Located in the English Channel, Jersey Island is the most French of all British possessions. Formally, the island is not part of the United Kingdom, which in many ways defines the character of the local people.
Its geographical location between the island and the mainland has greatly influenced Jersey’s fate. At various times, it was ruled by both the Gauls and the Normans, each enriching the local culture in its own way.
The island is known among financiers as a major offshore center. Nature lovers will appreciate the picturesque coastline with its jagged cliffs and incredible 12-meter tides.
Jersey Island Attractions
Jersey is divided into four parts: south, north, east, and west, each with its own character. The south includes the capital, Saint-Hélier, and its urban attractions: museums, art galleries, architectural monuments, beautiful beaches, and a wide range of water activities in Saint-Aubin Bay. The north is dominated by wildlife, a rocky coastline, and Durrell’s Zoo. The east is rich in history and the sea: fishing ports, the harbors of Gorey, the medieval castle on Mount Orgueil, the pier of St. Catherine, and Rozel. And to the west are vast valleys, the aMaizin! amusement park, and St. Ouen’s Bay.
A tour of St. Ouen is best begun with Elizabeth Castle, a military fort on a narrow headland from which the city’s construction began in 550 BC. Be sure to visit the Jersey Historical Museum and Art Gallery, as well as the Maritime Museum.
The newest historical attraction is the so-called Tunnels: an underground military hospital from World War II.
In the east of the island is Mont Orgueil Castle, which defended Jersey from French attacks for six centuries. Its labyrinthine corridors, rooms, and secret passages conceal fascinating exhibits. In the west of Jersey, the historic Grève-de-Lecq barracks and the Channel Islands Military Museum are popular with tourists. Children will enjoy the aMaizin! amusement park, while parents will enjoy the golf courses.
In the north of Jersey, the island’s main attraction is the Gerald Durrell Wildlife Park, located on the grounds of the medieval Ogre Estate. It is home to over 130 of the world’s rarest animal species. The park specializes in restoring their populations and returning native specimens to their natural habitats.
