If I had to sum up the perfect summer vacation it would look like this:
In the lazy mornings, I cook boiled eggs for my boy and I, we wander to new places and shout ‘I can see the sea!’ first, second, third time that day. Lunchtime picnics on the beach with foil-wrapped sandwiches and homemade crisps and after lunch or cups of sweet tea – depending on your preference (or, of course, both).
Sticky fingers and collecting sand, stones and shells in every pocket, pocket or crease there is. Paddling, swimming and splashing in the sea and the joy of not being completely Baltic. Again! Seeing your toes under you in the ocean! That’s clear! And in the evening he returns home, as the sun is setting and lazy; with the important decision that we should just get fish and chips on the way home? Save to cook?
Last week my family and I returned from a week in Jersey. There is no place that I knew a great deal about before I left, but because of the magical power of my brother meeting a really amazing person (known as a girlfriend) from there; being able to spend a week with his family was on the cards for this years summer vacation- and what a joy it was! I don’t think we could have asked for a lovelier setting, better company or a more beautiful place to explore in 7 days.
Being just over 40 minutes by plane from London (or, if you have sea legs 4 hours on a ferry from the south coast); I think Jersey could be one of the best little gems to visit. It has vast countryside, winding country lanes, roads lined with powdery hydrangeas and agapanthus exploding in beds. And, being an island, it’s also surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen. The perfect local deal. Not only does it make a traditional beach holiday in the harbor so good; with red Wall umbrellas lining the ice cream shops and little shops on the beach with brightly colored buckets and shovels outside, but it also has a French flavor too; with mansard roofs and chocolate box houses all showing beautiful French words that I don’t understand, but my goodness doesn’t everything sound beautiful in French?
One of the great advantages of an island like this, is that everything is the sameshut up. We rented a car and I don’t think anywhere took us more than 15 minutes to get there (keeping in mind we lived in the center), but I loved the fact that we could be at the beach, castle or center very quickly (which is great and under 5 too)! We packed in everything from rock-pooling, beach combing, castle hopping, swimming, antiquing and charity shopping and it was absolutely perfect. The beaches are truly the jewel in Jersey’s crown and whether you want to surf, sunbathe on a stretch of white sand, rock-pool, pick pebbles and pottery or explore hidden caves and coves; there’s not much you won’t find here.
Anyway! I thought I’d put together a little list of the best places we visited in case you end up visiting, or want to plan a little trip soon. I’ve also been kindly offered some additional places from you lovely lot, so I’ve added the ones below as top places on my future list!
Sight & Splash
Havre de Pas and The Lido –What a place! Let’s visit here, the sun is about to set! What an early morning dip. The art deco tidal pool and swim club completely stole my heart (and it had nothing to do with the fact that there was ABBA playing nearby)….
St. Brelades Bay –If you knew me, you would think that this beach withthe originalPizza Express may be the jewel in its crown but what surprised me the most; the beauty of nature swept me away first! With calm waters and stretches of pale sand, it is truly beautiful.
St. Oeun’s Bay (Les Laveurs Car Park) –One of my biggest takeaways was the diversity of the Jersey coast, and spending an afternoon rocking together in St. Owen’s (seeing real small lobsters, crabs and lots of small fish) was peaceful with a full picnic lunch. There is also a great ice cream van that often parks in the car park for lunch Mr Whippy!
Elizabeth Castle –I didn’t know much about Jersey’s rich history until I visited, and a morning at Elizabeth Castle is a great way to delve into the island’s past. Take a picnic and watch the world go by, and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the sea.
Plémont Beach –Nestled beneath the edge of a spectacular cliff is Plémont beach. A stunning cove with hidden caves, an expanse of sand dotted with pools and a cliffside cafe with views across the bay. We spent an afternoon here and I could happily come back every day; what a place!
Bonne Nuit –This beautiful little bay is a great spot for an afternoon ice cream and some serious beach combing when the tide is out. I could spend an entire afternoon checking out the little gems and stones.
Food
La Braye –This was our first stop when we arrived, and what a restaurant! What a sight! I can’t think of a better place for lunch or breakfast with an impressive view.
La Braye, Gd Rte des Mielles, JE3 8FN, Jersey
Hank Marvin –A charming, unpretentious place with a popular breakfast and a very tasty lunch.
Rue de Haut de l’Orme, Jersey JE3 5FG, Jersey
Potato Shack –A great place for a modern breakfast (see the French toast on the left!) in a very cozy setting. Go visit the cows at the farm down the road later!
Woodlands Farm, Rue de Maupertuis, JE2 3HG, Jersey
The Hungry Man –Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a cuppa and watch people swim in Rozel bay, or just a place to relax on a rainy morning with the boats. Grab a sandwich at The Hungry Man because it might be the best bacon I’ve ever had.
La Brecque du Nord Rozel JE, JE3 5BN, Jersey
yard –It’s tucked away in the center of town, and is perfect for a lunch spot (inside or outside!) if you’ve been walking around the museum or shops.
Weighbridge, Weighbridge Pl, JE2 3NG, Jersey
Shopping
Charity Shops –One thing Jersey does very well is charity shops. It’s not your average high street add-on though; oh! We’re talking warehouse-style browsing for the perfect gems to be found. If you’re after an afternoon of upgrading and digging for gems be carefulDurrell’sby the zoo,The Hospice ShopagainAn acorn.
St Aubin –I feel like everywhere I go, I’m on the hunt for a cracking car boot and/or antiques. Luckily for me, on the first weekend of the month Jersey has a wonderful antiques fair in St Aubin; with stalls including antique French linens, knick-knacks, home furnishings and much more. Thankfully, the bulk of the money was the only thing that prevented any consistent purchases, but it’s worth it!
and next time…
Petchi, Jersey Seafaris, El Tico, El Gato Gordo, Grand Hotel for cocktails, Crab Shack, the back of the castle in Gorey for swimming and Awabi.
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