At Aurum we have been designing and crafting fine and truly individual pieces of jewellery for more than 55 years, using only the finest gemstones and materials. From modest beginnings to where we are now, founder Jerseyman Richard Blampied could not have imagined then that his small jewellery workshop would become the iconic Jersey success story it is now.
Creating bespoke pieces of jewellery is a special process, even more so as we can offer this service on-island, in the workshop situated above our St Helier showroom.
Providing a personal service we will meet with you to discuss your ideas and requirements. Following your initial consultation, our award-winning designer Alexa Blampied produces hand drawn colour designs for your consideration. To gift, to love, a piece
OVER TO OUR ARTISANS
Your chosen design, with its diamonds or coloured gemstones meticulously selected by our in-house diamond experts and gemmologists, will be passed onto our team of highly skilled and experienced craftsmen and women.
SHARE YOUR VISION WITH US
UNIQUE HANDMADE COLLECTIONS
Our exclusive collections see the art of jewellery design come to life. Our in-house team creates breathtaking one-of-a-kind pieces which push the boundaries of design and goldsmithing.
Managing Director Ian David Heads ian.heads@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
DESIGN
Commercial Director Ian Sinclair ian.sinclair@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
Creative Director Paul Pensom
paul.pensom@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
PRODUCTION
Production Manager Ashleigh Walker ashleigh.walker@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
ACCOUNTS
Head of Accounts Joanne James joanne.james@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
Production Assistant Lizzie Lawrenson lizzie.lawrenson@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
SALES
Head of Customer Care Amy Robson Amy.Robson@ kingfishermedia.co.uk
General Enquiries info@kingfishermedia.co.uk Telephone: 0191 482 5799 kingfishervisitorguides.com
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Cover: The Royal Yacht by Edward Tuckwell A Kingfisher Media publication. KVGWTJG-0325-72-10511D-BIS Printed and bound in Great Britain by Bishops Ltd
Welcome ............................. 09
These wonderful islands draws visitors back like a magnet year after year.
Great days out ................... 12
Jersey and Guernsey offer an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
Don’t miss 30 Our top things to do when visiting this picturesque region.
Shopping .............................. 32
Shopaholics will love the eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents to be found here.
“Candie Gardens in Guernsey with its subtropical plants is well worth a visit” Don’t Miss, P31
The Channel Islands are a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite.
Only here for the weekend? Here are some ideas for a memorable short break.
Culture vultures assemble! The islands offer the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals.
The night-time economy is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and music venues.
Although Jersey & Guernsey have more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure.
These wonderful islands draw visitors back like a magnet year after year
Welcome, visitor!
These family-friendly islands are great destinations with lots to see and do whatever time of the year you choose to visit. They both boast dramatic sea views, compelling attractions, and abundant wildlife. The beaches on Jersey and Guernsey are fantastic, ranging from golden coves tucked under towering cliffs to long sandy beaches that stretch on forever.
When you’re ready to pause the sightseeing and get some retail therapy, Jersey offers fantastic independent shopping in picturesque surroundings. Independent shopping is particularly good on Guernsey, too, and you’ll find everything from antique shops to gift stores full of locally made crafts and edible goodies.
You can get a taste for local food at the end of a hard day’s shopping at a number of Jersey and
Guernsey’s award-winning restaurants. Our must-visits include Bohemia, Samphire and Château La Chaire on Jersey, and The Hook, Mint56 and Red Grill House on Guernsey.
Jersey and Guernsey are full of unique traditions and the locals love to celebrate. The summer months offer the best cultural bang for your buck, with outdoor performances held regularly in castles and parks across the two islands.
When night falls, Jersey and Guernsey don’t disappoint. Whether you like drinking craft ales with the hipsters, sipping cocktails in a speakeasy or simply dancing the night away in a club.
Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, you can always be assured of finding something exciting to do, tasty to eat or interesting to explore. ■
Looking across to Elizabeth Castle, Jersey
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A HIDDEN OASIS
LOCATED AT THE ROYAL YACHT HOTEL & SPA
Beneath the buzz of St Helier, Spa Sirene is a sanctuary carved into the heart of The Royal Yacht. An award-winning subterranean escape where time slows and tension melts into steam.
Step into serenity with our heated vitality pool, aromatherapy steam room, and heated thermal couches. Indulge in expert treatments using marine-inspired rituals and world-class skincare, designed to restore body and mind in perfect harmony.
Whether you’re seeking deep relaxation, glowing skin, or simply a moment of stillness — you’ll find it here, below the surface.
Treatment Spotlight
Oligomer Ocean Journey 75 mins | £112.50
Our signature treatment — exclusive to Spa Sirene.
A luxurious full-body massage inspired by the movement of the sea, using Phytomer’s mineral-rich Oligomer to deeply relax, nourish and restore.
SCAN HERE TO EXPLORE OUR TREATMENT BROCHURE
01534 615 425
RECEPTION@SPASIRENE.COM
These islands offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy
Great days out
The islands of Jersey and Guernsey may be small in stature, but they pack a serious punch when it comes to attractions. From Neolithic graves to cool castles, the Channel Islands offer so much more than the beach.
There’s something for everyone in Jersey. Whether you want to get stuck into a museum, explore ancient monuments or meet the animals at the zoo, expect exciting days out and plenty of great memories.
Jersey Zoo in Trinity has long been a family favourite. It was set up by Gerald Durrell, a passionate conservationist, and is home to some of the rarest species in the world. Highlights include the gorillas and the lemurs. You can even arrange a special animal
Jersey Lavender specialises in growing this beautifully scented shrub
experience – how about preparing food for the Andean bears or going behind the scenes with an orangutang family?
The Pallot Steam, Motor & General Museum in Trinity was set up to preserve the island’s mechanical heritage. Train-loving children will go mad for the vast collection of steam locomotives and vintage vehicles, bikes and tractors.
Jersey Lavender is a working farm in St Brelade that specialises in growing and distilling this beautifully scented shrub. Open to the public from April to October it includes beautiful gardens to wander around, a Discovery Trail, guinea pigs to cuddle, and a café for homemade treats.
St Brelade’s Bay in Jersey is one of the island’s most popular tourist spots
You’ll see reminders of World War II all over the islands. Liberation Day takes place every year on May 9th in both Jersey and Guernsey. Lots of special events and celebrations take place to commemorate the islands’ freedom from Nazi occupation.
Jersey War Tunnels is an underground museum telling the story of this dark period in the island’s recent past. It’s set in a tunnel complex built more than 50 metres below ground by 5,000 slave workers from across Europe. The museum is broken down into different exhibits and includes real stories of how Jersey families struggled to survive. Don’t forget to pack a coat as the tunnels are always cold no matter the weather outside.
The Channel Islands Military Museum is housed in a German bunker on St Ouen’s Bay. Inside are rooms full of both military and civilian artefacts from the era. When you’ve had your fill of wartime history, order a crab or lobster sandwich from nearby Faulkner Fisheries, which is set in a bunker at the northern end of St Ouen’s Bay.
Want to visit even more bunkers? Jersey War Tours offers both group and bespoke private tours to help you delve even further into the island’s wartime past.
The journey to 18th-century Elizabeth Castle is all part of the fun, whether you choose
to arrive by boat or walk along the causeway at low tide. Once there, you can lose yourself for hours exploring the battlements and rooms. Time your visit well as you can watch local history reenactors blast cannons and guns and tell stories about daily life in the castle.
Mont Orgueil Castle is well worth visiting, especially for the 360-degree view from the top of the Somerset Tower. It has looked down over Gorey Harbour for at least the last 800 years during which time it’s been used as a defence post, a prison, a refuge for French aristocrats fleeing the revolution, and even as an observation post by the Germans.
To commune with the ancients, head to La Hougue Bie. This Neolithic passage grave was built before the pyramids and is one of the 10th oldest structures in the world. The 6,000-year-old grave lies beneath a grassy mound and has an entrance that lines up for the equinox. Visit the onsite archaeological museum to learn more.
