, the largest
concentration of bars and clubs are located
along the Esplanade and the Waterfront
Centre in St Helier. The stylish ‘Bar’,
boasts guest DJ’s and live bands with the
special bonus of wonderful panoramic
views over the bay from its large balcony.
In close proximity, Chicago Rock and the
All Sports Bar & Brassiere both provide an
unrivalled party atmosphere and are
particularly popular with large raucous
groups. Liquid & Envy (two distinctly
different clubs in one venue) is currently
the islands hippest place to head. Other
worthy alternatives in St Helier include the
lively Mint Bar and Chambers, a large
popular club that regularly features live
bands.
Beyond the capital in St Ouen’s Bay,
Watersplash has made a name for itself
amongst surfers drawn by its beachfront
location and regular DJ appearances.
For those who prefer their evenings a little
more tranquil and traditional, the island
has a fine collection of old fashioned,
atmospheric pubs, and if real ale is your
thing there are several inns worth a visit.
The Lamplighter and The Prince of Wales in
St Helier offer a selection of guest beers all
year round, while beyond the capital, the
17th century Old Smuggler’s Inn at
Ouaisnè is a legendary, award winning real
ale pub regularly celebrated in the islands
annual beer festival.
For the slightly less energetic, there are 2
cinemas in the capital together with the
Jersey Opera House which attracts a host
of international stars to perform concerts,
ballets, musicals, comedy and drama. Two
other distinctively different venues are the
Arts Centre in St Helier which offers a
broad and eclectic programme and
Gloucester Hall at Fort Regent, the island
biggest venue that plays host to The
Jersey Symphony Orchestra together with
a wealth of international touring pop acts.

Airport

Jersey airport (JER) is well served from
most UK airports and has good connections
to a selection of mainland European cities.
Facilities include Duty-free shopping,
restaurant and bar, car hire, ATMs and
business facilities.
A taxi fare to St Helier will cost
approximately £20 for the 8km journey.
Bus service number 15 runs approximately
every 30 minutes and takes 30 minutes to
reach Liberation Bus Station in the heart of
St Helier at a cost of £1.50.

Public Transport

Travelling by bus is an excellent way to see
the island - particularly given that many
inland roadside hedgerows dwarf cars and
cyclists, so blocking the views - and there
is an extensive reliable network
criss-crossing Jersey. One day unlimited
bus travel passes can be purchased from
drivers for £6, while weekend, 5-day and
3-day passes can be bought from the
travel office of Liberation bus station.
Given its small size and relatively gentle
terrain, hiring a Bicycle is another popular
way of exploring the island.
Car hire is plentiful both in St Helier and at
the airport. Driving is on the left and there
is a speed limit of 64kph. Those wishing to
hire a car must be over 21 years of age
have had a full licence for at least one year
and have no endorsements or
disqualifications for dangerous driving or
driving over the alcohol limit within the
previous five years.

Taxi
There are two types of taxis on the Island.
Controlled (Taxis) have yellow roof signs
and are able to collect people from the
street and official taxi ranks (in St Helier
Weighbridge, Library Place and Snow Hill).
Restricted (Cabs) will have a white roof
sign normally with the company name and
the words ’restricted’ and can only provide
door to door pick-up. Whatever is chosen
rates will vary dependent on the time of
day.

Telephone
Country code: +44
Area code: 01534