It’s just nine miles by five, but the island of Jersey is larger than life when it comes to things to see and do. Here are some ideas for groups planning a visit.
Heritage discoveries, coastal driving routes, farmers’ markets and guided tours; there’s enough in Jersey to satisfy all manner of interests. Travel options by water or by air make this particular Channel Island easily accessible for a weekend group getaway, while the island’s many attractions offer plenty to fill a longer holiday if desired.
Jersey Bus Tours provides a good opportunity to get to know the island; GTOs can book a full-day Island Tour which visits many of the island’s highlight landmarks. Passengers are rarely on the coach for longer than 25 minutes at a time; there are a number of places where groups can get off and explore such as Corbiere Lighthouse, St Brelade Bay and La Rocque Harbour.
The company also offers bus tours for groups with a specific interest. For example, those interested in island history can take a Jersey War Tunnels tour, which focuses on the German Occupation of Jersey from 1940-45. Groups can expect commentary onboard an open top vintage bus, plus a visit to the famous war tunnels and the Hospital Ward exhibition inside.
Pictured: An exhibition space inside the Jersey War Tunnels.
Animal lovers can take a trip to Durrell Wildlife Park in Trinity. Explore 32 acres of park land and meet animals such as gorillas, lemurs and bears. Animal talks and feeding sessions take place regularly throughout the day. Coach groups are welcome.
Guided walks in various Jersey locations might also be of interest to enthusiasts of all things nature-related. Jersey Walk Adventures offers a number of walking tours, including one called Bioluminescence on the Beach. Walkers will take to the shores of Grouville as night descends, and spot bioluminescent creatures and other marine life on this ‘moonwalk’ across the seabed.
Oyster tours – which include the chance to taste fresh Jersey oysters – and seaweed foraging for culinary purposes are also available to groups with Jersey Walk Adventures.
There are number of places to eat across the island. Nestled on the harbour wall in Rozel Bay, Trinity, is The Hungry Man, offering a wide range of food from gourmet burgers to crab sandwiches and homemade cakes. All seating is al fresco so diners can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Rozel Bay while they eat.
Pictured: Eating out at a restaurant in St Helier.
Groups can also opt to eat at The Boat House at St. Brelade – fresh Jersey produce like lobster and sea bass are on the menu – and Café des Pas at St Helier, which is available for private hire and boasts panoramic views across the sea. The Farm House at St John and La Cantina Restaurant in St Helier are also suitable options for group dining.
Wondering where to stay? Large groups are well catered for at the Jersey Accommodation and Activity Centre (JAAC) and will receive a five per cent discount on room rates for parties of 20 or more.
The centre sleeps up to 110 people, and boasts a range of sleeping options from dormitories to private en suites. It’s also only a five minute walk from the pretty fishing port of Gorey in St Martin, and has a 60 seater dining room, a sauna and two large lounges. Dining options include breakfast, two-course evening meals, and packed lunches to take out during the day.
For smaller groups (of up to 35), there’s a YHA hostel at Durrell Wildlife Park, meaning the wildlife park is on the doorstep, as is the Mont Orgueil Castle, as well as plenty of dramatic cliff top walks for walking groups who’d like to explore the area by foot.
Pictured: The Condor Liberation - one way to get to Jersey from the UK.
If you’re wondering how to get to Jersey, there are two options: fly or take the ferry. Airlines such as EasyJet, Jet2.com and British Airways offer flights from London airports that take around 55 minutes. Alternatively, groups can take a ferry from Poole or Portsmouth with companies such as Condor Ferries and Jersey Harbours.
There’s also the option for groups to organise a trip to Jersey with a tour operator. Companies like Waverley Coach Tours offer a selection of tours around Jersey and also offer airport/harbour transfers and private hire facilities.
Lead image: Beauport, Jersey. (Photo credit: Britain On View).
