From Neolithic graves to fabulous adventure, Jersey offer all types of days out if you fancy a break from its famous beaches. Here is a selection of the best things to do for a great day out for all the family.
Animal magic at Jersey Zoo
Jersey Zoo in Trinity has long been a favourite, but it has recently been made famous thanks to the ITV show The Durrells. Set in lush, green woodland the zoo, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2019, is home to some of the rarest species in the world. It was set up by Gerald Durrell, a passionate conservationist, and its main aim is to be a breeding place for endangered animals and birds. Highlights include the Andean bears, which greet you as soon as you enter the park, as well as the gorillas.
-
- See a Sulawesi crested black macaque at Jersey Zoo
-
- You can also enjoy the gentle giants of the primate world, the silverback gorilla
aMaizin! Adventure Park in La Grande Route de St Pierre is another great family destination with all activities included in the entrance fee. There’s tractor rides, go-karting, a towering toboggan, animals, soft play and more.
The Pallot Steam and Motor Museum in Trinity not far from Jersey Zoo, was set up to preserve the island’s mechanical heritage. Take a step back in time and enjoy the vast collection of steam locos and engines, vintage commercial, military and leisure vehicles, bikes, toys and tractors.
Jersey Zoo in Trinity has long been a favourite, but it has recently been made famous thanks to the ITV show The Durrells
Historic castles
Elizabeth Castle is reached via a low tide footpath
Travelling to Elizabeth Castle is fun in itself whether you choose to walk along the causeway – tide dependent – or hop on one of the famous ‘ducks’ which can travel both on land and sea. The castle has been a familiar sight on Jersey’s coastline for more than 300 years, and is now one of more than 4,000 historical places that are to get legal protection to safeguard the island’s architectural heritage.
You can lose yourself for hours exploring the battlements and rooms. On certain days local history re-enactors blast canons and guns, put willing recruits through their paces and explain about life in the 18th-century castle.
Mont Orgueil Castle sits atop the Harbour of St Martin, Jersey
Another castle worth visiting is Mont Orgueil, especially for the 360 degree view from the top of the Somerset Tower. It has looked down over Gorey Harbour for at least the last 800 years during which time it has been used to defend the island from French invasion, as a prison, a refuge for French aristocrats fleeing the revolution, and even as an observation post by the Germans.
