Two of the most famous British isles – Jersey and Guernsey – have gorgeous beaches, fascinating histories, delicious food, and easy access from the UK. So, how do you decide between Jersey or Guernsey holidays? I lived in Jersey for decades and visited Guernsey very frequently, so I know both islands well.
“bits of France fallen into the sea and picked up by England”
Victor Hugo
This comprehensive comparison guide includes everything you need to know to choose the best island for your trip!
While the Channel Islands are British, they are not part of the UK, and are actually much closer to France than England! Both are dream places to visit – for a short break or a longer stay!
I love both of these islands, but for different reasons. Jersey is chic and cosmopolitan, with great boutique shopping, while Guernsey is quaint, quirky and has a very relaxed vibe. To help you decide whether Jersey or Guernsey is best for you, this guide has you covered!
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Jersey or Guernsey: The Ultimate Comparison Guide
How to Get to Jersey and Guernsey
Both islands have international airports with flights from major airports in the UK. During the summer season, you’ll also be able to find flights from regional UK airports and other European cities.
If you’re travelling from the United States, your best bet is to fly to London or Manchester before catching a connecting flight to Jersey or Guernsey.
Year-round ferries connect the islands to the UK, France, and each other, although ferries are more frequent in the summer season. The ferries are comfortable, with restaurants and shops on board – the slow ferry from Portsmouth also offers cabins. The main ferry company is Condor Ferries
Ferries to Jersey
- From the UK: You can get a fast car ferry to Jersey from Poole in 4 hours, or take the slower car ferry from Portsmouth in just over 10 hours.
- From Guernsey to Jersey (and Jersey to Guernsey): The fast ferry takes just 1 hour, while the slower one takes 2 hours.
- From France: The fast ferry service from St Malo takes 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Ferries to Guernsey
- From the UK: The fast car ferry to Guernsey from Poole takes 3 hours, while the slow car ferry from Portsmouth will get you there in 7 hours.
- From France: The fast ferry service from St Malo takes 1 hour and 55 minutes.
Top Tip: If you’re travelling to Jersey or Guernsey from the UK during the winter, choose the slow boat and settle into a cabin – the fast ferry is much more likely to be cancelled if the sea is going to be rough!
Where to Stay
Whatever your budget, you will be spoiled for choice with the selection and quality of accommodations in Jersey and Guernsey.
Both islands have hotels in their respective main towns (St Helier and St Peter Port) which are convenient if you like to be close to shopping, restaurants and other amenities, and if you don’t plan to hire a car.
Jersey
Some of the best town centre hotels in Jersey include the Grand Jersey Hotel and Spa, the Royal Yacht Hotel, and the Club House and Spa.
If you’re looking for more recommendations, some of the best places to stay in Jersey – out of town – include:
- Longueville Manor Hotel – the only five-star hotel on the island and absolutely gorgeous
- The Atlantic Hotel – views of the beautiful St Ouen’s Bay to die for and a fabulous restaurant
- L’Horizon Beach Hotel and St Brelade’s Bay Hotel – right on the doorstep of Jersey’s most beautiful beach
- The Old Court House Inn – overlooking the pretty harbour at St Aubin
Guernsey
Discerning visitors to Guernsey flock to the atmospheric Old Government House Hotel, Hotel Ziggurat and the Duke of Richmond Hotel. Venture out of town and you’ll find lovely accommodations like:
- St Pierre Park Hotel – a hotel, spa and golf resort all in one, with dog-friendly rooms too
- Bella Luce – set in a historic Norman manor house, moments from Guernsey’s stunning coastline
- Fermain Valley Hotel – secluded and peaceful, with great facilities, yet only 5 minutes from St Peter Port
Things to See and Do
Attractions in Jersey
The huge variety of things to do is one of the best reasons to visit Jersey. The most popular places to visit are the Jersey War Tunnels, the 3 incredible Jersey castles, and La Corbiere Lighthouse, but you’ll probably want to explore the beautiful Jersey beaches too!
If you love exploring hidden gems, a brisk walk along the seabed as the tide goes out – to Seymour Tower – is an unmissable experience. You’ll also love taking a RIB trip to Les Ecrehous reef, to spot seals and dolphins – the ultimate way to blow the cobwebs away.
Jersey also has great museums to explore, the quaintest ancient granite churches and a network of “green lanes” in the countryside, where the speed limit is just 15mph, making them perfect for a leisurely cycle ride.
