Jersey’s ideal for kids with its easy atmosphere, zoo & castles galore
WITH its laid-back atmosphere, world-class zoo and castles galore, Jersey’s the ideal place for a getaway with kids.
And with Jet2.com increasing its flights there next summer, the Channel Island is more accessible than ever.
The low-cost airline will be offering five new routes from Birmingham, East Midlands, Manchester, Newcastle and London Stansted, along with its existing Leeds Bradford programme. Jersey has the UK’s mildest winter – and it’s the closest you will get to a Mediterranean climate with flight times of less than an hour.
Here, Rebecca Tidy takes you on a tour.
GET UP CLOSE TO NATURE
ENTER a land of adventure at Jersey Zoo, which sits in 32 acres of valleys, streams, waterfalls and trees.
Kids and adults alike will love the Andean bears, giant Sumatran orangutans and elegant flamingos that live amid the woodland scenery.
But the charity is best-known for its conservation work, where birds and animals are bred for release into the wild.
If you’re looking to tire the kids out ready for an early night, then aMaizin! adventure park is worth a visit.
There’s an oversized, inflatable jumping pillow, a high-speed toboggan run and tall outdoor slides for summer, as well as the giant maize maze that gives the park its name. There’s plenty to do in rainy weather too, including the Channel Island’s first soft play to be built with wood.
This eco-friendly venue is heated by recycled oil, and rather thoughtfully comes with free nappies and wifi for parents.
For something more sedate, the Howard Davis Park is your best bet. There’s an old-fashioned rose garden, bandstand, and a playground for under-fives.
Adults can grab a coffee from the cafe while toddlers run free.
EXPLORE HILLTOP CASTLES
NO stay in Jersey is complete without a trip to one of the Bailiwick’s historic fortresses.
Feel the wind in your hair as you abseil down Mont Orgueil Castle near Gorey, or watch the 18th-century re- enactment at Elizabeth Castle on the tidal island of L’Islet.
If you’re feeling energetic, take the cliff path to the ruined 14th-century Grosnez Castle. This vantage point offers some of the most magnificent ocean views in Jersey, and it’s a scenic spot for a picnic.
SLEEP IN FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTEL, B&B OR GLAMPING SITE
WAKE up to the sound of lemurs and orangutans at Durrell Wildlife Camp, which sits in the grounds of Jersey Zoo.
These luxe glamping pods are carpeted and come kitted out with a stove to keep you warm.
There’s even a kitchenette with running water, fridge and two-ring hob, ideal for making late-night hot chocolates under the stars.
Camping not your thing? There’s always the kid-friendly Merton Hotel, just a short stroll from St Helier’s yacht-lined marina. This 3H resort has a subtropical water park that is heated to a balmy 27C. Ramp up your adrenaline levels on the slides, before unwinding on the lazy river.
The family-run Harbour View Guest House in the fishing village of St Aubin is popular among families with kids.
It has two generously-sized family suites and a large courtyard, along with one of the best breakfast buffets on the island – ideal for fuelling-up before a day of adventure.
DINE OUT WITH KIDS
SEAFOOD is a local speciality, with St Helier’s Fresh Fish Company offering coastal favourites, including crab sandwiches and lobster claws for al fresco dining.
Make time for a visit to the Poplars Tea Room in St Brelade, on the island’s west coast.
It’s been serving old-world cakes, buns and finger sandwiches since 1984, and it’s a real locals’ favourite.
If the kids fancy something more familiar, venture into St Helier for the usual chains, including TGI Fridays, Pizza Express and Bella Italia – you’ll find them next to the island’s ten-screen cinema complex.
TRAVEL ISAND WITH KIDS
ITS small size means Jersey is easy to get around with kids.
There is a regular bus service that will take you across the island (adult day pass, £8, weekly pass, £32, family day pass, £18, weekly pass, £60).
In summer, you can get Le Petit Train from St Helier to St Aubin’s Bay. The quaint, white train offers guided commentary in both English and French, providing a subtle reminder of the island’s time under Norman rule.
SECRET SPOTS TO EXPLORE WITHOUT KIDS
TRAVELLING without kids? Here are the island’s top undiscovered towns and villages.
Get off the beaten track in picturesque St Aubin. Arranged around a stone-walled harbour, the cobbled streets are lined with boutiques, gift shops and foodie delights.
You can try a pint of the island’s Liberation Ale at a waterfront bar, or stop for ice-cream made with local Jersey milk.
Jersey Lavender Farm is well worth a visit in summer. It offers daily talks in the fragrant distillery, as well as audio tours of the estate – you will see lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, bay, laurel and cypress being grown for use in sweetly-scented local gifts. There’s also a cute little cafe serving lavender shortbread and other baked treats.
Catch the bus out to sleepy St Mary, where you can while away a morning on the sandy beach – before taking a behind-the-scenes tour at top-notch Channel Islands vineyard La Mare Wine Estate
Most read in News Travel
SHELTERED BAYS AND COVES
DESPITE measuring a mere nine miles by five, the island still manages to pack an impressive 16 beaches into its 48 miles of coastline.
You will find secluded coves such as Portelet that remain peaceful, even in the peak of summer, as well as bustling spots such as the crescent-shaped Plémont Bay, which is known for its rock pools and gentle waves.
The island’s famous St Brelade’s Bay was recently voted one of Britain’s top three beaches by TripAdvisor users.
Here you can paddleboard on azure waters and amble along the classic palm tree-lined promenade, which backs on to the shaded Winston Churchill Memorial Park.
For all-round family fun, you can’t beat Havre Des Pas, on the outskirts of the island’s capital, St Helier.
This sweep of sand is home to a well-maintained Victorian-era pier that leads out on to an art-deco lido. The pool has a sloping bottom covered in sand, making it a safe place to paddle with toddlers and swim in sheltered water.
GO: JERSEY
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ B&B at the 3H Beausite Hotel in Grouville is from £619pp based on two adults and two children sharing, including Stansted flights on June 22, 22kg baggage each and return transfers. See jet2.com.
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk