Jersey: an island of discovery

Check out the natural beauty of this holiday island and be in with a chance to win a short break for two.

The sparkling jewel of a holiday island tucked 14 miles off the coast of France is a great combination of beach life and countryside with a wealth of heritage, culture and history.

This rich mix extends to the facilities. Besides miles of bleached white beaches, cool green lanes and inspiring food, you’ll struggle to choose between land and sea sports, guided walks and golf, ancient castles and museums, country pubs and bistros. A year-round programme of festivals makes the choice even harder.

Captivating coastal landscapes, wooded valleys, rolling dunes and towering cliffs will satisfy the rambler’s passion; nature lovers can feast their senses upon some of Europe’s richest natural habitats; gourmets can indulge in exquisite local fare while the adventurous can enjoy adrenaline-fuelled activities on the sea. Whatever atmosphere you are seeking for your relaxing retreat or family holiday, at just one hour’s flight time away from Dublin and a little over that from Cork, Jersey has it all.

TOP TIP
www.jersey.com is a fantastic, easy-to-use website that will tell you everything you need to know to plan your holiday in Jersey. Want to know which of the island’s many festivals will be on during your stay? Want to find out what a ‘Moonwalk’* is and how to book one? Want to make yourself dizzy with the vast choice of things to do with the kids? Want to book accommodation or plan an indulgent day at a Spa and end with a superb meal? www.jersey.com has all the answers (* but if you’re curious you can find the answer to this one in the What’s On section below!)

COUNTRY HIGHLIGHTS
Explore - walk or hire a bike to experience Jersey’s network of Green Lanes which meander throughout the island giving cyclists and pedestrians right of way and where cars are limited to maximum speeds of 15 mph. Breathe in the scent of the hedgerows and meet some of the local beautiful beauvine residents. Head off on your own or join one of the many guided tours that take place each week. Adrenaline junkies take note: Jersey is one of the best destinations in Europe for all kinds of thrill seeking watersports.

Culture & Heritage - Soak up Jersey’s historical past by visiting one of the island’s castles or awardwinning museums. The Maritime Museum is a must for families, with interactive, child-friendly displays showing the influence of the sea on this tiny island.

Kids Zone - children of all ages will be exhausted at the end of a fun-filled Jersey day. Everything from pottery painting to gokarting and crazy golf, water slides to bowling - you won’t be stuck for choice in Jersey! With the highest sunshine record in the British Isles and miles of golden sands, a day at the beach is high on the agenda as is a day out at Jersey’s unique ‘zoo’, the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. Even a trip to Jersey’s own La Mare Vineyard is a family day out with animals to meet and great food to eat!

GETTING THERE
Getting to Jersey from Ireland couldn’t be easier. Aer Lingus has three flights each week direct from Dublin until 28th October (www.aerlingus.com) while Aer Arann has a direct flight from Cork to Jersey every Saturday from 20th May - 30th September (www.aerarann.com). As far as places to stay are concerned you’re spoiled for choice with everything from well equipped campsites and bed & breakfasts, to hotels and even self-catering accommodation in specially converted heritage sites! You can find out about any special offers and book accommodation on-line at www.jersey.com.

GETTING AROUND
Jersey measures only nine miles by five, so you’re never far from where you want to be. It is easy to access all parts of the island using the local Connex bus service, whose routes radiate from the Weighbridge in St Helier.

It is also possible to take advantage of the bus service during your stay in Jersey by purchasing an Explorer ticket. This will allow you unlimited travel on the public bus service for 1, 3, 5 or 7 days and is an ideal saver if you are planning to use the bus on a regular basis during your stay. Tickets are valid for consecutive day travel only.

EasyLink is the easy-to-use Hop on-Hop off coach service linking you to Jersey’s bays and attractions. Service operates from mid-April until mid- October 2006. Explorer Tickets cover all Links (Children under 16 travel FREE with every ticket). Car hire in Jersey is easily arranged and very good value.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW
Spring Walking Week in Jersey takes place from 13th - 20th May when visitors can experience island life and discover hidden beaches, spectacular headland, castles and ancient burial chambers on foot. Jersey Tourism is offering a range of walks around the theme ‘Tales from a Little Rock’, from National Trust and Green Lane nature excursions to ‘Moonwalks’ across Jersey’s lunar beach landscape when the tide is at its lowest. For full details visit www.jersey.com/active.

MIDSUMMER JERSEY
(17th June - 9th July) Celebrate midsummer in Jersey, a magical time when the days are long and the nights are short. Let Jersey work its spell on you as you discover the island’s history and heritage, early summer gardens, sunset walks, folklore, food fairs and al fresco music and film. www.jersey.com.