Small island, big impression: the new springtime spot not to miss

Words: Agatha Zarzycki

With private beaches reached by exhilarating sea-safaris, orchid-brimming meadows and velvety dairy treats, Jersey, an island that’s less than an hour by plane from London Heathrow and Gatwick with British Airways, is proof that you don’t need to travel far for paradise.  

Thrilling sea-safaris

Feeling a rush as you glide across peacock blue waters, discovering reefs rich in marine life, or a lobster and Champagne picnic on a secluded beach – Jersey’s RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tours and private charters offer plenty of ocean-bopping adventures. A favourite ‘seafari’ is The Ecrehous, a small set of secret islands just six miles from Jersey and eight miles from France, where you can also take in grey seals and bottlenose dolphins playfully splashing in the distance. Meanwhile, the fishermen cottages on Maîtresse Île (nine miles south of Jersey) are Britain’s most southerly buildings, and the nine-mile North Coast is just as charming, with its craggy cliffs, captivating coves and historic forts such as L’Étacquerel, dating back to the 18th century and a present-day BBQ spot loved by families.  

World-famous Jersey cows

These gorgeous golden-coated girls are adored by everyone from locals to the British Royal family. And it’s not just for their lush lashes and calm character. Unlike UK cows, their milk is bountiful in butterfat (and has even more protein and calcium), which makes the creamiest and dreamiest butter, cheese and ice cream. They’ve been on the island for more than 200 years and, from spring to autumn, there’s a good chance you’ll spot the soulful-eyed creatures (Jersey has 3,000) roaming grassy green fields as you explore. Indulge in dairy decadence at The Royal Yacht Hotel, where the clotted cream at afternoon tea is divine, or take home some La Crémière salted caramel sauce from Woodlands Farm. Jersey even has an ice-cream map for serious sampling. 

Perfected potatoes

Back in 1880, a local farmer called Hugh de la Haye came across an unusually large root and curiously planted it in his St Ouen’s Bay fields. The result? A harvest of small, kidney-shaped potatoes with delicate skin and a firm texture that tasted of nutty, earthy goodness. Experience the sought-after spuds at Hedge Veg stalls (imagine mini roadside stores) and farm shops sprinkled around the island, such as the Potato Shack Café at Homefields Farm Shop (pick up some freshly baked bread and free-range eggs while you’re there), and female-founded Molloy’s at the vibrant Central Market. Make sure to try your potatoes with a sprig of mint, pinch of salt and slab of butter (from Jersey cows, of course). Those in a restaurant mood should head to family-run, buzzy Samphire, whose island ingredients such as Jersey Royals are front and centre of its Mediterranean-inspired menu. 

Orchid meadows

If there’s one way to celebrate spring’s rapture, it’s by meandering through meadows teeming with thousands of native orchids. On Jersey’s west coast in St Ouen parish, National Trust’s Le Noir Pré and adjacent La Blinerie in Grouville become blanketed in deep purple and bright pink. Of all the varieties, the Jersey orchid is the rarest, and is normally found in the Mediterranean (yes, this island’s sunny clime really is that good). Sharing the show are meadow buttercups and delicate cuckoo flowers (lovingly nicknamed lady’s smock), their sunshine yellow and pale pink petals adding to the kaleidoscope of colours. The important wetland is also home to almost 200 bird species – look up for eagle-like marsh harriers soaring above the sea of blooms. 

Enchanting castles

Don’t let this island’s small size trick you into thinking it doesn’t have a big history. Get a glimpse at its three castles, starting at mediaeval Mont Orgueil, watching over the peaceful fishing port of Gorey and its pastel-hued cottages. Climbing the 200 stairs to the top is well worth it – you can see not only Jersey’s picturesque countryside, but also the far-flung French coast. Equally majestic is Elizabeth Castle in St Aubin’s Bay. Built on a tidal island and spanning an impressive 15 acres, it protected Jersey for more than 400 years. Top off your historic explorations with a spectacular sunset in the northwest at the imposing ruin of Grosnez Castle – we can see why Lieutenant Governor Philippe de Carteret wanted to keep it from the French, who occupied half of Jersey between 1461 and 1467.

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