Jersey Channel Islands Itinerary Blog

Here is a guide to the best way to spend three days in Jersey, Channel Islands:
Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, is a unique island that has all the British feel with a touch of French culture, beautiful scenery, history, and food. If you are a nature lover, a history lover, or a food lover, Jersey is the place to be. If you are thinking of visiting and would like to get the most out of your trip then this 3 day itinerary will show you the highlights of Jersey.

Day 1: Introduction to St. Helier and Coastal Delights.
Morning: Explore St. Helier
Begin your Jersey experience in St. Helier, the lively capital of the island. Start your tour with Elizabeth Castle that is situated on the small islet in St. Aubin’s Bay. Located at the south of Jersey, this fortress can be reached by foot during low tide or by ferry, and has been protecting Jersey for more than 400 years. Stroll around the castle and its gardens, visit the displays and take in the views of the coast.

Following the castle, take a walk through the commercial centre of St. Helier. Go to the Central Market which is a Victorian era covered market that sells fruits and vegetables, local crafts and other memorabilia. Jersey Museum and Art Gallery should not be overlooked as it tells the story of the island and its people, the German occupation of the island during the Second World War.

Afternoon: Coastal Walk to St. Aubin is another beautiful walk to take.
After visiting St. Helier, one can take a beautiful coastal trail or a bus to the picturesque village of St. Aubin. The walk along the promenade is quite picturesque with the bay on one side and there are several cafés and restaurants where one can sit and have a meal.

In St. Aubin, walk along the stone paved streets and admire the architecture of the houses, galleries and shops. Have lunch at one of the local restaurants and taste the fresh seafood and the laid back ambience of the place.

Evening: Sunset at St. Brelade’s Bay:
Finish your day at St. Brelade’s Bay which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Jersey. The soft sand and the clean water make it a great place to spend the evening and have some rest. If you are visiting during the summer, try to stay for the sunset, it is quite beautiful. For dinner, you can have a meal at one of the beachfront restaurants, which serve from fast food to a gourmet cuisine with sea view.

History and Heritage: Day 2.
Morning: Mont Orgueil Castle
On the second day, it is recommended to begin with the visit to Mont Orgueil Castle in the beautiful village of Gorey. This medieval fortress has been a sentinel over the eastern coast of Jersey for over six centuries. Take the stairs, the towers and the hidden rooms and find out more about the castle’s history and its inhabitants in the interactive displays.

After the castle tour, it is suggested to walk around Gorey Harbour to see the bright painted fishing boats and perhaps have a cup of coffee while having a view of the castle.

Afternoon: Jersey War Tunnels
In the afternoon, explore the history of Jersey during the Second World War at the Jersey War Tunnels. This underground complex was constructed by the forced laborers during the German occupation of the country and is now used as a museum. The exhibits depict the history of the occupation of Jersey, the courage of the people of Jersey and the effects of the war on the people of Jersey.

After the tunnels, you can have a light meal at the café located within the compound and which has a vantage view of the surrounding greenery.

Evening: La Mare Wine Estate
End your day with a trip to La Mare Wine Estate situated in the middle of the Jersey countryside. Enjoy a vineyard, distillery and orchard tour and find out how they produce their wines, ciders and spirits which have received numerous awards. Your tour will culminate with a tasting session where you can taste some of the estate’s products such as the well known Jersey Black Butter.

For dinner, there are several restaurants in the nearby villages where you can taste the local cuisine, fresh and seasonal products.

Day 3: The Scenic Wonders and the Outdoor Activities
Morning: The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.
Your last day of the tour will be spent at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (Jersey Zoo) established by the renowned naturalist Gerald Durrell. The zoo has a number of endangered animals and is involved in the preservation of wildlife. Spend the morning in the park and its well-maintained habitats and get to see animals like the orangutans, tamarins, and the beautiful flamingos. This is a perfect place for families and people who love nature because the zoo is beautiful.

Afternoon: Jersey’s Coastal Paths
After a morning at the zoo, it is time to go out and hike the beautiful coastal trails of Jersey. The North Coast Path is one of the most beautiful routes of the island, with cliffs, bays and stunning views of the sea. Begin the hike at Rozel Bay and proceed in the western direction along the rocky coast. The trail is easy to follow and can be done by anyone, there are many places to sit and enjoy the beautiful views.

For a more relaxed walk, the Corbiere Lighthouse which is located in the south western part of the island is also a good choice. The lighthouse is one of the most famous objects of interest in Jersey; the territory around the lighthouse has beautiful walking trails with beautiful views of the sea.

Evening: St. Helier at Night – Dinner
Head back to St. Helier for your last night on Jersey. Dine at one of the towns finest restaurants and sample the best of Jersey’s food including fresh seafood, meats and vegetables reared in the island. Perhaps, it is better to have a meal at a restaurant that has terrace seating, where one can dine out and enjoy the night breeze and the spirit of the capital.

Some Useful Information for Your Jersey Trip
Getting Around: Jersey is quite a small island and getting around is not a problem; the bus service is efficient and can be used to get around most of the island. Car or bike on rent is also a good idea if you want to move around freely.
Accommodation: There is a choice of places to stay in Jersey from the top class hotels to the small guest houses and self-catering cottages. It is advisable to make a reservation particularly when the travel is done during the peak season.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Jersey is during the summer months of May to September because the climate is quite moderate and the island looks beautiful.
Conclusion
Jersey is a beautiful island with beautiful landscapes, fascinating history and culture and is ideal for a short break. This 3-day itinerary guarantees that you will get the best of the island, its sandy beaches and historical landmarks, delicious food and exciting activities. Whether you are a first time visitor or planning to come back for more, Jersey will surely make you fall in love with the place and make you want to come back for more.