Jersey, Channel Islands (UK)

Jersey: Recollections and Experiences

Summer is on its way dear readers and future travellers. In this piece I recount my experiences on an island with beautiful scenery and rich in history. Thriving, but not heaving with hordes of tourists. I will take you to Jersey which is part of the UK’s Channel Islands. Jersey is also very close to France, making it ideal for visitors from both countries who can sail over by ferry. Jersey also has a small but excellent airport. It took me one hour to fly from Newcastle with Jet2.

Its small size gives Jersey a calm atmosphere, ideal for those who want a summer retreat. Read on for my tour of the island!

After flying in to Jersey’s airport, I boarded one of their reliable ‘LibertyBuses’ to get to my hotel at St Clements Bay, which is near to the island capital of St Helier. Most, if not all of Jersey’s buses, go to St Helier, stopping at the Liberation Square bus station. The bus journey to my hotel skirted past the wide St Aubin’s Bay and the Elizabeth Castle, which is reachable by a walk or buggy depending on the tide.

Tip: On the bus, buy a ‘transfer ticket’ if, like me, you need to reach your destination with more than one bus. The ‘transfer ticket’ covers your additional second bus at no extra cost and is valid for one hour after purchase.

I soon arrived at my hotel in the St Clements area. I won’t give the full name for reasons that will become clear. It was basic for the price. The lobby was refurbished to a glossy standard following storm damage in previous years. The rooms however were still ‘stuck in the 70s’, if you know what I mean; a blend of Fawlty Towers and a Premier Inn. Despite being in the height of summer, there was no aircon or fan available in the room. Nevertheless, the view of St Clements Bay was beautiful, particularly at sunset. I also want to praise the hospitality staff who were extremely hard-working and polite.

At night, the rooms were baking hot due to the massive glass windows that trapped the heat inside, even with the curtains closed. I was melting. Having resolidified, I opened the window allowing the sea breeze to come in, closing the curtains again. I put my eye-mask on and drifted to sleep. I felt something move on my face. Then my neck. Waking up and turning the light on, I realised there were beetles in the room which had come from the beach. They hatched on that night. I was mortified! ‘I’m a Celebrity’ was not what I had in mind on night one. I scooped them up in a plastic tub and took them to the lobby to show reception. They must’ve thought I was crazy, but I had the evidence. Always get evidence dear readers! The next day, I was given a different room at the back of the hotel. It was much cooler (we were given a fan this time) and I had no beetles staying with me either. Thank goodness!

That was the weirdest experience of Jersey. Now for the wonderful. Nearby to my hotel, just a 20-minute walk away, I visited the Samares Botanic Gardens and Manor. These were stunningly beautiful and tranquil, with a well-tended collection of plants, including a lovely Japanese Garden and apple orchard. With blooming sunflowers and fragrant roses, this made a perfect first day after an unpleasant first night.

On other days, I travelled by bus to the east of the island to visit the village of Gorey and Mont Orgueil Castle. This is the oldest castle on the island, constructed in 1204. The castle is dramatic, perched on a rocky crag overlooking the bay with its sandy beach, now with more sunbathers than medieval soldiers. Sir Walter Raleigh, who was governor of Jersey in 1600, stopped Mont Orgueil Castle from being demolished in favour of the recently built Elizabeth Castle at St Helier. He claimed; "twere pity to cast it down". He was proved right, as it is now one of Jersey’s most famous landmarks – having survived the English Civil War and the Nazi Occupation of WWII.

For a family day out, visit Jersey Zoo on the east of the island. The Zoo has a strong emphasis on conservation thanks to its founder Gerald Durrell. Opened in 1959, there are hundreds of endangered species at home here, including lemurs, tamarins and orangutans. While not part of the zoo, you can sometimes see, tree-by-tree, native red squirrels. A wonderful yet rare sight, red squirrels are declining in England since the introduction of grey squirrels from the Americas. In Jersey, only red squirrels are found – an island haven for the species.

The west coast of the island is reachable by bus and is great for surfing and other watersports. I don’t surf, I would probably fall off the board, but St Ouen’s Bay is good for the more adventurous. Here you will find the photogenic Corbiere lighthouse, which at sunset, is one of the most beautiful places on the whole island. The 12A bus from St Helier is the best route to get here. If you are visiting in the day, Corbiere is also the start of a walking route that follows the path of the old railway line to St Aubin’s Bay. It is now a quiet, scenic, tree-lined route. The nicest stop on this walking route is ‘Jersey Lavender’. A farm that harvests locally grown lavender, ‘Jersey Lavender’ has its own café with brilliant cakes (try the chocolate!) and beautiful lavender fields. I felt like I was in neighbouring France while roaming through the rows of lavender.

St Helier has the vibe of both a small town on the Channel Coast, as well as parts of inner-city London. This is due to Jersey’s status as a tax haven, which has brought considerable wealth and modern development to the island. Tax haven status has also contributed to a high cost of living, with property prices some of the highest in the UK and its territories/dependencies.

For a short-break, Jersey is worth a visit. Beetles aside, I came back home with memories of amazing sunsets, tidal beaches and stunning castles. Jersey’s calm nature makes it suitable for those wanting a peaceful getaway in the summer months.