Summer is by far the best time to visit the Botanic Gardens at Samarès Manor. Originally created in the 1920s by millionaire philanthropist Sir James Knott, it now welcomes visitors to wander at their leisure through lush gardens and thickets of cacti. There’s also a children’s play area, a willow labyrinth and a miniature train (Guernsey’s l
The La Corbière area in Jersey was the home for a large German Infantry Strongpoint
The magical UK island of Alderney
You may not have heard of the Channel Island of Alderney. It is not the biggest Channel Island, or the smallest, the one without any cars or famous cows. But it is the one you will lose your heart to. Just 8 miles off the coast of France, with no crowds, queues or traffic jams Alderney is the ‘hidden gem of the Channel Islands’ and it offers an unspoilt and peaceful escape.
At just one and a half miles wide and three and a half miles long, you are never far from the beautiful coastline or the charming town of St Anne.
Nature is all around you on this small island - take in the stunning views from the cliff paths, go birdwatching, fishing or rock-pooling or relish the tranquillity of a stroll on one of the island’s stunning and expansive sandy beaches.
The island is full of history too. Explore Victorian forts and WWII bunkers, visit a Neolithic burial site or follow in the footsteps of legionaries at a Roman fort overlooking the sea, all of which are free to the curious visitor.
There’s also plenty on offer for the sports enthusiast. The island naturally lends itself to kayaking, hiking and cycling. It’s a sea swimmer’s paradise too, with the long white sands, dunes and sheltered bays. There is a spectacularly scenic ninehole golf course, a bowling green, clay pigeon shooting tennis and you can even enjoy a game of padel tennis on the newly installed court.
The night-time can be magical too. In the evening,
whilst you’re heading to one of the island’s many excellent places to eat or famously welcoming pubs, you might come face to face with one of our blonde hedgehogs - and just look up on a clear night to see the incredible starry nights which the island’s truly dark skies offer!
Why not plan your visit around our tempting festival line-up for the year ahead?
From the infamous Alderney Week summer carnival to the Chamber Music Festival and Bloomin’ Alderney, to the annual Wildlife Festival, a motor sprint or fishing festival; the island has something for everyone!
Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape for two or space for the whole family, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Alderney with hotels ranging from family-friendly to boutique luxury, alongside a whole host of welcoming guesthouses. If you prefer to go self-catering, options range from a unique stay at a Victorian fort, to luxurious holiday homes, or even glamping at Saye beach with a sunset view.
There is no other place in the world like Alderney. It’s a friendly island with an easy pace of life, where children can still roam free. ■
For help planning a trip to the island of Alderney and for more information on accommodation, things to do, where to eat and how to get around, go to www.visitalderney.com
only railway), as well as some self-catering apartments should you want to stay the night.
St Matthew’s Glass Church in St Lawrence doesn’t look much from the outside, but it’s a different story once you step through the door. The spectacular and unique glass font, altar rail, cross and pillars are all the work of French artist René Lalique.
Jersey Museum & Art Gallery in the centre of St Helier tells the story of the island from ancient times through to the 21st century. You can peruse displays on traditional Jersey farming methods, watch black and white film footage of the island’s early tourist industry and listen to Jèrriais (traditional JerseyFrench) being spoken. Perhaps the highlight of the museum is the painstakingly restored Victorian Merchant’s House. Wander through the parlour, bedrooms and nursery to learn the true story of how the Ginestet family fled to France after racking up huge debts.
For a fascinating peek at Jersey life in the Regency era, you can’t beat a visit to the 16 New Street Georgian House Museum. You can visit the fine drawing room, meet the resident cook and soak up the intriguing smells and sounds of the time.
Want to find out what life was once like in rural Jersey? Hamptonne Country Life Museum does a fantastic job of illuminating
Jersey Museum tells the story of the island from ancient times through to the 21st century
the past. There are orchards, farm buildings, a petting zoo and costumed staff to help bring it all to life.
For a behind-the-scenes look at Jersey wine production, head to La Mare Wine Estate, where you can tour the estate winery, take in stunning views across the vineyards and, of course, taste some of the goods, too. The kids can check out the on-site chocolate kitchen, where Jersey chocolate, fudge and biscuits are made.
Pint-sized Guernsey offers plenty to keep you occupied. Explore the island’s rich cultural and historical heritage or spend your days getting stuck into nature.
For a fun way to get to know Guernsey better, book a family ticket for the Petit Train. Running between Easter and the end of October, the train (affectionately known as Victor) takes passengers on a 40-minute l
Jersey Museum & Art Gallery, St Helier
CLASSIC CAR HIR E
Imagine being able to turn back the clock to the good old days of motoring and enjoy a nostalgic trip meandering through the tree-lined leafy lanes or descending down to one of the many beautiful beaches or hidden coves that surround Jersey. Imagine the roof is down and the wind is blowing through your hair and all you can hear is the rasp of a vintage tourers’ exhaust or the roar of a powerful GT’s engine and the thrill of whizzing a classic car up winding valley lanes whilst grinning from ear to ear. Experience Jersey the best way with one of Jersey Classic Hire’s stunning range of cars for hire.
VW CAMPERVAN HIRE
We have four classic T2 VW camper vans to choose from, so whether you are after a short break in Jersey or would like to stay in one for a family holiday we can accommodate any length of stay. If you are the outdoor type planning the full classic camper experience then please view the van section on our website for details on which vehicle best suits your requirements. From picnics at the beach to travelling the island in style our campervans have something for everyone.
Tel. 01534 864118
info@jerseyclassichire.com
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commentary-led tour of Guernsey’s picturesque capital. It passes by Castle Cornet, the parliament and court buildings and the harbour and seafront.
Sausmarez Manor will keep both kids and parents happy. You can wander the building’s lavish interior or stroll through stunning sub-tropical gardens, which feature shrubs, giant geraniums and banana trees. When you’re done, enjoy a ride on a miniature train through the woods, visit the sculpture garden or sign up for a spooky ghost tour.
Around 15 minutes’ drive from St Peter Port in Castel is the vast landscaped Saumarez Park (not to be confused with Sausmarez Manor and its own parkland). It’s home to the fascinating Folk and Costume Museum which tells the story of Guernsey’s past through clothing, artefacts and reconstructed rooms.
The German Underground Hospital gives a sobering insight into life under the Nazis. Based in tunnels built by slave workers captured by the Nazis during World War II, this museum was once a hospital and ammunition store hidden away from Allied planes. The museum is a maze of tunnels and includes military artefacts left behind by German soldiers.
To delve deeper into life on the island during the war visit the fascinating German
The German Underground Hospital gives a sobering insight into life under the Nazis
Occupation Museum, which includes a recreated wartime street and kitchen, as well as moving displays on Channel Islands concentration camps.
La Valette Underground Military Museum is set in tunnels built as fuel storage for German U-boats. It tells the story of Guernsey’s military history, albeit with a heavy focus on the German occupation.
Love ancient monuments and landscapes? Don’t miss La Gran’mère du Chimquière. No-one knows who carved this elaborate 4,000-year-old menhir but during the Roman era someone added a cape and hair, giving rise to the nickname ‘Grandmother of the Cemetery’. The stone stands at the entrance to St Martin’s Church on Rue De L’Eglise.
Discovered in 1811 during military exercises, La Varde Passage Grave is a grey granite tomb, which dates to between l
The German Underground Hospital, Guernsey
UNIQUE RURAL ORCHARD WALK AND CIDER TASTING
This is a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes at the Rocquette Cider Farm in Guernsey. A knowledgeable guide will show you the modern cider making facilities, distillery and orchards with over 5,000 trees before finishing with a tasting of the award winning ciders, local cheeses and chutneys.
‘Great afternoon out in a beautiful countryside corner of Guernsey we didn’t expect to find!’
‘Would absolutely recommend, one of my holiday highlights, thank you.’
Visit the Botanic Gardens at Samares Manor
These gardens are a hidden gem, a great day out for all with inspiration for everyone, a place to explore the beauty of nature. The Gardens were created in 1920s by philanthropist Sir James Knott. His fascination for rare plants resulted in one of Europes outstanding gardens. The gardens are now privately owned by the Seigneur de Samares, Vincent Obbard.
Jersey Taxi Bookings is the new way to book your cab in Jersey.
We operate in partnership with taxi companies and drivers within the island of Jersey. Book your cab journey with the Jersey Taxi Bookings app (or use the booking panel on our website) and we’ll find you a taxi, simple!
In recent years many imaginative new gardens have been introduced. Visitors will discover our Japanese Garden, Water Gardens, Seasonal Garden, one of the largest herb gardens in the British Isles and the Jersey Native Wildflower Hub.
