Jersey is the most southerly island of the British Isles – some 100 miles (160km) south of mainland Britain. Yet it is only 14 miles (22 km) from the coast of France. Therefore, Jersey is unique in combining the best of British with all that France has to offer. The island is home to over 87,000 people.

Jersey really does have something for everyone and provides its visitors with a veritable host of places to go and things to do. Despite being just nine miles by five miles (14km by 8km) the tiny island offers tourists a sensory feast – it is replete with stunning coastlines, historic buildings, bracing outdoor pursuits, great eateries and chic shops.

Approach the island by air and you’ll see lush valleys and fields and unspoilt, dramatic clifftops and coastline. Arrive by sea and enjoy the rocky magnificence of La Corbière and its imposing lighthouse, the grand sweep of St Aubin’s Bay and picturesque Elizabeth Castle, which all set the scene for a memorable trip to a delightful island.

What is perhaps most striking about Jersey is the omnipresence of the sea – there are great views of the Atlantic Ocean, accessible from virtually every point on the island. Jersey shrinks and grows by around 40ft (12m) twice a day as the tide ebbs and flows – one of the highest tidal ranges in the world. The coastline also offers explorers vast natural landscapes to enjoy – from majestic cliffs to sheltered bays, rich, sandy beaches to secluded, rocky coves.

Visit the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
The world famous ‘zoo that’s not a zoo’ provides visitors with the opportunity to see endangered species saved from extinction. Founder Gerald Durrell has inspired an army of conservationists both in Jersey and worldwide. Marvel at 130 species, including gorillas, lemurs, flamingos and orangutans. Visit www.durrellwildlife.org

Visit Elizabeth Castle
Built on a rocky islet near
Saint Helier in the 1590s, the castle was named after Queen Elizabeth I by Sir Walter Raleigh when he was governor of Jersey. The castle now houses exhibitions explaining the role of the building throughout history. Visit www.jerseyheritagetrust.org

Visit Bohemia
Michelin starred Bohemia in St Helier offers Jersey’s finest food in stylish surroundings. Fronted by a chic and popular bar, Bohemia exudes quality – matched by the service and food. The food reflects the restaurant’s island home – seafood and the finest Jersey produce. Visit www.bohemiajersey.com

Visit Eulah
Country House Formerly a vicarage, it is only five minutes from the heart of St Helier and a stone's throw from both the beach and countryside. Eulah represents the very best in elegant living, with large individually designed bedrooms, sumptuous furnishings and luxurious bathrooms, with a caring and friendly service and all the comforts and intimacy of a home away from home. Visit www.eulah.co.uk

Main Attractions

Visit Discovery Pier at Gorey Maritime Centre
Discovery Pier, an interpretation centre exploring Jersey’s marine and coastal wildlife, is a unique visitor attraction.

It is the island’s first permanent exhibition covering all aspects of the local marine ecology and doubles up as a terminal for ships visiting Jersey from France. Located at the very end of Gorey Pier, the centre is designed for the whole family. There are fun and educational hands-on interactive exhibits, fantastic underwater footage, a rock pool tank and a shop. Go to www.gov.je for more information.

It’s all Jèrriais to me.
Jèrriais is the old language of Jersey and is closely related to French. Twenty years ago there were still 5,720 people on the island who spoke Jèrriais.

There are also around 200 children currently learning Jèrriais in Jersey’s schools.

You are most likely to hear Jèrriais spoken in rural areas or perhaps the town market. There are regular programmes in Jèrriais on the local radio stations as well as fortnightly articles (with English translation) in the Jersey Evening Post.

Getting there
For details on how to get to Jersey, where to stay and everything you can see and do, visit www.jersey.com

Whicker Says
‘You should definitely explore the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust – it’s an admirable example of how to contain animals, with not a cage in sight. I’m also a big fan of the Bohemia restaurant…

‘While we’re on the subject of food, how about a crab sandwich from the Rozel Bay kiosk on the quayside? It doesn’t come much fresher than that! Or for something more upmarket, I’d suggest Longueville Manor Hotel for some serious eating or its stylish baby sister, Suma’s, which overlooks the fishing harbour.

‘I’d recommend a trip to the Eric Young Orchid Foundation (La Rue du Moulin du Ponterrin in Trinity). The orchid display housed in the purpose-built nursery is superb.’