All the Amazing Things You Never Knew About the Best of Gorey in Jersey
Tucked on Jersey’s east coast, the charming fishing village of Gorey is one of the most idyllic places to visit on the island. Straddling the parishes of Grouville and St Martin, Gorey has a prime location that has had the pleasure of witnessing the island’s history unfolding. A spot on the island that is reminiscent of fairytale towns in neighbouring France, Gorey is incredibly picturesque with pastel cottages, boats bobbing on the water and an imposing castle watching over it all. Boasting phenomenal seafood restaurants where you can dine alfresco, a strong seafaring heritage and stunning coastal views, Gorey is a true representation of Jersey’s maritime heritage and culture.
Gorey Historic Sites
Home to one of the island’s most iconic landmarks, the dramatic Mont Orgueil Castle, Gorey is amongst the top destinations on the island for exploring historic sites. Overflowing with war history, maritime history and royal history, a visit to Gorey is fascinating.
Mont Orgueil Castle
Standing guard over the harbour of Gorey, Mont Orgueil Castle is one of the island’s most famous landmarks. The mediaeval fortress was built more than 800 years ago to protect the island from the threat of French invasion. A true symbol of the island’s identity, Mont Orgueil Castle was the primary defence for the island until the construction of Elizabeth Castle. With links to royalty, the castle played a significant role in the island’s connection to the English monarchy as the seat of royal authority until Elizabeth Castle was built. Deep-rooted in the island’s history, the castle has witnessed the Norman Conquest, French invasion and the German occupation throughout its years. Inside, visitors can explore the labyrinth of the castle, discovering a network of staircases, towers and secret rooms where you can find hidden treasures, fascinating facts and gruesome stories. Find artwork in the Mediaeval Great Hall or climb the 200 steps to the top of the castle for magnificent coastal views that on a clear day, stretch to the French coastline.
La Pouquelaye de Faldouet
On an island full of dolmens and neolithic sites, La Pouquelaye de Faldouet is one of the most interesting. On the outskirts of the village, this impressive passage grave sits close to the Royal Bay of Grouville. Steeped in legend, the dolmen’s name translates in old Jerrais to ‘goblin rock’ or ‘fairy stone’ and is considered in folklore to be the gateway to the fairy kingdom. The stones are said to have been moved through the air by magic due to their unusual positioning and it is thought La Pouquelaye de Faldouet was once a meeting point for rituals.
Fort Henry
Overlooking Long Beach, Fort Henry is an 18th-century coastal fortress that is one of the best examples of the island’s defensive architecture. Originally built in 1758, the square stone tower was later adapted during the German occupation in World War II and is one of the best examples of how the Germans utilised the island’s defense systems for their own gain during the war.
Gorey Other Points of Interest
As the centrepoint of the village, there is no avoiding Gorey’s idyllic harbour. The harbour has historic roots in oyster fishing and later became a ferry link to Normandy. With Gorey Pier extending out into the sea, it is easy to admire the beauty and peacefulness of the harbour as you watch the local fishing boats bobbing on the glistening waters with a charming village backdrop.
Stretching from Gorey to La Rocque, the Jersey Tidal Trail is a great route to explore on foot and soak up the breathtaking coastline. Meander along beach paths and country lanes on a charming trail that takes you from one peaceful harbour to another.
Gorey Beaches
Long Beach
Officially named the Royal Bay of Grouville, this incredible stretch of golden sands is known to locals simply as Long Beach. Gaining a royal title after impressing Queen Victoria during her visit to the island, Long Beach has a prestigious reputation that does not disappoint. A beach that is bursting with activity, Long Beach is somewhere you can also enjoy watersports such as canoeing and banana rides, as well as sunbathing and swimming.
Anne Port Beach
Anne Port Beach is a secluded beach in the St Martin portion of Gorey. Pebbly at high tide and sandy when the tide recedes, the beach is sheltered from wind and is a great spot for swimming. Accessed via a cobbled slipway, the descent is steep and parking is limited, meaning that it rarely gets crowded. A perfect spot to admire the sunrise or enjoy morning and midday sun, Anne Port Beach is an incredible relaxation spot.
Gorey Shopping, Dining and Nightlife
Gorey has more to offer than just attractions with great shopping, incredible dining and a laid-back nightlife.
Shopping in Gorey
When it comes to shopping in Gorey, it is a laid-back affair. Here you will find more boutique stores and small businesses than big retailers, perfect for picking unique gifts and special souvenirs. There are many food retailers where you can sample some of Jersey’s finest produce, phenomenal cuisine and exquisite bakes.
Dining in Gorey
Around the pier you will find a lively mix of cafes and restaurants from casual seafood spots to contemporary dining, all offering harbour views. During the summer months, alfresco dining is a popular option with many of the seafront locations offering outdoor dining. While there are restaurants boasting a variety of cuisines around the harbour and village, there is no doubt that seafood is Gorey’s specialty. Although you can enjoy the local seafood all year round and sample some of the best within Gorey’s restaurants, every August, Gorey hosts the popular Gorey Fete, a major community celebration that also provides an exploration into the local seafood.
Nightlife in Gorey
If you are looking for a major nightlife hub, Gorey is not the place. There is a selection of incredible bars and restaurants along the harbour that offer great views where you can stop in for an evening drink as well as a selection of country pubs that are perfect for a cosy pint in the winter months. However, big entertainment venues or clubs are practically non-existent in Gorey with the exception of the Summer Night Sessions at Mont Orgueil Castle with relaxed DJ sets beneath the Castle Keep.
Gorey Sport and Events
For a small and tranquil village, Gorey has an action-packed events calendar that boasts a handful of the island’s top things to do.
Gorey Fete
One of Jersey’s largest and most beloved summer events, Gorey Fete is held each August on the picturesque harbour of Gorey. Raising funds for local charities and run exclusively by volunteers, the fete showcases the true essence of Jersey’s community spirit. The fete is a jam-packed day of family fun with fairground rides, beach games and live entertainment. The fete also has a competitive edge with fancy dress competitions for the kids, the famous yard-of-ale and spaghetti-eating contests. The day concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the bay, lighting up the evening sky over the charming harbour.
Summer Night Sessions at Mont Orgueil Castle
During the summer months, Jersey’s most iconic castles become major entertainment hubs. With a live music event every month, Mont Orgueil is transformed into a dramatic venue where the audience enjoys a laid-back music event with BYO drinks and picnics. Offering Ibiza sunset vibes, relaxed DJ sets bring the vibes to this otherwise tranquil corner of Jersey.
Royal Jersey Golf Club
At the southern end of Long Beach is the Royal Jersey Golf Club, overlooking the stunning coastline and boasting incredible panoramic views. With Mont Orgueil Castle as an incredible backdrop, the 18 holes at the Royal Jersey Golf Club are a delight to play. At home on the clifftop for over 140 years, this golf club has a rich heritage and is a dream location for avid golfers to tee off from.
Watersports at Long Beach
Gorey’s Long Beach is one of the island’s premier destinations for watersports. Whichever water-based activity you enjoy, you can experience it here at the Royal Bay of Grouville. From relaxing activities such as canoeing and paddleboarding to more adrenaline-fuelled watersports like water skiing, Long Beach is a great spot to get involved.
