This one day bus itinerary takes you through the Jersey’s green interior, and up towards the island’s wild and rugged north-west coast. On the way, delve deeper into the islands past at the Jersey War Tunnels then stop for lunch and a spot of retail therapy at Catherine Best and Jersey Kitchen. Other stops along the way include Grosnez Castle, the Plémont Puffins and Greenhills Country House Hotel.
Services running to this part of the island are less frequent, so make sure to plan ahead. If you’re going 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
- Visit the Jersey War Tunnels and discover what life was like for islanders during the Occupation
- Soak up the sparkle at Catherine Best, and tuck into some local goodies at The Windmill by Jersey Kitchen
- See the historic ruins at Grosnez, then wander along the stunning headland to visit our iconic puffin sculptures
- Stop for a spot of afternoon tea at Greenhills Country House Hotel
Liberation Station to Jersey War Tunnels.
This morning, you’ll be setting off from Liberation Station on the number 8 (runs approx every two hours, Monday – Saturday) or 28 bus (runs every 30 mins), heading through the island’s interior to the Jersey War Tunnels. This award-winning, interactive musem will give you a closer look at what life was like on the island during the Nazi Occupation. Before you set off, why not fuel up with a quick coffee and croissant from one of St. Helier’s wonderful independent coffee shops?
1. Fuel up for your big day out.
You’ve got lots to see today, so you might like to pay a visit to one of St. Helier’s fabulous independent coffee shops before you set off. Grab a croissant, a coffee or something heartier at Colmar, a French style brasserie on King Street, or check out local hotspots Cargo and Dandy (weekdays only) or The Yard which are all just a stone’s throw to the bus station and are all perfect for a grab and go option.
2. Immerse yourself in the Jersey War Tunnels.
The Jersey War Tunnels has its own bus stop, so hop off here and it’s just a two minute walk to the site’s entrance. Dug deep into the hillside by forced and slave workers from nations across Europe, the Jersey War Tunnels are now home to fascinating exhibits that tell the true story of life in Jersey under German Occupation. The hardship, the heartache and the heroism, in the words of the people who were there, a visit to the Jersey War Tunnels is a truly eye opening experience. Also situated at the War Tunnels are the Escape Rooms, a real-life adventure game with mysterious puzzles and brain-teasing clues.
Jersey War Tunnels to Grosnez (via The Windmill).
After your visit to the War Tunnels you’ll be jumping on the number 8 bus again, heading towards Portinfer. Bear in mind that this bus does only run every couple of hours, so do make a note of the time you plan to leave the War Tunnels. If you’re feeling peckish already, then hop off at ‘The Windmill W’ stop, where you can pop into The Windmill by Jersey Kitchen for a bite to eat and also browse a mesmerising selection of jewellery at the showroom of renowned jewellery designer Catherine Best. Alternatively, leave the War Tunnels and head directly to Grosnez – also on the number 8 bus.
1. The Windmill by Jersey Kitchen and Catherine Best.
The Windmill is run by the inimitable team at Jersey Kitchen, with a gorgeous, modern menu using the freshest local produce. With freshly ground coffee, local ice cream, home made cakes and pastries and one of the best fry ups in the island, its the perfect pitstop on your adventure northwards. Dating back to 1837, the café is housed in the most southerly windmill in the British Isles. Relax underneath the Windmill’s sails on the large sunny terrace or inside the bright and modern cafe. Once you’ve had your fill of delicious local fare, why not pop next door to Catherine Best Jewellers, where you can browse unique designs inspired by the beautiful bays and landscapes of the Channel Islands.
If you’ve made a stop here, again, bear in mind that the number 8 does only run every two hours so make sure to check the timetable so you don’t miss your departure bus.
2. Marvel at the historic ruins of Grosnez Castle.
Whether you’ve come directly from the Jersey War Tunnels or via The Windmill, you’ll be on the number 8 bus and getting off at the ‘Grosnez House’ bus stop. From here, the ruins of Grosnez Castle are about seven minutes’ walk away.
Originally built in the 14th Century to serve as a refuge from French attack during the period of the Hundred Years’ War, the castle’s position on a dramatic clifftop in the far north-western corner of the island, some 60m above sea level, meant that the natural features of the site protected it on three sides. From here, on a clear day, you can see right across to our neighbouring islands.
Local tradition has it that much of the stone was used to enlarge St Ouen’s Manor around 1483, and that locals also took down the castle deliberately and used the stones on their own land.
From Grosnez Castle, it’s about half an hour’s walk around the stunning headland towards Plémont Bay and the giant puffin sculptures. If you don’t fancy the walk you can also skip Grosnez and get the number 8 bus directly from the War Tunnels / The Windmill to Plémont.
3. Plémont Bay and the giant puffins.
Jersey’s coastal paths are an incredible resource, giving lucky visitors and islanders access to Jersey’s entire coastline. There is a little up and down on the Grosnez to Plémont section, but the walk should be manageable for those with a reasonable level of fitness.
When there are so many beautiful bays to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favourite, but we’d say that Plémont is up there with the best. Flanked by soaring cliffs and with caves aplenty to explore, this golden, sandy beach leaves little to be desired. If you’re in need of a little refreshment after the walk from Grosnez pop into the wonderful Plémont Beach Cafe for a cake, ice cream or something more substantial.
Then be sure to check out the giant puffin sculptures on the headland. Commissioned by ‘Bird on the Edge’ and the ‘National Trust for Jersey,’ these iconic sculptures were created to highlight the plight of these wonderful birds and Jersey’s key role in protecting the Puffins and other seabirds.
Plémont to St. Helier (via Greenhills)
It’s been a jam packed day already and you might be about ready to head back to St. Helier for a little downtime. The number 8 (yes, you guessed it!) will take you back to town. The Portinfer junction bus stop is just over 10 minutes’ walk up the hill from Plémont, so make sure to leave in enough time to get there. If you’re not quite ready for the day to end and haven’t indulged in too many foodie pitstops along the way, there is always the option of making a stop at the charming Greenhills Country House Hotel (also on the number 8 route) for a spot of afternoon tea.
Greenhills Country House Hotel.
If you’re looking for a spot of afternoon tea with a spoonful of countryside charm, then stop off at Greenhills Country House Hotel on your way back to St. Helier. Dating back to 1674 and nestled in the rural heart of St. Peter, it’s an idyllic spot to tuck into some freshly baked scones served up with our famous Jersey cream. The number 8 bus heading back to Liberation Station will get you here. Simply get off at the ‘Greenhills S’ stop and it’s about seven minutes’ walk from there. As always, make sure to check the timetable for the number 8 bus and plan your departure back to St. Helier accordingly.
St. Helier to Devil's Hole
If you fancy a slightly different adventure up to the north of the island, then the number 7 (runs approx every hour) bus also hits a lot of great sights as it heads through the centre of the island towards Devil’s Hole, where you’ll find the Priory Inn, Jersey’s very own ‘devil’ and a stunning stretch of undulating coastline. Going past St. Matthew’s Glass Church, Hamptonne Country House Museum and La Mare Wine Estate, stop off at whichever ones you like.
1. Coronation Park and St. Matthew's Glass Church.
Hop off the bus at the Milbrook West bus stop and you’re only a short stroll away from Coronation Park, a true family-favourite offering year-round fun. The site offers two large playgrounds, a Water Play area, paddling pool and café. The park is wheelchair-friendly with accessible toilets.
If you’re interested in learning more about some of the island’s artistic side, then a stop off at St. Matthew’s Church is a must, located directly next to Coronation Park. In the early 1930’s, in honour of her late husband Jesse Boot of Boots the Chemist, Jersey resident and philanthropist Florence Boot commissioned French jeweller and glassmaker Rene Lalique to decorate the entire church of St. Matthew’s with his finest work. No similar Lalique commission survives anywhere else in the world.
The church started life in the 1840s as a modest chapel of ease, built at the foot of Mont Felard to spare parishioners the long uphill trek to the ancient Parish Church of St. Lawrence. Now it’s adorned with glass sculptures and pieces of artwork that are truly unique.
2. Hamptonne Country House Museum and La Mare Wine Estate
Nestled in the heart of Jersey’s green countryside, both Hamptonne and La Mare are both great places to hop off on this route, depending on your interests.
At Hamptonne Country Life Museum, delve into Jersey’s history of cider making in the cider barn, wander through the cider apple orchard and meet the Hamptonne calves, chickens, sheep and piglets in the traditional farmstead and meadow. It’s a whole lot of fun! Jump off at the ‘Hamptonne Museum’ bus stop and it’s about five minutes’ walk from here.
For those looking for something a little more leisurely, La Mare Wine Estate is the spot for you. Tucked away in a quiet corner of St. Mary, La Mare is the most southerly vineyard in the British Isles, with over 20 acres of rugged vineyards and ancient apple orchards. Join one of their Tour and Tasting Experiences, relax and refuel in the Vineyard Cafe and stock up on Genuine Jersey treats in the Cellar Gift shop. Get off the bus at ‘Rue d’Olive N’ and La Mare is just one minute’s walk from here.
La Mare’s experiences will be closed from October to March, but the Estate Shop is open for you to enjoy complimentary tastings and shops Genuine Jersey produce from the Estate including preserves, chocolate, biscuits, Black Butter, liqueurs, spirits, wines, Christmas gifts and hampers.
3. Devil's Hole and the Priory Inn
There’s lots to discover down at Devil’s hole… (hop off at the ‘Devil’s Hole’ bus stop) Descend a winding path through a wooded area where you’ll find a rather sinister, horned statue… From here, proceed to the Devil’s Hole; an impressive and strangely eerie blowhole that has been eroded into Jersey’s coastline over the millennia. If you’re feeling energetic, take a walk along this stunning stretch of coastline too.
For a refreshing drink or a hearty bite to eat afterwards head to The Priory Inn.
