Sight / landmark | Family attraction | History & heritage
Elizabeth Castle
Built on a rocky islet in St. Aubin’s Bay, Elizabeth Castle has defended Jersey for more than 400 years. You can take the amphibious castle ferry or walk out along the causeway at low tide. Elizabeth Castle is the perfect place to spend a day exploring Jersey's history with the Jersey Militia or castle gunner on parade. **
- Seasonal opening
Price: £10.95 - £23.95
Jersey Heritage
Contact
More Information
Elizabeth Castle is an island fortress built across 24 acres and 15 centuries. Climb the battlements dating back to the 1590s, when Sir. Walter Raleigh was Governor of Jersey from 1600 until 1603.
Explore the grounds which gave refuge to King Charles II during the English Civil War and uncover the bunkers which were re-fortified to command the sea approaches to Jersey during the German Occupation in World War II. Marvel at the hermitage where St. Helier is thought to have lived around 550 A.D. Ferry sailings, and walking times are subject to weather and tidal conditions.
Children under six go free.
** Please note, the castle will be closed for the season from November to March 2026.
We are open:
March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Outdoor
- Family friendly
- Hearing loop
- Accessible toilets
- Hearing loop
- Partial wheelchair access
- Partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility
Location
Elizabeth Castle
St. Aubin's Bay
Jersey
St. Helier
JE3 3NU
Offers and events
Castle Chase
Jersey Heritage
The Castle Chase – the Island’s only lunchtime beach trail run for a cause – is sprinting back onto the calendar!
Sep 11 2026
Heritage Uncovered Retreat
Jersey Heritage
Join Jersey Heritage and Jersey Uncovered for a 4-day immersive retreat based at the extraordinary Elizabeth Castle. Staying within this 16th-century fortress on its own tidal island, guests gain rare after-hours access and a unique opportunity to experience Jersey’s history where it unfolded. Visit our website and start your journey through time.
Sep 24 2026 ‐ Sep 27 2026
Meet Albert: The Retired Gunner
Jersey Heritage
Step into the past and meet Albert, the Retired Gunner, a fascinating living history character bringing the experiences of a former Royal Artillery soldier to life at the Military Hospital in the Castle. Take a seat, share a conversation, and hear Albert’s story as he reflects on a life shaped by military service, discipline and duty.
Aug 11 2026 ‐ Oct 29 2026
Meet Betsy the Cook
Jersey Heritage
Join Betsy in the Military Hospital kitchen to discover more about life in the Victorian era at Elizabeth Castle.
Aug 11 2026 ‐ Oct 29 2026
Vraiqu’sie
Jersey Heritage
A charming and fascinating art exhibition celebrating the humble seaweed known as ‘vraic’ that festoons the rocks around our island.
Aug 08 2026 ‐ Nov 01 2026
Guided Walking Holidays + Sightseeing | HF Holidays
hf holidays
Discover Jersey and explore castles, vineyards and many hidden gems. See all 2025/26 dates here.
Hf Holidays
Available: 11th Apr 2026 ‐ 9th Oct 2026
From: £1679
Sir Walter Raleigh at Elizabeth Castle
Jersey Heritage
Time travel to the Elizabethan Age and meet the legendary Sir Walter Raleigh, one of the most distinguished figures of the era. Described as a "great man of the Elizabethan age" and "Jersey’s most distinguished Governor", Raleigh was a true Renaissance man.
Aug 11 2026 ‐ Oct 29 2026
The Heritage Pass | Jersey Heritage
Jersey Heritage
Unlimited access to Jersey Heritage visitor sites for 7 days.
Jersey Heritage
Available: 1st Mar 2026 ‐ 31st Dec 2026
From: £30
Meet the Master Gunner at Elizabeth Castle
Jersey Heritage
Walk into the Parade Ground at Elizabeth Castle and you could find yourself standing to attention under the watchful eye of the Master Gunner. His sharp gaze ensures that posture is impeccable, backs are straight, chins are high, and bellies are tucked in, ready for the lunchtime parade.
Aug 08 2026 ‐ Oct 31 2026
Force 135: Living History Group
Jersey Heritage
Step back to May 1945 when Jersey was liberated after five years of German Occupation. This is the moment when Force 135 came to the Island, tasked with the monumental job of returning Jersey to civilian life, demilitarising the Island, and beginning the rebuilding process after years of wartime hardship.
Aug 29 2026 ‐ Aug 31 2026
