The island of Jersey is
the southern most island of Britain. It lies 100 miles from the south coast of
England, in the bay of St. Malo. Jersey is a small island approximately nine
miles by five, but it is a place of great natural beauty with a delightfully
mild sunny climate. The coastline is unspoiled, with high rocky cliffs, sandy
beaches and coves, while inland there are lush fields and valleys covered in
wildflowers. Jersey has over 46 miles/74kms of 'Green Lanes' with a speed limit
of 15mph/24kph. Cyclists, horse riders and walkers are given priority on these
lanes.
Tourism in
Jersey often starts at the island's capital St. Helier, in St. Aubin's Bay on
the south coast. St. Helier is a bustling town and the main shopping Centre on
the island. The Central Market has existed since 1882 and is still a popular
visitor attraction. It offers local produce such as freshly caught fish,
flowers grown on the island and Jersey's own specialty - Jersey Royal potatoes.
St. Helier's atmosphere is essentially English, with strong French influences
in its many attractive shops and street names.
Jersey
Tourist Information can be found in the visitor Centre in Liberation Square,
St. Helier. The historic harbour and marina are interesting and always busy
with ferries, ocean going yachts and fishing boats. There are several fine
parks to enjoy, such as Les Jardins de la Mer, by the waterfront.
St. Helier
has several attractions such as the award winning Jersey Museum where you can learn about the history
and traditions of the island. On an islet in St. Aubin's Bay is Elizabeth
Castle, which was built in 1590 by Sir Walter Raleigh and named after Elizabeth
I. The castle defended the island from the Civil War to the German Occupation.
The Maritime Museum and Occupation Tapestry Gallery are to found on New North
Quay.
The parish
of Trinity lies to the north and is home to Durrell Wildlife - the headquarters
of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. The trust concentrates on rare and
endangered species. Each of them lives in specially landscaped enclosures which
closely resemble their natural homes. At
la Rue De Bechet, in Trinity, Pallot Steam Motor and General Museum is to be
found. It includes an exhibition on Jersey Railway steam engines, agricultural
machinery and a variety of organs.
The parish
of St. Lawrence occupies the centre of Jersey. Hamotonne Country Life Museum is
to be found here, at La Patente. It's a delightful place to visit, featuring
the rural heritage of Jersey.
St. Ouen
forms a peninsula in the north west of the island, with a number of prehistoric
sites. One of these contains the foundations of a small temple identified as
Gallo-Roman. The ruined Grosney Castle is a well known landmark, featured on
the Jersey 50 pence coin. At Les Landes is Jersey's racecourse. The Channel
Islands Military Museum is to be found on Five Mile Road, in a restored German
Bunker. It has British and German militaria from the occupation era on show. A
unique museum, well worth visiting is Battle of Flowers Museum at Le Mont Des
Corvees. It celebrates the annual Jersey Battle of Flowers, with many of the
prize-winning floats on display.
In the north
east of Jersey, the 13th century castle of Mont Orgueil towers over the harbour
at Gorey St. Martin. It is one of the best preserved medieval castles in
Europe.
In the
parish of St. Saviour is a 13metre high Neolithic burial mound dating back
5,500 years. The La Hougue Bie Museum, offers a unique insight into the lives
of our distance ancestors.
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