Jersey: the Channel Island bringing sea, stories and seafood splendour

Words: Agatha Zarzycki

A south-facing, sun-spoiled position on sandy shorelines, sea-to-plate lobster, scallops and oysters, and a Neolithic burial chamber that’s older than the pyramids – this island just 14 miles off the coast of Normandy in France has it all, sans the crowds. Here’s why Jersey – the largest of the Channel Islands and less than an hour by plane from London Heathrow and Gatwick with British Airways – should be on the top of your travel checklist this spring and summer.

Outdoor oasis

Beauport Bay’s glimmering sapphire waters and pink granite cliffs; the orange-tinted sands and sea caves of Grève de Lecq; or Jersey’s largest beach and surfing hotspot, St Ouen’s Bay – this friendly island has miles of stunning shoreline and 24 pristine beaches. Its tidal range is one of the world’s largest, doubling its size when the tide is out, so well-timed travellers get double the paradise.

Thrill seekers can cruise the currents to discover offshore reefs (keep an eye out for playful dolphins in the distance). And that’s just the start. Discover 48 miles of stunning shoreline and pristine beaches in Jersey’s National Park. There’s also hiking or biking through the Unesco Aspiring Jersey Island Geopark – with some geo-sites dating back 250,000 years – and across an impressive network of ‘Green Lanes’. These designated country paths have a 15mph speed limit and trekkers and cyclists have priority over vehicles.

Most magical are the bioluminescent beach walks. As the ocean retreats on moonless nights, stars sparkle and shoot across the sky and tiny, glowing creatures appear like fireflies at your feet.

Captivating history

If there was an award for the most fascinating past, it would go to this small but storied island. Before sea surrounded Jersey, it was a rolling plain, crisscrossed with valleys and rivers that attracted Neanderthals and mammoths during the Ice Age (there are even artefacts at the Jersey Museum).

Fast forward to World War II and the Occupation of Jersey – the Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles occupied by Germany – when workers were forced to build bunkers, tunnel systems and railway networks, transforming the island into an unconquerable fortress. History buffs can see it for themselves with non-profit organisation Jersey War Tours. St Catherine’s bunker and its 200m tunnel complex is remarkable.

At La Hougue Bie, one of the ten oldest buildings in the world, you’ll find a Neolithic burial chamber that’s older than the pyramids (yes, really) and an exhibition that tells the story of the world’s largest Celtic coin hoard – discovered in Jersey. Afterwards, explore majestic, cliff-caressing ruins and castles, such as Mont Orgueil overlooking the pretty fishing port of Gorey, for a feelgood, fairy-tale finish.

Foodie fortune

With Jersey’s unspoilt shorelines, sea-to-plate ethos and community culture, it’s no surprise the seafood and other gastronomic gems here are spectacular. Peppered across the island are cute, chilled cafés, such as Colleen’s Café on the promenade of golden-sand Grève de Lecq (for a hearty helping of everything, go for the hot fish platter).

Fancy feasters are also well taken care of, and a special mention goes to Bohemia (located inside The Club Hotel & Spa), which has held Jersey’s only Michelin star for 20 consecutive years, and earned a spot in the 2025 Harden’s Guide top 100 UK restaurants. Chef Callum Graham serves modern European fare, and a highlight is the dressed Jersey white and brown crab meat with red Thai curry panna cotta.

Leave room for the island’s other must-try dishes, including hand-dived scallops and fresh lobster with buttery Jersey Royal potatoes. For a foodie adventure, join an oyster tour such as The Oyster Trail in the Royal Bay of Grouville, or sample island-made wines, orchard-grown ciders and spirits crafted from Jersey Royals. And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying creamy, dreamy Jersey ice cream.

Mindfulness mastery 

Fresh island air, wild swimming and beachfront yoga – it’s not hard to switch off here from busy, everyday life. Seafront saunas give a new meaning to wellness wanderlust, and a favourite is the Sauna Society, whose traditional wood-fired sauna with views over St Catherine’s Breakwater encourages hot/cold therapy (aka braving a soaking in the sea in between toasty tranquillity).

Keen to up your relaxation game? Treat yourself to a spa day – Longueville Manor’s Cottage Garden Spa combines a 14th-century setting with revolutionary rejuvenation including De Mamiel’s holistic facial, while Ayush Wellness Spa, inside the Hotel de France near St Helier, pampers with ancient Ayurvedic treatments, not to mention infinity and hydrotherapy pools.

Active adventurers looking to reap nature’s rewards can paddleboard on stunning, sheltered St Brelade’s Bay, or try coasteering at Greve de Lecq, a local-favourite spot with the world-famous Rhino jump. After some eccentric excitement? Blokarting (think three-wheeled bike meets sail) along St Aubin’s Bay at low tide brings both speed and serenity.

Plan your Jersey break