Then, there’s the stunning little harbour at St Aubin – the best thing to do there is take a stroll then dine at one of the great waterfront restaurants to watch the tide as it rises and falls.
And last but not least, there are the views – everywhere you look is immaculate and beautiful – whatever you do, you absolutely must remember to pack your camera!
Attractions in Guernsey
Guernsey also has a surprising amount of things to keep you busy. On this small island, there’s the Little Chapel – the smallest consecrated church anywhere in the world and an imposing 800-year-old granite castle guarding the harbour at St Peter Port just for starters!
You can also visit Hauteville House – the home of Victor Hugo, explore German bunkers from the WW2 occupation of the island, enjoy bracing coastal walks, laze on pristine beaches, or try out a huge variety of watersports.
Part of the magic of Guernsey is that there are other small islands to visit too, including the absolutely gorgeous Herm Island, with shallow waters as turquoise as the Caribbean. The ferry trip to Herm is just 10 minutes, but you’ll feel like you’re a world away! It’s no surprise that this tiny little island is a firm favourite spot for locals to visit.
With its higgledy-piggledy network of narrow lanes, beautiful Guernsey cows and stunning scenery, Guernsey is quite enchanting. Don’t be surprised if it draws you back time and time again.
The Atmosphere
The overall atmospheres of Jersey and Guernsey are surprisingly different. Yes, they are both small, British islands with lovely beaches that attract thousands of visitors every year, but each is completely unique.
Jersey is considered to be the more cosmopolitan of the two islands, with a vast international finance centre, larger population and bigger main town.
Guernsey, on the other hand, has a very relaxed vibe. Nothing happens very fast and the maximum speed limit is 30 mph, allowing you time to unwind, breathe deeply and immerse yourself in Guernsey’s special magic.
The Beaches
The beaches on the Channel Islands are one of the main attractions, with crystal clear waters and a surprising mix of sandy bays, secluded coves and incredible places to swim to choose from.
Deciding whether Jersey or Guernsey has better beaches is almost impossible, as each island has a wide variety of beaches.
Jersey
For picture-perfect beaches with golden sand and sparkling blue waters, head for Jersey’s St Brelade’s Bay or Grouville. If you’re looking for beaches that are a little bit different, head for Greve de Lecq or St Ouen’s Bay for the watersports. Archirondel Bay is glorious for sunny early morning swimming and the pretty coves on the north coast, including Rozel and Bonne Nuit Bay, are lovely to explore.
Guernsey
The beaches of Vazon and Cobo are perfect for sun-worshippers and the idyllic Shell Beach on Herm Island is only a 10-minute ferry trip away.
All of the beaches have gorgeous blue water, but don’t expect the sea to be a tropical temperature!
Sunrise and Sunset
As with all small islands, the sunrises and sunsets in Jersey and Guernsey are breathtaking. The combination of crashing waves and sandy beaches or rocky coves frame the sky perfectly as it transitions through rainbow hues before the sun finally dips below the horizon or rises with a spectacular flourish.
Watching a sunrise or sunset is one of the best things to do in Jersey and Guernsey and it’s a very popular activity! In fact, you could pick a different spot every day for a month and still not see them all.
The best spots to see amazing sunsets in Jersey are on the west coast, including La Corbiere Lighthouse, St Ouen’s Bay and Grosnez Castle. In Guernsey, the best sunset spots in Guernsey include Grand Rocques Fort, Lihou Island and Cobo Bay, but there are plenty more to explore!
The Shopping
What Jersey and Guernsey lack in quantity (they are very small islands) they definitely make up for it with quality shopping! Both have quirky independent boutiques and world-famous luxury brands, plus places to find high-quality souvenirs or gifts.
As the larger island, Jersey has more shops and boutiques to choose from and you might even rub shoulders with one of the “Real Housewives of Jersey” as you shop!
The Food
Eating out is one of the absolutely best things to do in Jersey or Guernsey. With delicious locally grown food, including “Jersey Royal” new potatoes and the freshest seafood, there are umpteen treats to try during your trip, regardless of which island you pick.
Jersey
Some of the best restaurants in Jersey include Ocea, Longueville Manor, Bohemia, and Ocean.
