On Saturday we set off onboard a Condor Ferry from Poole to Jersey via Guernsey, knowing we had to get off at Jersey to change ferry’s to St Malo, however on our original booking we only had an hours turn around time so we knew if would be straight off one boat and onto the other.
We went to check in for the second sailing to be advised that the times had changed and our next ferry wouldn’t be leaving until 6.15pm, leaving us with 6 hours to explore Jersey. I have to admit that we were a bit unsure what to do at first, so headed for the first restaurant we saw for a spot of lunch and then headed into St Helier to see what we could see.
The high street was filled with shops you would expect to see at home, but all housed in narrow pedestrianized streets with gorgeous french looking buildings around every corner. We found Jersey market which was filled to the brim with beautiful bouquets of flowers, ready to be snapped up for Valentines Day the following day.
We spent an hour or so wandering around and found the steam clock, and statues to mark the liberation of WWII but it was clear the kids were bored and keen to stretch their legs so we headed back to the car and followed the coast road in search of a beach to play on.
We were not disappointed. The tide was out and the beaches were a source of fascination to the kids as there was not only sand, but rock pools to explore too.
We also managed to spot a few of the Martello towers that are dotted along the coastline, some of which have been converted into people’s houses.
We drove through the pretty village of Gorey and stumbled on Mont Orgueil Castle which is on of the world’s finest examples of a medieval castle. Apparently it has stunning views of the French coastline from the top but we only had time to admire it from its base.
We would have loved to have seen more of Jersey, it is a beautiful island and we hope to go back soon for a longer stay.
Have you been to Jersey – where would you recommend we visit when we return?
It’s great that you got out and explored Jersey between ferries, it’s funny how a delay can open up your day to adventure and exploring. It sounds like in your impromptu half day visit you managed to cover a lot of ground and the kids look like they had fun… especially out exploring the beaches checking out the rock pools. Mont Orgueil Castle sounds like it would be amazing to get to the top, I’m sure that’s something for the bucket list. Thanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.
I have never been to Jersey but it is supposed to be really beautiful.
I love going on the beach in winter and exploring. Sounds loke you had fun
That castle is just itching to be explored, I just
love visiting places I’ve never been x
I’ve never been to jearsy before it looks like a fab place to go I love the look of the castle.
Jersey looks great! I’ve never been but it looks like a wonderful place to explore xx
What a happy accident. It sounds like you made good use of your unscheduled stop. Hope you get to go back again.
Looks like you really made the most of the extra time in Jersey. Its a place I’d love to visit, even more so now I’ve read this post
Never been to Jersey, would like to visit. Your pics are lovely x
Unexpected stops are often the most enjoyable I find, the mister and I once went to Suffolk, stopped off in a little village and found a grave belonging to his great great auntie in a local church yard x
Looks like you really made the most of the time you had there! I went as a child a few times to see the big flower carnival its amazing! Really hoping to go back with Amelia 🙂 x
I’m glad the delay resulted in you having the chance to explore! I’ve never been to Jersey, it looks and sounds like a wonderful place x
I’ve never been to Jersery but looks like a fab place! It sounded like a happy accident too! Always a silver lining! xxx
Oh it looks beautiful – I have never been but would love to go. You saw a lot in a few hours! Kaz x
wow look at that castle!!! it looks lovely. We have never been anywhere like that before – popping over from Mummy2Monkeys
Sounds lovely Kara, I have never been to Jersey but really should give it a go with the condor just being down the road! x
Its always the unexpected trips that make the best memories. Looks like it turned out to be a great day! xxx Looks stunning
I’ve never been to Jersery. Its somewhere I’ve wanted to go. Looks like you had a lovely time on your impromptu visit