The Best of Bouley Bay: Discover Jersey’s Hidden Coastal Jewel
About Bouley Bay
Tucked into Jersey’s rugged northern coastline, Bouley Bay is a small, pebbled cove surrounded by towering green cliffs that is considered as one of the most scenic corners of the island. The sheltered bay has long been a favourite with divers and swimmers thanks to its deep, clear waters and is the homebase of the island’s premier dive centre, Bouley Bay Dive Centre. The harbour, once a fishing hub and haven for boats to shelter from storms, is now a picturesque setting where boats quietly rest and bob on the waters. Above the bay, walkers enjoy the coastal paths that open onto sweeping views across the bay and extend to the French coast. Renowned as a Jersey beach spot of natural beauty and peaceful charm, Bouley Bay offers a more intimate and tranquil alternative to Jersey’s larger sandy beaches with a little splash of history and plenty of activity available for those wanting to explore the underwater landscape surrounding the coastline.
Bouley Bay Historic Sites
Fort Leicester
Overlooking the beautiful Bouley Bay, the 19th century Fort Leicester has long protected the harbour. Built into the rock face to defend against enemy invasion, the fort was designed to house five cannons and provide a great vantage point. Now operated by Jersey Heritage, the fort now offers self-catering accommodation, sleeping up to eight. Featuring an original guardhouse, lower-level military quarters and additional searchlight housing that was built during the German Occupation in World War II, this unique accommodation is spread over three levels and requires guests to head outside to move from one to the other. One of the most iconic places to stay on the island, admire the most incredible views with a little taste of history.
Bouley Bay Other Points of Interest and Things To Do
Also located in Trinity, Jersey Zoo can be found not too far from Bouley Bay. Set within 32 acres of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the zoo is home to a wide variety of species with over 150 rare and endangered animals. It offers opportunities to get up close and personal with feeding sessions, plus the incredible Zookeeper For The Day experience. A zoo that combines entertainment with education, it is a great way to learn about these incredible animals and the impressive conservation work of the trust. For those who want to enhance their experience, visitors can also stay onsite at the five star Durrell Wildlife Camp, the island’s ultimate glamping experience that allows you to wake up to the sounds of the animals.
Forming part of the coastal path above Bouley Bay, Bouley Bay Common offers a peaceful stroll with unrivalled views. The perfect transition between the rugged coastal paths and the idyllic charm of Bouley Bay, the common is a tranquil woodland. Also a relevant place in Jersey history, Bouley Bay Common was once a battlefield when the Jersey military fought the French in 1549 at the Battle of Jardin d’Olivet.
Bouley Bay Shopping, Dining and Nightlife
When heading to Bouley Bay for the day, it is important to travel with food, drink and beach essentials as there are no stores and only one dining location. Nestled on the beachfront, Mad Mary’s Beach Cafe boasts spectacular views over the bay and is renowned for its famous Bouley Burgers and exceptional hot chocolate. Also serving snacks, sandwiches and ice cream, it offers plenty of food and drink variety for a day by the sea. A relaxed coastal environment, there are also no nightlife offerings at Bouley Bay.
Bouley Bay Sport and Events
Bouley Bay Dive Centre
The most established dive centre on the island, the Bouley Bay Dive Centre is PADI-certified, offering shore, wreck and reef dives. A dive school catering to everyone from beginners to Divemaster and technical diving certifications, Bouley Bay Dive Centre offers everyone the opportunity to explore the magnificent underwater world surrounding Jersey. Also offering snorkelling excursions, paddle boarding explorations and RIB trips, there is plenty of opportunity for everyone to explore the Jersey coast.
Bouley Bay Hill Climb
Held annually at Bouley Bay, the Jersey Motorcycle and Light Car Club hosts four hill climbs. The winding course climbs up Bouley Bay’s iconic hill with the phenomenal coastal backdrop complementing one of Jersey’s most loved motorsport traditions. The events are staggered throughout the year, held on Easter Monday, Liberation Day and August Bank Holiday Monday with the prestigious National Hill climb on a July Wednesday. In addition to welcoming Jersey’s top competitors, the events are also attended by contenders from Guernsey and the British Mainland.
Visiting Bouley Bay
This north-facing, sheltered bay typically has shaded mornings and evenings but boasts plenty of sunlight throughout the day. Usually, the best time to visit is late morning to early afternoon to get the full benefits of the weather, however, during the hottest days of the year, it is extremely refreshing to visit on a warm morning or hot evening when the heat here is not as extreme thanks to the shade. Its north-facing positioning also makes it a cooler alternative to the island’s southern beaches, making it a popular option for families during the summer months.
When other spots can feel crowded in the summer months, Bouley Bay is typically calm. However, it can get busy on nice days and with just a small car park, parking can be a struggle. Early autumn can be the best time to visit with many days still warm but the beach receiving fewer visitors once it is outside of the peak tourism period. It is also a great spot to visit during the winter months, especially with Mad Mary’s Beach Cafe serving some of the most exceptional hot chocolate on the island.
Accessibility is possible but limited with accessible parking but a cobbled pathway and pebble beach. At the beachfront, however, there is level access to the pier and a disabled toilet.
Facilities at Bouley Bay
Parking
Bouley Bay has a small car park that offers free parking for up to twenty cars. During the summer months in particular, this car park fills up quickly. Alternatively, there is roadside parking located at the bottom of the hill.
Public Transport
From Liberation Station in St Helier, LibertyBus Route 4 runs to both Bonne Nuit and Bouley Bay.
Toilets
Public toilets are available in Bouley Bay, located at the bottom of the hill.
Changing and showers
There is one outdoor rinse-off shower at Bouley Bay and no changing facilities.
Accessibility
When it comes to accessibility, Bouley Bay is unfortunately not the most ideal beach option. Although the car park offers disabled parking and an accessible toilet is available, parking is limited, the slipway to the beach is cobbled and the beach is a pebbled beach. However, there is level access to the pier.
Lifeguards
There is no lifeguard service in operation at Bouley Bay. While swimming is generally considered safe in this sheltered bay, it is important to follow safe swimming rules and swimming in groups is recommended.
Food and Drink
At Bouley Bay, there is one dining option available. Located right on the beachfront, Mad Mary’s Beach Cafe serves food and drink with phenomenal views.
Shops
There are no shops at Bouley Bay. Please visit the beach with the beach essentials that you require.
