Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine an island with warm golden beaches, rugged cliffs, sunny coastal walks looking out over turquoise seas, and seafood so fresh it’s practically leaping onto your plate before you can say “how am I reading this with my eyes closed?”
You’ve just imagined Jersey, the Channel Island known for its independent character, rich cultural history, easy-to-navigate size and gentle, sun-filled weather that’s made for exploring. Here’s everything you need to know about this close-to-home island before you pack your bags and get ready for a flight from London Southend Airport.
Book your flight to Jersey from London Southend Airport.
Why visit Jersey?
Jersey is popular with all kinds of travellers. Families get calm, roomy beaches, easy days out like Jersey Zoo and short travel times between everything, meaning no long car journeys or overcomplicated planning. In fact, it’s only ten minutes to the nearest beach no matter where you start!
Couples get big romantic vistas, quiet coves, great seafood spots and sunset dinners in St Aubin’s or St Helier. It’s an easy, speedy, friendly way to feel special without needing a long-haul flight.
So whether you’re an outdoorsy person longing for cliff walks, paddleboarding and wide-open views, or the take-it-easy type who prefers long lunches, gentle pottering and a beach towel with your name on it, Jersey fits the mood perfectly. Small island, lots to do, zero fuss. Perfect.
Getting around Jersey
Jersey is just under 10 miles by 5 miles, which means nothing is ever out of reach. Getting around is easy, whether you’re planning a carefree weekend or a packed itinerary.
Many visitors use the LibertyBus routes from St Helier to reach the nearby beaches, villages and major sights. Others hire a car straight from Jersey Airport and explore quieter bays at their own pace. Cycling is also a great choice, thanks to the island’s peaceful green lanes – and if you prefer to explore on foot, the cliff paths linking bay to bay offer some of the best views on the island.
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What’s the best time to visit Jersey?
There’s no right time to visit Jersey, but here are some things you might want to consider.
Summer brings the warmest weather, with average highs around 20°C and sea temperatures reaching 17°C, making July and August ideal for swimming, long beach days and full outdoor itineraries. If you prefer things a little quieter, May, June and September still feel comfortably warm, with great conditions for walking, cycling and exploring without the peak-season crowds.
Autumn and winter offer a different kind of charm. Temperatures drop to around 9–12°C, but in return you get peaceful coastal paths, dramatic seascapes and plenty of cosy cafés and pubs to duck into when the weather turns. It’s also a rewarding time for food lovers, thanks to seasonal produce and slower, more relaxed dining across the island.
Where should I stay in Jersey?
Jersey has a surprisingly varied mix of places to stay for such a small island.
St Helier is the best base if you want everything on your doorstep: restaurants, bars, shops and the main bus routes that make getting around easy without a car.
If you’re dreaming of a stay that’s more about sea views and slow mornings, St Brelade’s Bay is the classic choice, with beachfront hotels, calm swimming spots and a promenade that feels holiday-ready from sunrise to sunset.
For something quieter, the rural parishes offer countryside hotels and guesthouses tucked along peaceful green lanes, giving you space, fresh air and quick access to some of the island’s prettiest walking routes.
Where to eat and drink
Jersey’s food and drink scene is one of the island’s biggest draws – there’s more than 540 places to choose from! You’ll find everything from polished tasting menus to relaxed seaside spots, plus plenty of places championing local produce in simple, brilliant ways. Here are five that show off exactly what the island does best:
- Mark Jordan at the Beach – On the south coast near St Aubin, this two-AA-Rosette, Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant delivers high-quality seafood in a relaxed, coastal setting. The dining room is bright and unfussy, and the big windows give you those classic bay views. If you’re after a long, polished lunch or a dinner that feels like a treat without being formal, this is the place.
- Bohemia (St Helier) – Jersey’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, holding the star for over 20 years. Expect inventive tasting menus, a sleek dining room and exceptional wine pairings. It’s the ideal choice for a celebration, a special date night or anyone who loves trying dishes that push creativity and technique.
