48 Hours in Jersey

Morning

After landing, we breezed through the island’s compact airport, jumped into our hire car and drove ten minutes down the road to our accommodation. The ever-popular Atlantic Hotel is a true gem and, undoubtedly, our favourite place on the island; for us, it rates among the best hotels we’ve stayed in anywhere on our travels.

We spent the remainder of the morning relaxing at the hotel, wandering around the grounds and resting on the “secret” bench from which you can enjoy one of the island’s best views!

Lunch

For a quick snack, we drove to Jersey Pearl, situated at the northern end of St Ouen’s Bay, and popped into the café. This bright and airy eatery is popular with locals and visitors alike and when the weather is clement, the outside seating area is inviting.

Address: Grande Route des Mielles, St Ouen

Afternoon

Apparently, you’re never more than ten minutes from the sea and, of course, Jersey’s rugged 40-mile coastline. Many visitors pick this island for the copious walking opportunities and being keen walkers ourselves, we spent the afternoon exploring the northwestern corner and the wild north coast.

The energetic often trek the entire 16 miles of coastpath from the northwest to the northeastern corner in one day. Most people, though, split it into manageable chunks. All along the cliff path running across this rugged part of Jersey you’ll be accompanied by the roar of the powerful ocean crashing onto rocks below.

We particularly enjoyed the four-mile stretch from Bouley Bay to Bonne Nuit Bay, via the evocatively-named Egypt Headland. At 375 feet above sea level, it’s just short of being the island’s highest point which, incidentally, is just a few strides inland at Les Platons.

Whilst in the northwestern corner, we visited the two giant woven puffins. Unveiled in 2022, the two steel and willow birds perched on the grounds of Plemont stand 13 feet high. The models were commissioned to reflect problems these colourful birds face on the island and how islanders can help protect them.

Dinner

Off the Rails

There are certain restaurants we return to time and time again whenever we’re on the island. One is Off the Rails. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better pizza than those sold here. Of course, there is much more than just sourdough pizzas on the menu but, for us, that’s what we always choose. This is a great little restaurant: really quirky and located alongside The Railway Walk, where Jersey’s railway once ran.

Address: Petite Route des Mielles, St Brelade

Evening

Jersey has a rich history so consider buying the Heritage Pass which allows access to three or four historic sites, such as Mont Orgueil Castle in the east of the island. Highly recommended, this medieval building with links to the English Crown protected Jersey against French invasion for over 600 years. The castle boasts spectacular views along the island’s coastline and beyond to France.

But we wanted an evening stroll – the castle was closed, of course – so headed to Gorey, despite it being on the other side of the isle: after all, the island being small means everywhere is so close. This relaxed fishing village with pastel-coloured cottages and alfresco restaurants is among Jersey’s best-known locations and doesn’t disappoint. Get your camera ready because walking along the flower-strewn promenade with the castle ahead of you is a scene you’ll want to capture.

Morning

We were keen to don our walking boots again to enjoy another coastal walk. A favourite of ours heads out from The Atlantic Hotel and joins the coast path to Corbière Lighthouse. Situated on the island’s southwestern corner, it was, allegedly, the world’s first concrete lighthouse.

It’s a straightforward route along the coast path (remember to pick up a copy of The Atlantic Area Map highlighting the route from the hotel’s reception). The lighthouse is one of the most photographed structures on the island and can be reached via a causeway when the tide is right (check tide times before attempting to cross).

En route you’ll pass the golden sands of Petit Port beach, tucked away and, as such, offering a quieter escape from the island’s busier beaches.

Returning to the hotel, we chose a different route – this time, along The Railway Walk. This four-mile stretch runs from Corbière to St Aubin.

Lunch

Ransom’s Garden Centre Tearoom & Restaurant

This family-run garden centre in St Martin opened its doors in 1966. It was born from the combined passion of Sarah Ransom – a qualified patisserie chef who dreamed of opening a restaurant – and her mother, who’d always wanted to run a tearoom.

The tearoom – where we enjoyed a delicious lunch followed by vegan cakes, although there is an equally wide selection on non-vegan cakes – has seating for over 100 people plus several tables outside.

As far as I could establish, there is nowhere else on the island offering its customers such a wide choice of cakes and we highly recommend it for morning coffee, lunch or a refreshing cuppa in the afternoon.

The service is always spot-on, the food delicious and there are plenty of parking spaces.

Address: La Grande Route de Faldouet, St Martin

Afternoon

After lunch, we drove to St Helier – the island’s capital – and wandered around before heading to St Clement to visit the Botanic Gardens at Samarès Manor. Created in the 1920s by millionaire philanthropist Sir James Knott, the gardens offer countless unique and distinctive plant collections which thrive at this exceptionally fertile site.

Samarès Manor is a manor house with medieval origins. The name Samarès is an old French word meaning salt-marsh, and much of the low-lying surrounding areas are or were coastal marshes. The house, meanwhile, sports several Tudor arched windows on the ground floor while the round colombier – which it’s believed dates back to the 12^th century – is thought to be Jersey’s oldest.

Among the 14 acres you’ll discover a Japanese garden, exotic planting, water gardens, seasonal gardens, formal rose and lavender garden plus one of the UK’s largest herb gardens.

If you’re visiting with children, head for the play area, Willow Labyrinth, Jungle Path or simply enjoy refreshments at the café. Finally, on your way out, make sure you visit the gift shop and plant centre.

Address: La Grande Route de St Clement, St Clement

Dinner

For us, no visit to Jersey is complete without dining at PizzaExpress’ gloriously-located pizzeria at St Brelade. Situated overlooking the beach, this gorgeous venue is contemporary in design and has long been a favourite with locals and visitors since opening more than 23 years ago.

In fact, I’d eat here just to enjoy the sumptuous view out across the beach but, of course, the food is equally delicious which is something you can always rely on when visiting PizzaExpress.

The occasion was perfect: friendly staff, great service, fab view and, of course, delicious pizzas!

Address: La Route de la Baie, St Brelade

Evening

After another enjoyable dinner at PizzaExpress, we crossed the road and wandered around Churchill Memorial Park, which features a memorial bust of Sir Winston Churchill near the main entrance, as well as a waterfall.

Afterwards, with enough daylight left and the tide just right, we wandered along the beach at St Brelade before driving back to St Ouen’s, which has become a favourite of ours over the years. We always enjoy our strolls along this five-mile stretch of uninterrupted sand.

St Ouen’s is home to one of Europe’s oldest surfing clubs and a day doesn’t pass without spotting surfers enjoying the Atlantic rollers crashing onto the beach.

Feeling the sand between our toes and enjoying a quick paddle as we walked along was the perfect way to end our final day on Jersey.