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Guide to Jersey

Geography

Jersey is a self-governing Crown Dependency of the United Kingdom, located off the coast of France's northwestern coast. It is located 87 nautical miles south of Great Britain, roughly 12 nautical miles from France's Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy. It's the southernmost and biggest of the Channel Islands, rising 143 metres above sea level at its highest point.

Climate in Jersey

Jersey has a moderate marine climate with mild winters and pleasant summers. Even though it rains less frequently in the summer, the weather remains pretty stable throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 6°C in February to 17°C in August.

Culture

The strategic location of Jersey between the northern coast of France and the southern coast of England has shaped its culture over a thousand-year documented history. From 1066 AD, it was part of the Duchy of Normandy, whose dukes ruled England. However, after the Norman Conquest and the loss of the ducal title, Jersey remained a British Crown Dependency but never joined the Kingdom of England. As a British overseas territory, Jersey has a unique international identity, yet the UK is legally responsible for its defence.

Things to Do in Jersey

• Learn More About Jersey's History: A sad piece of WWII history may be found in the Jersey War Tunnels, which were dug by the Nazis during WWII while the rest of the British Isles were liberated. In addition to the War Trail, Garden of Reflection, Visitor's Centre, and Gift Shop, there is almost a kilometre of tunnels to explore. Veterans and history lovers will also appreciate the Channel Islands Military Museum, housed in a bunker constructed by the Germans on Jersey's western shore, worth a trip because of the numerous military and civilian exhibitions.

• Visit a Castle: Elizabeth Castle, an enormous fortification defending Jersey's seaway's entrance, was built on two linked rocky islets in St. Aubin's Bay more than three centuries ago. Walking down the causeway during low tide is one option, while the Castle Ferry may be used during high tide. Climb the 1590s battlements or examine the grounds where King Charles II sought sanctuary from the English Civil War, explore the refortified bunkers and turrets built by the Germans during WWII, or learn about the hermitage where St. Helier is said to have resided in the year 550.

• Plan a Day Out at the Zoo: Spend time with your kids at Jersey Zoo, which was founded in 1959 by famous naturalist Gerald Durrell. Incredibly beautiful, this 32-acre park has valleys, woodlands, and some of the world's most endangered species of wildlife. Here, you'll find unusual creatures such as the mysterious nocturnal maze-dwelling aye-aye from Madagascar, and the orange-tailed skink, which lives only on a single island just off the coast of Mauritius. Stay in the zoo's glamping tents to experience what it's like to be on a luxurious jungle safari.

Eating Out in Jersey

There are several restaurants in Jersey that provide high-quality seafood, its main delicacy. We've compiled a list of some of our favourite restaurants:

Summer evenings are perfect for dining on the Green Island Restaurant's patio. Dine on delicacies such as lemon sole with cockle and mussel mariniere sauce or a whole half-chicken with port-jus fondant potato, and watch the sunset as you pair your dinner with excellent wine. Tides Restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate a special event or go on a date — the meat and shellfish on the menu are both obtained locally, and there is an entire area of the menu devoted to different methods of preparing Jersey lobster, with the cheese choices and ice creams some of the best on the island. The breakfast and lunch menu at La Bouche includes cooked eggs, salmon, and kippers on toast, among other things — enjoy a chocolate brownie or a lemon almond cake for dessert to round out your meal.

Transport in Jersey

Airport

Jersey Airport, which serves the island of Jersey, is a major international airport. It's 4 nautical miles west of St. Helier in Jersey, in the parish of St. Peter.

Getting Around Jersey

The bus system in Jersey is extensive. The local bus service, LibertyBus, runs all around the island, and no matter which route they take, everyone pays the same price. Tickets may be purchased onboard the bus or at St. Helier's Liberation Bus Station, the island's central transportation centre. Cycling is another excellent way to see the island, and there are designated Green Lanes all throughout it where drivers must yield to bicycles. In addition, St. Helier and the airport both provide taxis and vehicle rentals. Some of the most reliable car hire agencies found in Jersey include Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.

Pairing your trip with somewhere to stay? Take a look at Jersey hotels, Jersey airport hotels and Jersey airport parking.