Be at one with nature on your island break by embracing Jersey’s great outdoors. Experience some really wild stays, forage on Jersey’s untamed west coast, set out on wild rambles along cliff paths and even experience island hopping in Jersey’s archipelago.
Highlights.
- Stay and play at Jersey Zoo.
- A boat trip to discover Jersey’s Archipelago.
- Experience the Jersey National Park.
- Stay in a Jersey Heritage fort.
Wake up with the animals.
Overview.
There’s no better way to start your island break off than a trip to Jersey Zoo, where you can enjoy a luxury overnight stay in the glamping pods and wake up to the sounds of nature. Then unwind from the wildlife with a liberating adventure on an EVie electric bike.
Stops: Three.
Transport: Walking | Electric bike.
1. Durrell Wildlife Camp.
Get really wild with a stay at Durrell Wildlife Camp. Luxury camping in the grounds of Jersey Zoo, the wildlife park founded in 1959 by writer and conservationist Gerald Durrell, is as glam as glamping gets. With log burners, fridges and private bathrooms under geodesic domes, this really feels so much more than a normal camping experience. The Zoo café is right next door to the camp and offers Thai food and wood-fired pizzas. If you fancy an adventure, wander down the hill to the Rozel Bay for dinner in the The Rozel Pub or head to the pier for a burger at The Hungry Man café. Get back to the camp and doze off to the sounds of the lemurs and tamarins, whilst feeling like you are in a luxury hotel.
2. Jersey Zoo.
Wake up to the sounds of wildlife and, after an al fresco breakfast in the sunshine, make your way to Jersey Zoo to meet your neighbours. This stunning, 32-acre park is home to some of the world’s rarest animals; there is a reason that Jersey Zoo is known as “the jewel in Jersey’s crown.” Time your visit to each of the animals alongside their feeding times to hear the keepers share their personal insights into the lives of the animals, and their quirky habits! You can even arrange a behind the scenes visit or try your hand at being a keeper for the day.
3. Evie Bikes.
Discover Jersey on a journey with zero emissions on an electric bike. It is so easy. Download EVie’s Freebike app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store and register. FIND an available bike near you using the map in EVie’s Freebike app. Go to the bike. RENT the EVieBike by opening the app and scanning the QR code you’ll find on the battery beneath the seat. Press ‘Rent Bike’ in the app. Squeeze either brake lever twice, quickly. PARK your bike at an EVieBike virtual station (free) using the app map or wherever you want to call it a day for a small rehoming fee.
Explore east to west.
Overview.
From the wild west to the rugged north coast, discover Jersey’s true beauty within its National Park from foraging and island hopping to an overnight stay in a historical fort.
Stops: Three.
Transport: Walking | Driving | Boat.
1. Wild Adventures.
Get lost in the wild’s of St. Ouen’s Bay. Kazz from Wild Adventures will take you foraging and teach you about the wild, edible and medicinal plants Jersey has to offer. Once you have collected your bounty, enjoy a wild BBQ with Kazz; if you’re lucky he’ll arrive equipped with his homemade elderflower champagne. Gorgeous.
2. Find your flow in Jersey's Archipelago.
Fancy taking a RIB trip accompanied by your very own Yoga Instructor so you can connect with nature miles away from reality? Book a trip with Jersey Seafaris and let them whisk you, and Island Hop Yoga with Vanessa, off to the incredible islands of Les Ecréhous or Les Minquiers. Miles of reefs and sandbanks, surrounded by crystal clear waters. Book a picnic lunch from The 3 Arches and pick it up just before you get on the rib, ready for your trip across the water. After an hour long yoga class, dive into those clear waters or take the time to explore. You may be joined by a seal or a dolphin alongside the boat on your way home.
3. A truly historic stay.
La Crête Fort is nestled on a headland and built on Jersey’s rugged north coast. Surrounded on three sides by the sea it is regarded as ‘an icon of the island’s strong sense of individuality and self- determination’ and as a Jersey Heritage property is available as a holiday let. With awe inspiring views and a secluded beach nearby, dating back to 1830 and sitting on a site first militarised in the 16th Century, La Crête Fort is the ideal get away from it all, located in Jersey’s National Park. A real retreat.
A relaxed day in the National Park.
Overview.
Take a more relaxed approach to Jersey’s natural landscapes on your third day with a leisurely walk along our cliff path trails. Explore our sand dunes and marshlands where a keen eye will catch glimpses of our local birds. Be sure to try out some forest bathing in Jersey’s pristine natural beauty.
Stops: Four.
Transport: Walking | Driving.
1. Jersey National Park
What could be a better start to the day than a bracing north coast walk along the cliffs? Jersey Uncovered will take you on a guided walk through Jersey National Park, over steep, bracken-clad cliffs which overlook perfect hidden bays. The coastal path climbs and dips, almost rollercoaster like and offers some of the most spectacular scenic walks in Jersey. The Park’s new visitor centre – The Frances Le Sueur Centre – offers yoga classes with a wild bird soundtrack. Bliss.
2. Faulkner Fisheries.
Walking works up an appetite. Faulkner Fisheries, housed in a WW2 German Bunker at L’Etacq, is the perfect lunch spot. Try the oysters and barbequed local scallops with Jersey Royals, served up with a side order of sea view.
3. Jersey Birding Tours
Spend the afternoon with Jersey Birding Tours discovering some of the beautiful birds and wildlife who live in Jersey. From wetlands to sand dunes, reconnect with wide open spaces whilst the Marsh Harriers circle overhead. Your expert guide will take you to the best sites around the island where you can marvel at Jersey’s resident species alongside migrant visitors.
4. Forest bathing.
Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing is coined as “The New Yoga”. Join Amanda on a gentle meander through Jersey’s pristine, natural beauty, experience nature and reset, restore and renew. Gather amongst the pine trees, wander down through the sand dunes and finish the day with a foraged wild herb Tea Ceremony, whilst enjoying the beauty of the forest surrounding you.
Stop and smell the flowers.
Overview.
Dive into the botanical gardens at Samarés Manor on your last day and be sure to make a visit to the Eric Young Orchid Foundation where you can embrace the most extravagant and flamboyant flowers. Finish off your island break with a magical walk at low tide to see the bioluminescence.
Stops: Three.
Transport: Walking | Driving.
1. The Botanical Gardens of Samarés Manor.
Step back in time to the 1920’s and enter the wonderful Samarés Manor, where the Manor house dates back, in part, to medieval times. Steeped in Jersey history, it remains the traditional home of the Seigneur de Samarés. Lose yourself in the herb and Japanese gardens whilst walking on paths through the wildflowers.
2. Eric Young Orchid Foundation.
Proud Chelsea Flower Show gold medallists, the Eric Young Orchid Foundation is the perfect tourist spot whatever the weather. Known as the most extravagant and flamboyant of flowers, this unique centre is dedicated to orchids. Born in 1911, Eric Young was a pioneer of the orchid community, widely respected and honoured throughout. Stroll and picnic amongst the flowers. Beautiful.
3. Stars at your feet with Jersey Walk Adventures.
Meet your Jersey Walk Adventures guide for the most magical of Jersey experiences; a bioluminescence walk. As night descends and the tide goes out, tiny creatures glow in the dark and light up the sand. In just a few hours the ocean will return to cover your footprints by up to 40ft. One of Jersey’s best-kept secrets.
