- A Crown Dependency in the Common Travel Area, so no passport is needed by law for British citizens
- Mont Orgueil, Elizabeth Castle and the Jersey War Tunnels tell its long history
- St Brelade's, St Ouen's and Plémont are the best beaches
- One of the world's largest tidal ranges creates superb low-tide walks with a guide
- Airports
- Jersey Airport (JER), about 15-20 minutes from St Helier
- Flight time
- about 50 minutes from London Gatwick; around 1h15 from Manchester
- Best time to go
- May-September for beaches; late spring for wildflowers and Jersey Royals
- Currency
- Pound sterling (Jersey notes and coins also issued)
Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, just 14 miles from the coast of Normandy but around 100 miles from England. That position gives it a distinctive mix: British in language, currency and habits, but with French place names, Norman law, sunny weather and a food scene built on seafood, dairy and the famous Jersey Royal potatoes. It is a self-governing Crown Dependency, with its own parliament, the States Assembly, and it is not part of the UK.
At around nine miles by five, Jersey is easy to explore, yet it packs in long sandy bays, rugged cliffs in the north, medieval and Tudor castles, and moving reminders of the German Occupation from 1940 to 1945. Combine it with neighbouring Guernsey or a day trip to France, and see our United Kingdom guide for the home nations.
Things to do
- Mont Orgueil Castle – this 800-year-old castle rises dramatically above the harbour at Gorey, with displays telling the story of the island's defences.
- Elizabeth Castle – on a tidal island in St Aubin's Bay, reached on foot at low tide or by amphibious "castle ferry", with gun-firing displays in summer.
- Jersey War Tunnels – a vast underground hospital complex dug by forced labourers during the Occupation now tells the story of life on the island under German rule.
- Durrell Wildlife Park – founded by the naturalist Gerald Durrell in 1959, it focuses on endangered species, with gorillas, orangutans and lemurs.
- Beaches – St Brelade's Bay is the classic family beach; St Ouen's Bay on the west coast is five miles of sand and Jersey's surfing hub; Plémont is a dramatic bay in the north revealed at low tide.
- Low-tide walks – at low tide, the sea retreats a long way, uncovering a rocky moonscape. Guided walks to the Seymour Tower or Les Écréhous reefs are unforgettable; never go without a guide, as the tide comes in quickly.
- La Corbière and the north coast – the lighthouse on the south-west tip is the island's most photographed spot; the north coast footpath offers wild cliff-top walking.
- Food – try Jersey Royals in spring, oysters from Royal Bay of Grouville, black butter, Jersey ice cream and fresh crab in beach cafés and seafood restaurants.
Where to stay
- St Helier – the capital, with the widest range of hotels, shops and restaurants, and easy bus links.
- St Brelade and St Aubin – beach resort hotels and pretty harbour-side inns on the south coast.
- Gorey – a picturesque harbour village beneath Mont Orgueil, with seafood restaurants.
- St Ouen and the north – self-catering cottages, campsites and quieter hotels for walkers and surfers.
Getting there
Flights to Jersey Airport run from London Gatwick, Southampton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Newcastle, Edinburgh and other UK airports, with carriers including British Airways, easyJet, Jet2 and Blue Islands, many seasonally; the flight from Gatwick takes about 50 minutes. Condor Ferries sails from Poole and Portsmouth, with crossings taking around 4 to 9 hours depending on the route and vessel, and links to St-Malo in France and Guernsey.
As part of the Common Travel Area, British citizens do not legally need a passport, but airlines and ferry operators require photo ID; a passport is needed if you plan a day trip to France. Jersey has a good bus network, and car hire, cycling and the "green lanes" with a 15mph limit are other good ways to explore.
Best time to visit
Jersey is one of the sunniest places in the British Isles. May to September is best for beaches, with summer highs around 20 to 22 °C. Late spring brings wildflowers on the cliffs and the new Jersey Royals; August hosts the Battle of Flowers parade. Liberation Day on 9 May marks the end of the Occupation.
Check the tide tables before planning your days; the tide can rise and fall by more than 12 metres, transforming beaches, castles and walks.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport to go to Jersey?
Not legally if you are a British citizen travelling from the UK, but airlines and ferries require photo ID, and you will need a passport for trips on to France.
Is Jersey part of the UK?
No. Jersey is a self-governing Crown Dependency with its own government, laws and taxes; the UK is responsible for its defence and international affairs.
Can I use English money in Jersey?
Yes. Sterling is used everywhere. Jersey notes and coins are not normally accepted in the UK, so spend them before you go home.
Can you visit Guernsey from Jersey?
Yes. Ferries link the two islands in around an hour, and there are short inter-island flights.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
More from ThomasWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
