Jersey is only 9 miles by 5, but there is plenty to explore on a break away from Cornwall. Whether you are looking for some quieter beaches, walking opportunities or boat trips to explore further afield, a break to Jersey could be just what you need!
Blue Islands are flying to Jersey from Newquay three times a week this summer and whilst you do need to do (correct on 22nd July 2021) a free PCR test on arrival (no isolation for fully vaccinated over 11s, isolation until PCR result for those over 11s not fully vaccinated), you can soon be exploring the island. For more information on testing requirements, please see the Blue Islands website.
Explore the beaches and sea
Jersey may only be a small island but the differences between beaches on the different coastlines make for interesting exploring. The North and South coasts of the island are not dissimilar to those in Cornwall – the North is rugged and windblown, whereas the South is much more sheltered and serene.
On the Southern shores you’ll find safe family beaches with plenty of sunshine. With fine white sand and beautiful clear waters, it is a great place to spend the day swimming, snorkelling and laying in the sun. St. Aubin’s Bay stretches from St. Helier to St. Aubin’s harbour, which means that there are lots of places to dip into and explore along the walk. A short walk from St. Helier town centre you’ll find Havre des Pas and Greve d’Azette, an art-deco area with a tidal bathing pool, beachside cafes and restaurants.
Jersey has some of the best surfing in the UK so it is a great place to find some quieter spots this summer. Its nice warm waters are also welcome! There are plenty of surf schools if you want to learn or improve - The Surf Yard at St. Peters in the heart of St. Ouen’s Bay offers tuition for all levels.
Plan a Golf Break
Played all the courses here in Cornwall? Why not pop across to Jersey and try some of theirs? Most of the island clubs have outstanding views to consider why you are waiting to tee off and whether it’s a quick 9 holes or a full 18, there are plenty of options. The Royal Jersey Golf Club is home to Harry Vardon, who first inspired Tiger Woods to start playing, and is now open to visitors
St Clements Golf and Sports Centre is ideal for families who want to split up and play different sports in one place. As well as being the most Southerly golf course in the UK, they also have tennis courts and padel tennis courts, and a restaurant so that you can all meet back up for lunch!
Walk and cycle around the Island
Because the island is so compact, you can easily explore it without needing a car. Jersey’s National Park https://www.jersey.com/guides-features/explore-jersey-national-park contains beaches, woodland, cliffs and plenty of peace and tranquillity. You can easily map out your own walk or take guided walks that talk you through the island’s history - there are organised foraging walks, historical walks and moonlight walks available.
Cycling is another great way to see the island. There is a varied terrain but also great, generally quiet roads criss-crossing the island that make it perfect for avid cyclists and families alike. Advanced cycling routes have been created for the keen cyclist, including a challenging 100km route with 1,000m of climbing.
For the more relaxed bike user, there are signposted routes throughout the area and you can hire bikes while you are there.
Explore the History of the Island
Jersey has a vast history and you can easily spend your entire break investigating everything from German wartime bunkers to castles and ancient burial sites. It has been everything from a Viking stronghold to a German occupied territory during the Second World War.
You could decide to spend the day looking around Elizabeth Castle, built into a rocky outcrop in St. Auben’s Bay which in much the same way as our own St Michael’s Mount, is only accessible at low tide or by a ferry when the causeway is covered.
La Hougue Bie Museum is the tenth oldest building in the World, which is quite a claim to fame! You can walk through the passage graves, as well as learning about the island’s Neolithic community in the geology and archaeology museum onsite.
Blue Islands fly to Jersey from Newquay three times a week during the summer.