The Best of St Catherine’s Bay: Discover Jersey’s Serene North Coast
About St Catherine’s Bay
A scenic bay on the east coast of Jersey, St Catherine’s Bay sits gloriously between the impressive St Catherine’s Breakwater and the historic Archirondel Tower. Not only does the bay boast impressive views, fishing opportunities and water activity, but there is also plenty of history to discover with St Catherine’s Bunker and Archirondal Tower, both rich in war history. A quieter corner of the island, St Catherine’s Bay is a great place to enjoy the Jersey coastline in a more relaxed setting.
St Catherine’s Bay Historic Sites
St Catherine’s Breakwater
The most prominent feature of St Catherine’s Bay is undoubtedly St Catherine’s Breakwater. A historic landmark on the east coast, the breakwater was originally built in the 1840s to form part of a larger harbour on Jersey’s east coast to be used by the Royal Navy due to conflict with France. Due to both financial issues and bad weather, the project was slow and by the time this first breakwater was completed, Britain and France had become allies and there was no longer a need for the second breakwater to complete the harbour. As half of the unfinished 19th century project, the breakwater is over half a mile long and a wander along showcases phenomenal views of the Jersey coastline. Also a popular spot for anglers, the breakwater featured a lighthouse that shone brightly for more than 100 years from 1856 which has lived in St Helier outside the Jersey Maritime Museum since it was decommissioned.
St Catherine’s Bunker
Nestled close to the start of the breakwater, St Catherine’s Bunker is an impressive and atmospheric World War II fortification. The defensive complex features heavy machine-gun bunkers, anti-tank defences, shelters, a casemate for artillery and an extensive tunnel network. It was built at St Catherine as a strategic location and played a vital role in Hilter’s Atlantic Wall of defence. Today, it is an interactive heritage site that allows visitors to explore the tunnels and learn about the island’s history of occupation and liberation. Visitors receive a 15 minute guided tour of the complex to explain the project as well as health and safety rules before being free to explore the bunker. It is a great opportunity to enjoy an immersive insight into the island’s war history.
Archirondel Tower
Guarding the opposite end of the bay from the breakwater, the iconic red and white fort stationed there is known as Archirondel Tower. One of the 23 conway towers built between 1778 and 1801 for coastal defence against French invasion, the tower was the first to feature a surrounding gun platform at its base. During the German Occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II, the tower was retrofitted to support the needs of the occupying forces and as a result, the tower is a major part of the island’s history. Now operated and owned by Jersey Heritage, the tower welcomes overnight guests on a self-catering basis and can occupy up to four.
St Catherine’s Bay Other Points of Interest and Things To Do
One of just two lifeboat stations on the island of Jersey, the RNLI St Catherine Lifeboat Station overlooks the bay and operates a B class lifeboat, the first of its kind to be stationed in the Channel Islands. While the primary presence of the station at St Catherine is for safety and water rescue, visitors can explore the station on a Sunday between the hours of 11am-1pm. This is a great opportunity to learn about the work of RNLI Jersey and discover this impressive 50 year old lifeboat station.
A peaceful and picturesque setting at the southern end of St Catherine’s Bay, Archirondel Beach is a popular spot with both locals and visitors searching for a more secluded coastal spot. With a long stretch of golden sands and sheltered waters, it is the place for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and relaxing on the beach. Its east-facing location makes it an incredible location to admire the sunrise if you are an early bird, just as beautiful as a Jersey sunset on the west but guaranteed to feature fewer crowds. Plus, with Archirondel Tower watching over the beachfront, the beach also features a touch of history and unique coastal scenery.
One of Jersey’s best-kept secrets, Belval Cove sits on the island’s east coast between St Catherine’s Breakwater and Archirondel Tower. A spot that is extremely peaceful and tranquil, this rocky beachfront is a great place for a swim if you are looking for a secluded paddle in glistening turquoise waters. The little bay is accessed through a small woodland area which is also delightful to explore.
