Jersey - a long weekend in Spring
My travel itinerary for 3 nights in Jersey, Channel Islands. Walking, history and dining.
Itinerary At A Glance
3 night independent itinerary for Jersey, part of the Channel Islands, off the south coast of England
Based on either flying in and out of Jersey from Leeds, or Liverpool
Highlights include gastropub dining on English-French fusion fare, pick-your-own pearl for jewellery, Jersey War Tunnels and craggy coastal walks.
Based on a couple travelling, with a focus on leisurely cultural activities and hiking, interspersed with time to just relax and soak up the atmosphere
Why Jersey?
Elegant.
Teensy.
Historic.
It does rather pack a punch in terms of interesting things to do and see over a long weekend.
Much of it’s interest rests on the 5-year long German occupation, indeed the only part of the British territory under occupation during WWII, and theremnants and historical sites that stand testament to this cultural oddity are now visitor attractions.
As well as this though, there are plenty of beaches, coves and coastal paths for wandering, some excellent restaurants, and loads of trips and activities on the sea, which is always in easy reach no matter where you stay on the island.
Honest verdict
Does the place live up to hype or expectations?
What do people expect from Jersey?! Wealth and the remnants of war?? We got that. Some of the property is knock-your-socks-off-stunning, and there are leavings of occupation kind of everywhere.
I think what exceeded expectations though, was how picturesque it is. Tiny little valleys nestled in leafy woods that suddenly give out onto a view of the sea. Turquoise blue coves (the picture above is snapped on my phone with no filter). Ancient towers on the horizon. Harbourside restaurants.
The hotel was excellent, the walking was lovely, and the weather put on a very very good show, with blue skies, warm sun and a light breeze. Late May is a lovely time to visit.
Did the itinerary work for the trip?
3 days was just right. There isn’t endless amounts of stuff to do on the island, and it could become a bit same-y in my view. The one thing I wished we had seen was The Celtic Hoard at la Hougue Bie.
Would I recommend it? Would I make another visit?
Can definitely recommend it, though for us personally, one trip is likely enough. Maybe we’ll go back in another 10 years.
WHEN
Late May
The last week in May is a school holiday, so things book up quickly.
We got warm (not hot) the whole time. May be changeable.
LIGHT
Long days
Sunrise: 05:14am to 5:09am
Sunset: 20:58pm to 21:04pm
16 hours of daylight
TRAVEL MEANS
Fly direct from Leeds to Jersey with Jet2, or direct from Liverpool to Jersey with Easyjet
The flight schedule is more restrictive from Leeds Bradford, with flights only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, whereas flights from Liverpool are daily.
ACCOMMODATION
Greenhills Country House Hotel
An excellent hotel - peacful, elegant and relaxed.
Being such a tiny island, and a popular one, accommodation choices are somewhat limited and what there is books up very very quickly. This needs to be booked very well ahead of time.
SCHEDULE
Day 1
Arrive; settle in.
Dinner: at the hotel
Day 2
Experience: Booked Pick-A-Pearl experience at Jersey Pearl - chose, and graded pearls for jewellery.
Play: Roccos Crazy Golf in St Ouen’s Bay. Open 9am – 5pm everyday (not bookable)
Walk: Took in one of the coastal path walks up near Plémont and the ruins of 14c Grosnez Castle
Dinner: Ate at Cheffins at Beaumont Inn
Day 3
Jersey War Tunnels: Book a ticket for an understanding of the island under German Occupation, the only part of the British Isles occupied during World War II
Walk: Took a walk on the east coast, taking in St Catherines, Archirondel and Mont Orgueil Castle
Ice Cream: stop at The Botanic Gardens at Samarès Manor
Dinner: Booked for relaxed dinner at The Old Court House Inn, in St Aubin’s - relaxed, yet polished pub dining, with an alfresco option. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4
Breakfast
Morning in St Helier: See the Occupation Tapestry at the Maritime Museum in St Helier (12 panels, woven by islanders commemorating liberation from 5 years of Nazi rule)
Travel home
Ideas for another visit
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Visit ‘Searching for Jersey’s Celts’ exhibition at La Hougue Bie, home of Le Câtillon II – the world’s largest Celtic hoard ever found, including thousands of coins and several pieces of jewellery. The site is also home to a neolithic village.
Tour St Catherine’s Bunker - 2 hour tour of WWII German fortification and tunnel complex.
Become a Distiller for the Day at The Gin Lab, La Côte Distillery in St Helier
Sunset tours aboard Jersey Duchess - 2 hour tour, departing from St Helier
See St Helier as it may have been in the early 1800’s at 16 New Street Georgian House Museum - Open Wed, Thu & Fri, 10am to 4pm
Visit Elizabeth Castle, just off the coast in St Helier
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Feast on Gorey Pier, overlooking Mont Orgueil Castle. Open Tues lunch to Sunday lunch
Book at gastropub Bass & Lobster, in Gorey.
Book for Samphire Brasserie in St Helier - relaxed, yet polished fine dining, with alfresco and private dining options. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Tues to Sat. Closed Sunday & Monday.
Other Short Itineraries
Summer walking on the Suffolk Coast
My itinerary journal for a short weekend walking break on the Suffolk Coast, to catchup with a dear friend.
Itinerary At A Glance
2 day independent itinerary for Walberswick and surrounds, based on driving from Leeds, in mid-July
Highlights include a walk around the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape starting in Walberswick
Based on a pair of friends travelling, for a short catch-up trip
Honest verdict
Does the place live up to hype or expectations?
