From spell-binding castles to fabulous forts and rugged ruins, you’ll find endless possibilities for fascinating days out and overnight stays steeped in history on this treasure trove of an island. Let your imaginations run wild as you uncover the stories of the castles in Jersey – tales fit to beguile children and grown-ups alike. Watch history come alive, dress up, make believe and get a taste of Jersey life way back when!
Get away from it all and stay out at sea, cut off by the tide in an old coastal tower, the perfect base for new adventures.
Grosnez Castle.
Get off the beaten track in St. Ouen and explore the atmospheric ruins of Grosnez Castle and the rugged landscape that surrounds it. Imagine what this clifftop fortress on this exposed north west corner of the island would have looked like back in the 14th century. Take a peek through its surviving archway, a picturesque gateway to a stunning sea view. Blow the cobwebs away on a windy day. Shelter from the elements in the old walls and watch the full force of nature as the waves crash against the rocks below. On a clear and calm day, why not take a picnic? Head down the steps to the weather station and take in the breath-takingly panoramic views of Guernsey and Sark or stay a while longer and enjoy an incredible sunset.
Elizabeth Castle.
Walk the causeway at low tide or catch the castle ferry out to Elizabeth Castle for a day out steeped in history. Perched on a rocky islet in St. Aubin’s Bay, you’ll discover plenty about the past within the glistening grey walls of this formidable fortress. Climb the battlements, explore the turrets, hunt for hidden rooms and passageways and uncover the bunkers. Head up to the Hermitage for stunning views over St Aubin’s Bay. See history brought to life and meet the castle’s characters. Get in on the action, play act and join the Master Gunner’s battalion as he prepares to blast the cannon. Prepare for a full-on display of Georgian life as the 1781 Militia take you back in time with a snapshot of the life of a soldier and his family living in the 18th century.
Mont Orgueil Castle.
If you like history, you’ll love Mont Orgueil, perched high on the hill overlooking picture-perfect Gorey. Raid the castle’s collection of costumes and, if you fancy, dress up and make believe you’re a knight or a princess as you explore every nook and cranny of this medieval treasure trove. Spend hours uncovering its mystery through a labyrinth of staircases, towers, secret passageways and rooms or join a fantastic free guided tour to hear its stories. Discover the Dance of Death statue hidden within its magnificent walls. Delve into the cellar to find the Witches in Hell and climb the turrets for the Wheel of Urine! Don’t miss the stunning sea views from the rooftop ramparts. On a clear day you can even see France!
Jersey’s coastal towers.
Jersey’s coast is circled by Conway and Martello towers. Conway Towers were built in the late 1700s to protect the island from the threat of invasion by the French. Normally built with local granite rather than brick, you can spot them for their round, slightly tapered shape. Some of them are painted red and white or just white to act as navigational aids for passing ships. Martello Towers can sometimes be brick rather than granite, and were built by the British in the early 19th century.
Kempt Tower, La Rocco Tower and Seymour Tower.
Escape the everyday and surround yourself with the sea with an overnight stay in one of Jersey’s iconic coastal towers. Whether you head two miles off the east coast to Seymour Tower or out west to La Rocco Tower, you’re guaranteed adventure in these historical hideouts.
You might be cut off by the tide twice a day, but you’ll never be lost for things to do. Explore Jersey’s marine wilderness, swim, fish, paddle board or just enjoy the solitude and the stunning views as the tide goes in and out. Hit the waves at St. Ouen’s when surf’s up and then lie back, chill out and star gaze when the sun goes down.
Or stay on dry land and head out east towards Icho Tower at very low tide and with a guide. Explore the rock pools, paddle about in the shallows or venture out at night and join a bioluminescence ‘moonwalk’ on the seabed with Jersey Walk Adventures. Turn off your torch and be dazzled by nature as you discover a whole new world at your feet. Exploring the seabed is always best done with a guide. Stay safe and discover the local experts who can take you on a coastal adventure.
Jersey forts and castles to stay and play at.
Fort Leicester
Stay in your very own fort! Spread over three levels, this magnificent 19th century fort sits above the picturesque harbour of Bouley Bay and has a private garden and terrace. The guardhouse is converted to the main bedroom with one double bed and two single beds, and a wood burning stove.
Kempt Tower
This historic Martello Tower has been restored with all modern conveniences. Sleeping up to 12 guests in an open plan living space, this property is a jewel within the bay of St. Ouen. It has a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable lounge area with flat screen TV with Freesat, spacious dining area and a fantastic roof terrace with 360 degree views.
La Crête Fort
Nestling on a headland, this tranquil property is built on Jersey’s rugged north coast and is surrounded on three sides by the sea. La Crête Fort comprises a double or twin bedroom, a single bunkroom and spacious shower room and large lounge/diner with sofa bed. A flight of stone steps will take you up to a large granite room with a vaulted ceiling
Elizabeth Castle Apartment
Sitting one mile off the coast of Jersey’s main town of St. Helier, the castle apartment sits within one of Jersey’s most iconic locations surrounded by the sea twice a day. The apartment, split over two levels, with a recently refurbished kitchen and shower room on the lower level, the apartment sleeps up to six people.
Grosnez Castle
Grosnez Castle is a ruined 14th-century castle in St. Ouen, situated in Grosnez in the north west corner of the island. Philippe de Carteret held it against the French when they took half of Jersey between 1461 and 1467, but it has been a ruin since the mid 16th century.
Mont Orgueil Castle
Mont Orgueil Castle, or Gorey Castle, has cast its imposing shadow over the beautiful fishing port of Gorey for more than 800 years. One of the finest examples of a medieval fortress in existence, Mont Orgueil is also a symbol of Jersey’s national identity and independent character.
Radio Tower
A striking observation tower built during the Second World War converted into excellent self-catering accommodation. Standing on the south west tip of Jersey’s shoreline within Jersey's National Park, the tower has the most amazing views from the lounge, no matter what the weather.
Archirondel Tower
A coastal tower with wonderful views, the tower is split over four levels with a large terrace at ground level and a roof terrace overlooking the tranquil bay of Archirondel, the Tower is great for those looking for adventure, with the sea on your doorstep.
