As a small island and a British Dependency, Jersey is a relatively simple travel destination for UK travellers to get to know. With the same language, currency and a similar way of life, Brits travelling to this stunning Channel Island will have an incredibly easy transition into Jersey life. However, when travelling anywhere new, there is no doubt that you will encounter unfamiliarity and any tips are extremely beneficial. Thankfully, this comprehensive guide of the best Jersey travel tips will help you out when planning and travelling to Jersey.
Tips for When to Travel to Jersey
Jersey is a year-round destination with a mild climate and frequent flights from multiple UK airports. When you plan your trip to Jersey for ultimately depends on the experience you want from the island but the following tips will help to narrow down when you should travel to Jersey.
Off-Peak Jersey Travel Tips
If you want to enjoy the cheapest and least crowded Jersey experience, it will be to your benefit to travel off-peak. Jersey’s off-peak season sees the island welcoming fewer tourists and the island is less crowded creating an ease of travel. The off-peak season in Jersey is also incredibly budget-friendly with both air and sea fares often at a significantly lower cost. With lower occupancy rates, you will find that many of Jersey’s hotels are also at a discounted price or you may find exclusive deals that you would not encounter during the busiest months of the year. In addition, many of Jersey’s attractions have a lower admission cost during the off-peak season and you may find that select attractions are even free, only charging admission during the summer.
The off-peak season in Jersey is November to April. Flexibility is key when travelling to Jersey during the off-season as you will find flights and ferries are less frequent. However, the savings and crowd levels are a huge bonus for travelling off-peak and some of the UK’s biggest airports still run daily flights through Jersey’s winter.
Peak Jersey Travel Tips
Whilst Jersey boasts the best weather in the British Isles and has a mild climate year-round, there is no doubt that the summer months are when the island experiences its best weather. The high season in Jersey runs from April to October with the peak over July and August.
Thanks to the island’s oceanic climate, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn have comfortable temperatures. As the seasons change, Jersey is washed with an array of colours and some of Jersey’s best landscapes can be witnessed during the shoulder seasons. This is the perfect time for adventure-seekers and visitors to Jersey looking to embrace hiking, cycling and/or sports. The price to travel is also not as costly as during the height of the summer and will be a more affordable trip without compromising on the weather. In the peak summer months of July and August, Jersey experiences the best weather of the year with the highest temperatures and reliable sunshine. The height of summer is perfect for sunbathers and the beach is the place to be. Summertime holidaymakers in Jersey enjoy the abundance of beaches, excellent watersports and Mediterranean climate that the island is renowned for. The summer months offer the best of a European summer holiday at just an hour’s journey time from the UK. Visit our weather guide for a more detailed insight on Jersey’s seasons and what to expect during your trip.
Bank Holidays in Jersey
Jersey shares a lot of the same Bank Holidays as the UK but the island does have its own share of independent Bank Holidays thrown into the mix. As with public holidays anywhere, there are certain restrictions in place on these days which can either be a blessing or a hindrance. It will be extremely beneficial to your trip if you are aware of Jersey’s Bank Holidays in advance and you know what to expect. Many of Jersey’s Bank Holidays are a celebration and if you visit the island during a time of celebration, you may encounter special events that will enhance your Jersey experience.
Tips for Travelling to Jersey
With multiple departure points from across the UK and year-round transportation, travelling to Jersey from the UK could not be more of a breeze. Travel to Jersey is available by air and sea allowing you to curate the trip that caters to your wants and needs. Offering ferries from two UK ports and flights from Scotland, Northern Ireland and across England, there are endless options for travelling to Jersey.
Identification for UK citizens
As part of the Common Travel Area, UK citizens have freedom to travel to and across Jersey without identification. Whilst identification will be required to travel by air and sea, this is not limited to a passport as Jersey is classified as a domestic travel destination from the UK. Various forms of identification are accepted for domestic travel making it easier for UK citizens to travel to Jersey. Please check with your airline or cruise operator for confirmation of accepted forms of identification prior to travel.
Regional Airport Departures
Whilst several of the UK’s largest airports offer year-round and daily flights to Jersey, select regional airports also offer a flight schedule during high season. Many UK airports offer flights at least once per week during the peak summer months which may be beneficial to travellers who typically need to travel to major UK airports. It may be worth checking your local airport for a Jersey flight schedule if travelling in the summer.
Travel Flexibility with Condor Ferries
If you require some flexibility in your trip to Jersey, travelling by sea may be perfect for you. Condor Ferries is the only ferry operator with a schedule from the UK to Jersey with departures from two UK ports. When travelling by ferry with a vehicle, there are no luggage restrictions giving you more freedom to pack what you need. Dogs are also allowed to travel on Condor Ferries allowing you to take your four-legged friend with you on your Jersey holiday. In addition, if you are planning to navigate Jersey by car, taking your own vehicle is highly convenient and saves both the time and money required for car hire. Condor Ferries also offers free amendments up to 48 hours before departure.
