Travelling with Nick: Jersey, Channel Islands, GB

It was in 1989 when the idea of visiting Jersey was first put on our agenda. We had three young boys at that time and when we weighed up the cost we realised that we could visit Disney World Fl. for not very much more. It may come as no surprise that a trip to the U.S. won the day. In fact we were so bowled over by Disney World and Florida in general, that we have paid many visits since.

But the idea of visiting Jersey has never completely faded and this September we made our wish come true. We are so glad we did. It is a great place to visit as a couple.

As per usual, I did some research before booking a hotel and saw that La Place Hotel, St. Brelade, had consistently good TripAdvisor reviews so I booked a four night stay there. I can report that the glowing TripAdvisor reports did not exaggerate at all, every aspect of our stay at 'La Place' was perfect. The only thing I would say is that it would be well worth the extra money to book a 'Superior' room rather than a 'Classic'. The differences between the two are significant.

Although Jersey is well served by a good public bus service, with routes going to most corners of the island, the inter connection between them all can only truly be achieved via the Liberty Bus Station in St. Helier. I will certainly consider hiring a car the next time we go.

Fortunately we are both fit and were able to walk or use the No. 9 bus to visit most of the many attractions to be found around the St. Aubin Bay area. St Helier, the island's capital, is situated at the eastern side of the bay and is certainly worth a visit. I was particularly attracted by the architecture of its buildings and the general sense of bustle around shops that are very familiar to visitors from the U.K. mainland.

At the other side of the bay sits the tranquil and picturesque harbour village of St.Aubin. It is very pleasant to stroll around its streets and harbour wall. It is well served by attractive bars and restaurants.
Other places of interest which we visited and would thoroughly recommend are -
The 17th Century Elizabeth castle just of the coast at St. Hellier and
St. Matthew's Glass Church, St Lawrenece, on the west side of St. Hellier.

Most of you will know that the Channel Islands became a possession of the English Crown via William the Conqueror. They were lost and won back again during the 13th Century and were often subject to skirmishes between the English and the French up until the 19th Century but overall remained a possession of the English Crown. Therefore they have been subject to English laws, customs and language for around 600 years. I only mention this because I was and am totally fascinated by the almost ubiquitous use of the French language when it comes to place and family names. This fact contrasts with a culture which could hardly be more English and the almost neutral accent of the spoken tongue [e.g. as compared with Scouse (Liverpool) or Cockney (London)].

Here is just a small flavour of Jersey, photographed during a short five day stay. -

St.Helier