Suffolk is perhaps unseen, as a holiday destination. It doesn’t have the Royal connection as Norfolk does, and for those of us in the North, it’s just that bit further away.
It is though, worth the trip. It is worth it for the quiet, for the history, and for the golden sandy coast.
Does the itinerary work for the trip?
Absolutely. This is a short shot-in-the-arm kind of trip, like an extended day out with a pal, with the walk offering great opportunity for a long catch up and some gentle exercise combined. I think it would work equally well for a biking stay, especially since the Suffolk countryside is flat without being boring.
Also, staying in a guesthouse, with the benefit of a breakfast, made a 2 night stay very easy indeed.
Would I make another visit?
I would certainly visit Suffolk again, though would focus on another area.
WHEN
Mid July
Spectacular blue skies and warm sunshine.
LIGHT & WEATHER
Long days, likely warm (may be hot)
Sunrise: 04:36am to 5:13am
Sunset: 21:18pm to 20:46pm
17 hours of daylight
ACCOMMODATION
Corner Farm, Guesthouse
luxury and modern
well suited for a pair of friends
fantastic breakfast, with the best granola I have ever had (the owner kindly provided the recipe!)
absolutely silent
TRAVEL MEANS
Car
Drive from Leeds takes about 4 hours
SCHEDULE
Day 1 - Friday
Drive in the afternoon, collect groceries and settle in
Dinner: BBQ at our guesthouse
Day 2 - Saturday
Walk: Long walking loop around Walberswick, 13km (gpx download here)
Dinner: The Anchor, Walberswick - friendly, relaxed, casual
Day 3 - Sunday
Breakfast at the guesthouse
Drive home
Ideas for another trip
Dine or event at Suffolk Food Hall, Ipswich
Visit Kentwell Hall, one of the finest moated Tudor Houses in England and regular scene for history re-creation events
Bike ride around Suffolks’ Wool Towns - Lanvenham, Clare, Kersey, Long Melford
Visit Woodbridge on the River Deben
Other July Itineraries
Guernsey in Spring - walking on a tiny island
My planned itinerary for spending 4 springtime days in Guernsey, Channel Islands. Days spent walking and picnicking, nights spent in a treehouse hotel.
Why Guernsey?
The Bailiwick of Guernsey is technically a collection of islands that includes the island of Guernsey plus nearby islands of Sark, Alderney, Jethou, Brecqhou and Herm.
Guernsey itself is a very very small island - just 65 sq. km. Comparing this to other islands: it is 7 times smaller than Ibiza, and 6 times smaller than Barbados. Comparing it to an English county: Cornwall is 55 times larger than Guernsey. Comparing this to cities in the UK, it is about the same size as Derby; a very very small British city indeed. Apparently, walking around the entirety of the Guernsey Coastal path is 64km which can be done at a very leisurely pace over the course of 4 days. So that sizes the prize a little.
Aside from its diminuitiveness, Guernsey is known for dramatic coastlines, lots of beaches, being a tax haven, being occupied by the Nazis during the Second World War and also being the home of Victor Hugo when in exile from France. The culture is neither British nor French, and both at the same time.
The attraction of Guernsey for the traveller is a little escapism, activities on the water and some easygoing outdoor activity like walking or leisure cycling to take in the sea views, pretty coves and fortress remnants. You come here to slow down, relax and experience island life.
Itinerary At A Glance
4 night independent itinerary for Guernsey, part of the Channel Islands, off the south coast of England
Based on either flying in and out of Guernsey from Leeds, or East Midlands
Highlights include alfresco dining on English-French fusion fare, walking parts of the Coastal Path, a day trip out to Jersey to visit the War Tunnels and hiking with a picnic
Based on a couple travelling, with a focus on leisurely cultural activities and hiking, interspersed with time to just relax and soak up the atmosphere
WHEN
April or May
Typically dry with long daylight hours and mild pleasant weather
ACCOMMODATION
Being such a tiny island, and a popular one, accommodation choices are somewhat limited and what there is books up very very quickly. This needs to be booked very well ahead of time.
In order of preference for me:
Fermain Valley Hotel Treehouses (they have a yoga space in this hotel)
The Farmhouse Hotel and Restaurant
Fermain Tower **While very cool, this is also located in a small car park, so not quite the prettiest outdoor space. This is incredibly popular, easily with a year-long list of bookings already scheduled.
TRAVEL MEANS
Fly direct from Leeds to Guernsey or direct from East Midlands to Guernsey with Aurigny
The flight schedule is more restrictive from Leeds Bradford, with flights only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, whereas flights from East Midlands are 4 times a week.
SCHEDULE
Day 1
Arrive; settle in.
Day 2
Breakfast: Rooftop Cafe at Creasey’s, in St Peter Port
Hike with a Picnic: Take one of these harder hiking routes
Day 3
Hike: Take one of these routes
Dinner: Book at hotel gastropub Les Douvres, in St Martin’s - dinner and live music (Friday nights only)
Day 4
Day trip to Jersey: Take the foot ferry, have breakfast in St Helier at La Bouche in Central Market
Jersey War Tunnels: Book a ticket for an understanding of the island under German Occupation, the only part of the British Isles occupied during World War II
Day 5
Breakfast
Travel home: try to arrange return travel to leave in the morning
Other UK-based Itineraries
