Jersey

Quick Facts

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Capital

Saint Helier

Government

British Crown Dependency

Nationality

N/A (British citizens)

Population

90,800

Languages

English

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)

Currency

Pound Sterling

Calling Code

+44-1534 (landline)

Time Zone

GMT

Daylight Saving

GMT+1

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Introduction

What a view...

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Despite its proximity to France and its comparative distance from Great Britain (14 miles from the former, 100 from the latter), the Bailiwick of Jersey is a British Crown dependency. It is not part of the UK, nor of the EU, although the UK is responsible for its defence and external relations. Jersey has English and French as its official languages, and some of its laws are still written in Jersey legal French. Its nearness to France has had pronounced effects upon its history, from its inclusion in the Duchy of Normandy, to its unhappy distinction of being the only British soil that was held by Nazi Germany (well, along with the other Channel Islands). Its fascinating historical heritage is now a prime feature of Jersey's attraction to travellers, with numerous museums and beautiful medieval architecture celebrating the past. In addition, the island's coastline offers ample opportunity to get wet, be it through swimming, water skiing or canoeing.

Brief History

Geography

Parishes

Administratively, Jersey is divided into twelve parishes.

• Grouville
• Saint Brélade
• Saint Clement
• Saint Helier
• Saint John
• Saint Lawrence
• Saint Martin
• Saint Mary
• Saint Ouen
• Saint Peter
• Saint Saviour
• Trinity

Cities and Towns

• Saint Helier, the capital
• St John
• St Aubin
• Gorey

Sights and Activities

Mont Orgueil

Mont Orgueil is a stunning castle overlooking the harbour of Gorey and is also known as the Gorey Castle. Although there was some sort of fortification on the spot since prehistoric times, the castle in its current state was constructed in 1204. The castle was the primary defense for the island until the invention of gun powder and by the 16th century Elizabeth Castle off Saint Helier was built to replace Mont Orgueil. The castle was used for several purposes over the next few centuries, including a prison. During World War II the Germans actually put modern look-out posts on the castle. The castle was reopened to the public in 2006 after a major restoration project was completed. For the official website click here.

Elizabeth Castle

Elizabeth Castle was built off the coast of Saint Helier in the late 16th century. It was built because the power of cannons made the old castle of Mont Orgueil useless. Eventually the Governors of Jersey moved their official residence to the castle for more protection. The castle was site of many bloody battles during the English Civil War during the mid 17th century. In 1923 the British government gave the castle to the States of Jersey and the castle was opened to the public as a museum. The castle has remained a museum except during a brief period when the German occupied the castle and installed guns, bunkers and other battlements. For the offcial website click here.

La Hougue Bie

La Hougue Bie is a dolmen and mound that covers an ancient tomb, which is 2,000 years older than the Pyramids of Giza. The site has not remained static since 3,000 BC. In the 6th century local Christians tried to remove the pagan influences around the mound and later a medieval chapel was built on top of the mound. The nearby Archaeology and Geology Museum is also an excellent place to visit.

Other Sights and Activities

• La Corbiere Lighthouse - Photography this famous lighthouse along the coast of Jersey that was built in 1874 in Saint Brélade.
• Biking - Go biking around the island and at many of the famous sights.

Events and Festivals

• Autumn Walking Week
• Gorey Fete de la Mer
• Jersey Seaside Festival
• Battle of Flowers

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

Jersey Airport (JER) is where air travellers arrive. Blue Islands is based here and has flights to Paris, Dublin, Geneva, Zurich, Bournemouth, Southampton, Guernsey and Alderney. Aer Arann has flights between Jersey and Cork while BMI flies to and from London and Thomsonfly has flights to Coventry.

By Boat

By Train

By Car

By Bus

Getting Around

By Car

Rental cars are available at the airport and in the capital and distances on the island's well maintained roads are small. Traffic drives on the left and you need a national driver's licence or international driving permit.

By Bike

The island is small and although sometimes a bit hilly, renting a bike is a great way to explore a lot of the island in several days.

By Bus

There are about 5 or 6 buslines operating throughout the island, mostly originating and terminating in St Helier and stopping en route in almost all of the several dozen or so towns and villages.

Red Tape

Money

See also: Money Matters
The currency of Jersey is the pound sterling with the international currency code GBP (Great Britain Pound). The currency sign for pound is £ (the symbol is derived from the letter L). It is also known to the locals as quid (both singular and plural), which a slang term, so you might hear people say "two quid" instead of two pounds. One pound is divided into 100 pence (singular: penny).

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Health

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