Get to know Jersey
Get to know Jersey
What's it all about?
This is a feature from Issue 15 of Charitable Traveller. Click to read more from this issue.
Events in Spring
There’s so much more to Jersey than a summer holiday. Spring, in particular, is an ideal time to uncover the Island’s story, savour the fresh food, explore nature, connect with locals and discover the true pride and passion of Jersey. Each spring, the Island hosts many events, festivals and challenges, with almost every interest covered. So whether you crave the great outdoors, love to dance, soak up the culture or immerse yourself in the history, there’s an event for you taking place among Jersey’s delightfully familiar landscape with its sparkly continental twist. Highlights include Taste Jersey, a gastronomic celebration of island flavours from late March to early May. Enjoy specially crafted menus from leading local restaurants featuring the finest local ingredients.
Food lovers can also look forward to the Eat Jersey Food Festival at the end of March, which sees five outstanding chefs from around the UK descend on the four-star Michelin-starred Atlantic hotel. Those seeking culture will love La Fête du R’nouvé, Jersey’s annual celebration of spring festival on 14 May, with lots of chilled-out acoustic sounds, storytelling, poetry and good food in the grounds of the historic La Hougue Bie. Similarly, Genuine Jersey Artisans’ Market showcases goods from producers and craft workers. Beginning in April, this regular artisans’ market takes place in the picturesque harbour village of St. Aubin.
For anyone active, spring is a great time to visit this most Brit…(ish) of islands, as the Walk in the Park event runs throughout May and gives visitors the chance to explore the natural beauty of the Jersey National Park on regular guided walks. Or face the tough True Grit challenge at Ronez Quarry on 16 April, take part in the Durrell Challenge, a 13k race (with a family-friendly 2.6k option) through Jersey zoo on 14 May, or walk 48 miles of Jersey’s coastline on the Island Walk on 17 June. Lastly, don’t miss Liberation Day on 9 May. Considered Jersey’s national day, it marks the end of the German occupation during the Second World War and involves lots of celebrations based around Liberation Square, Royal Square and the Weighbridge in St Helier, with live music, great food and entertainment.
Why I love Jersey in the Springtime
by Ashley Proudfoot, Visit Jersey's PR Manager
St. Helier
No trip to Jersey is complete without exploring the harbour town of St. Helier. Pick up a croissant from the Victorian Central Market and discover stalls bursting with local produce, there’s everything from street food to smart brasseries for lunch, and after dark, relax in stylish cocktail lounges for a tipple or two. History and culture abound in its museums and art galleries, bustling markets and independent boutiques, and it’s the perfect size to easily explore on foot.
Get Outdoors
Nourish your soul and rejuvenate your limbs exploring this great Brit…ish island. From cold water swimming to stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking the coves, it’s all about getting a daily dose of vitamin sea on Jersey. Hiking the National Park, which spans 48km of beautiful coastline, where country lanes open onto clifftop views and secluded bays, is also a must.
Discover Jersey's Past
From the Ice Age to the modern day, Jersey has always had a tale to tell. Visit the island and uncover the island’s curiously Brit…(ish) history – explore World War II bunkers, ancient burial grounds, Palaeolithic caves and impressive castles. Then make your own history by checking into one of the island’s unique island stays, such as the lovingly restored La Crête Fort on the water’s edge, or Hamptonne, a beautifully restored farm in the countryside.
Jersey has the perfect conditions to grow the tastiest oysters in the world. Put on your wellies and walk out to Seymour Oyster beds for the finest shellfish, with champagne to match.
The Beaches
In Jersey, you’re never more than ten minutes from the warmest seas in Britain. From the golden sandy bays of the south, the Atlantic waves of the west coast and the sheltered coves and hidden rock pooling spots of the north and east, Jersey’s beaches are your playground to explore. The island’s personality changes from coast to coast, so grab your beach gear and find yourself an ideal spot to revitalise and recharge.
Local specialities
Jersey is bursting with flavour from abundant local produce. Get a real taste of the island through its local specialities that are famed across the world.
JERSEY ROYALS
Famed for their distinct nutty taste, Jersey Royal season – from April to August – is a cause of celebration on the island.
SEAFOOD
With all that coastline, it’s only natural that seafood should feature heavily on Jersey’s menus. Why not tuck into a fresh Jersey lobster, served up with a warm welcome and a dose of sea air.
ICE CREAM
Jersey’s famous cows have been making the creamiest, richest, and smoothest ice cream in the world since 1763. This irresistible ice cream is best enjoyed with the sand between your toes, or as a sweet treat after a hard day’s exploring.
This is a feature from Issue 15 of Charitable Traveller.
by net effect