Travel: Jersey – the perfect island break
Gillian Thornton enjoys a taste of the continent with the familiarity of home, on Britain’s best island break
For lovers of the 1980s BBC detective series Bergerac, Jersey is frozen in time, an island of millionaires and mansions. The eponymous Jim Bergerac remains forever young, the sun ever shining on his gleaming Triumph Roadster. But, in fact, the Channel Island has moved with the times and these days provides all the elements of a perfect getaway. Around 100 miles from England but just 14 miles off the coast of Normandy, Jersey combines a distinct French flavour with all the familiarity of Britain. You can travel with Condor Ferries from Poole or Portsmouth, or fly in with Easyjet, Flybe or Aer Lingus, then pick up a hire car to explore the island freely – a leisurely experience thanks to driving on the left at a sedate maximum speed limit of 40mph.
Fictional Bergerac murders aside, Jersey has long been regarded as safe, catering primarily for young families and retirees.
But 21st-century Jersey, with its huge range of activities and a serious reputation as a foodlovers’ destination, has done a great job of reinventing itself to provide an island break for all ages and interests.
Explore the island
Few experiences between humans and animals beat gazing into the eyes of an orang-utan, especially a fully grown male with a paper sack draped over his flowing locks! He may look comical, but that deep, intense stare is incredibly moving, creating a wordless connection that’s guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings, however old you are.
Founded by the late naturalist Gerald Durrell, Jersey Zoo – a wonderful centre for wildlife preservation – has long been home to families of orang-utans and gorillas, as well as a wide range of smaller creatures, from marmosets to parakeets. With its modern visitor centre, buzzing cafe and child-friendly activities, it’s a great day out.
Or spend a day at some of the island’s many heritage sites and museums. History comes to life for all ages at Mont Orgueil Castle at Gorey on the east coast, and Elizabeth Castle in St Aubin’s Bay. I also loved the interactive exhibits at the Maritime Museum and the displays at Hamptonne Country Life Museum.
For retail therapy, check out Liberation Wharf, a quaint precinct of independent shops, and King Street, lined with both high-street names
and independents. To treat yourself – or someone else
– browse the contemporary jewellery here at Jersey Silver, and out-of-town at Jersey Pearl and acclaimed designer Catherine Best.
The Channel Islands were under German occupation during the Second World War, and Jersey offers a unique insight into this dark period. You can discover inspiring stories of Resistance fighters at the Jersey War Tunnels and bring history lessons to life with the intricately stitched scenes in the Occupation Tapestry Gallery.
See the sights on foot
There’s no excuse for not getting your daily exercise in Jersey. The island measures just nine miles by five, and my favourite way to explore was on foot, whether along the dramatic cliffs of the north coast, the perimeter of a broad sandy bay, or through the lush interior dotted with granite farmhouses and pretty Jersey cows.
The bays of St Brelade’s and St Aubin on the south coast are firm favourites with visitors. But take a walk, too, along the five-mile sands of St Ouen’s Bay in the west and watch the surfers ride the waves. Then get close to nature with a visit to the Wetland Centre overlooking St Ouen’s Pond. I was thrilled to spot a pair of marsh harriers looking for lunch!
Foodies’ heaven
All that fresh air makes you hungry, and Jersey has a fast-growing reputation as a haven for food-lovers. With a wide choice of freshly grown island produce and fish from the surrounding waters, the island has attracted many young chefs, who offer everything from pizza on the beach to pop-up eateries, seafood specialities and gourmet fare.
For the slowest of slow food, try Jersey’s four specialities: Jersey Royal potatoes, fresh lobster, rich dairy products from Jersey cows, and oysters cultivated in the Bay of Grouville. And, with everything so close together, you can try a wide range of dining experiences in one short break, from tables with a sea view to cosy country pubs.
Browse the jersey.com website for ultimate food envy and a whole lot more!