Discover the curiously Brit…(ish) island of Jersey, a place that’s familiar yet ever so slightly exotic.
The sunniest spot in the British Isles deserves more than just a summer-time visit, there is always an exciting activity or event happening throughout the year on the island of Jersey, and we think you should be there for every one of them.
January - the post-christmas wellness one
Jersey is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate your mind and body for the year ahead. Winter in Jersey brings drama, beauty and a sense of freshness that doesn’t just blow away the cobwebs, it invigorates the soul. It is that unique smell of crisp winter air straight from the sea and that moment when you step in from the cold and feel your skin tingle with appreciation. Reward yourself with great local seasonal produce, a warm fire and good company.
For those seeking a relaxing winter escape, Jersey features a wealth of luxury spa hotels and well-being retreats. A winter spa break in Jersey will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world again. Find out more about wellness in Jersey here.
February - The History and Heritage One
You don’t have to look too hard to discover Jersey’s colourful past, beginning around 6,000 years ago when the first Neolithic hunter-gatherers arrived to farm the fertile soil. Evidence of the first inhabitants remains in the form of some of the world’s best preserved prehistoric sites, dolmens and burial mounds, including a building that’s older than the Egyptian pyramids!
Stepping forward in time slightly, a visit to the war tunnels is a must for any history buff. Telling the story of wartime Jersey, the Jersey War Tunnels are the best place to get a true picture of what life was like during the German occupation of WWII.
You can find out more about Jersey’s history here.
March - The Foodie One
The food in Jersey is as fresh as the sea air, world-famous, and full of flavour. While on the island, you cannot help but taste locally produced food, like fresh seafood, Jersey Royals, and famous Jersey dairy ice cream. Discover award-winning restaurants and cafés serving food grown locally at island farms alongside fresh seafood caught the same day. From a laidback beach food culture to luxury restaurants, the food here is special, it’s food from the heart to feed the soul.
Sate your appetite in March by visiting the island in time for Taste Jersey, a gastronomic festival celebrating the island’s flavours. Taste Jersey partners with luxury hotels across the island to showcase the best of Jersey’s food and drink. With unique menus from a host of kitchens featuring as much local produce as possible, you’ll be spoilt for choice wherever you decide to take your seat for dinner, so be sure to get involved. Find out more at tastejersey.co.uk
April - The Artisanal One
If your favourite part of a holiday is strolling through a quaint market to find the perfect gift or memento from your travels, the Genuine Jersey Artisans’ Market in St. Aubin is a must-visit.
With an abundance of local wares on display, including goods from producers and craft workers bearing the esteemed Genuine Jersey Mark (a guarantee of local excellence). All goods sold by Genuine Jersey Members will have been crafted, brewed, baked or processed by the stall holder. This market is a great place to soak up the local culture and atmosphere while celebrating Jersey’s finest.
May - The Liberation One
The Channel Islands were the only part of the Britain Isles to be occupied by German forces in WW2, and May 9th is the anniversary of the end of the war and the subsequent end of the German Occupation. Now a public holiday, Liberation Day, celebrates the best of Jersey culture. Liberation day is considered Jersey’s national day, with annual celebrations taking place in and around Liberation Square, Royal Square and the Weighbridge. Expect live music, historical re-enactments, food stalls and on-stage entertainment. A day not to be missed! Find out more about the Liberation Day celebrations here.
June - the Fun(draising) one
Explore Jersey’s rugged coastline and test your stamina with the 32nd Around the Island Walk on Sunday, 17th June 2023. This 48-mile challenge has become one of Jersey’s largest one-day fundraising events with more than 29,000 participants, raising £2.7m for Jersey charities since its inception.
The walk is challenging, but you’ll be very well rewarded with views of Jersey’s beautiful coastline, dramatic cliffs, and stunning countryside – not to mention you’ll be raising money for charity! The event has three categories to suit all levels of experience, from the 48-mile Main Walk event to the family-friendly 13-mile Lieutenant Governor’s Challenge. Register to take part in the Island Walk here.
Still want to do your bit for charity but on a gentler scale? The GOOD Vibrations Jersey 80’s themed surf festival in aid of Mind Jersey is an amazing alternative. From 24th – 25th June 2023, this festival features 80’s costumes, surfing, music, and an unforgettable afterparty. So, pull out your leg warmers, wax your board, and head on down to Jersey to join in!
