Hop aboard a Liberty Bus from Liberation Station in St. Helier and discover the enchanting beauty and fascinating sights of the eastern side of Jersey. This itinerary uses a few of the eastern bus routes to take you on a loosely circular route, setting off from St. Helier in the central south of the island and heading north-east towards Jersey Zoo. From here, you’ll hop on a bus down to the pretty fishing harbour of Gorey (also home to Mont Orgueil Castle) where you can grab a bite to eat and chat to the friendly locals. En route back to St. Helier, take the scenic, coastal route with the option make some pretty stops along the way. Alternatively, cut through the island’s internal lanes and pay a visit to the pretty Botanic Gardens at Samarès Manor if the mood takes you.
It’s impossible to see everything in one day, but this one day itinerary should give you a chance to discover some of the ‘greatest hits’ of this special part of the island.
This part of the island is well-served with bus routes, with some routes running every 15 minutes. If you’re planning to use buses as your primary mode of transport whilst visiting the island, it’s worth checking out Liberty Bus’ ‘Discover Jersey’ passes, which offer great value one, two, three and seven day passes, allowing you the freedom to hop on and off as many buses as you like. Reduced services may operate on Sundays and Bank Holidays, so make sure to check the Liberty Bus timetable before you travel.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your pass and get exploring…
Highlights
- Get up close and personal with wonderful wildlife and discover the marvellous work of the Durrell Wildlife Trust at Jersey Zoo.
- Marvel at magnificent Mont Orgueil castle and stop for a spot of lunch in the picturesque fishing harbour of Gorey.
- Hop aboard the scenic coastal route back to St. Helier and take your pick from a host of pretty places to stop for a refreshing drink or ice cream.
- Alternatively, return to St. Helier through the rural lanes of Grouville and St. Clement, stopping at The Botanic Gardens at Samarès Manor along the way.
St. Helier to Jersey Zoo
This morning, you’ll be setting off to meet the wonderful wildlife at Jersey Zoo. If you’re in need of a caffeine fix before you head off, there are plenty of great coffee spots near the bus station including The Yard, Dandy and Cargo. The number 3, 13 and 23 buses all run regular services to the Jersey Zoo in the parish of Trinity, and take about 30 minutes. Set in 32 acres of beautifully landscaped park, this special zoo is home to over 100 species of animal, many of which are threatened in the wild. If you’re peckish there are a range of family-friendly food options at Café Dodo and Café Firefly.
1. Your pre adventure caffeine fix
If you’re up and about reasonably early, why not check out St. Helier’s bustling coffee scene for a quick caffeine fix before heading off on your eastern adventure? Locke’s is a local hotspot serving up antipodean style brunch, pastries and coffees. The Yard and Cargo (Cargo open on weekdays only) are run by the same brilliant team and can always be relied on for great coffee and friendly faces. Dandy (also open weekdays only) and Cafe Ubé at Liberation Station (where you’ll catch your bus from) are great takeaway options.
From Liberation Station, jump on the number 3, 13 or 23 bus and head north-east towards Jersey Zoo (journey time 30 minutes).
2. Jersey Zoo
Set in 32 acres of beautifully landscaped park in the rural parish of Trinity, Jersey Zoo first opened over 60 years ago as the world’s first ever conservation-themed zoo. Over 60 years later, Gerald Durrell’s animal haven is the natural place to discover some of the world’s most incredible creatures. Wander around at your leisure and meet the animals and then, if you’re in need of a little refreshment, make a pitstop at Café Dodo or Café Firefly which both have plenty of food and drink options to suit all tastes. Jersey Zoo even has its own Wildlife Camp, so why not consider a stay right in the heart of the action next time you’re here?
Jersey Zoo to Gorey Pier
Once you’ve had your fill of wildlife, hop on the number 13 bus down to Gorey. This service only runs every 60 minutes, so make sure to plan ahead – and don’t miss your bus! The small fishing harbour of Gorey, with its colourful fisherman’s cottages, friendly pubs and lively restaurants is picture perfect. And that’s not to mention the majestic, medieval castle, Mont Orgueil, that acts as its backdrop.
Mont Orgueil Castle and Gorey
If you want to delve deeper into the island’s fascinating history, a visit to the Mont Orgueil Castle is a must. If you prefer the idea of a leisurely lunch overlooking the harbour or the ancient ramparts then take your pick from a selection of delectable restaurants including The Moorings, Sumas, Feast, and Seascale. The Dolphin pub is a local institution and well worth a visit with a range of local ales and a suntrap terrace overlooking the bay. For most restaurants on the island, you’re best to book ahead of time, especially in the busier months.
If you fancied a spot of retail therapy, then you’re in luck with a variety of shops and boutiques located on the pier. From jewellery by Jersey Pearl to a gallery and gifts by Janes James or classy clothing from The Old Sail Loft to seasonal essentials by Neptune, you’ll be spoilt for choice when visiting Gorey.
Gorey to St. Helier via the coast
If you’re planning to take the scenic, coastal route back to St. Helier, then you’ll need to take a short stroll along the Gorey promenade to the ‘Longbeach South’ bus stop, which is just before Long Beach car park on the left hand side of the road. This is where the number 1 and number 2 buses depart from.
1. Long Beach (Official name: The Royal Bay of Grouville)
If you have time to spare before your bus arrives after walking along the promenade, there’s often an ice cream van at the far end of the Long Beach carpark and the Hungry Whale Beach Café serves great coffee. BeachAbility also operates a service from Long Beach, providing specially designed manual, ballooned wheelchairs for use on the beach and other rough terrain.
2. South coast stop offs
Jump on the number 1 or number 2 bus towards St. Helier and you’ll wind your way along the picturesque southern coastline where rocky, moonlike landscapes are revealed at low tide. Jersey Walk Adventures offer the opportunity to experience this otherworldly landscape with a variety of guided tours.
If you fancy, stop off for a drink or a stroll on one of the beaches along the way. The Seymour Pub is a lovely stop and, from the beach here, you’ll be able to see out towards Seymour Tower, a historic coastal defence 2km out at sea and completely surrounded by water at high tide. Le Hocq Inn and Green Island Beach are also great pit stops.
Or why not venture into the depths of the oyster beds and bask in crystal clear waters as you experience the unique world of oysters, accompanied by a glass of bubbly, courtesy of Shannon and John of Seymour Oyster.
Gorey Pier to St. Helier via Samares Manor (alternative route back to town)
The 1A bus departs directly from Gorey Pier and cuts through the rural lanes of the parishes of Grouville and St. Clement. You can either jump on this bus to head directly back to St. Helier or, if you’re in the mood for a little peace and tranquility amongst nature, why not make a stop at the beautiful Botanic Gardens at Samarès Manor?
The Botanic Gardens at Samares Manor
These tranquil, landscaped gardens, originally created in the 1920’s, are set around the grounds of a historic manor house and are the perfect place to spend an hour or two unwinding. The 1A bus does only run every hour, so do take this into consideration when planning your journey. The Botanic Gardens at Samarès Manor is closed in January and February.