Guernsey
If you decide to stay in Guernsey instead, you should consider dining at Da Nello, Hook, Crabby Jack’s, or Reunion.
Budget
Both islands are relatively expensive places to visit as they have a higher cost of living than the rest of the UK. The great news is that you can easily take a break to Jersey or Guernsey without breaking the bank, and still have a fantastic time.
If you’re watching your budget, the best time to visit is during the spring or in September/October, once the UK school holidays are over. There will be fewer crowds and accommodation will be cheaper too.
Accessibility
Both of the islands cater well for visitors of all ages and abilities. While some of the attractions – particularly the ancient castles – have areas that are not suitable for visitors with accessibility needs, you’ll find the friendly staff on hand happy to help you enjoy your visit.
Jersey edges it slightly in terms of accessibility in the main town, as St Peter Port in Guernsey has a steep (but oh-so-pretty), cobbled main street!
Jersey vs. Guernsey Conclusion
Can you decide whether you fancy Jersey or Guernsey holidays after reading these comparisons? Maybe you need to visit both to decide. Luckily, it’s so easy to travel between Jersey and Guernsey!
Resources for Your Jersey or Guernsey Holidays
Booking.com is the best website to use for booking your accommodations in Jersey or Guernsey – they have awesome listings for every budget.
So, which island will you choose – Jersey or Guernsey? Let me know in the comments below!
If you need more help to decide which Channel Island to visit, you may like to read some of these articles:
- 8 Awesome Reasons to Visit Jersey
- Exactly How To Visit The Jersey War Tunnels
- Take An Exciting RIB Trip to Les Ecrehous – A Beautiful British Island Paradise
- How to Visit Herm Island – An Enchanting Place Where Cars Are Not Allowed
- Discover La Corbiere – Britain’s Most Southerly Lighthouse
- Jersey Heritage Pass – Is It Worth Buying? An Honest Review
- The 3 Most Beautiful Beaches in Jersey
- How to Visit Seymour Tower Jersey
- 3 Amazing Jersey Castles You Will Love to Explore
- Discover How to Escape to Enchanting Herm Island
So there you have it, all of the best things to see and do in the magical islands of Jersey and Guernsey!
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These place are beautiful! I honestly love to go to both
I’m delighted that you love them Leena and hope you do manage to visit one day. I’d love to know then which island you like the best 🙂
They both sound fantastic! I naturally lean towards a relaxed vibe, and would love to go to Guernsey. You did a great job explaining the differences. I also like the slow boat tip!
The slow boat is the best Erin – always my choice! There’s no wi-fi for much of the trip, so you can really kick back and relax – ready for more chilling out when you get to Guernsey!
I didn’t know anything about these two islands. Greatly appreciate this comparison guide between Jersey and Guernsey.
Thank you! I’m thrilled to have introduced you to these two little hgems. I hope you might be able to visit them yourself one day too 🙂
I always wanted to visit Jersey, but now I added Guernsey to my travel list as well 🙂 Both os these places look stunning, so why not?
I’m so happy to hear that Jersey is already on your radar – I hope you manage to book a trip to both islands as they are so close together 🙂
Wow, beautiful! I would love to visit both and and do all the fun things too!
it’s super easy to visit both Lisa – I hope you get the chance to soon x
Both Jersey and Guernsey sound like incredible places! I’d love to check them both out – thanks for this comparison!
Highly recommended Bea – but I might be a bit biased having grown up there! 🙂
What an absolutely lovely article. I adore the quote by Victor Hugo, “bits of France fallen into the sea and picked up by England”, and if that’s the case, I need to visit both! But the comparison is helpful, to prioritize, but both of these destinations need to go on my list.
I’m thrilled that you loved this article Renee – I’ve been a fan of your blog for ages! I’m totally biased but I do know that you would love Jersey and Guernsey 🙂
I would love to visit one of these islands for a camping trip, but have been told that you need to stay at an approved site. Do you know how I find this out? Also the cost of living thing is seriously scaring me!
Hi Emma, thanks for your question. You would need to stay at a managed campsite on either island, but prices are reasonable, and the locations are lovely! Here’s where you can find out more https://www.jersey.com/places-to-stay/camping-glamping/ and https://www.visitguernsey.com/accommodation/camping-glamping/
You should budget more for a grocery shop on the islands than in the UK, as many goods have to be shipped in! I hope you do get to visit – the islands are magical 🙂