Tips for Travelling Around Jersey
As a small island only 5 miles long and 9 miles wide, Jersey is very easy to navigate. Well-signposted with English road markings and signs, getting around Jersey is exceptionally easy. Jersey also offers an excellent public transportation system with frequent and convenient services across the island. In addition, Jersey is a phenomenal destination for walking and cycling, easily explored on foot or on two wheels.
Driving From the UK
One of the most convenient ways to get around Jersey is by car and when you travel by ferry, you can bring your own vehicle along. All vehicles entering Jersey require a country identifier which should consist of both the letter code and flag of the country. For vehicles travelling from the UK, the ‘GB’ sticker is no longer valid as of September 2021 and must be replaced by a UK sticker. Any vehicles with a licence plate identifier stating ‘GB’ or ‘EU’ must be supported by a UK sticker.
Car Hire in Jersey
If you are planning to drive around Jersey but are travelling by air, looking into car hire will be a top priority. Both internationally well-known and local car hire companies are available in Jersey with offices at the airport, ferry terminal and in town centres. Whilst you can organise car hire at the office as and when you need it, you will save money and guarantee a vehicle by arranging in advance online.
Public Transport in Jersey
Jersey has a great public transport system with the Liberty Bus offering excellent connections across the island. Tickets can be purchased both on board and at the bus station in St Helier. For travellers purchasing a multi-day ticket, it is advised to purchase the ticket at Liberty Station where you will receive a durable card instead of a paper ticket you would receive on board the bus.
Green Lanes in Jersey
For visitors to Jersey planning on exploring the island on foot or by bike, great walking and cycling trails can be found across Jersey. The island also features Green Lanes, a close to 50-mile network that prioritises pedestrians and cyclists over vehicles restricting cars to access only and a maximum speed limit of 15mph.
Tips for Accommodation in Jersey
Jersey boasts accommodation to suit every type of traveller from budget-friendly hostels and rural campsites to family-orientated self-catering and luxury hotels. With so many accommodation options to choose from in Jersey, it can be difficult to narrow down your perfect choice and some tips may make it a little easier.
National Trust Holiday Cottages in Jersey
For the most unique accommodation experience in Jersey, look no further than the island’s incredible collection of National Trust properties. Operated by Jersey Heritage, accommodation is offered in some of Jersey’s finest and most historic buildings which have been converted into distinctive holiday lets. There are a wide variety of National Trust properties to choose from including luxury self-catering stays to basic forts providing a rural island experience. If you want a fascinating Jersey accommodation experience, check out National Trust Jersey Heritage Lets.
Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Jersey
If you are looking to travel to Jersey at a low cost, the island has a great selection of budget-friendly accommodation options. Home to two Jersey hostels offering comfortable but basic accommodation at a bargain price. There are also numerous aparthotels available, the perfect middle ground between a hotel and self-catering accommodation. However, the best budget-friendly accommodation choice on the island is camping. As an island boasting outstanding natural beauty, there is no greater way to get to know the heart of Jersey than by staying in the wild. There are great Jersey campsites with basic amenities, electrical hook ups and great activities.
Luxury Accommodation in Jersey
Jersey is home to an outstanding selection of luxury accommodation options from boutique hotels and charming guesthouses to one of Europe’s best glamping experiences. Not only can you wake up to the sounds of the animals, you could stay in the hotel home to Jersey’s only Michelin-starred restaurant or rest your head in an authentic French chateau. To find the best accommodation on the island, check out our list of luxury hotels in Jersey.
Tips for Accessibility in Jersey
Jersey is a diverse island with a mixture of both highly accessible areas and rural locations that are completely inaccessible to those with mobility restrictions. On the whole, Jersey’s central locations are very accessible with few accessibility limitations. Whilst these tips are a great starting point when looking into accessibility in Jersey, it will be very beneficial for travel parties requiring advanced accessibility on the island to check out our Jersey disability and accessibility guide.
Accessible Parking in Jersey
Blue badges from all European countries are accepted for disabled parking in Jersey. If you have a blue badge and are travelling with a vehicle or hiring a car, remember to bring your blue badge with you.
Accessible Car Hire in Jersey
The charity Enable Jersey has a wheelchair adapted vehicle for rental that can accommodate one scooter or two folded wheelchairs. Whilst there may be some restrictions on dates, the charity loans the vehicle to both locals and visitors in exchange for a charitable donation.
Accessible Taxis in Jersey
Many of Jersey’s taxi firms have accessible vehicles with at least 20% of their fleet designed for wheelchair accessibility. Taxi firms vary in what they offer and it is advised to contact companies individually to confirm needs can be met. For many, pre-booking is essential but there are also a number of taxi companies with a larger fleet than can accommodate spontaneous pickups with accessible vehicles.
