Jersey Channel Islands ​: The Perfect 2-Day​ Itinerary

Jersey in the channel islands is a self-governing country located in the few nautical miles from France but is part of the British Isles. The island of Jersey is also known as the Bailiwick of Jersey and is the largest island in the channel islands. Jersey is Crown dependent but is not part of the UK, it has its own judicial, legal and financial systems.

As part of my 2019 bucketlist, I am hoping to explore more of the UK and Jersey seemed like the perfect destination for a birthday getaway. If you’re thinking of travelling to Jersey in the Channel Islands, I recommend you follow this guide that outlines the perfect 2-day itinerary. Another thing I do recommend is to hire a car to explore more of the island.

Jersey, Channel Islands ​: The Perfect 2-day Itinerary

When you have a car, you can cover much ground in Jersey but since it is so small, don’t discount public transport as most popular destinations are on the bus route. I chose to drive because it was more cost effective and allowed me more freedom to explore more places.

The 2-day itinerary covers places that I visited and spent a considerable time at each destination and I was able to explore at my own leisure. Each attraction offered more than meets the eye and I would recommend dedicating at least an hour to each if not more.

Jersey Channel Islands: Transportation

Being part of the British Isles means Jersey drives on the same side as the main land UK. For those thinking of car hire it is best to know we drive on the left and the roads are mostly narrow. From London, flights take just over an hour to reach St Helier whilst driving from the mainland is possible its quickly to fly.

It is also worth knowing that Jersey has its own currency, Jersey Pounds has a similar value to the UK pound. Make sure to use up all your Jersey pounds because it is not widely accepted in the rest of the UK. I noticed that the coins are otherwise the same as on the main land.

If you choose not to hire a car, public transport is frequent during summer months and bearable during the winter months. Whilst public transport is easily accessible, it is not as frequent as one would like. I highly recommend hiring a car to be able to get around much quicker.

Where to Stay in Jersey Channel Islands

Jersey is a small island so wherever you stay, you will be no more than 5 miles from the closest beach. I stayed in St. Helier which was a 15 minute drive from the airport and St. Peter is even closer, 3 miles from the airport.

High to Medium range hotel – I recommend Raddison Blu located on the pier of St. Aubin and another recommendation is The Atlantic Hotel.

Budget-friendly – I stayed at the Ambassador hotel which was located a minute from the beach and 15 from the airport in St. Helier. Whilst prices vary across the year, I still think this one is medium price.

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Day 1: Lavender Farm, War Tunnels, Wine Estate, the Beach & St. Helier

Day one started early, my flight landed at 8.00 in the morning, I was able to hire a car on the same day and drove to my hotel. After a quick shower and refuel, I planned the places I wanted to explore and went about my day. On day one, I explore more places than I initially planned and I was very happy about that.

Visit The Jersey Lavender Farm

The Jersey lavender farm was established in 1983 by the Christie family from a disused dairy farm. It is located on the South West of the island in St. Brélade, I drove from St. Helier and it took 10 minutes. The best time to visit is between June thru to August, I would also highly recommend attending the distillery talk. Jersey lavender farm grows, nurtures and create their own lavender oil and various other lavender scented/infused products.

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Discover The Jersey War Tunnels

Jersey war tunnels tell a story of its residents during the WWII seize under German rule. Even if you have no interest in war stories, it’s interesting to see it from another side, the people who experienced it. It took me over an hour to completely tour the 50-meter deep and over the 1kilometre long tunnel. I would highly recommend you take a jumper if you’re someone who gets cold easily as even on a summer’s day I felt the chill. The tunnels are located north-west of St. Helier in the beautiful area of St. Lawrence.

Fees: Adults £15, students £13, children above 11 but below 15 pay £11 then children under 11 its free.

Taste La Mare Wine Estate

Whilst Jersey is most known for its potatoes and cows, it’s climate is also ideal for growing grapes, aka wine. La Mare Wine Estate is a working vineyard that was established back in 1972 and is now home to the best Jersey wine, gins, ales and ciders. For only £10.50, you get a chance to tour the vineyard, taste the wines as well as the gin whilst touring the distillery.