No need to contact multiple taxi-cab companies or download multiple apps. Just place your booking with Jersey Taxi Bookings and we’ll take care of the rest.
We’re here to ensure that you can book your cab online with confidence. You can still rely on the full backup of a staffed office and because we work in partnership with more than one cab company, we take away the headache of contacting multiple cab companies to get a cab during busy periods.
Guided tours of the Manor house and Agricultural Museum take place every weekday. Enjoy the Café ideally situated in the Herb Garden. Our Jardinalia shop is located at the entrance, where you will find a wide range of beautiful, unique gifts, plants and much more.
You can prebook your journey in advance with confidence and add notes to your booking to let your driver know of any specific requirements such as number of suitcases.
www.samaresmanor.com @samaresmanor
Interested in partnering with Jersey Taxi Bookings? Cab companies or drivers please contact info@jerseytaxibookings.je
4,000 and 2,500 BC but was still being used during the Bronze Age. The grave measures 18 metres in length and has a large capstone, which weighs more than 10 tonnes. Evidence shows it was used for burials and cremations.
There are numerous other ancient monuments worth hunting out, including Le Creux ès Faïes, or Cave of the Fairies, a prehistoric passage grave on the L’Eree Headland, and the Déhus Dolmen, another Neolithic burial chamber. Le Trépied Dolmen at Rue Des Bordes was said to be a meeting place for a witches’ coven and features in the accounts of 17th-century witch trials.
You could easily spend the whole day at Castle Cornet, an 800-year-old castle looming over St Peter Port’s harbour. It’s full of tunnels, walkways and gardens to explore and is also home to four museums, including one honouring the 201 Squadron, the oldest in the RAF.
Known locally as the ‘cup and saucer’, Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum is set in a Martello Tower reached via a causeway. It’s full of informative displays telling the story of the many ships that failed to navigate Guernsey’s hazardous waters over the centuries. Head across the road and you can look at the timbers of a 3rd century Roman vessel, nicknamed ‘Asterix’.
You could easily spend the whole day at 800-year-old Castle Cornet in St Peter Port’s harbour
Rousse Tower is a throwback to the Napoleonic era overlooking Grand Havre Bay on the north coast. One of 15 loophole towers built around the island to protect vulnerable beaches from the threat of French invasion, it includes replica cannons and displays on the island’s Napoleonic-era fortifications.
The former home of Victor Hugo, Hauteville House in St Peter Port is an extravagant work of art, filled to the brim with colourful fabric and furniture and preserved just as the writer himself kept in during his lifetime.
From lush tropical gardens to ancient Neolithic monuments, Jersey and Guernsey are full of fun and intrigue. Hop between museums and castles, take in panoramic views and get the low-down on the islands during World War II. ■
Castle Cornet, Guernsey
5
Enjoy a drink with a view
The Watersplash is the place to go for a coffee and to enjoy the view over St Ouen’s Bay during the day, and somewhere to unwind after hours with live music and DJs. A magnet for Jersey’s surf crowd, this spot hosts some of the best gigs on the island. The Slaughterhouse Bar & Eatery on Castle Pier boasts a Prosecco bar, raised private terrace with stunning views over Havelet Bay, and one of the biggest ranges of wines, beers and spirits in Guernsey.
6
Visit a castle I Elizabeth Castle has been a familiar sight on Jersey’s coastline for more than 300 years, and is now one of more than 4,000 historical places that are to get legal protection to safeguard the island’s architectural
heritage. You can lose yourself for hours exploring the fascinating battlements and rooms.
7
See sublime gardens l There are beautiful gardens and tranquil parks are dotted around Jersey and Guernsey. Although there are too many to list, of particular note are the well-kept gardens at Samares Manor in Jersey with its hundreds of species of stunning plants and flowers, and Candie Gardens in Guernsey with its subtropical plants is also well worth a visit.
8
Tunnel through time Jersey was occupied by the Germans for five years during the World War II. You can find out about this dramatic period of history in the Jersey War Tunnels in St Lawrence.
This compelling attraction unravels the complexity of the occupation with reconstructions, film footage and oral histories.
9
Have a bike adventure
Exploring Jersey and Guernsey by bike couldn’t be easier. The varied terrain of Jersey offers steep climbs and exhilarating drops and smooth strips of cyclefriendly highways. Guernsey also has a selection of 11 official cycle routes – ten of which are circular – ranging
from flat western and more challenging northern coastal rides through to quiet country lanes and valleys.
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Visit the ‘Fisherman’s Chapel’ Next to St Brelade’s Church in Jersey is the Fisherman’s Chapel which is unique in the Channel Islands in having one of the very few surviving medieval interiors. Go inside and see the impressive and well preserved medieval paintings covering both the ceiling and walls. ■
SHOPPING
Shopaholics will love Jersey and Guernsey for their eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents
On a shopping trip in Jersey and Guernsey, you can stimulate your wallet and your senses. Both St Helier and St Peter Port have pedestrianised high streets, and strict planning laws mean that storefronts are more traditional than on the mainland. On special occasions bunting flutters across the streets, adding to the quaint atmosphere.
The high streets provide all your mainstream needs but meander the side streets and you’ll find charming independent and family-run stores selling everything from jewellery to antiques to homewares.
On special occasions, bunting flutters across the streets
Want to live the high life? With their affluent finance sectors, it’s no surprise that Jersey and Guernsey are awash with designer labels and jewellery stores.
When you’re ready to pause the sightseeing and get some retail therapy, Jersey offers fantastic independent shopping in picturesque surroundings. You can spend hours exploring St Helier’s stores, whether you’re looking for a designer watch, quirky holiday knick-knack or you just love to window shop.
St Helier has all the mainstream clothing
Collections LoveJersey
The beauty and landscape of Jersey, our island home, has consistently provided inspiration and spurred us on to keep creating new collections.
Our family roots in Jersey go back for a dozen generations and it’s for this reason that we are able to craft our Love Jersey Collections with such affection and pride in our island’s history and heritage.
JERSEY APPLE CRUSHER
This sterling silver model replicates a traditional cider apple crusher once common on Jersey’s many working farms. Some are still used during cider-making season. We have designed and handcrafted our Jersey apple crusher in sterling silver and finished it using various techniques such as polishing, satining and oxidising.
AURUM’S JERSEY BEANS
The original and best! These beautifully tactile and weighty Beans in sterling silver or 18ct gold, plain or encrusted with diamonds, are a must for any self-respecting Jersey person or indeed anyone who just loves the Jersey way of life! Available as pendants, earrings, rings, cufflinks and keyrings.
ORMER SHELL COLLECTION
Ormering is part of traditional Jersey life. The Jersey ormer which lives in the coastal waters around the island, is a much-prized delicacy which may only be harvested by hand and only on a low ‘ormering tide’. The shells, with their incredible iridescent inner sheen, have been as prized as mother-of-pearl over the centuries in Jersey and abroad. Available as pendants and cufflinks.
18ct yellow gold, 18ct white gold and pink diamonds, sterling silver.
Jersey Apple Crusher in sterling silver presented on an agate slice (various colours available).
Sterling silver with oxidised interior and diamond, sterling silver with diamond set rim, outer surface of shell in polished and textured silver.
Arusha
Outstanding 18.35ct radiant tanzanite, set in platinum, with diamonds and baguette tanzanites.
Beresford Market – also known as the Fish Market, Jersey
running for more than 200 years.
You can’t fail to notice Central Market’s spectacular fountain, but the real draw here is the food: there’s tonnes of great fresh produce to fill your shopping bag, from fruit and vegetables to wine and cheese. Head into the family-run Vienna Bakery to grab yourself a fresh Portuguese roll or try independent bakery and patisserie Flour for delectable cupcakes, macarons and brownies. And there’s always Chocolate Express, where you can nab some luxury Belgian chocolates as well as sweet, creamy Jersey fudge made from local milk.
For a look at Jersey seafood fresh from the boat, stroll through the nearby Beresford Market – also known as the Fish Market. You can pick up fresh fish to take away or try Jersey oysters direct from the fishmongers.
Jersey artist Jane James creates a range of ornamental ceramics and draws her inspiration from the island’s coastline, mounting most of her creations on driftwood. Find her shops in the Central Market in St Helier, in The Merchant’s House overlooking St Helier’s Old Harbour and at Gorey Harbour in St Martin. And don’t forget to pay a visit to the excellent Jersey Museum and Art Gallery for more unique island gifts.