- Brasserie Colmar (St Helier) – Just a short stroll from the marina, Brasserie Colmar offers a stylish brasserie setting with seasonal dishes and a warm, lively atmosphere. If you want somewhere smart but relaxed, with good service and a menu that suits both leisurely dinners and slightly dressier nights out, this is a solid pick.
- Jersey Crab Shack (St Brelade’s Bay) – A bright, beachy spot overlooking one of Jersey’s most beautiful bays. It’s known for casual seafood favourites and an easygoing vibe that works well after a day on the sand. Heads up – they close in winter!
- The Lamplighter (St Helier) – A cosy, characterful pub serving hearty dishes and a good selection of drinks. Expect a welcoming atmosphere and a proper local feel. It’s perfect for a relaxed evening, especially if you want something unfussy after a busy day exploring.
Top things to do
Jersey is full of activities that suit explorers, foodies, families and anyone looking to make the most of an island break. From historic sites to cliffside adventures, here are the must dos, each with a little more depth to help you plan.
- Explore St Helier – Start in the capital, where everything is walkable and easy to navigate. Browse the Central Market, pick up snacks from local producers, stroll the marina or grab a coffee before heading out on day trips. It’s also the main transport hub, so basing yourself here makes the rest of the island simple to reach.
- Walk or ferry to Elizabeth Castle – At low tide you can walk across the causeway to this tidal fortress; at high tide you hop on the amphibious ferry. Once on the island, climb the battlements, explore the old barracks and take in some of the best views back towards St Helier. Give yourself at least a couple of hours.
- Journey through history at Mont Orgueil Castle – Set above Gorey Harbour, this medieval castle is a maze of towers, staircases and lookout points. The climb to the top gives you one of Jersey’s signature views, and the exhibitions inside add proper depth to the island’s long, layered history.
- Hit some of Jersey’s best beaches – St Brelade’s Bay is great for families thanks to calm water, soft sand and cafés right on the promenade. Plemont is wilder, with caves and rock pools framed by cliffs. St Ouen’s stretches for miles and is the spot for surfing, huge skies and seriously good sunsets.
- Soak in the views – Discover the iconic La Corbière Lighthouse in Jersey. It’s not just the architecture of this striking white lighthouse that draws the eye. It’s also the location – towering over Jersey’s south-western corner, flanked by rocks and reached by a causeway.
- Visit the Jersey War Tunnels – This underground complex tells the story of Jersey’s WWII occupation through a series of detailed, immersive exhibits. It’s one of the island’s most important historical sites and gives powerful context to everything you see above ground.
- Get out on the water – Jersey’s coastline is built for adventure. Kayak into sea caves, paddleboard in sheltered bays or take on cliff-path hikes with uninterrupted views. If you’re up for something more adrenaline-fuelled, coasteering offers jumps, scrambles and swims along dramatic sections of the coastline.
Top tips for your stay in Jersey
So… Jersey is right next to France, but it’s not part of the UK, but it is a “dependency”… but it has its own government. You’d be forgiven for being a little confused. At least, you will be while reading this article – but it’s probably best to get your facts straight before you arrive! Here’s what you need to know.
- Is Jersey part of the UK? – No. Jersey is a Crown Dependency with its own government.
- What language do they speak in Jersey? – Jersey has three official languages: French, Jèrriais, and English – which is the one generally used in day-to-day life.
- What currency do they use in Jersey – British Pound (GBP).
- Do I need a passport to travel from the UK to Jersey? – UK travellers do not legally need a passport, but photo ID is strongly recommended. Check the latest guidance on the UK Government website.
- What’s the speed limit in Jersey – Jersey has lower speed limits than the UK: 40mph is the maximum, with many areas reduced to 20, 30, or 15mph.
One last bit of advice! Jersey can get busy in the summer, which means a lot of restaurants and activities can fill up fast. So to make the most of your trip, plan – and book – ahead.
Whether you’re chasing sea views, planning a foodie escape or packing as much adventure as possible into a long weekend with flights every Monday and Thursday, Jersey is ready when you are – and closer than you think!
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