Jersey, the southernmost of the Channel Islands, is experiencing a tourism revival, attracting visitors with its expansive sandy beaches, world-class seafood, and fascinating history. The island, just a short flight from London, is drawing a fresh wave of tourists thanks to new direct flights from Europe and the growing appeal of staycation-style holidays for UK travellers.
Tricia Warwick, CEO of Visit Jersey, highlights the island's unique appeal: 'Jersey offers a genuine sense of somewhere else, without the long-haul flight.' The island measures just nine by five miles, yet it is packed with scenic bays and attractions.
Exploring the Island's Coast and History
Jersey boasts some of the 'largest tidal ranges in the world', according to Warwick, meaning the island nearly doubles in size at low tide, creating even larger versions of its already breathtaking beaches. A standout destination is Gorey Harbour, accessible via a scenic bus route that passes Jersey royal cows grazing peacefully. The idyllic fishing port sits beneath the iconic Mont Orgueil Castle, a historic symbol of Jersey's identity that played a part in major battles and revolutions, from the War of the Roses in the mid-1400s to the French Revolution some 300 years later.
Nearby, locals and tourists enjoy dips off a secluded jetty that looks out to northwestern France. Behind the pier, a small pebble beach with a slipway provides the perfect entry point to the sea. Another highlight is St Aubin's Bay, where the water is crystal clear and the sand stretches for miles, with a port town offering a relaxed holiday feel without the crowds of Devon or Cornwall, along with charming pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
A Stay at Longueville Manor
For those looking to explore beyond the coast, the Jersey War Tunnels offer a fascinating and expertly laid out exhibition detailing life on the island under Nazi occupation. A few minutes by bus is St Helier, a town with a quirky mix of stores selling luxury goods (there's no VAT on products) and old High Street shops.
The base for a stay was Longueville Manor, the only AA Five Red Star hotel in Jersey, situated on 17 acres of manicured private grounds. The boutique hotel has 29 luxurious rooms in a manor house dating back to the 14th century, with post-war restorations started by Sidney and Edith Lewis. The Magnolia Junior Suite features two twin beds (or one super king), plush armchairs, a vanity, and a dining table, plus a bathroom with a freestanding tub, twin sinks, and a walk-in shower. Premium Gaia toiletries are provided, and small gestures like a basket of fruit, a bottle of wine, and ice-cold water while sunbathing made the stay feel genuinely caring.
The on-site spa, The Cottage Garden, offers massages using Jersey Skin oils, body cupping therapy, and facials. The bespoke massage was 60 minutes of pure relaxation. The hotel's Michelin Key restaurant, head cheffed by Andrew Baird, serves local Royal Bay oysters sourced from where guests might have been swimming, with ingredients from the hotel garden. Mains include local lemon sole with Champagne butter sauce, and local Jersey Royals as a side dish.
Getting There and Costs
Flights from Manchester to Jersey on easyJet cost £86.99 and took around an hour, while the return flight to London Luton cost £41.99 and took less than 60 minutes. Longueville Manor offers rooms from £200 a night, including breakfast, with the Magnolia Junior Suite ranging from £400 to £800 per night depending on the time of year.
The visit was a guest of Visit Jersey and Longueville Manor, but the review remains independent.
