5 Amazing Things You’ll See Walking to Seymour Tower
Perched on a remote tidal island off the coast of Jersey, Seymour Tower is a unique destination for history lovers, nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers to enjoy. Accessible only at low tide and surrounded by sea twice daily, this 18th-century coastal defense tower provides a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and engage deeply with the natural environment. Whether you’re drawn by the biodiversity, the tidal wilderness or the chance to sleep in one of Britain’s most remote coastal outposts, Seymour Tower promises a memorable and meaningful connection with the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
Where Is Seymour Tower?
Nestled on a tidal island just off the south east coast of Jersey, Seymour Tower is easily accessible from the Jersey mainland. Located in Jersey’s Ramsar Wetland, it is a protected site that is home to nesting birds and other wildlife. If you head to the small fishing harbour of La Rocque in Grouville, you will see Seymour Tower sitting just off the coast on its own tidal islet.
How To Get To Seymour Tower
Access to Seymour Tower is dependent on the tides. At low tide, it is possible to walk across to Seymour Tower from the Jersey mainland. You can reach Seymour Tower via Seymour Slip near La Rocque. A car park is available, right on the coast next to the slip and easy to find opposite The Seymour Pub and Restaurant. It is approximately a one-mile walk across the slipway.
It is important to know the correct tidal times when you walk across to Seymour Tower. It is important to return at low tide as it rises quickly, filling closest to the shore first. Allow yourself plenty of time for your return and make sure not to linger during your crossing. You can find up-to-date tide times at Tide Tables and the Jersey Met Page.
Things To Do At Seymour Tower
Home to impressive marine life and boasting a rich history, there is plenty to discover during a visit to Seymour Tower.
Rock Pools
When the tide retreats, breathtaking rock pools are revealed, and every day, there is something new to discover as the tide brings in new species. As the largest rocky intertidal area in Europe, the seabed surrounding Seymour Tower has an impressive level of biodiversity. Known as the ‘violet bank’, the rocks in the pools are covered in a layer of purple Lithothammion. You can turn over the revealed rocks to uncover a vibrant world of colour and minibeasts. Make sure to turn back to keep the species underneath alive.
Oyster beds
The dark lines that are revealed on the sand are the oyster farms that are bursting with life. It is common to see tractors and workers on the oyster beds with Jersey home to one of the largest oyster farms in the British Isles. You can join a local oyster farmer for a sea foraging experience to explore the beds up close and personal before heading to Seymour Inn to sample the finest seafood on the island.
Bioluminescencek Pools
A magical adventure that reveals the hidden wonders of Jersey’s marine environment, experiencing the bioluminescence at Seymour Tower is majestic to behold. During moonless nights at low tide, the receding waters expose a vast seabed where tiny marine organisms emit a natural glow, creating a mesmerising display of twinkling lights across the sand and rock pools. Jersey Walk Adventures offers guided ‘Bioluminescence on the Beach’ walks, allowing participants to witness this natural phenomenon firsthand. The strict schedule aligns with both tidal and lunar conditions, so options are limited, but if you are visiting Jersey during a scheduled walk, this walk is one of the most incredible experiences that you can have.
Wildlife Watching
At home within a designated, protected wetland site and offering an incredible vantage point, wildlife enthusiasts are in for a real treat at Seymour Tower. Boasting a phenomenal marine biodiversity, seabed walks reveal a wide variety of species at low tide, including crustaceans, molluscs and anemones. It is also a nesting and breeding ground for rare birds, so look to the skies and see what you can spot from the sea birds to wading birds.
Seymour Tower
Undoubtedly, the star attraction here is Seymour Tower. Constructed in 1782, Seymour Tower was a response to the Battle of Jersey and was built to act as an early warning station to warn the island of any possible impending attack from the French. One of the many Martello towers in the Channel Islands, Seymour Tower is owned by Jersey Heritage and boasts a rich history. Surrounded completely by water twice daily, you can enjoy the marine wilderness by spending the night in the basic accommodation that the tower has to offer.
Stay at Seymour Tower
A tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle that also offers an off-grid experience with no wifi or electricity, Seymour Tower is a great spot for a digital detox and an idyllic escape. Seymour Tower offers a unique and adventurous overnight stay experience, accommodating up to six guests plus a guide. The accommodation features bunk beds with an additional bunk for the guide who accompanies you on the journey at low tide and can introduce you to the wonders of life at Seymour Tower.
The accommodation features basic cooking facilities and compost toilet facilities. It is important to note that the accommodation does not feature drinking water, and guests staying at Seymour Tower must bring their own.
Reservations are made through Jersey Heritage, and it is important to note that all visits and overnight stays require accompaniment by an accredited guide. Access is strictly dependent on tidal conditions and weather. The property also features steep steps, making it unsuitable for small children and those with mobility issues.
For those seeking a truly unique and immersive experience, an overnight stay at Seymour Tower provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with Jersey’s natural and historical heritage. Whether you are interested in marine ecology, coastal history, or simply looking for solitude away from modern distractions, Seymour Tower offers one of the most memorable retreats in Jersey.
