While the British Isles may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of sunshine, Jersey is defying expectations as one of its sunniest spots. Patricia Wooding recently visited this beautiful island, taking in its expansive sandy beaches, stunning nature trails and top-notch eateries, just in time for the 80th anniversary of its liberation from five years of Nazi occupation.
The Channel Islands were the only part of our islands to fall under German control during World War II. Hitler commanded that Jersey be turned into an unassailable fortress, complete with bunkers and underground lairs, which now serve as major tourist attractions.
Liberation Day on May 9 is a bank holiday, but to commemorate the anniversary, special parades, exhibitions and festivities will take place throughout the year. Despite being only nine miles long and five miles wide, Jersey’s size doubles twice a day due to the large tidal range, revealing additional sandy beaches filled with rock pools at low tide.
For those who love the outdoors, there’s a coastal path connecting the castles, coves, cliffs, beaches and charming villages that make the island so unique. St Aubin is a delightful spot for lunch, with numerous hillside restaurants offering stunning sea views.
On the other side of the peninsula lies the popular holiday destination of St Brelade’s Bay, but according to Patricia, the best beach is Beauport, located a mile away.
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 incredibly straightforward. Patricia’s British Airways flight took just 40 minutes from Gatwick.
“Barely time to finish our in-flight drink and nibbles and before we knew it we were booked into our room,” she said.
“We stayed in St Helier at the Club Hotel and Spa, a luxury boutique hotel within walking distance of the seaside capital’s beaches, shops, bars and restaurants.
“It has indoor and outdoor pools, five treatment rooms and a thermal suite but the jewel in the crown of this superb hotel is its Michelin-starred restaurant Bohemia.”.
One of the best experiences in Jersey 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 boasts plenty to discover. Opting for a stay in St Helier means you’re just a brief stroll from Liberation Bus Station, your gateway to the rest of the island’s treasures.
Shopping aficionados will relish an afternoon in St Helier, home to two standout department stores, de Gruchy and Voisins, not to mention a charming Victorian market.
Families won’t want to miss the harbour area, brimming with engaging activities that promise to captivate children’s imaginations and keep little hands occupied.
The Maritime Museum is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits where hours can vanish as you delve into pirate lore, experiment with tide mechanics, or try your hand at ship design. Be sure to witness the impressive Occupation Tapestry, proudly displayed in its own dedicated space within the museum.
This tapestry, crafted by local hands, narrates the tale of struggle through five years under Nazi rule, with each of its 13 panels accompanied by an interactive screen.
And if the weather holds, Havre des Pas is merely streets away, offering a sandy retreat complete with a historic tidal bathing pool, refreshed by the sea and styled in Art Deco elegance, a favourite spot among both locals and visitors alike.
For a dose of history, make your way across the causeway at low tide to Elizabeth Castle. This fortress has been defending the island for 400 years and is rich in historical significance.
You can explore the battlements that date back to the time when Sir Walter Raleigh was the governor of Jersey. The castle also served as a sanctuary for 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, which towers over the quaint seaside village of Gorey.
Don’t miss out on the former Nazi bunkers scattered along the coastline, serving as a grim reminder of Jersey’s dark days in the early 1940s.
For today’s traveller, a holiday in sunny Jersey can be quite liberating.
To book your holiday:
British Airways offers flights to Jersey from Gatwick and Heathrow starting at £41 one-way. Visit britishairways.com for more information.
Accommodation at The Club Hotel and Spa, St Helier, Jersey, starts from £129 per night. Visit theclubjersey.com to book.
Bohemia Restaurant: Callum Graham Signature Tasting Menu starts from £129pp with wine pairing from £66pp. Visit bohemiajersey.com to reserve.
For more information, visit jersey.com.