Looking for something with a little more
history? Stephen Cohu Antiques deal in a wide range of collectables from as far back as the 17th Century all the way up to the present day.
At Rococo Arts and Gifts in Central Market you can pick up a range of one-of-a-kind locally designed products from scarves and jewellery to sweet treats. Rather pick up a foodie gift?
Fine foods
Relish Delicatessen has a veritable bounty of luxury foodstuffs and is the best place in St Helier to pick up a fancy picnic lunch, while Maison de Jersey on King Street offers a real taste of the island’s heritage with wines, chocolates, preserves, spirits and more.
If buying locally made products, then look out for the red ‘Genuine Jersey’ stamp. It’s a guarantee of local provenance and is only given to accredited craftsmen, growers or Jersey businesses that have been recognised by the Genuine Jersey Products Association.
Jersey isn’t subject to VAT as it isn’t part of the UK, but there’s a Goods and Services Tax (GST), which for most items is five per cent. Shops usually open between 9am and 5.30pm, although some of the larger stores don’t close until 6pm. Sunday trading laws were relaxed at the end of October 2019, meaning larger retailers such as department l
These,
These,
A trip to St Helier wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its famous Central Market
stores and supermarkets, which were banned from opening on Sunday, can now do so all year round. Be aware, though that some still choose to keep Sunday as a day of rest.
Whether you’re looking for exclusive luxury shops and jewellers or a wallet-friendly high-street store, there’s something to suit you in Guernsey. Independent shopping is particularly good here, and you’ll find everything from antique shops to gift stores full of locally made goodies. During the summer months, the town’s shopping district buzzes with both islanders and tourists, including people visiting from the cruise ships that moor off the coast.
St Peter Port’s cobbled High Street has bags of charm and runs in parallel to the street beside Guernsey’s idyllic harbour. It’s narrow, pedestrianised and crammed with all kinds of stores. If you’re looking for highstreet stores and household names, you’ll find them here alongside one-off family businesses. You’ll easily be able to spend a few hours bargain hunting.
If you fancy browsing a department store, there’s only one in Guernsey – Creaseys. This independent family-run business has been part of the St Peter Port shopping landscape for more than 120 years. As well as high-street fashion and homewares the store sells several
premium brands like Barbour and Hobbs as well as designer gear from Calvin Klein and Yves Saint Laurent. M&S in Guernsey is also operated by Creaseys.
While exploring the High Street it’s impossible not to stumble onto Market Square. Head down on a Friday for the chance to wander around the popular weekly Fresh Friday market. Stalls sell fresh Guernsey produce including meat, fish, vegetables and baked goods. Plus, if you’re hungry there and then, there’s tasty street food to dig into. During busy periods you can stroll to the sound of street performers and regular live music concerts. The buildings surrounding the square, known as Market Buildings, have undergone a major refurbishment over the last decade. They’re home to several high-street fashion and health stores as well as hairdressers.
There are several jewellers in Guernsey selling bespoke items as well as new and secondhand pieces. Based in a former Victorian bank, Ray & Scott on North Pier Steps was established more than 50 years ago. To the rear of the business in the old John Tanns bankers vault, you’ll also find The Guernsey Diamond Museum, the only of its kind in the UK.
For more than 45 years goldsmith Paul l
Strict planning laws in St Peter Port, Guernsey, mean shopfronts are more traditional than on the mainland
Martin and his team have been creating unusual and intricate pieces of jewellery. Head to Martin & Martin jewellers at St Peter Port for works including its Patois collection. This range of jewellery incorporates Guernsey’s version of Norman French – Guernésiais –into its pieces.
Catherine Best is a two-generation family jewellery business in St Martin housed in a landmark windmill. Individual designs are hand drawn by Catherine and her daughter Vikki and brought to life onsite by master jewellers. You can browse the stunning collection and get an insight into the art of goldsmithing in the workshop.
Specialising in locally cured pearls and jewellery, Guernsey Pearl is set in an out-oftown store at Rocquaine Bay on the island’s west coast. Most of their jewellery is made on the island itself, so you’re doing your bit by buying local.
At the Bakery Complex just outside L’Islet you’ll find Lucy Rose Jewellery for crystal jewellery, dreamcatchers and Himalayan salt lamps, as well as CheZoe, a ladies boutique stocking clothes, bags and accessories.
You can find big high-street names in Guernsey, but independent shopping is the island’s forte. For more than 40 years, Samuel Pepys has been a valued name in St Peter Port.
Offering an array of male and female brands from Barbour to Saucony, the store is set out over three floors and enjoys beautiful views over the harbour and neighbouring islands from its upper windows.
Set on The Pollet in St Peter Port, Gwyneth and Grey is a stylish store offering an assortment of chic clothes and accessories as well as toiletries. Brands include 7 for all Mankind, Velvet and Anya Hindmarch.
Sole Mates, a shoe shop on Commercial Arcade, has earned itself a great reputation with islanders for its customer service. Many locals head here for kids’ shoes, but you can also pick up great quality male and female footwear for adults too.
Celaro Shoes on North Esplanade has two floors of beautiful footwear as well as handbags, belts and jewellery. Brands include the Italian label Andare, Gabor Shoes from Germany and Spanish makers Toni Pons.
For stylish men’s and women’s fashions head to the memorably named Land of Green Ginger on Pollet Street. Launched in 1979, it has increasingly focused on ethically produced clothing. Womenswear brands include CK Jeans and Rains, while men can deck themselves out in labels such as ECOALF and Farah.
You can’t miss the bright pink frontage
EATING OUT
The Channel Islands are a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite
From Michelin-starred restaurants to seaside shacks, cosy pubs to independent bistros, the Channel Islands offer up a tantalising array of places to eat – no matter what your budget. Life on the islands revolves around the sea, so fish features heavily on menus, while cheese, milk and yoghurt from the famous Jersey and Guernsey breeds of cattle are also championed in many dishes.
When it comes to fine dining, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Jersey and Guernsey. As well as Michelinstarred and AA Rosette dining, you’ll find a host of elegant choices, many of which feature in the Good Food Guide.
If only Michelin-starred dining will do, head for Bohemia in St Helier, Jersey. This gastronomic superstar has held a Michelin star for the past 18 years and is featured
in LA LISTE 2022 as one of the top 1,000 restaurants in the world. Chef Callum Graham officially took over the restaurant’s kitchen in February 2020, bringing a new European influence, thanks to time spent in both Paris and Geneva. Jersey’s abundant local produce features heavily in beautifully presented dishes including local mackerel, Jersey white crab and Jersey Angus beef. The tasting menu comes in at
Longueville Manor in St Saviour dates back in parts to the reign of Edward III
£139, while a three-course lunch costs £59.
Tom Radiguet heads up Samphire in St Helier. This elegant pick serves creative dishes that put local produce at centre stage. You’ll find Jersey scallops, Jersey black bream and oysters from Jersey’s Royal Bay, while meaty treats include venison, beef fillet and foie gras. Like what you see? Sign up for a cooking, wine or cocktail masterclass with the chef, mixologist or sommelier.
Make sure you’re seated near the windows at Atlantic Hotel Ocean Restaurant. The views over the lush gardens to the ocean are spectacular indeed – though the modern British food on offer is so fantastic, that you’d be forgiven for focusing on your plate instead. Overseen by executive chef Will Holland, the kitchen turns out beautifully presented dishes including buttered John Dory, truffle risotto and rabbit saddle with smoked bacon and prunes. Want your gourmet dining al fresco instead? Try the Atlantic Picnic, a hamper packed with treats and fine tableware, and it can be enjoyed anywhere on the hotel’s beautiful grounds.
Longueville Manor in St Saviour dates back in parts to the reign of Edward III. Now the imposing centuries-old building is home to a much-loved hotel and restaurant. Overseen by renowned chef Andrew Baird for the past 30 years, the kitchen is a proud supporter of local produce, including fruit and vegetables grown in the manor’s own kitchen garden.
Mark Jordan at the Beach (a sister restaurant to The Ocean at the Atlantic Hotel) sits on the south coast of Jersey close to St Helier and just a stone’s throw from picturesque St Aubin’s Harbour. Come here for a choice of simple dishes featuring fresh, Jersey fare. The set price Market Menu changes weekly and offers two courses for just £28.50. For more choice, peruse the à la carte, which puts seafood at centre stage.