Sunbathe at Saint Aubin Beach

Because St. Aubin bay is south facing, it means it enjoys sunshine longer throughout the day compared to other beaches. Exploring the farm, the warm tunnels and the vineyard in the heat made me make a pit stop at the beach. Along St. Aubin bay you can find sandy patches to nestle on to sunbathe whilst taking a breather.

Uplifting Liberation Square

The Liberation Square is home to an impressive piece of art, the uplighting monument signifies the liberation of Jersey people. It is located in the center of St. Helier and is a great place for tourists to learn more about the city and it’s people’

Learn from Jersey Museum and Art Gallery

If you plan on visiting more museums than one then the Jersey Trust pass will allow you to enter most Jersey attractions. The Jersey museum is located on the river bank and close to the city centre.

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Day 2: Botanical Gardens, Castles, Gorey & Beaches

Day 2 I started pretty early as I had a jam packed itinerary that I wanted to complete as well as allocate some time to just lie on the beach. The weather was absolutely perfect, it would have been a crime to not spend an hour or so on the beach.

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Samares Manor Botanic Gardens

If you’re looking for somewhere to relax that is not a beach but offers tranquility, calm and peaceful then the botanic gardens at Samares manor might be the answer. Spread over 14 acres of land, the gardens were created by Sir James Knott in the 1920s. At the manor, you can visit the botanic gardens, the bistro, the museum and wander around the grounds.

Elizabeth Castle

Elizabeth Castle is located on a tidal island in St. Helier and is named after Queen Elizabeth I who was ruler at the time of its creation. During low tide, it is possible to walk from the shores of St. Helier all the way to the castle perched up on the island. If you do not wish to walk or there is high tide, there is a ferry boat that takes tourists to and from every so often. There is much to explore, I would recommend a minimum visit of at least 2 hours to check everything out then enjoy the view of Jersey.

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Mont Orgueil or Gorey Castle

Mont Orgueil is another important castle in Jersey, it protected the island from french invasion 600 years ago and is a city monument. Today the castle is open to visitors, has a small cafe near the ticket by the entrance. During my visit, part of the castle was closed off for a private wedding function but other secret rooms were open to the public. For an adult the fee to enter is £15 and that gives you access to the entire place.

Gorey

Gorey is an idyllic fishing village on the East of Jersey in the parishes of St. Martin and Grouville. This cute fishing village is lined with pastel coloured cottages and alfresco restaurants with Mont Orgueil castle as a back drop. If you’re looking for the taste of the island the Gorey is the place to take the foodie in you. Once you’re done with the castle, you can stroll along Gorey Pier or walk the streets of the village.

La Rocque Harbour

La Rocque Harbour and beach is located on the south-eastern tip of Jersey and is comprised of a small harbour, pier and sandy beach. When the tide was low, it was the perfect place to grab some sun, lie on the beach and relax. There is a small car park for those driving and route 1 bus stop there regularly.

St. Brelade’s Bay

St. Brelade’s Bay was voted as one of the best beaches in Jersey and it is easy to see why with its soft sandy beaches and palm trees. I don’t know how long I spent at this beach but if you’re ever in need of somewhere to relax or play water sports then this is it.

The Lookout Beach Cafe

The lookout beach cafe is a nice little cafe in St Helier located on the beach and overlooking the sea. It is the perfect place to end a 2-day trip, a place to tuck in some good grub and watch the sunset. There are several parking lots nearby if not, buses stop along the route.

We had such an amazing couple days in Jersey and hiring a car was such a great idea. I was able to explore more of the island than I would have on public transport, I did things at my leisure and saw more things than most do with more days on the island than myself.

Jersey Channel Islands – things to know

• Most attractions don’t open until 9.30 or even 10.30 in the morning so plan accordingly
• The Jersey Trust {like UK’s National Trust} card is useful to have as most places are free with the card.
• If you’re driving, roads are pretty tiny and I live in the English countryside, max speed limit is 60 miles or 64 kilometres and lowest is 15.
• Most attractions don’t require you book ahead of time, just turn up and pay on arrival.