St Catherine’s Bay Shopping, Dining and Nightlife
A laidback and tranquil corner of Jersey, shopping, dining and nightlife are minimal at St Catherine’s Bay. Along the bay, there are no shopping locations, and visitors are also unlikely to find any nightlife. In terms of dining, there is one option along the bay, close to the breakwater. The Breakwater Cafe boasts an incredible position with impressive views of St Catherine’s Bay and a great menu full of variety.
St Catherine’s Bay Sport and Events
St Catherine’s Sailing Club
As the island’s largest sailing club, St Catherine’s Sailing Club is the premier sailing destination on the island. Founded in 1961, it grew from humble beginnings in an old carpenter’s shed to the vibrant hub of sailing activity that it is today. From casual events and relaxed training courses to accredited certifications and race days, St Catherine’s Sailing Club offers every experience you could possibly need in the sailing community.
Aquathlon
An annual event hosted by the Jersey Triathlon Club, the Aquathlon consists of three races on Thursday evenings in August at St Catherine’s Breakwater. A swim and run event with a short, middle and long course, the Aquathlon features a swim from the slipway followed by a run along the breakwater, then onto the road for a longer run course.
Jersey to France Swim Challenge
Another annual swimming challenge from St Catherine’s Breakwater, competitors take part in a 14-mile relay swim to Carteret on the coast of France. Each team can have between two and six members, along with a guard board as they race across the sea from Jersey to the French mainland.
Visiting St Catherine’s Bay
It can be argued that there is no bad time to visit St Catherine’s Bay, with this eastern part of the island relaxing year-round. While St Catherine’s Breakwater can be busy during the peak summer, there are plenty of other quieter spots, including Archirondel Beach at the opposite end of the bay and the lesser-known gem of Belval Cove.
When it comes to tourist attractions, St Catherine’s Bunker is open daily year-round, while the lifeboat station only offers tours for two hours every Sunday. For anyone wanting to explore Archirondal Tower, it is open to overnight guests only, with Jersey Heritage providing a unique experience to sleep in an east coast landmark.
Although the breakwater is largely accessible, there are some tricky areas with gravelled paths. Other parts of the bay offer limited access and can be restrictive for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility.
St Catherine’s Bay Facilities
Parking
Parking at St Catherine’s Bay is limited, but there is parking available at the breakwater. When that parking is full, the only alternative is off-road parking and laybys on the roadside. There is alternative parking at the opposite end of the bay, along La Route Le Brun, closer to Archirondel Beach. All parking at St Catherine’s Bay is free.
Public Transport
LibertyBus Routes 2 and 2A both run from Liberation Station in St Helier to St Catherine’s Bay. From the bus stop, it is a very short walk to the bay itself.
Toilets
Public toilets are available near the end of the breakwater, close to the parking area. Accessible toilets are also available.
Changing and showers
There are no showers or changing facilities available at St Catherine’s Bay.
Accessibility
There is a limited number of disabled parking spaces available at St Catherine’s Bay. Alternatively, Blue Badge holders can park for free in any of the public off-street parking spaces before reaching the breakwater. Accessible toilets are also available at the breakwater. The breakwater itself provides a wide, level walkway, which is great for accessibility; however, towards the end of the breakwater, there are some gravel surfaces that may present difficulties for wheelchairs.
Lifeguards
Lifeguards are stationed at St Catherine’s Bay with an RNLI lifeboat station located at St Catherine’s. The lifeguards are also usually present at the top of the slipway with a red and yellow umbrella.
Food and Drink
The Breakwater Cafe at St Catherine’s Breakwater is a great dining option with stunning views over the bay and an eclectic menu that will cater to all taste buds. The cafe is renowned for serving beautifully fresh seafood and award-winning ice cream.
Shops
There are no shops available at St Catherine’s Bay. It is important to bring anything you need, including food, drink and beach essentials with you.
