The 15 best things to do in Jersey

What is it? Most of the island’s beaches are safe for swimming, and an increasing tribe of locals take to the sea all year round, which has led to a pop-up sauna trend. Sauna Society have a  wood-fired Wildhut on the east coast of the island on St Catherine’s slipway (one of the best places to watch the sunrise, if you’re up for an early dip!). There’s also Sandy Toes Sauna, who relocate to different beaches at different times of the year, but are mainly on the south coast overlooking Elizabeth Castle. 

Why go? You don’t need me to tell you of the benefits of hot and cold therapy – it’s all we’ve been hearing about for a few years – so aside from the health benefits, this is worth trying to get up close to the locals in one of the communal sessions. They’ll be sure to wax lyrical about life on the island and you can mine them for tips on places to go and things to see. Private sessions start from £90 for a 50 minute session, or £15 to join a communal session. 

What is it? New for 2024, Jersey Walk Adventures, the island’s main walking tour company, has developed an Oyster Trail Walk. Join a local resident for a low-tide walk among the oyster and mussel beds in the Royal Bay of Grouville, and then head to the nearby Seymour Pub and Restaurant to sample freshly shucked Jersey Oysters.

Why go? Jersey now has the biggest oyster beds in the British Isles. This walk gives an insight into the fascinating history of the oyster fishery and you’ll learn about the modern cultivation of shellfish in Jersey. It’s also a lovely walk one one of the island’s finest sandy beaches.

What is it? Whizzing around the coast of the island is a great way to gain a new perspective as well as feel the wind in your hair. Jersey Seafaris have a great range of trips on their super-comfy RIBs. From a visit to secluded coves and quarries in the north to a trip to the Minquiers – a cluster of paradise sandbanks – you’ll learn about the island and its history while enjoying a few hours on the water. 

Why go? As well as caves and cliffs, a boat trip gives you a chance of spotting dolphins at play and splashing seals. And if you’re feeling really fancy, you can whizz across to France for lunch.

What is it? A brightly painted, wooden hut on the Dicq slipway, serving fearlessly spiced, very reasonably priced Thai food. Munch on finger-licking battered garlic chicken as you watch the waves break.  

Why go: Thai Dicq Shack may look like a jolly garden shed, but this place has some of the tastiest tucker on the island. The fish and seafood, as you’d expect, are out of this world. Don’t miss the freshly picked crab simmered in coconut milk. 

What is it? La Hougue Bie is a remarkable site that hides one of Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic passage graves beneath a grassy mound. Visitors can crawl through a small opening to discover a chamber that’s perfectly aligned to the equinox sunrise. There’s also a quaint medieval chapel built on top of the mound.  

Why go? To stand inside the 10th oldest building in the world and ponder the depths of human history and spirituality. There’s also a small museum of neolithic artefacts, that is worth a detour

What is it? The first cave-dwelling humans arrived in Jersey 250,000 years ago – and plenty’s happened since then. Brush up on your local history at the island’s main museum, a gorgeous Georgian property in the centre of St. Helier.

Why go? If you’ve ever wondered why Jersey has historically sided with England despite being so close to France, or why dairy is such a big deal, you’ll find the answers at Jersey Museum. 

What is it? During the Second World War, Jersey was taken over by the Nazis. Labourers were forced to dig a series of tunnels into the hills of the island, designed to help the troops withstand Allied air raids. Today, they’ve become Jersey War Tunnels, an atmospheric location to discover the story of the occupation, from starvation to the secret resistance. 

Why go? This attraction is constantly winning awards for the way it displays the history of the occupation. You can also try the one-of-a-kind Escape Rooms, where you join a team of commandos who’ve landed on the island to break into the German commandant's office, racing against the clock. 

What is it? Overlooking Gorey Harbour, Mont Orgueil Castle is a towering fortress of pink granite that has protected Jersey for more than 800 years. Take a guided tour and you’ll be shown the holes in the wall through which soldiers poured hot oil on invaders. A dress-up box delights younger visitors.

Why go? The views over Gorey harbour and Grouville Bay are worth the climb to the top – you can also see the beaches on the north French coast on a clear day. Take a picnic and enjoy it in the grassy courtyard.

What is it? Part Parisian brasserie, part proper English boozer, the Cock & Bottle in St Helier nicely encapsulates Jersey’s Franco-British identity. Symbolism aside, it’s also a great spot for everything from a quiet couple of pints to a plate of fish and chips.

Why go? This is the place for local brews, such as the award-winning (and delicious) Liberation Ale. It just so happens to be the first stop on the Liberation Ale Trail, which takes in eight of the island’s pubs. Cheers to that.  

What is it? Built on a tidal island in St Aubin’s Bay, Elizabeth Castle, named after Elizabeth I, has kept watch over the island for centuries. When the tide is high, you can reach it on one of a pair of amphibious vehicles. At low tide, it’s also reachable on foot across a stone causeway. 

Why go? Ever wanted to watch a cannon being fired? Now’s your chance, thanks to the castle’s living history programme which sees the Master Gunner fire the signal gun and flintlock musket as part of the daily Midday Parade.