A Guide to Jersey’s Top Sports Facilities

All information in this blog post is correct as of the publishing date,  28.08.18.

Jersey has an abundance of fantastic sports facilities that make it an attractive destination for just about anyone looking for an active adventure. From kayaking to rugby, and archery to netball, Jersey has a wide range of top indoor and outdoor venues.

Whether you are looking for activities to take part in on your holidays, or top of the range facilities for a school sports tour, Jersey has a great range of venues to suit every need.

Fort Regent Leisure Centre

Situated above St Helier on what was originally a fortress dating from the Napoleonic Wars, Fort Regent leisure centre has a range of top sports facilities for visitors to use and offers views of the 16th-century Elizabeth Castle and harbour to the west, whilst 20 acres of outside walks provide spectacular panoramic views of the south and east coasts of the island.

Its location is perfect for visitors staying in St Helier and just some of the sports available to play here include archery, badminton, basketball, five-a-side football, gymnastics, martial arts, netball and squash. There is also a bar, children’s play area, café and table tennis / pool tables.

Les Quennevais

Situated in the west of Jersey, close to St Brelade’s Bay, is perhaps the island’s most impressive modern sports complex. Les Quennevais has a vast range of facilities, including an eight-lane, 25m swimming pool, football pitches, cycle track, cricket wickets and nets, hockey astro pitch, active gym, two squash courts, tennis courts, multi-purpose sports hall and much more. The football and hockey pitches are used by many sports teams visiting the island. A full fitness class programme is available, plus indoor sports such as badminton and squash. For wellbeing and relaxation, you’ll find a sauna and steam rooms.

Les Quennevais Sports Centre

 

Jersey Rugby Club

The home of the Jersey Reds, who compete in the RFU Championship, the club boasts four pitches and an excellent clubhouse which can cater for large groups. This venue is a great option for schools or clubs visiting Jersey on a rugby tour.

Jersey Bowl, which has 18 lanes, a large screen TV, bar and restaurant offers a great evening’s entertainment for groups and families and is located next to the rugby club. Whilst visiting the island, why not watch the Jersey Reds and enjoy a terrific family atmosphere at St. Peter, which has seen major ground improvements in recent seasons?

Valley Adventure Centre

If you are looking for adventure activities, look no further than the Valley Adventure Centre, which offers a range of outdoor activities all year round and is suitable for families, individuals, corporate events, kids’ parties, youth groups and charities. Aerial Trekking involves tackling 26 obstacles at a height of eight metres and finishes off with a 12-metre simulated freefall drop. Take a step off the platform and accelerate 145 metres down the valley on the exciting zip wire, or enjoy the giant swing, climbing, archery, and laser combat, all in the setting of a sheltered and spectacular natural valley.

Valley Adventure Centre

Jersey Surfboard Club

If you want to try surfing or have been doing it for many years, head to St Ouen’s Bay, where strong waves from the Atlantic Ocean create fantastic conditions. Here, you will find one of the oldest surf clubs in the world, dating back to 1923. Many British and European champions started out at this club, so it really is the perfect place for surfers of all abilities.

Surfing In Jersey

St Clement Sports Club

Found in the south east of the island, St Clement is the smallest of Jersey’s 12 parishes, but this has not prevented it from being home to one of the Channel Islands’ most active football clubs. St Clement Sports Club is one of Jersey’s top football venues, boasting several pitches and a good-sized clubhouse, as well as many different teams catering for local footballers of all ages and abilities – the players range from four to 50 years old!

With a rich history dating back to 1919, St Clement Sports Club is also well-equipped to welcome the many school sports tours that visit the island every year.

Jersey Triathlon

The Jersey Triathlon is held annually and is a consistently popular choice among both local and visiting endurance athletes. Officially the most southerly triathlon to be held in Britain, the Jersey course’s ‘Olympic’ route is also among the most challenging yet picturesque courses in the country. There are, however, now three other race categories open to would-be participants, allowing triathletes of all experience and ability levels to get involved.

The Jersey Triathlon Club organises training for all three disciplines (swimming, cycling and running) throughout the year in various indoor and outdoor venues across the island. A couple of examples include a swim held at the Haute Vallee School pool on Friday evenings between September and June, and a weekly cycling session which sets off every Saturday morning at 8 AM from Big Maggy’s Coffee & Bike Shop in St Helier.

Go-Sail.je

Of course, one of the main attractions of visiting Jersey is the chance to explore its crystal-clear waters. If surfing’s not your thing, why not have a go at one of the many other water sports that can be enjoyed around the island’s picturesque coastline, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, water skiing and sailing?

One of the best options for those just visiting the island for a short time is getting in touch with Go-Sail.je, who offer instruction on all the above activities, as well as private boat charters and many different Royal Yachting Association-accredited sailing and powerboating courses. These expert-led sessions range from short introductory courses to programmes that let you become a fully-qualified yacht skipper.

There is a huge range of sports available for everyone in Jersey and all these venues, combined with the amazing variety of activities and attractions on the island, are why Jersey has become such a popular destination for couples, families, groups and schools.

Blog post written by Sweet Chariot