Holidays In Jersey

The Channel Islands enjoy good weather and a laid back atmosphere, attracting many tourists each year. The scenery is lovely and the history of the islands is interesting. There are many attractions and a lot of visitors enjoy hiking or boating here. Holidays in Jersey, the largest of the islands, are particularly popular. The island gets more sunshine than anywhere else in the British Isles.

Saint Helier is the capital and is known for its pretty harbor and award winning Maritime Museum. Other attractions include the Jersey Museum, Jersey Opera House, theatres and an Aquasplash Leisure Pool. Medieval history is on show at the Elizabeth Castle, where Sir Walter Raleigh stayed during his tenure as Governor of Jersey. Today, brides and bridegrooms can enjoy the facilities as the castle has a license to conduct marriage ceremonies. Gorey Castle is a 13th century fortification that was constructed to keep French attackers at bay. It also served as a gaol for various types of criminals and for witches.

More recent history is in evidence at the Jersey War Tunnels. Holidays in Jerseys are an opportunity to learn about the German occupation of the Channel Islands in World War II between 1940 -1945. These tunnels tell the story of the occupation.

Jersey Lavender Farm is a pleasant destination with its beautifully scented fields. A gift shop sells various products made from the lavender, including soap, perfume and toiletries.

Durrell Wildlife at Les Augres Manor, Trinity is a respected attraction for animal lovers. It has been on the agenda for tourists taking holidays in Jersey since 1959 and was known previously as Jersey Zoo. The naturalist and author Gerald Durrell started the zoo and the priority has always been the conservation of threatened species. The collection includes various bats, tortoises, mooses, macaques, sand lizards and poison dart frogs.

There are popular annual events on the island, attracting visitors to come back again, taking yearly holidays in Jersey. The Jersey Battle of Flowers is a carnival with live music, funfairs, dance and a floral parade of floats. The Annual Jersey Film Festival is an event that raises money for charity.

Jersey is very proud of its fresh produce and has fine restaurants and culinary souvenirs for tourists to take home. Many dishes contain Jersey milk, a very creamy product from the Jersey herd. Potatoes are particularly tasty from the island and Jersey Fudge is a popular item in the shops. Local cider and apple brandy is also sold and holidays in Jersey wouldn't be the same without some locally caught seafood. The island specializes in oysters, lobsters, crabs, conger and mussels.