St Helier, Jersey
Travel,  United Kingdom

5 Things to do in St Helier, Jersey

I spent a few days in Jersey and although it was a “relax and revive” trip, I did wander a bit. In this post, I’m highlighting 5 things to do in one of its Parishes, St Helier which is right in the center of Jersey.

Before you settle into what I got up to in Jersey, the prequel Solo in St Helier, Jersey should give the most accurate introduction so have a read prior to this post.

A little Jersey History

Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands and is located somewhere between England and France. In fact, it is closer to France than it is to England. What makes Jersey quite special is that no matter what part of the Island you are, you are never too far away from the sea!

It is important to note that Jersey is not in the United Kingdom. It can best be described as a British crown dependency. These days, it is more of a financial hub than a tourist location. It used to be the number 1 tourist location from the UK until transatlantic fights became popular and everyone discovered Spain and Portugal lol!

Jersey has 12 parishes. For my 3-day visit, I stayed in St Helier, which is the most populated of the 12.

LifewithBugo - Elizabeth Marina, Jersey 1
Top 5 things to do in St Helier, Jersey
1. Visit Elizabeth Castle

Located on an islet in St Aubin’s bay. Getting there is quite special. In low tide, you can actually walk along a visible path to the castle. In high tide, a ferry is required as the pathway closes up! It is a lush way to spend a day exploring the bunkers and hidden rooms. It is important to note that going to Elizabeth castle is subject to tidal conditions! The castle is open 10am to 5.30pm up until 1 November. For more information, including cost of booking ferry and castle, visit Jersey Heritage website.

Lifewithbugo - Elizabeth Castle
Lifewithbugo - St Aubin's Bay 2
2. Jersey Museum & Art Gallery

A cute museum with an even cuter courtyard bar and bistro. The museum and art gallery showcases Jersey’s history through centuries. It highlights how far the island has come. More interestingly, it gives an insight to its English Crown Dependency. There is also a free viewing of the “Story of Jersey” film. Entrance is £10.60 for adults, student & children pay £6.90, seniors pay £9.55.

LifewithBugo - Jersey Museum & Art Gallery, St Helier
Lifewithbugo - Jersey, Channel Islands
lifewithbugo - Jersey Museum and Art Gallery
3. Visit the Liberation Square

Located in Place Esplanade, Liberation Square is a lovely place to hang out. It is a base from which you start exploring the island as the bus station and tourist center are nearby. The statue is of the islanders holding up the Union flag to represent the liberation from the German Army in 1945. Very interesting and striking at the same time! The square is adjacent to the famous Pomme D’Or hotel and is surrounded by benches and fountains. There are fish and chips shops, bars and restaurants around the square for a lovely day out. If people-watching is you thing, this is the place to do it!

LifewithBugo - Liberation Square
4. Head to Elizabeth Marina Harbor

Right in front of Radisson Blu Hotel, it is operated by Ports of Jersey and is one of the marinas local to St Helier. It is currently the venue for the annual Jersey Boat Show. You can find hundred of yachts berth on the marina. It serves as a lush picture backdrop and a lovely spot to view the sun setting or rising. You can walk around the harbor and just off the marina, is the Elizabeth castle in full view!

lifewithbugo - St Helier, Jersey
lifewithbugo - Freedom Tree, Jersey
5. Visit the Jersey Beaches

St Aubin’s Bay is a long stretch and you can walk on its promenade for scenic views. A trip west to St Ouen’s Bay for the best surf bay you will ever see. While you are there, have lunch at the popular spot, El Tico. For a more special evening, catch the sun set over the bay! It’s the best sunset point in Jersey! For beach activities, head southwest to St Brelade’s Bay. The beach is quite impressive if you don’t mind the busy vibes. It is popular for its water sports due to its safe swimming rating.

LifewithBugo - St Ouen's Bay, Jersey
St Brelade's Bay, Jersey
St Aubin's bay
Things to note about Jersey
  1. Language is English. A tiny few speak French. Their “local” language is Jèrrais, which is Jersey French. Considering how close the island is to Normandy, I was surprised that more people didn’t speak French.
  2. Currency – British Pound. I used my UK debit card there for free as I would use in London.
  3. Jersey is NOT a country. Neither is it in another country. It does seem confusing but it is what it is.
  4. You cannot buy a house in Jersey except you are a citizen or you have a special pass. This pass is usually given to some people to come there for work.

Jersey is a really lovely little country island to visit. It helps that it is just under 40mins from London Gatwick. It probably gets busier in summer months just like any sea/beach town. 

LifewithBugo - Elizabeth Marina, Jersey 2
Thoughts on Jersey....

Although I have written only 5 things to do in St Helier, as you can imagine there is a lot more to do. I tend to advice on things I have personally done and since it was a chill trip, I did not get up to much. It is a small island but packs in a lot. I would have loved to explore many other parishes a bit more. If I had more time, I would have visited some churches and even the War Museum as well. So perhaps, add those to your list when you do visit.

Until next time,

Bisous, ‘Bugo x

4 Comments

  • Char

    Loved this Bugo! And I can’t believe this was your first solo trip?? Jersey is one of those places I’ve overlooked as I didn’t really know what it ~was~ but now its being added to the list.

    P.S I would call it a country if it has an airport but I’m just dumb

    Char xo
    http://www.memoirsmusings.com

    • Bugo

      hey Char! Yes it was my 1st proper one. I did go away alone in 2005 to France but it was to school and although i was alone, I had friends after a few days and spent the rest of my time there with them. So I don’t think it can be classed as solo trip lol

      Haha so all the cities in the UK with airports are countries with this logic LMAOOOO you crack me up babe x

  • Tari

    Looks like you had a lovely time in Jersey. I’m glad you took the time out for yourself and Mr E is a gem. I don’t think I ever knew of by the Island that is not a country Jersey so thank you for expanding my knowledge. I’ll definitely read more about it, it sounds like a chill low-key travel destination.

    I’m a bit bummed because my first international trip which was for the Easter holiday got cancelled because of the pandemic. All the research, planning and pinching of pennies to plan the most frugal yet fun trip ever all now in limbo. And with the way the economies of the world is going, nothing will be the same for a long time. It’s just hit me hard these few days because I love to travel and I had been saving, planning and looking forward to this trip for a long time. All the travel content I planned for my blog 😭.

    Sorry for all the gloom.

    You did really great with your pictures with the tripod. Loved them!

    • Bugo

      I really had a lovely, peaceful time.You’re welcome Tari. I’m glad i’ve expanded your knowledge haha!

      Oh no!! I can’t even begin to imagine how upsetting that is! You plan a lush trip for so long and finally start to look forward to it but then Corona Virus strikes. I’m really sorry babe! I hope you didn’t lose any money; that way you can save it towards when you finally do go. You know, the content every travel blogger was planning hahahaha oh gosh! don’t worry, travel will still be here when corona goes, I’m hopeful!

      And pls, don’t ever apologise. This blog is hopefully a safe space for anyone to say anything they feel like. I might take a few days to respond but I’m always going to anyway. Thank you for your lovely comment, you’re too kind x