Harbours, towns and villages not to miss

1. Rozel

Situated in the north-eastern corner of Jersey, Rozel is a beautiful tranquil bay boasting stunning views across Les Écréhous to France.

Rozel is a working fishing harbour and here you’ll see the activities of those who work on the water. A small strip of sand provides a perfect picnic spot and a profusion of rugged rock pools are revealed below the harbour wall at low-tide.

Rozel Harbour is home to fishing boats, brightly coloured beach huts and one of the island’s most beloved beach-side cafés, The Hungry Man. Famed for steaming mugs of hot chocolate overflowing with whipped cream, marshmallows and more. If you’re feeling hungry then savour the flavour of a fresh crab sandwich or try the ‘double decker health wrecker’ burger if you dare!

Head up the hill and you’ll uncover the charming Chateau La Chaire boutique hotel; nestled on the cliffs of a picturesque green valley, surrounded by beautiful gardens this Grade II listed country house hotel provides a perfect retreat, where you can truly escape from everyday life. Sister to the hotel is one of the busiest and best traditional country pubs on the island, The Rozel Pub & Dining. Just a two-minute stroll from the hotel, here you’ll find traditional home cooked food and a most friendly and welcoming team.

Take me there

3. Gorey Village

Pastel coloured cottages, amazing alfresco restaurants and pretty pavement cafés all overlooked by a magnificent medieval castle; these are the trademarks of Gorey. A village with two distinct facets, each with a feel-good French vibe. Stroll along the pier and stop to watch the world go by, coffee in hand or grab a croissant at a village café. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this idyllic corner of the island.

Walk to the end of the pier and climb down to the rocky beach hidden just behind the harbour. Admire the historic castle battlements up close, and discover the secluded path leading up to the magnificent Mont Orgueil Castle. As well as offering a secret historic access route to the 13th century castle, it’s also one of the best places to spot Jersey’s native green lizards lazing on the warm sun-soaked granite walls.

Close by you’ll find hand-crafted ceramics from local artist Jane James and souvenirs from Jersey Pearl. Venture further into Gorey village to discover Rocque Paper Co., a pretty boutique selling homemade paper goods and carefully-curated products from other local makers. Take a break at the next-door Veranda, which serves excellent coffee and brunch by day, and homemade pasta and pizza by night.

The fishing village of Gorey is a centre for food heritage: from the steep castle-facing fields where the first of the island’s Jersey Royal potatoes are harvested, to the buzz of the local fishing industry and the oyster beds revealed by the falling tide. Food has been a big part of Gorey for centuries.

Stay around for supper and be spoilt for choice. Gorey is home to great restaurants: live like a local at The Moorings, or Feast on the pier for a contemporary take on British and French cuisine.

For classic British comfort food, it just has to be Entwhistles in the village. There’s been a fish and chip shop in the same location for longer than most people can remember and there is nothing that quite compares to a fish and chip takeaway enjoyed on the beach.

5. St. Aubin’s Village

Curled around one of the island’s original harbours, the enchanting fishing village of St. Aubin is a fascinating tangle of historic houses and steep streets which open out to reveal stunning sea view panoramas.

Promenade along the Bulwarks – where a stroll will take you past restaurants, bistros and bars including the Old Court House, which you may recognise as Jim Bergerac’s favourite spot for a tipple from the classic series.

Shaded alfresco courtyards and decks, offering harbour views, are perfect places to enjoy a plate of local seafood and a glass of crisp refreshing white wine or a pint of the island’s finest Liberation Ale.

Quirky shops offer up unique finds and Jersey Artisans, Gifts & Homeware is a cornucopia of creativity, showcasing work from talented local artists and artisans.

Tucked away, just behind the village, you’ll find a gentle walking route waiting to be explored. The smooth, well maintained, tranquil tree-lined path of the Railway Walk, so called because it was once the route for long lost island steam trains, heads upwards towards La Corbière Lighthouse on the south western tip of the island. Stop here for a delicious Jersey ice cream before heading back into the bay.

Venture into the heart of St. Aubin and you’ll get a taste of the village’s unique local flavour and its proud heritage, from the 18th century merchants’ houses lining the cobbled streets to the wild geese and ducks that gather on the harbour slipway.

Heading back to town? Then take the train…whilst the hiss of the steam locomotives may be a distant memory, a scenic tour on Le Petit Train, complete with commentary, is the perfect way to travel.

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