While the British Isles might not be synonymous with sunshine, the island of Jersey is defying expectations as one of its sunniest spots.
Patricia Wooding embarked on a journey to this beautiful island to soak up its expansive sandy beaches, captivating nature trails and top-notch restaurants, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of its liberation from five years of Nazi occupation.
The Channel Islands hold the unique distinction of being the only part of our islands occupied by German forces during World War II.
Hitler commanded that Jersey be fortified into an unassailable fortress complete with bunkers and subterranean lairs, which now serve as major tourist attractions.
Liberation Day on May 9 is observed as a bank holiday, but to commemorate the anniversary, special parades, exhibitions and festivities will take place throughout the year.
Despite its compact size of just nine miles long and five miles wide, Jersey’s large tidal range causes it to double in size twice daily. The low tide uncovers miles of additional sandy beaches teeming with rock pools.
For those with a love for nature, a coastal path connects the castles, coves, cliffs, beaches and charming villages that define the island. St Aubin is a delightful spot for lunch, boasting hillside restaurants with stunning sea views.
On the other side of the peninsula lies the popular holiday destination of St Brelade’s Bay, but Patricia rates Beauport – just a mile away – as the best beach.
She described: “It nestles in a secluded bay and is reached by a winding footpath from the car park. A mile or two further on stands Corbiere Lighthouse, which provides the most spectacular and not-to-be-missed views at sunset.A little further afield is St Ouen’s Bay, renowned for its golden dunes and water sports activities, such as wakeboarding, scuba diving, jet ski adventures or plain sailing.”
Getting to, from and around Jersey is a breeze. Patricia’s British Airways flight was a mere 40-minute journey from Gatwick.
“Barely time to finish our in-flight drink and nibbles and before we knew it we were checked into our room,” she said.
“We lodged in St Helier at the Club Hotel and Spa, a luxury boutique hotel within strolling distance of the seaside capital’s beaches, shops, bars and restaurants.”
It boasts indoor and outdoor pools, five treatment rooms and a thermal suite but the crowning glory of this superb hotel is its Michelin-starred restaurant.
One of the highlights of her Jersey trip was the “unforgettable dining experience” at Bohemia.
Patricia shared: “Chef Callum Graham uses local produce to create works of art, both for both the eyes and taste buds. From the first course, where he managed to work wonders with a humble carrot, to the dressed Jersey crab with red Thai curry panna cotta, peanut and kaffir lime, it was pure gastronomic rapture. All paired with wine from a sommelier with the descriptive powers of a poet.
“Like so many things in Jersey, the cuisine is a glorious blend of British and French cultures. You can see this in the shops, the bars and even the street names.”
Jersey’s petite capital still packs plenty to see. The beauty of staying in St Helier is that you’re just a short stroll from Liberation Bus Station, where the rest of the island beckons for exploration.
And don’t miss out on an afternoon spree in St Helier, boasting two top-notch department stores, de Gruchy and Voisins, alongside a charming Victorian market.
Families will find a treasure trove of activities down at the harbour, perfect for keeping the kids engaged and their hands occupied.
The Maritime Museum is a haven for hours of discovery, offering pirate tales and interactive exhibits to learn about tides and ship design. Be sure to witness the impressive Occupation Tapestry, displayed in its own dedicated room.
This tapestry, crafted by locals, narrates the struggles endured during the five-year Nazi occupation through 13 panels, each accompanied by an interactive screen.
And if the sun’s still kissing the sky, make your way to Havre des Pas, a sandy beach with a historic tidal bathing pool, refreshed by the sea and adored by both islanders and visitors alike.
For a dose of history, make your way across the causeway at low tide to Elizabeth Castle, a fortress that has stood guard over the island for four centuries and is rich in historical significance.
You can scale the battlements that date back to the time when Sir Walter Raleigh was the governor of Jersey. This stronghold also offered refuge to King Charles II during the English Civil War and was utilised by the Germans during their occupation.
Venture further to the east coast of the island, where you’ll find the magnificent Mont Orgueil Castle, towering over the quaint seaside village of Gorey.
Don’t miss out on the former Nazi bunkers scattered along the coastline, serving as grim reminders of Jersey’s dark days in the early 1940s.
For today’s traveller, a holiday in sun-drenched Jersey can be, quite simply, liberating.
Book the holiday
British Airways offers flights to Jersey from Gatwick and Heathrow, with fares starting from £41 one-way. Visit britishairways.com for more details.
Accommodation at The Club Hotel and Spa, St Helier, Jersey, starts from £129 per night. For bookings, visit theclubjersey.com.
Bohemia Restaurant: Callum Graham Signature Tasting Menu starts from £129pp, with wine pairing available from £66pp. Visit bohemiajersey.com for more information.
For additional details, visit jersey.com.