Award-winning dining can be yours at the 4 AA Rosette Tassili. Set in St Helier’s Grand Jersey Hotel it specialises in modern Jersey cooking using the best of local meat, fish and
Longueville Manor in St Saviour is a proud supporter of local produce
vegetables. Chef Nicolas Valmagna presents the likes of chancre crab, scallops, Jersey Royal potatoes and black butter alongside some of his favourite French ingredients.
Set in a Grade 2-listed country house, Château La Chaire is a local fine-dining favourite and has two AA Rosettes to show for it. Eat in the candle-lit, oak-panelled dining room or out on the terrace while you soak up the views. Either way you’ll be treated to tantalising dishes with a global influence – think butter poached lobster tail with Malaysian laksa or roasted partridge with pear tart tatin.
More dining treats await at Banjo, a European-style grand brasserie, set in a former gentlemen’s club. Classics such as Burgundy snails, Jersey rock oysters and steaks fresh from the grill sit alongside Asian inspired dishes including Indonesian beef curry and coconut fried king prawns. Combine all this with a fabulous wine list and you’ve got a special night out.
Fine dining isn’t restricted to the island of Jersey though – Guernsey offers an abundance of wonderful restaurants offering exquisite cuisine too. At Le Nautique Restaurant in St Peter Port, Guernsey, chef proprietor Günter Botzenhardt has a reputation for giving classic dishes a contemporary twist. Fish and shellfish caught in the island’s waters are purchased daily and fresh, organic and locally sourced ingredients are used whenever possible. Grab a table by the windows and you can enjoy exceptional views of the harbour, marina and smaller islands.
You can’t eat out in Jersey or Guernsey without sampling some of the top-notch seafood found in the surrounding waters. Whether you want to dine on lobster in elegant surroundings or enjoy a low-key seafood barbecue on the beach, you’ll find something to suit you.
A firm favourite with both locals and celebrities alike, the Oyster Box in Jersey serves up tasty seafood alongside stunning views of one of Jersey’s most popular beaches, St Brelade’s Bay. Daily changing fish specials make the best of the catch l
Take the kids to Jersey Crab Shack for delicious, great-value seafood
brought in by Jersey fishermen, but the real speciality is the oysters, which come straight from the Royal Bay of Grouville.
If you’re into spectacular settings, they don’t come much better than Gorey Harbour. And The Moorings is in the perfect spot to take it all in. Recently refurbished and under new ownership, this bistro with rooms sits right on Gorey Pier, looking across the beach towards Mont Orgueil Castle. Tuck into a platter of fruits de mer, a hearty bowl of fish soup, a seafood curry or some moules frites. Whatever you choose, it’s bound to be delicious.
Green Island Restaurant in St Clement claims to be the most southerly eatery in the British Isles. Unsurprisingly, this popular beachside pick specialises in fresh, seasonal and local seafood. Look out for such delights as seared handdived scallops with sweetcorn purée and Thai broth with crab, scallops and mussels. That’s not to say there aren’t meat options too – try pork tenderloin or rack of lamb – as well as several vegetarian choices.
Take the kids to Jersey Crab Shack in St Brelade’s Bay for delicious, great-value seafood in fun, familyfriendly surroundings. Pull up a chair, order the outstanding Jersey crab salad and soak up the sea air and fabulous views.
Based in a former World War II bunker at L’Etacq in St Ouen, Faulkner Fisheries sells fresh fish all year round, but it’s in the summer months that things really get interesting. They set up a kitchen serving tasty fish dishes including impressive seafood barbecues. The queues in July and August can be l
L Jersey Crab Shack I Samphire, St Helier, Jersey
Set in St Helier’s Grand Jersey Hotel, Tassili specialises in modern Jersey cooking using the best of local meat, fish and vegetables
significant but it’s worth the wait to eat your dinner with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Guernsey’s seafood offering is just as impressive as Jersey’s. Christies Brasserie is a St Peter Port institution. The restaurant serves food throughout the day and has a terrace offering stunning views. Food ranges from gourmet sandwiches to salads, and there’s an emphasis on fresh seafood. Delicious seasonal eats include Guernsey scallops, buttered smoked haddock and pan-roasted skate with spicy chorizo.
Christies is part of a group that also includes Crabby Jack’s and The Boathouse, both specialists in seafood. The latter is perched on the edge of St Peter Port harbour and has a chilled daytime atmosphere and a more refined evening vibe.
La Fregate Hotel and Restaurant, which overlooks St Peter Port Harbour, has one of the best views on the island. The à la carte menu changes monthly, but it’s seafood
Award-winning dining can be yours at Tassili, in St Helier’s Grand Jersey Hotel
from local waters that’s the star of the show. Look out for the likes of Herm Island oysters, Guernsey crab and sea bass. La Fregate also boasts an extensive wine list with classical and rare European and New World bottles on the menu with prices to suit every budget.
Renowned for its sushi, The Hook is a short walk from St Peter Port harbour. The sushi is prepared fresh to order – with the chefs in full view – using local seafood and Japanese rice. If sushi is not your thing, the menu offers plenty of grilled seafood and steaks.
And from the same people who brought you The Hook comes Fukku, an informal Japanese dining eatery that’s on a mission to create dishes that are healthy, fresh, fast, zingy, salty, spicy, crunchy and savoury. Expect warming bowls of ramen, crispy tempura, deep-fried treats like octopus balls and plenty of pickles. It’s a Japanese street food joint by day and a Tokyo-style watering hole by night, and an ideal l
The Oyster Box serves up tasty seafood on one of Jersey’s most popular beaches, St Brelade’s Bay spot for a speedy sit-down lunch or a leisurely evening indulging in a glass of sake.
With friendly staff and quality food at reasonable prices it’s little wonder that the crowds are flocking to The Lobster and Grill. Based at Le Friquet Hotel in Castel, it’s open for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Specialities include surf and turf, lobster mac and cheese and huge seafood platters featuring the likes of crabs, Rocquaine Bay oysters, lobster and smoked salmon.
As well as hearty local fare you’ll find a wide range of international restaurants too, including Italian and Portuguese offerings, thanks to significant Italian and Madeiran populations on the islands.
If casual dining is your thing, then head for the Rozel Pub, nestled on a hillside in Rozel, Jersey. It’s only a 30-second walk from the beach and offers blazing fires in the winter and a sun-soaked terrace in the summer. Come for a relaxed Sunday lunch or a three-course evening meal. The
specials are constantly changing, and you can choose to eat in either the atmospheric bar downstairs or the elegant dining room upstairs.
Liberty Wharf, a shopping destination housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building at the gateway of St Helier, also has a host of delightful eateries. Try El Gato Gordo for tapas and pintxos in a bright and welcoming space. Don’t miss their delicious seafood rice, piled high with gambas, calamares, scallops, garlic and a touch pimentón for that perfect kick. The Rigatoni brings you modern Italian with a touch of Mediterranean charm. While Izakaya serves a unusual fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. If you’re around at the weekend, don’t miss their Sushi Sundays where you can sample miso, a selection of gyozas, all you can eat sushi and something sweet for only £27.50!
Starting on the Japanese theme, Soy Seafood and Sushi Bar in the centre of St Helier serves a fusion of
local seafood and modern Japanese cuisine, with sushi the speciality. If it’s a spice infusion you crave, Saffron sits right on the seafront at Havre des Pas Beach and serves up all your favourite curries and grills with flair. Hankering after some Portuguese food? Get down to Mano’s Bistro. This laid-back, family-friendly restaurant is famous for its espetada – a traditional way of cooking food on skewers – as well as its varied menu.
St Aubin’s tiny Lazin Lizard restaurant books up quickly, but if you can get a reservation here it’s well worth the wait. The laid-back restaurant offers a mix of Asian, vegetarian and seafood dishes, including an amazing bunny chow – a Durban curry served in a hunk of bread. If you’re lucky you’ll meet South African owner Garth Marsden, who regularly makes an appearance to explain the dishes to his customers.
