Our top things to do in Jersey (no admission fees)
Admission prices to attractions in Jersey can be steep, up to around £13 per person from our experience. If you are travelling as a family this can make it really expensive having to put your hand in your pocket at least a couple of times a day. As canny Scots with a reputation for watching the pennies we’ve put together 20 things to do in Jersey that are low cost and will avoid you paying an admission charge. This doesnt mean we think that many of the attractions are not worth paying for, nor that our suggestions are entirely free as there will be travel costs etc. But there is plenty to see and do in Jersey without spending a fortune. So in no particular order here are our picks.
Explore the rock pools on a beach at low tide
Jersey has one of the biggest tidal ranges in the world so the tide goes out a long way. At low tide it can look like a lunar landscape when the island’s land mass can increase by up to a third! This makes it great for beachcombing and exploring the rock pools, not just the kids but for adults well. And there is no end of beaches to choose from.
Enjoy a Jersey Cream Tea
The cream for the Jersey cream teas are made from the milk of the iconic Jersey cows, known for their rich high quality milk. These are on offer across the island. Perhaps not the best if you are on a diet and not completely free of charge but so good. You are on holiday after all.
Take a long walk on the beach
At low tide most of the beaches in Jersey are as wide as they are long. The space you have is wonderful and you can literally walk for miles. Plenty of fresh air and exercise to work off the calaries from the cream tea or ice cream. If you are after a really long walk try the beach at St Ouen’s Bay in the west of the island as it is around 5 miles long. Just remember you need to go back the way as well!
Enjoy a glass of Liberation Ale
Liberation Ale is the Channel Islands Award Winning Beer. It is a golden beer which the manufacturers claim ‘is a well-balanced and morish beer with a hint of citrus on the nose … the perfect accompaniment to seafood, pasta and salads’ It is ideal after a long walk on warm summers day. When in Rome as they say …..
Walk the causeway to Elizabeth Castle
At low tide you can walk out to Elizabeth Castle on the causeway. Its an easy walk from the centre of St Helier. You dont need to pay the entrance fees to explore the rocks around the castle and get good views of the battlements and the castle itself. As the tide goes out its worth watching from the beach as the causeway appears. Its surprising how quickly it happens. Its around 15 minutes walk each way once the waters have receded. Just be careful not to get caught by the tide when it comes in again – its best to go shortly after it goes out which gives you plenty of time.
Walk the Coastal Path
Burn more calories by walking a section of the coastal path. You can walk round the island which would take about 4 days or you could choose a section to walk, say the north coast. See https://www.jersey.com/inspire-me/inspiration/walk-around-the-island-in-a-long-weekend/ for more details. There are plenty of bays with cafes to stop at for refreshments or to rest tired legs.
Visit Howard Davis Park
Howard Davis Park is a well tended public park 10 to 15 minutes walk east of St Helier town centre. Its marked on most tourist maps. It has a beautiful rose garden, an allied soldiers graveyard full of flowers (in summer), open grassed areas for kids to play and a cafe with plenty of shade selling Jersey ice cream.
Enjoy a Jersey Ice Cream
As with the Jersey cream tea, the doe eyed Jersey cows, which apparently produce the richest highest quality milk in the world, are also responsible for the ice cream. The milk apparently has a higher percentage of protein, calcium and butterfat than that other breeds of cow which improves the texture and taste of the ice cream.
Check out the St Helier Steam Clock
The steam clock in St Helier, next to liberation square, is the oldest in the world. Its modelled on a 19th century paddle steamer with its funnels, paddles and upper and lower decks. It is a fascinating piece of machinery. The benches that sit around the clock record local ships along with their manufacturers. Its a good place to stop for a break to take the weight of your feet, enjoy a coffee and a pastry and let the world and time go by.
Photograph Corbiere Lighthouse
The Corbiere lighthouse on the southwest corner of the island if one of the most recognisable sights in Jersey. Try to get there at low tide when the rocks on which the lighthouse is built appear. There is parking at the road end and at low tide you can walk the causeway out to the lighthouse. If you cant get there at low tide aim for sunset which is one of the best on the island.
Dine in a Portugeuse restaurant
The Portugeuse are the third largest ethnic group in Jersey. Many made their way from the island of Madeira to work in Jersey’s farming and tourism industries. There are a good number of restaurants to choose from. Check the Tripadvisor list for details.
Visit the town of Gorey
The town of Gorey on the west coast of the island has a picturesque harbour and sits beneath the imposing Mont Orgeuil Castle. It is well worth a visit. You can admire the views to the north and south from around the castle walls which are stunning. In summer the promenade along the seafront is full of colourful flowers. It really is picture postcard stuff.
Swim at the Lido at Havre des Pas
Located on the south coast, a short distance east of St Helier town centre, the Lido with its art-deco architecture is one of Jersey’s most iconic buildings. It sits out on its own man-made island, connected to the shore by a wooden board walk. There is a beach kiosk, open during the summer season for refreshments. It is well maintained and free to use, although the water can feel cold even on a hot summers day. Its a real trip back in time.
Enjoy a drive on 5 mile road
5 mile road, runs north to south along the west coast of the island. It was purpose built to show off the beach of St Ouen’s Bay which covers almost one side of the island. So its a purpose built beach drive. Stop when you are there and take a walk on the beach. There are plenty of cafes for refreshment stops if needed and you can watch the paragliders as well id you are lucky.
Watch a Sunset
In surveys 80% of people can’t tell the difference between a sunset in Jersey from one in Barbados, so they are pretty special. Plemont Bay in the north west of the island gets a particularly good reputation and it benefits from being able see the other Channel Islands. You can also explore the caves at the back of the beach and walk behind the waterfall. Just be sure to watch for the tide coming in.
Take a picnic to St Brelade’s Bay
St Brelade’s Bay on the south west of the island is regularly voted he best beach on the island so it is well worth a visit. Take a picnic, perhaps including local produce, pick your spot on the beach, lie back and enjoy the scenery. Tire yerself out watching the watersports activities without moving a muscle.
Explore the island by bike
If you are fit enough, forget the car and bus and tour the island or part of it by bike. Its small enough and flat enough . There are 60 miles of signposted cycle routes. Jersey Tourism provides a free map detailing the routes and gives details of self guided bike tours.
Relax in Liberation Square
Sit and watch the world go by with a coffee and a pastry in Liberation Square in the centre of St Helier. The statue in the middle of the square celebrates the liberation of the islanders from 5 years of German occupation during World War 2. The Pomme d’Or hotel adjacent to the square was the German HQ during the occupation. The square is also home to kiosks of some of the better known tour companies so its a good place to check them out as well.
Visit the Central Market and Fish Market
It’s always worth a visit to the market wherever you might be. In St Helier the central market and adjacent fish market are no different. The main market is an explosion of colour from local fruit and vegetables along with many other items. There are also a number of cafes, including fish restaurants within the fish market which make a good place to stop.
See St Helier from Fort Regent
In the centre of St Helier make your way to the top of Fort Regent, now a large leisure and entertainment complex, and enjoy the views over the town and the marinas. You don’t have to make the climb on foot if you dont want to. Take the lift from the ground floor of the car park at the base of the Fort to Level 10. From the top of the lift it is a couple of flights in an escalator to the top. If you are struggling to find the lift ask a local. We found them really helpful. There are steps which you can use to come back down if you want.
Looking for More?
If you are looking for some further reading then below you’ll find more of our articles on Jersey. For related reading check out the Tag links as well at the bottom of the page.
More Reading on Jersey
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