If you are interested in seeing the interior of fortifications constructed by the Germans, you may like to know that the Channel Islands Occupation Society opens the following bunkers (restored as far as possible to original condition) to the public at specifically published dates and times from May – September.
See their website for details of their opening dates and times and about the society's events and activities plus information about the sites they manage. www.ciosjersey.org.uk
See the Channel Island Occupation Society's Diary
Extending to a depth of 40ft on two floors, this impressive bunker was the Command Post for the coastal artillery battery located here.
This massive structure, with its brooding cliff top presence over the island’s sea approaches, is, for many, one of the most potent symbols of the Occupation.
Adjacent to the road leading to the lighthouse, look for the signs. This is the only beach defence bunker in the St Ouen’s Bay area to retain its original gun, and contains many other original fixtures and fittings. Bus route 12 – alight at terminus and walk down the hill, toilets are opposite the terminus, free parking.
Situated to the right of the road leading to the lighthouse, look for the signs. This bunker is of great importance as it housed a very rare type of automatic mortar. Another interesting and unusual feature is the tunnel which links it to a neighbouring bunker. Bus route and facilities as above.
This twin bunker complex is adjacent to the Five Mile road between La Pulente and Le Braye, and houses some of the larger Occupation relics including a tank turret, railway truck and searchlight. Bus route 12a – alight at La Pulente and follow bus. No toilets, large car park opposite.
With steel cupolas up to 10 inches in thickness, these bunkers once proliferated along the Atlantic Wall. Now, thanks to the scrap man, this is one of the few surviving examples. Situated almost opposite the Sunset Flower Centre, look for the signs. No toilets, free parking, not on a bus route.
A carefully restored section of a coastal artillery battery, with passage-linked gun emplacements and bunkers. Also on display are coastal defence guns recovered from the foot of nearby cliffs. Bus route 8 – alight at the Fine Gems and Crafts Centre. No toilets, free parking.
This bunker, which is in pristine condition, contains a rare 4.7cm Czech gun and a wealth of original fixtures and fittings. On all bus routes to the West of the island – alight at ‘Benest of Millbrook’ and walk down La Rue de Galet. Toilets adjacent, large car park 100 yards away along Victoria Avenue.
All of the above bunkers have been restored by the Channel Islands Occupation Society which is a voluntary, non profit making organisation; there are no shareholders and all the revenue accrued from admission at the bunkers is injected back into further restoration of fortifications. It must be appreciated that all the bunkers are staffed by volunteers and that, occasionally, due to unforeseen circumstances, it may not be possible to adhere to the published dates/times. Any inconvenience or disappointment so caused is regretted.
The bunkers are not museums as such and are exhibits in themselves. Anyone interested in wartime memorabilia is advised to visit the privately owned Channel Island Military Museum which displays an excellent collection of both Allied and German equipment. This museum is located in a bunker behind ‘The Chateau’ at the north end of the Five Mile road, St Ouen. On bus route 12a, alight at ‘Jersey Pearl’.
Contact Jersey Tourism for opening times.