Carnivores should flock to the Red Grill House, where mainly l
The Red Family restaurants
The Red Family is a trio of restaurants: Red, Tinto, and Rosso. At Red Grill House & Cocktail Bar, we serve the finest cuts of beef, sourced from ethical farms and cooked over charcoal on our Josper Grill. Red also offers fresh fish, vegetarian dishes, and the island’s most extensive wine list. With over 300 wines from around the World, stored in a Wine Cellar, which also serves as a Private Dining for special occasions, it is a perfect spot for wine enthusiasts. Don’t miss the views, cocktails and light snack menu from the bar and balcony upstairs.
Next door to Red and upstairs is Rosso, an Italianstyle Pizzeria and a finalist in the UK Pizza Awards.
Our authentic Italian-style pizzas are fired up in a woodburning oven, with great pasta and side dishes.
Our little Spanish Tapas, Gin & Wine Bar Tinto, operating on a walk-in basis, offers authentic Spanish tapas dishes, the finest hams, beautiful Spanish wine and over 50 gins, recommended by The Telegraph. ■
Red Grill House
61 Lower Pollet, St Peter Port, Guernsey. T: 01481 700 299
E: eat@red.gg | www.red.gg
Tinto
59 Lower Pollet, St Peter Port, Guernsey. T: 01481 724 594
E: eat@tinto.gg | www.tinto.gg
Rosso Pizza
North Esplanade, St Peter Port, Guernsey. T: 01481 700 220
E: eat@rossopizza.gg | www.rossopizza.gg
Situated on St. Peter Port’s vibrant waterfront, Hook offers a memorable dining experience rooted in local flavors and bold, fire-cooked cuisine. This destination is renowned for its fresh seafood and prime Guernsey beef, prepared with a distinctive open-fire cooking style inspired by the Middle East, resulting in a menu of soulful and unforgettable dishes.
Smoke, char, and spice enhance the natural beauty of the Channel Islands’ finest ingredients, including Guernsey bass and crab, Herm oysters, and tender Sark lamb. Guests can enjoy set-priced lunch and dinner menus, as well as a sumptuous Sunday roast, complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list.
Complementing the dining experience, the ground floor bar offers a relaxed setting to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails or a fine glass of wine, all set to the warm sounds of great music played on vinyl, creating a truly inviting ambiance.
All this is set against the backdrop of sweeping harbour views, making Hook the perfect location to relax, celebrate, and savor exceptional food in one of Guernsey’s most picturesque settings.
locally-sourced meat is dry-aged in-house for anywhere between 28 and 90 days then cooked over coal at 400 degrees in an enclosed Josper Grill, producing an unmatched char and flavour. Above the restaurant, a bijou cocktail bar serves spirits from around the world; nab a spot on the balcony for one of the best views of St. Peter Port on the island.
For something different, head to St Helier’s markets. The Central Market and Beresford Street Markets date back to the Victorian era and offer a plethora of fresh local produce. Each has a handful of small, independent stalls and eateries where you can try everything from tapas to fresh oysters.
Hop over to Guernsey and Sorrento treats locals and tourists to a taste of the Amalfi coast courtesy of refined Italian dishes. Think pappardelle with local fresh sausage, roasted octopus with lemon-scented potatoes and pork fillet wrapped in pancetta. Follow the locals to Da Nello in St Peter Port for more outstanding Italian cuisine. People rave about refined dishes such as lobster linguine and prawn tails gremolata.
For tasty and authentic Chinese food served in a welcoming, familyrun restaurant you can’t do better than China Red. The extensive well-priced menu includes dim sum and teas and there’s always a lively atmosphere – testament to its popularity with locals. Fun fact: it was previously voted one of the best Chinese restaurants in the British Isles.
La Reunion – named after a French warship that was captured by an English admiral – is a stylish restaurant designed by Americanborn Guernsey resident, Michele Hilton. Come here for stunning seasonal menus and equally stunning sunset views. If you’re after a liquid lunch, the cocktails are pretty special, too!
Stylish Tinto serves simple, sunny dishes from Spain paired with wines from Spain, Portugal and South America as well as over 50 different gins. Check the blackboard for an ever-changing array of 20-25 tapas dishes then round the evening off
L The Slaughterhouse, St Peter Port I La Reunion, St Peter Port, Guernsey
The Brasserie, Old Government House Hotel, St Peter Port, Guernsey is set in a sunny conservatory overlooking bright tranquil gardens with their legendary churros with hot chocolate sauce.
For an authentic Italian, head to Rosso on St Peter’s Port. All of the pizzas are freshly made, cooked a handmade stone oven (the only one in Guernsey) at over 350 degrees for the perfect crust. It also has one of the island’s finest cocktail menus and a very drinkable wine list.
Fancy something a little different? In the heart of St Peter Port, Mint56 delivers with its subtle steampunk atmosphere and welcoming vibe. Their freshlycooked continental-style dishes include plenty of locally caught seafood such as lobster linguini, handpicked Guernsey chancre crab salad and a surf ’n’ turf with a flat iron steak and garlic tiger prawns.
The Brasserie in the Old Government House Hotel in St Peter Port is elegance personified. This sensational restaurant is set in a bright and sunny conservatory overlooking tranquil gardens. Look out for hearty steaks, local fish
and a cheeseboard showcasing the best of Guernsey dairy produce. If afternoon tea is more your style, head to the hotel’s al fresco dining area, the Olive Grove.
The Hotel de Havelet is home to two of St Peter Port’s most popular restaurants. Both the Copenhagen Bar and Grill and the wonderfully named Wellington Boot Restaurant (legend tells of a liaison between a local lass and the Duke of Wellington) are set in a converted coach house.
The Wellington Boot has a British and European-inspired menu, while the Copenhagen Bar and Grill has sharing platters and grazing plates that can be eaten whilst enjoying views over St Peter Port, Havelet Bay and Castle Cornet.
Good Rebel is a hit with locals looking for something healthier. Come for salads, juices and excellent vegan and veggie options. It’s not all about your waistline though – they also do a mean steak and chips.
With a name like The
Slaughterhouse, it’s no surprise this popular restaurant is housed in a former abattoir. Or that its main focus is meat! Hearty steaks include an eye-watering 26oz Tomahawk, and they boast an excellent selection of cocktails and craft ales. Rather give your stomach a rest? Lighter dishes include smoked duck salad and moules in white wine.
For more meaty magic, check out The Chop House on The Pollet. Settle down in the dark and atmospheric dining room and dig into a buttermilk chicken burger, a steak sandwich or a herb-crusted lamb chop. There’s a top selection of wine, beer and cocktails to make sure it all goes down smoothly.
From local seafood to sushi and dim sum, you can find all sorts of tasty treats in Guernsey and Jersey, and an array of different places to eat them in. Like the high life? You’ll find plenty of top-end restaurants to suit your cravings, or if low-key is more your style, there are beach cafés, markets and street food. ■
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break
WEEKENDER
DAY ONE
Start your day with an early breakfast at the Hungry Man in Rozel Bay. Then head south until you reach St Catherine’s Breakwater and stroll along the 700-metre structure admiring the views and the catch of local fishermen.
Then make your way to Gorey where you can take a whistle-stop tour of Mont Orgueil Castle before enjoying a coffee in one of the cafés along the quaint harbour then move on to beautiful St Helier. Eat lunch at the Cock & Bottle in the Royal Square whilst admiring the pink court and government buildings overlooking the pub.
Afternoon
After an early lunch make your way to St Matthew’s Glass Church to take a look at the amazing glasswork created by René Lalique. Next go to Jersey War Tunnels and take a look around the impressive underground museum. From there, travel to St Ouen’s Beach and stroll as far as you want along the shore, watching the surfers and enjoy a Jersey ice cream. Make your way north and walk along a looped section of the coast such as at Sorel Point to work up an appetite for dinner.
Enjoy a pre-dinner drink at The Boat House in St Aubin before making your way across the road for a meal at the Lazin Lizard. Following dinner, travel to St Helier where you can enjoy a nightcap (or two) at The Royal Yacht.
DAY TWO
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast taking in the scenes of the harbour at The Boat House before heading to Castle Cornet. Spend a few hours exploring the fortress and then wander St Peter Port’s cobbled streets looking for souvenirs before grabbing a quick lunch in a café. After lunch, visit the majestic parish church of St Peter Port and then make your way to Jerbourg
Culture vultures assemble! These islands offer the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals
Culture Club
Set just off the coast of France, these British Crown Dependencies brim with an authentic culture that fuses French, British and Norman influences, complete with unique local dialects. Experience this diverse culture through numerous museums, galleries and a lively calendar of festivals.
