ADVERTORIAL • June 2021
The locals’ guide to Jersey
This Channel Island is a mere hop and skip from the UK mainland, and offers a superlative option if you’re after a beach or adventure break within easy reach of home. We ask five local Jersey experts to give their top tips for a summer holiday to remember...
Stef Stevens, director at Jersey Seafaris
Top spot to daytrip?
It has to be Les Minquiers or Les Écréhous. We are so lucky to have these beautiful destinations on our doorstop to explore and enjoy.
Jersey’s most beautiful beach?
Too many to choose from! St. Ouen’s Bay is the best spot for surfing and sunsets, but Plémont is my favourite for swimming in the caves and walking on the surrounding cliff paths.
Best thing to eat?
A fresh Jersey crab sandwich when I’m sitting down and watching the sea – you just can’t beat it! Jersey Royals with salt, butter and fresh mint are also a must-have!
Marcus Calvani, co-owner of BeServed
Best attraction?
I like to think of Jersey as a culinary theme park – eat oysters in a former German bunker at Faulkner Fisheries, ice-cream from Woodlands Farm, spider crab or lobster from Fresh Fish Company, Jersey Royals from an honesty box, Bliss Brew Co craft beer and Jersey beef at JB’s Brewhouse and enjoy the incredible food and drink our island has to offer.
Ultimate country walk?
Head to Queen’s Valley Reservoir, then north through the lanes to Anne Port, Archirondel and eventually St. Catherine’s Woods. It’s country and coast all in one.
Supreme spot for sundowners?
You can’t beat the sunset on our west coast. Take a selection of local food and drink and a picnic blanket and explore our sand dunes or beach at St. Ouen.
Catherine Ward, National Trust for Jersey
Best shop?
My favourite place to shop is Joe Freire’s honesty box on Mont Cochon – especially in spring, when the stall is overflowing with Genuine Jersey produce, including freshly dug Jersey Royals, punnets of strawberries, home-grown asparagus and bunches of peonies and ranunculus in all the colours of the rainbow.
Favourite restaurant?
My favourite restaurant is Portelet Bay Café overlooking the beautiful Portelet Bay, set between the conservation areas of Noirmont and Portelet Common. One of the things that makes Portelet Bay Café so special is the fact that you can’t drive there – you have to go down a flight of steep steps – but the artisan pizzas made on site make the walk so worthwhile. One evening I was there with my children and we saw dolphins swimming in the bay.
Historic sight to see?
I am biased, but my favourite historic site is 16 New Street Georgian House in St. Helier. It’s a small museum with a big heart and it demonstrates the considerable benefits of heritage-led regeneration. This year the Georgian House is celebrating ten years since it was rescued from ruin by the National Trust for Jersey and there are lots of special events planned.
John Fox, founder of Jersey Adventures
Most remarkable route for a road trip and why?
Starting in St Helier, head east to enjoy the morning sun, before driving to explore the northern coast’s rugged cliffs and hidden bays. The wild west is where Jersey takes the brunt of the Atlantic swells and provides a stunning sunset. Then drive back along the south coast to St Helier – home to vibrant nightlife.
Most thrilling outdoor pursuit on the island and why?
You’ll need a good level of fitness to take on ‘The Awesome Foursome’. Abseiling from the iconic Mont Orgueil Castle at Gorey before jumping on a sit-on-top kayak for a guided paddle to St. Catherine’s Breakwater for lunch. Board a high-speed RIB (rigid inflatable boat) for a blast out to an offshore reef, and look out for dolphins and seals before heading along the northern coast to coasteer into Grève de Lecq.
Best activity for kids?
The choices are endless, depending on children’s interests and ages, with interactive museums, spacious life-guarded beaches and activity centres both east and west, with some great rockpooling, cycle tracks and sports centres. Whatever your choice of activity, stay safe on the beach as the tides are some of the biggest in the world – and always use local guides where appropriate.
Paul Dufty, owner of Sumas Restaurant
Greatest view?
There are amazing views from every cliff top around the island but personally when I’m coming from the top of l’Etacq down into St. Ouen’s Bay, the view across the whole bay is spectacular.
Hidden gem?
Portelet Bay. It’s a bit of a trek to get down to if you have kids, paddleboards and all your beach gear but, once you get down there, whether it’s high or low tide, the beach is beautiful and the water is clear.
Best place to stay
The best hotel to stay at would be Longueville Manor for a luxury experience, with great service, food and beautiful grounds. It’s a real home away from home. For more adventure and amazing locations I would rent one of the coastal Jersey Heritage sites. These stunning historical sites have self-catering accommodation – great fun for families, couples, or groups.
British Airways operates daily flights from London Heathrow to Jersey and twice-weekly from London City from June 25 2021, with a flying time of under an hour. To book your holiday to Jersey, click here
This article has been tagged Advertorial, Destination
More from previous issues
British Airways celebrates its staff volunteers
Conquering Covid-19 together: this issue we meet some of the British Airways colleagues who have been doing their bit during the pandemic, from helping the vulnerable to administering vaccines
LanzaJet: a sustainable fuel partnership
Can aviation ever be carbon-free? According to our expert, the industry is closer than ever before to making green fuel a reality
Welcoming you back on board
Wheels up: 17 May 2021 marks a good day for travel, but just how different will things look on your journey? Here’s everything you need to know
The ultimate hiking kit list
Black Girls Hike founder and walking fanatic Rhiane Fatinikun whittles down her top essentials for anyone thinking of dipping a toe in the great outdoors