July - the #travelforgood one
July 2023 is the Month of the Tortoise in Jersey. In July and August, uniquely designed giant tortoise sculptures will be unleashed across Jersey’s wild places, coastal vistas, and urban hangouts. So keep your eyes peeled on your summer visit and see if you can find all 50 tortoises along the Tortoise Takeover Trail and help the conservation efforts made by Jersey Zoo and Durrell.
Why Tortoises? From the Galápagos tortoises at Jersey Zoo to the Aldabra giant tortoises that serve as “ecosystem engineers” on Round Island in Mauritius and the precious, golden-domed ploughshare from Madagascar, Durrell has worked with tortoises for decades. Sadly, chelonians, which include tortoises, turtles and terrapins, are now the most threatened vertebrate group and need our help more than ever. This event will highlight the need for further conservation funds.
After spotting all 50 tortoises, head to Jersey Zoo to see them in real life and learn more about these fascinating creatures and how you can help them to thrive.
Find out more here.
August - The Two-Wheeled One
Jersey’s compact size makes it the perfect place to explore on two wheels. The island is a cyclist’s paradise with many diverse, beautiful and challenging cycling routes. Explore the island on the many clearly marked cycle paths through miles of rich countryside, coastal tracks, and lanes. Jersey has even invented its own system of ‘Green Lanes’ where two wheels have priority over four, and life slows to a gentle 15mph. Travel to the island by ferry, and you can take your own bike or hire one when you arrive and discover Jersey on cycle tracks to suit every fitness level.
Download your free cycle path guide to Jersey here.
September - The Music One
Dust off your wellies and flower crown for the Channel Islands “Great Summer Festival”, Jersey Weekender. The three-day festival immerses revellers in the festival experience, with local food and drink available throughout the day to evening and into the night. Witness global music artists and local acts over multiple music stages. The 2023 line-up is yet to be announced, but 2022 saw The Jacksons and The Farm to KSI, Sigala, Becky Hill, Ella Henderson, Jax Jones, Jubel, and so many more take to the stage. This annual festival is not to be missed. Get in touch or click here to buy your tickets today.
October - The Fitness One
Do your bit for a cause close to your heart while you explore the wonders of Jersey. The Jersey Marathon takes place in October and welcomes over 2,500 runners! The race, split into three categories, Marathon, Relay Race and Marathon Mile, welcomes runners of all ages and abilities, from elite athletes to fitness fans and corporate groups to families.
As you make your way through the course, starting and finishing in the capital St. Helier, islanders will be there to support you from the sidelines and congratulate you at the finish line. One runner described the Jersey Marathon as “a small race, with a very big atmosphere’.
Find out more and register your interest here.
November - The Wild One
Blow away the cobwebs with fresh salty air and experience a wilder side of Jersey in November. Wander along rugged cliff paths covered in wildflowers, through delightful wooded valleys and country lanes, or along a charming seafront and stop for lunch in a French-style fishing village.
Jersey’s landscape changes dramatically within a few miles from north to south, east to west. If you’re heading north, St. Mary’s Loop welcomes you with magnificent wild cliffs and a country pub for well-earned refreshments. On the south coast, stroll through St. Helier’s harbours and see some historic locations, such as Fort Regent, Elizabeth Castle, and the Victorian Swimming pool. Out west, a short walk from Grève de Lecq to Plémont Bay provides some of the most iconic views of the Channel Islands, see if you can spot Jersey’s neighbours, Guernsey and Sark, as well as northern France. And to the east, walk from St. Catherine’s Breakwater to Gorey river for some incredible views across to France with picnic areas and the secluded bays of Archirondel and Anne Port, and at the end of the route, Mont Orgueil Castle.
Find your perfect route and some handy hints for exploring Jersey on foot, here.
December - The Festive One
Jingle all the way down to Jersey in December and do your Christmas break the island way. Winter breaks don’t have to be in the mountains, sometimes a slower, seaside break is just the ticket. Here are our top picks for enjoying the festive season around the island.
Visit charming Jersey Christmas markets and share a laugh and a joke with market traders as you buy a punnet of chestnuts or colourful clementines; sip mulled cider and chat with local artisans selling handcrafted gifts; indulge in a spot of late-night Christmas shopping on a twinkling King Street; sample a delectable selection of French treats from visiting Norman traders. Then why not finish your evening off with a relaxed festive meal at one of St. Helier’s many fabulous restaurants?
Experience an old-fashioned Christmas at Hamptonne Country Life Museum, thanks to Jersey Heritage. Dating back to the 15th century, the house and farm are perfect for discovering the Christmas traditions of days gone by. You may even find old St Nick warming his boots by the fireside in Hamptonne House!
Find out more about Christmas time in Jersey here.
by net effect