Things to do in Channel Islands

St. Brelade’s Bay Beach is perhaps the most popular and iconic stretch of sand on the island of Jersey. The medieval edifices of the Parish Church of St. Brelade and Fisherman’s Chapel decorate the beach’s northwestern corner, while hotels, spas and cafés are at its rear. Capture photos of the jagged green headlands enclosing the bay in the distance.

St. Helier Beach is a charming crescent of soft sand with a long pier stretching into the town’s marina. Dramatic tides and rock pools characterize the strand, which offers an unobstructed vista of Elizabeth Castle. Stroll along the waterfront with your family and stop at one of the hotels and restaurants overlooking the sea.

Enclosed within a cast iron structure from the island’s Victorian era, St. Helier Central Market showcases some of the local culture with colorful flowers and a great range of local produce. Rising from its core is a majestic fountain, whose base contains a shimmering school of goldfish. Let the colorful display of fruit, vegetable and plants light up your senses as you enter the market.

Marvel at the colorful, unusual interiors of Hauteville House, the home of writer Victor Hugo while he lived in Guernsey. Not only does the house show you how the author of Les Misérables lived, but it also displays several medieval-themed rooms that were the result of his creative designs. Explore these colorful spaces and picture Hugo hard at work with views of St. Malo Bay below.

Since the late 1500s, the imposing Elizabeth Castle has reigned over the rocky tidal island just west of St. Helier. It rises above St. Aubin’s Bay, with its battlements and gunfire demonstrations serving as reminders of Jersey’s military history. Tour the castle to understand its extensive past, including its time sheltering a monarch from parliamentarians. Piece together its surprising history via reenactments and exhibits.

Discover the thrilling stories behind the magnificent Mont Orgueil Castle. This medieval landmark stands watch over Gorey harbor and offers stunning views of St. Malo Bay. Explore its numerous hidden rooms to discover gruesome stories and find unusual objects such as old-fashioned medical aids. The multifaceted attraction also hosts a museum with several exhibitions and some pleasant formal gardens.

Enchanting Jersey Zoo has a long and storied legacy of caring for animals. The family-friendly attraction was created by celebrated nature writer Gerald Durrell as a way to promote conservation. Visit today to encounter a colorful array of creatures and to learn about the best ways to look after these beautiful animals.