Car Hire Jersey - Mini guide to Jersey
Jersey, situated close to the coast of France, is the largest and most cosmopolitan of the UK’s Channel Islands, yet it still offers a quaint, peaceful atmosphere as well as unspoilt scenery.
The first impression of the island will be of its outstanding beauty: the long, clean, sandy beaches and rugged coastline. However, the island’s fascinating heritage is clearly visible, with Neolithic burial mounds, picturesque Medieval castles and even WWII bunkers littering the island.
St Heliers, the atmospheric capital, is the centre of island activity, and every summer its streets and squares come alive with a varied and original programme of street entertainment. It also offers the visitor a host of attractions, including a number of museums, a famous zoo, evening concerts in Howard Davies Park, and 25 major festivals, including the Jersey Food Festival, a culinary extravaganza held each spring.
St Heliers is also the centre for shopping and nightlife, offering tax-free shopping in a wide range of shops and boutiques, including many of the UK’s top names. It also boasts a number of cinemas, theatres, an opera house, and an arts centre, as well as many bars and nightclubs.
Exploring the island by car is particularly rewarding, offering the chance to discover deserted beaches, coves and bays, and enjoy coastal walks. There are also many interesting historical sites around the island, such as the 500-year-old Elizabeth Castle. Built on a rocky islet, this fortress was a key island defence from Elizabethan times until the German occupation in World War II. Alternatively, visit the German Underground Hospital, a series of underground tunnels built by the Germans during WWII. The frequent ferries and boat trips also make the other Channel Islands attractive day trip options.
Jersey Airport has flights to a number of UK and European cities, and London’s Heathrow is only about an hours flight away. Alternatively, there is a car ferry or faster catamaran service from the south coast of England.