Jersey and Guernsey are full of unique traditions and the locals love to celebrate. The summer months offer the best cultural bang for your buck, with outdoor performances held regularly in castles and parks across the two islands.
Key events include Liberation Day, which marks the end of German military rule, and the wassailing events of winter, featuring traditional songs, dances and ancient harvest rituals. People in Jersey love their boats, so it’s no surprise that the annual Jersey Boat Show, held at the beginning of May, is wildly popular. Staged in and around St Helier Marina and adjacent to Liberation Square and Weighbridge Place, this free event regularly attracts 30,000plus visitors drawn by the impressive range of maritime events, including many organised by The Royal
Navy. As well as a packed activity programme, there’s the chance to get up close to all kinds of vessels large and small and even plot the purchase of your own future dream yacht! Look to the skies for another popular summer festival – The Jersey International Air Display. Each September, St Aubin’s Bay wows the crowds with modern fast jets, vintage World War II planes, classic aircraft and flying boats. In fact, it’s so popular that shops and markets close for the day and children are given the day off school. For a small fee, you can even get up
Liberation Day commemorates the end of German military rule in WWII. Opposite page: The Vale Earth Fair
close to the aircraft on the Jersey Airport ramp.
If you’ve the chance to see 10-piece pop-folk band Badlabecques perform, don’t miss it! The group has become famous for singing in the island’s endangered but native Jèrriais, combining traditional songs with pop and upbeat dance music. You’ll find this true taste of island culture performing at festivals throughout the season. Prefer theatre? The Samarès Players perform classic plays in the stunning grounds of Jersey’s Samarès Manor.
You can listen to internationally renowned authors at the Jersey Festival of Words, which takes place over five days in September, and has seen authors such as Raynor Winn, Jenny Eclair, Peter James and Safraz Manzoor take to the stage.
Other summer events on the Jersey calendar include the Liberation International Music Festival, the Eat Jersey Food Festival and the Weekender Festival, a weekend-long celebration of music.
Celebrate Guernsey’s heritage at Lé Viaër Marchi (The Old Market),
The
Vale Earth Fair is the Channel Islands’ longestrunning music festival
which has been running for more than 50 years. This summer event takes place on the first Monday of July and features folk music, dance, stalls and traditional food, inspired by the old Guernsey Market.
Music lovers should head to the Channel Islands’ longest-running music festival, The Vale Earth Fair. Held every summer since 1976, it offers local acts the chance to perform alongside better-known international names – all no doubt here to sing the praises of this beautiful island.
There’s more culture to be had at the 12-day Guernsey Literary Festival, held every May in and around St Peter Port, and attracting big names such as Jon Snow, Ben Fogle and Joanne Harris.
For foodie fun, Taste Guernsey is a new event running throughout April, celebrating the best local produce, from seafood to meat to dairy and vegetables.
Guernsey’s balmy climate is made for outdoor events. Sub-tropical flowers thrive here, and you’ll see spectacular summer displays l
across the island, from formal gardens to coastal paths and wayside verges.
Want to get out and about on foot? Make for one of Guernsey’s two walking festivals, which take place in May and September. Many of the walks along the beautiful rural and coastal paths are inspired by the wartime occupation and the recent cinematic success of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which was filmed in and around St Martin and the east coast.
With its ornate Victorian façade and elegant balconies, Jersey Opera House puts on everything from touring theatre groups and comedians to amateur dramatic performances and concerts. It is closed for refurbishment but will reopen in 2025.
Jersey Arts Centre’s mission is to celebrate the arts both locally and further afield. Touring theatre groups and local performers put on plays at the centre, which also hosts foreign film nights and regular
displays of art and sculpture.
Guernsey’s Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts is a 300-seat theatre which offers a variety of shows including ballet and concerts, as well as live cinema performances.
Jersey and Guernsey’s history, culture and artistic flair is celebrated in a diverse collection of museums and galleries. If you love nothing better than to lose yourself in an exhibition, you’ve come to the right place.
Learn about life on the island from Neolithic times to the modern day at the Jersey Museum and Art Gallery, which covers history, archaeology and art. Peek inside a restored, 19th-century house, listen to Jèrriais (Jersey-French) being spoken and discover why, despite being so close to France, this island owes its hereditary allegiance to the British crown.
The Quay at St. Helier is the setting for the Harbour Gallery Jersey, a cultural powerhouse featuring the works of more than 100 local artists. They include
everything from large canvases to colourful prints, ceramics, sculptures and jewellery.
Based in a listed building and former law office, CCA Galleries International displays work by local and British artists, including sculptures, limited edition prints and paintings, most of which are available for sale. The gallery hosts international exhibitions throughout the year including the Jersey Summer Exhibition, based on the successful model at the Royal Academy in London. The event has helped launch the careers of several promising Jersey artists, including ceramicist Lindsey Rutter.
The Occupation Tapestry Gallery in St Helier contains a beautiful and colourful tapestry created by islanders to mark the 50th anniversary of Jersey’s liberation from the Germans at the end of World War II. Housed in the Maritime Museum, this emotive work is based on the memories and stories of islanders who lived through the Nazi occupation. The gallery l
CCA Galleries International in St Helier displays work by local and British artists, including sculptures, limited edition prints and paintings
also houses a series of interactive touch screens giving more information about life during this dark period in Jersey’s history.
You don’t need to visit a museum or gallery to get your culture fix – try wandering the streets of St Helier. It’s full of street art representing Jersey’s proud history and identity. Follow The St Helier Art Trail for a self-guided look at the town’s colourful murals.
Guernsey Museum is based in the stunning Candie Gardens – a restored Victorian park which truly deserves a visit on its own merit. The museum is home to art galleries and ever-changing temporary exhibitions, as well as several displays of the island’s history.
Check out the permanent art collection at The Rona Cole Art Gallery, the temporary exhibitions at the Brian White Gallery and The Greenhouse, which showcases Guernsey-inspired modern artwork.
On the lower floor of the Dorey Centre in St Peter Port, you’ll find the Guernsey Tapestry. Created to mark the millennium, it celebrates 1,000 years of island history. There are ten panels in total, each created by one of the island’s ten parishes and each illustrating a particular time in history. Learn the facts behind the panels through the use of an audio guide.
Victor Hugo lived in Guernsey for 15 years, and wrote masterpieces including Les Misérables, Toilers of the Sea and The Man Who Laughs, at his opulent and eclectic Guernsey home, Hauteville House, which is now open to visitors. It’s filled with bric-a-brac, tapestries and second-hand furniture and includes a whimsical rooftop glass lookout. The result is what Hugo’s son Charles later described as “a veritable three-storey autograph, a poem in several rooms”.
If you want to get a healthy dose of culture, Jersey and Guernsey have enough to keep you going for days. You’ll be treated to buzzing summer festivals, live theatre, ancient traditions and galleries celebrating both traditional and contemporary art. All that’s left for you to do is turn up and enjoy. ■
L Hauteville House I Candie Gardens, home of Guernsey Museum
is also big on cocktails and has an extensive and inventive list. Should you feel the need to line your stomach, they offer fabulous sharing boards crammed with cheeses, cured meat, crackers and more.
Knock on an unmarked door down a cobbled side street and climb the gold-edged stairs up to Project 52. Once you arrive, you’ll find a sumptuous room and a well-heeled crowd. If you like gin, you’ll be blown away by the selection.
Sophisticated living is yours at The Watchmaker. Set in a fabulous 18th-century building (you’ve guessed it, once used to make watches) it specialises in wine, champagne, cheese and charcuterie, and the knowledgeable staff can help with pairings and recommendations – and even offer up a taster or two.
Right on the shores of St Brelade’s Bay, a hop and a skip from the sand, is the trendy Beach Club. This laidback restaurant and bar is open all day, but it really comes into its own at sunset, when you can sink a cocktail, soak up the sea breezes and wait for the stars to come out.
Looking
for a cosy traditional pub? Try the Cock & Bottle on Royal Square for excellent beers
Looking for a cosy traditional pub? Try the Cock & Bottle on Royal Square for excellent beers with views over the States and Royal Court. The Lamplighter, meanwhile, is a welcoming boozer serving a wide selection of real ales and ciders.
