An island shaped by the sea where some of the most astonishing tides in the world circle the coast and feed the land. An island that's small on size, but big on personality, where country lanes open to cliff top views and the sea is never more than ten minutes away. An island of rediscovery, packed with activities to experience and explore. Begin your island escape here.
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The Channel Islands are magical islands nestling in the Bay of Mont St. Michel only 14 miles from the French coast and 100 miles south of mainland Britain. The islands are well known for their truly magnificent sandy beaches, sheltered coves and crystal clear waters. Inland, winding lanes take you through delightful countryside. Warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream, Spring arrives early and Summer lingers on. The weather here consistently tops the UK resort charts for sunshine hours and temperature. Jersey is the most southerly of the Channel Islands and summer temperatures average 20C.
Jersey is 9 x 5 miles (14.49 km East to West and 8.05km North to South). 45 square miles (116 sq km) with over 450 miles (720km) of roadway (comprising a mix of roads and small lanes) as well as a network of over 46 miles (74km) of green lanes with a speed limit of 15mph (24kph) where priority is given to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
The French flavour is all around with French sounding names, continental style bistros, restaurants and pavement cafes. You do not need a passport to visit the Channel Islands unless you intend taking a day trip to France which is a short hop away by sea or air. You will need photographic proof of identity for flights and sea travel to the island. There is a reciprocal health care agreement with the UK. English money is used, and with drinks and cigarettes at duty free prices you will enjoy shopping in the many interesting shops.
All in all, the Channel Islands are unique places to visit that are safe, clean and dedicated to ensuring that you enjoy your stay.
Visitors must possess a Certificate of Insurance or an International Green Card, a valid Driving Licence or International Driving Permit (UK International Driving Permits are not valid). Photocopies are not acceptable. A nationality plate must be displayed on your vehicle. Please note you are not able to buy petrol on a Sunday. The maximum speed limit in the island is 35mph, in and around the town the limit is 25mph. A Quiet Lane Initiative, known as the Green Lane system, has recently been introduced in rural parishes, here the maximum speed limit is 15mph and priority should be given to walker, horse and cyclists.
Jersey is famous as a good food Island. There are more restaurants per square mile on Jersey than in most major cities with menus to suit all tastes and all pockets and they range from good pub grub to the most prestigious gourmet cuisine. Obviously local seafood - plaice, lobsters, crab and oysters feature strongly as do other Jersey products most notably the renowned Jersey Royal potato - fresh vegetables and of course Jersey butter, milk and cream. Jersey also produces its own Good Eating Guide.
When it comes to food the Channel Islands combine the best of both worlds. For those who like to tuck in the way they do at home there are hearty cooked breakfasts, Ploughmans lunches, strawberries and cream and mouth-watering cream teas. But for those looking for something different there's the very best in seafood - Moules Mariniere, Lobster, Crayfish and Oysters - as well as good wines and a clutch of top-notch restaurants that remind you that the French coast is just a few miles away.
The Ultra-Violet disinfection plant, the first large scale plant of its kind in Europe, ensures that the Jersey water outfall meets the Guide Standard of the EC Bathing Water Directive. Professor David Bellamy says that the system combats waste control in a highly efficient manner and is keen that the Jersey project becomes a blueprint for tourist destinations around the world.
Despite being only 14 miles from the French coast all your normal English services are available in the islands including the National Banks. We have our own currency but it is compatible with English money so there is no tedious exchange to go through. We have some UK supermarkets and our own smaller shops to ensure that all familiar foods, and some not so familiar, are readily available to you.
English papers are delivered by plane first thing in the morning on the day of printing, so you are not deprived of all your favourite news stories and magazine articles and english TV is available in all accommodations. Many properties have Sky TV and WiFi internet access - these cannot be guaranteed
Visitors must possess a Certificate of Insurance or an International Green Card, a valid Driving Licence or International Driving Permit (UK International Driving Permits are not valid). Photocopies are not acceptable. The vehicle registration should be carried and a nationality plate must be displayed on your vehicle.
No passport is required for visitors travelling from the British Isles and the Republic of Ireland. However, a ten year passport is required for day trips to France. Most sea and air carriers require Photographic ID. Travellers from mainland Europe must have full passports for all people travelling.