Jersey Travel Guide

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
Comment this article

The largest and southernmost of the Channel Islands, Jersey has a fascinating history which visitors can discover at every turn, clean beaches where families can head to relax, and sublime natural beauty which will captivate anyone who arrives on its shores. Tourists flock to the island year on year for the clear air, the outdoor sports, and the sheer escape that it offers.

Closer to France than mainland Britain, when you approach Jersey by air you will be greeted with a view of lush green valleys, well-kept fields, and an unspoilt coastline. If however you arrive by sea, the wild rocky landscape of La Corbiere, St Aubin''s Bay and the historic Elizabeth Castle will open your eyes instantly to the rich history to be discovered on the island.

It is certainly not hard to get around Jersey when you arrive, and not just because of its modest size. The 450 miles of roadway across the island as well as the large network of narrow country roads on which walkers, cyclists and horse riders are given priority will allow you to travel around and see the sights.

If you want to explore the countryside, you will be in ...
... for a treat. The open landscape is made of a rich patchwork of open fields, woodland, cliffs and headland, trees and hedgerows. Walkers can enjoy rambling and appreciating the views from the steep south-facing slopes found across the island and used extensively for farming.

However should the blue skies tempt you more than the land, you might want to pay a visit to the Jersey Aero Club where you will be able to book an aerobatics session in a two-seat RAF trainer aircraft or even take the reins of a Piper Cherokee and fly across France in a trial lesson.

The waters surrounding the island offer so much to enjoy too. With a boat charter you will be able to explore another side to Jersey, or you could cruise around the bay, take a day trip over to France, or even go snorkelling off the island''s offshore reefs. If you enjoy fishing, you will discover the diversity of marine life around the coast.

Shoppers will enjoy the high street outlets and the smaller local shops lining the roads of St Helier, a pleasant town and a perfect place to visit. Outside town, visitors come to the island to take a trip to the specialist stores particularly the local jewellery, pottery and wool merchants. If you want to take something home, then the low level of tax and VAT will make your money go much further.

It is a small island, but nonetheless it offers a pleasant, peaceful retreat. Find a hotel in Jersey, breathe the sea air, take a walk through the town, and you will find it worthwhile in an instant. Bonny Kominek is an experienced travel writer who has travelled the world and recommends Octopustravel.com for Jersey hotels.