Want to dance late into the night? The Drift at the Royal Yacht Hotel is the place to be. You can do your thing to everything from disco to hip hop, soul and R&B and on some nights there’s live music. If you’ve worn yourself out on the dancefloor, take advantage of table service in the plush booths.
The Watersplash Beach Bar & Diner serves up tasty lunches and coffee by day but transforms into a lively bar and club after dark, thanks to regular live music and DJs. A magnet for Jersey’s surf crowd for the past half century or more, this laid-back spot hosts some of the best gigs on the island. Meanwhile, Vittoria at Liberty Wharf is one of St Helier’s newest bars and nightclubs. Stylish and luxurious, it has quickly become a favourite with the island’s younger crowd. l
If you’re into jazz, there are regular performances at The Blue Note Bar, while Crosstown Jersey hosts live jazz musicians on Friday and Saturday nights. Roberto’s Jazz Bar at The Savoy Hotel is a funky Latin, jazz and blues bar with a huge selection of gins as well as an extensive cocktail list.
Hankering after more live performances? The Troubadour in St Helier’s Caledonia Place is a popular music venue that puts on a variety of live acts on Friday and Saturday nights. The real ales and alfresco terrace are a bonus.
Guernsey may not have as many night spots as its bigger sister, Jersey, but there are still plenty of ways to let your hair down. Be prepared to spend hours sampling local ales, sipping indulgent cocktails, listening to live music or even hitting the dance floor into the early hours.
The Crown Club at The Old Government House Hotel describes itself as ‘the most stylish and relaxing rendezvous in all Guernsey.’ And not without some justification. It’s set in the original 18th-century Old Crown Offices and boasts a glass-walled wine and whisky tasting room as well as a plush bar with red leather seats and antique brass fittings. There’s also a great selection of whiskies, gins, vodkas, cognacs, champagne, beers and wines, including signature vintages from Bouchard Finlayson.
Sophisticated drinks and dining are on the menu at The Leopard Bar
Watersplash Beach
Bar & Diner, St Peter, Jersey
The
Watersplash Beach Bar & Diner serves up tasty lunches by day but transforms into a bar and club after dark
& Restaurant. Set in the Duke of Richmond Hotel, it’s decorated with leopard prints and bold stripes and serves an impressive selection of local beers, wines, liqueurs and cocktails. The bar’s resident mixologist is always happy to help.
Does drinking at a Prosecco bar while taking in the views over Havelet Bay sound good? Visit The Slaughterhouse Bar on Castle Pier. This relaxed pick has one of the biggest ranges of wines, beers and spirits in Guernsey, so you can watch the sun go down over St Peter Port whilst enjoying a Long Island iced tea or bourbon sour.
A much-loved venue in the heart of St Peter Port, Christies is a buzzing bar and café. Relax over a coffee during the day or a glass of chilled wine after hours in an airy room with mirrored walls and comfy seating. There’s also a terrace with views over the harbour.
After a long day of sightseeing, there’s nothing better than relaxing in a traditional pub. Luckily, Guernsey has plenty to offer, with many hosting live music events in the evenings.
Beloved by locals for its fine range of ales, The Cock and Bull is a traditional pub serving a good selection of real ales, ciders and wine. There are regular live music events, from Irish to jazz, and if you’re feeling brave, you could even give the open mic night a go!
The Fermain Tavern – known simply as The Tav – is five minutes from the centre of St Peter Port and is one of Guernsey’s oldest pubs. It’s been at the heart of the island’s music scene since the 1970s and has previously attracted the likes of Elton John and Wilko Johnson.
The Doghouse offers everything under one roof – a laid-back bistro, a sports bar and an ever-changing roster of live musicians, from local bands to international tribute acts.
Once you’ve had your fill of Jersey and Guernsey’s natural landscapes, head out to explore the terrain after dark. Hang out with the locals in a pub and sample delicious Jersey ales. Or mingle with a lively crowd in a glamorous bar or nightclub. Whatever you choose, it’s the perfect way to finish off your day in style. ■
Although Jersey & Guernsey have more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure
Time to explore
As beautiful as Jersey and Guernsey are, it would be a mistake not to take the opportunity to island hop. The third largest Channel Island, Alderney is just 3.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. The island, which has 2,039 residents, has history dating back to Neolithic times as well as Roman, Napoleonic and German architecture, which can be discovered in the award-winning Alderney Museum.
A visit to Alderney is not complete without travelling on Alderney’s railway – the only operational train line in the Channel Islands – to Mannez Lighthouse. During the summer months the Alderney Wildlife Trust runs brilliant, organised tours up to the top of the lighthouse.
Due to its stunning wetlands, which have been recognised as a site of international importance, Alderney is popular with birdwatchers keen to spot puffins and gannets. Despite its small size, the island has up to 50 miles of roads and paths making Alderney a favourite for walkers too. There are a number of guides who lead walks, or if you like to choose your own route, there are options on the Visit Alderney website.
If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, then car-free Sark is right up your street. Situated right between Jersey and Guernsey this island offers stunning beaches and spectacular scenery. Stargazing is a must on this island which, in 2011 was named the world’s first Dark Sky Island. With no street lights in Sark, it easy to see both stars and planets with the naked eye, although there is also an observatory which the public can visit.
Although there are no cars, it’s always fun to take a horse and
carriage ride to get your bearings or hire a bike. A particularly stunning part of the island which makes a fantastic photo opportunity is the narrow strip of land which connects Great Sark to Little Sark.
Measuring just 1.5 miles long and half a mile wide, Herm is a beautiful island just 30 minutes away from Guernsey and a true gem. With a population of 60, it is a quiet island which is both free of cars and bicycles, although tractors do ferry travellers’ luggage around.
Alderney has history dating back to Neolithic times as well as Roman & Napoleonic architecture
Picturesque beaches to the north and grassy common land where Neolithic settlements have been uncovered can be found to the north of the island. Shell and Belvoir coves along the east coast have white sandy beaches and are excellent spots for swimming. Meanwhile, dramatic cliffs greet you on the south of the island.
Unsurprisingly due to its small size it does not take a long time to walk around the perimeter of the island and there are only a few places to grab a meal, so perhaps take a picnic if staying for long. ■
Alderney is the third largest Channel Island,
Adventure Sark
Sark boasts some of the most exciting and dramatic coastlines in the region. The surrounding deep sea and rapid tides have helped carve breath-taking cavities into its rugged and perfectly untouched cliffs. Paddle through clear blue chasms by kayak or coasteer to hidden beauties like the famous ‘Victor Hugo’ cave or the suitably named ‘Jewel cave’ in the Guilliot passage. Call or text: +44 7781 130403
Corporate packages
It is well known that building functional teams is vital to modern businesses. We offer dynamic packages to get teams trying new things, working together and sharing new experiences.
Our team challenge has been specifically designed for groups of 20 to 200 people and will see your group split into a number of smaller teams and compete against each other in a variety of fun tasks and puzzles in wonderful locations.
Outdoor Guernsey
Outdoor Guernsey is a long standing and experienced provider of tours and activities across the Islands of Guernsey and has a huge and diverse range of experiences on offer.
From amazing sunset paddles at Cobo, exhilarating coasteering in Guernsey and Sark, kayak tours of the dramatic South Coast caves or dolphin and puffin spotting in the azure waters of the Herm Island archipeligo. There are countless ways to explore the charming Bailiwick of Guernsey.
Kayak or paddle boards: guided tours or hire available at locations across the Islands. Coasteering: the rugged and wild cliffs are about as exciting as it can get!
Corporate or group activities are available throughout the Islands.
Tour Guernsey
The Jewel in the Crown. Guernsey is considered to be a small, quaint and tranquil island - all of which are true. However this sleepy island has a rich heritage and has played a major part in the history of Europe. Occupation in World War II has left its scars and daily reminders to the locals.
You can cruise around the Island in our bespoke safari Land Rover, which offers 10 comfortable seats, panoramic views and onboard commentary. Our local tour guides will share an abundance of stories and local knowledge whilst showcasing the best parts of our island.
Clay pigeon shooting
Our newest addition to our list of activities. Clay shooting is a fun, exciting and challenging activity perfect for private or corporate groups alike.
Our picturesque shooting range on Sark island offers stunning views whilst having maximum fun with friends or colleagues. No license or experience necessary! Also available in Guernsey.
