Jersey Travel Guide: Insider Tips [2023]

When you think of Jersey, do you picture New Jersey in the US? Did you know there’s another Jersey? It’s the Island of Jersey, just one hour by plane from London, with incredible history, glorious beaches, delicious food and an outdoor lifestyle.

You can use this Jersey travel guide whether you want to explore Jersey’s historical sites, cycle through sleepy country lanes or take on the challenging north coast cliff paths; there’s something for everyone in the island of Jersey.

This Jersey travel guide is here to help you plan your visit to Jersey.

Fast Facts About Jersey

Continent: Europe

Capital: St Helier

Language: English, Jerriais (Jersey-French patois)

Population: 107.8 thousand (2022)

Currency: British Pound (GBP)

Government: self-governing parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy.

International dialling code: +44

Power voltage: 240 V 50Hz; Plug G.

Staying in touch: Leading UK mobile networks don’t cover Jersey in their plans. They usually class phoning Jersey as an international call. Check with your service provider for current charges.

Things To Do in Jersey

Visit the Jersey War Tunnels – take a trip to the incredible underground hospital built by prisoners of war during the German occupation of Jersey in WW2.

Explore Jersey’s Three Impressive Castles: Learn about the turbulent history of Jersey through these great defensive fortresses.

Discover the Incredible Beaches dotted around the Jersey coast and take your pick from the beautiful sandy bays and rocky coves.

Marvel at La Corbiere Lighthouse: walk along the tidal causeway to visit the most southerly lighthouse in the British Isles (at low tide) or take incredible sunset photographs

Visit Seymour Tower: Follow the tide as it falls on a one-mile walk across the undulating seabed. Locals call this the ‘moon walk’.

High-Octane RIB Trip to Les Ecrehous Reef: Enjoy a day trip to the tiny RAMSAR protected islands just off the Jersey coast, and spot dolphins en route

Jersey Travel Guides

Where To Stay On the Island of Jersey

St Helier

Central location
Surrounded by great places to eat, shop, drink and explore
Walking distance to the bus station, with island-wide connections

The Grand Hotel: This is a stunning place to stay in Jersey, with a large terrace overlooking St Aubin’s Bay and Elizabeth Castle, quality restaurants, a spa and pool, and fabulous rooms. The service is outstanding, and the location is perfect – just a 5-minute stroll into central St Helier. The champagne bar here is very popular!

Premier Inn at Charing Cross: A budget-friendly town centre hotel that couldn’t be better located! With fantastic restaurants and shopping on your doorstep, this hotel will be a great base for exploring.

In The West

Pick from Jersey’s premier beach (St Brelade’s Bay) with its stylish hotels and promenade of up-market restaurants or ridiculously pretty St Aubin’s – a harbour village buzzing with charming restaurants and classy bars.

St Brelade’s Bay Hotel: This luxurious hotel is situated opposite the best beach on the island. Expect to be pampered, well-fed and have the most incredible views.

In the East and North

Longueville Manor Hotel is Jersey’s most highly acclaimed hotel and restaurant, holding Five AA Red Stars. It’s a luxury Relais & Châteaux hotel set in a historic Jersey manor with 30 beautiful bedrooms, a luxurious spa and the most incredible restaurant. This should be your pick if you want to relax in a haven of luxury and indulgence!

Quirky Options

Durrell Wildlife Camp offers the most incredible 5* experience. Stay in a luxury tent with a log-burning stove within the 32-acre Durrell Wildlife Park, overlooking Lemur Lake!

Alternatively, stay in a converted Jersey Heritage property, including a German lookout tower and a clifftop fortress with its own drawbridge.

Jersey Travel Guide: How To Get Around Jersey

Getting to Jersey: You can fly to the Island of Jersey from numerous airports across the UK and from Paris. You can check for the best flights to Jersey on Skyscanner.

Transport:

Jersey is tiny – just 45 square miles! The best way to travel is to use the efficient public bus service or to hire a bike.

Hire cars are available but prepare for narrow roads, a maximum speed limit of 40 mph, and more traffic than you might expect – especially during the morning and evening rush hour.

Taxis: There’s no Uber or Lyft in Jersey, and taxis are expensive – especially at night and at weekends.

Best Time To Visit Jersey

Jersey is pleasantly warm in the summer and can be cold (and wet) in the winter. The best time to visit Jersey is April to October, as some tourist attractions close during the cooler months.

The busiest time is usually during the English school holidays (mid-July to early September).

Jersey Travel Guide Best Booking Resources

Over the years, I’ve tried lots of different travel companies and resources. Here are the ones that have consistently delivered excellent service and great prices. I trust and use all of these personally – so I recommend them.

Booking.com: This is my go site when comparing accommodation prices. It usually has the best prices, and it’s easy to find and book accommodation. You’re guaranteed the best price, and cancellation is free too.
Get Your Guide: I love and rely on Get Your Guide for day trips – there are more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations, so there are plenty of choices.
Trip Advisor: The #1 place to check ratings and recommendations about places and attractions BEFORE I book anything. It’s packed with honest user reviews.
World Nomads Insurance: When travelling, you need travel insurance. After much sampling, I’ve found that World Nomads provide the best “no quibble” cover.