Jersey’s compact size (nine miles by five) makes it the ideal destination for a weekend getaway or longer vacation right on your doorstep. The island has a lot to offer, from heritage sites, award-winning beaches and delightful gastronomy, and a spectacular great outdoors that changes colour with the season.
We’ve compiled just a few of the top attractions in Jersey that you should visit during your stay:
1. Jersey Heritage Sites
The island’s history has been preserved in many forms and shapes, from castles to museums. Historic landmarks around Jersey are all distinct with their own stories and architectural styles.
Mont Orgueil, Elizabeth Castle and La Hougue Bie are some of Jersey’s most cherished historical sites and are now open as visitor attractions. Whether it is a romantic escape for two, a family trip or a solo ride… you shouldn’t leave without visiting at least one of them.
Depending on how many Jersey Heritage attractions you’re planning to visit during your stay, you might be interested in the Jersey Heritage Pass.
2. Jersey Zoo
Have you ever dreamed of being a Zookeeper for a day? You can do just that when you visit Jersey Zoo. This is a terrific opportunity to see first-hand endangered animals and how they behave, as well as learn about the wonderful job that zookeepers undertake every day, from keeping the habitats clean to feeding animals.
Over the course of 8 hours, you’ll assist professional zookeepers in their regular tasks and explore areas that are usually off-limits to visitors. Experts will also share with you their tricks to entice the animals to co-operate. Planning the activity in advance is essential as it is only available on selected dates throughout the year.
Jersey Zoo is a must-see attraction, whether you are zoo-keeper for the day or a regular visitor! You can even stay at the luxury camp located in the zoo, a truly unique glamping accommodation overlooking ‘Lemur Lake’.
Find out more about visiting and booking an activity on Jersey Zoo’s website.
3. Jersey War Tunnels
During WW2 the island was occupied between 1940 and 1945, and a visit to the tunnels depicts the history of this period, from resistance to starvation and eventual liberation. The complex, built mainly by slave labour, consisted of over 1 km of tunnels that was originally planned as a hospital and ammunition storage for German forces.
The exhibition really brings history to life. Upon arrival, you will be given the “passport” of a real person who lived in Jersey at that time and, at the end, you find out the fate of that person.
History buff or not, you’ll be moved by this historic place, which is the number 1 visitor attraction in Jersey, year after year. We recommend booking tickets in advance to skip the queues.
4. A day at the beach
A holiday to Jersey would be incomplete without spending a day at the beach, especially when you are never more than 10 minutes away from the sea. Set aside some time to explore some stunning beaches and bays.
If you’re travelling with kids, the east coast boasts lovely rockpools with an amazing marine life to be discovered at low tide. Green Island is a popular spot to do just that. The beaches along Jersey’s south coast are ideal to sunbathe, build sand castles, bathe in shallow waters and indulge in a yummy Jersey ice. Havre des Pas beach is the perfect choice for a fun filled family day out.
St. Ouen’s Bay, located on the western coast, is a great site to surf the Atlantic waves and enjoy the best sunsets in Jersey. For newcomers to surfing, lessons are available for all ages at Jersey Surf School.
The scenic beauty of the north coast will make your jaw drop. In order to take in this dramatic landscape, we recommend walking along one of the many coastal paths that lead to sheltered bays nestled under soaring cliffs, including Bouley Bay and Plemont Bay.
Check out our guide to Jersey beaches for inspiration.
5. aMaizin Adventure Park
Top of the list of Jersey attractions for families must be aMaizinAdventure Park, the award-winning farm park in rural St. Peter which offers hours and hours of fun for the whole family.
The expansive outdoor area includes all manner of child-friendly activities including go-karts, the towering toboggan, a splash zone for hot weather and a petting zoo. In July and August the ‘maize maze’ is open for visitors and, and wet weather days never prove a problem with a fun indoor play area designed to promote imagination and confidence in young visitors.
Visit the aMaizin Adventure Park website to find out more about this fun-filled family attraction, and see what’s on during your visit.
6. La Mare Wine Estate
This one-of-a-kind attraction found in the picturesque Jersey countryside, in the serene heart of the parish of St Mary. This traditional farmhouse, surrounded by vineyards and orchards, is dedicated to producing first-rate wines, ciders, spirits, home-made preserves and mouth-watering chocolates. La Mare is open to the public for tours and tasting experiences, and also has a stylish light-filled restaurant serving tasty lunches and afternoon tea. La Mare Wine Estate is a must-do if you’re interested in learning about Jersey’s food and drinks culture. Visit their website to book a tour or peruse the menu.
7. Rocco’s Activity Centre
Experience Rocco’s Crazy, Mini & Adventure Golf, a total of 54 holes of fun in the heart of St. Ouen’s Bay. Rocco’s Crazy Golf is a Jersey themed 18 Hole Crazy Golf course inspired by Jersey landmarks, The Adventure course offers a challenging and fun 18 holes, and Mini golf is a lilliputian version of the full-size golf-course next door. A fun activity for children and grown-ups! Rocco’s Activity Centre is open daily, including bank holidays.
Inspired by all that Jersey has to offer? To book your accommodation or holiday packages, visit JerseyTravel to find the best option for you!