Accessible Public Transport in Jersey
Jersey’s Accessibility Card provides additional support to individuals that may need it for bus travel. Any UK concessionary or accessibility passes are not accepted but Jersey’s accessibility pass is free with no sign up and can be collected from Liberation Station. All Liberty Bus vehicles are low floor and fully accessible for wheelchairs with easy-access ramps and designated wheelchair spaces.
Accessible Beaches in Jersey
As an incredible holiday destination, Jersey caters to all and offers some of the world’s best beach accessibility. Several of Jersey’s leading beaches are accessible with step-free access including Long Beach, St Brelade’s Bay and multiple points along the 5-mile stretch of St Aubin’s Bay. BeachAbility is a Jersey based charity providing specially designed wheelchairs suitable for the beach at seven locations across the island. The service is free of charge and helps visitors with mobility issues to explore the sands and shallow waters of Jersey’s beaches. The chairs can be used by anyone who may find walking on the beach challenging and are available all year. It is advised to reserve your chair at least 24 hours in advance and a BeachAbility volunteer will meet you at the beach with your chair.
General Jersey Travel Tips
Jersey is an island that will charm any traveller and is exceptionally easy to get to know. However, as with travelling to any new destination, it is beneficial to know tips and tricks that will help tourists during their Jersey experience.
Currency in Jersey
Conveniently for visitors from the UK, Jersey uses the Great British Pound as its currency. However, the island also prints its own Jersey currency denomination of the pound, the Jersey Pound. Whilst pound sterling is accepted in Jersey, the Jersey pound is not accepted in the UK. If you receive change in Jersey pounds during your trip, you can convert the Jersey pound into pound sterling at any bank on the island. Make sure to swap the Jersey pound out before your departure as it is not legal tender in the UK. If you are withdrawing money from an ATM, you will often find two machines side-by-side, only labelled ‘pound sterling’ and the other ‘Jersey pounds’. It may work in your favour to exclusively draw from pound sterling cashpoints to limit the amount of cash you may need to convert before returning to the UK.
Language in Jersey
Another convenience for visitors from the UK is that English is one of the national languages in Jersey alongside Jersey Legal French. English is widely-spoken and the most-used language on the island. You will find that the vast majority of locals will speak English, whether as a mother tongue or second language, making it easy for English speakers to navigate the island. You will also find that most signposts, business names and any Jersey tourist information is in English.
Time Zone in Jersey
One of the most searched for Jersey facts is which time zone Jersey is in. Located in the English Channel south of the UK, the Jersey time zone is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). When travelling to Jersey from the UK, there is no need to adjust any clocks or watches as the time zone is exactly the same as the UK. When the UK switches to British Summer Time (BST), Jersey’s changes with it and always remains the same time as the UK.
Plug Sockets in Jersey
For UK travellers visiting Jersey, there is no need to pack any travel adaptors for electronics as the island uses UK 3-pin plug sockets. For anyone travelling from outside Europe and other destinations, UK travel adaptors will be required.
Phone Networks in Jersey
The UK’s phone networks do not extend to Jersey and the island has its own mobile networks. Whilst Jersey has the same international dialling code as the UK (+44), any calls, texts and data usage are classified as international by the majority of UK networks. It is advised to check charges with your service provider or have an overseas roaming plan in place. Alternatively, you could pick up a pay as you go sim card on arrival in Jersey.
Healthcare for Tourists in Jersey
As Jersey is not part of the UK, the NHS does not exist on the island. However, the UK and Jersey have a reciprocal health agreement in place and most emergency treatments for tourists will be free of charge in Jersey. Whilst emergency treatments you receive in Jersey will be free, any non-urgent treatment or treatment for existing medical conditions unless urgent will not be covered. If you visit a GP rather than the hospital, you will be charged for a GP visit. It is highly advised to have comprehensive travel insurance secured to cover all bases.
High Tides in Jersey
Jersey is one of the world’s leading destinations for surfing thanks to its impressive tidal range. The island boasts the world’s third largest tidal range and whilst this is a great accolade for Jersey, it can pose a threat to tourists not in the know. When at Jersey’s beaches and particularly when swimming in the sea, proceed with caution. The level of safety varies by beach so make sure to research in advance and read any signposts on arrival at the beach. If the beach is flagged or has a lifeguard on duty during the peak season, make sure to abide by any restrictions, rules and advice. Water can rise quickly at high tide so make sure to check out tide times before embarking on your beach day and keep little ones supervised at all times.
Low Tide Causeways in Jersey
Across the island, Jersey features multiple attractions, landmarks and points of interest that are only accessible by causeway during low tide. When the tide is out, visitors can walk out to incredible locations such as Elizabeth Castle, St Aubin’s Fort and La Corbiere Lighthouse. However, if the tide comes in whilst you are on the islet, you will find yourself stranded until the next low tide. Make sure to check low tides and local information before taking the walk across any causeway on the island.
