jersey_bailey

Hey everyone! I am taking an excursion to the Jersey, Channel Island for 15 days next month. This is the first time I am going out and have no idea what to do.

I am wondering what the climate will be like?
Can anyone suggest me the 'Must' visit places in Jersey?

I have a very low budget so, suggest me some good places to save money when travelling to Jersey with my aunt and 3 kids. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks

Rubicund

What is your budget? Without knowing that it's difficult to recommend accommodation or anything else. The weather should be mild but may be wet or dry in mid to late September.

What sort of interests do you have and what ages are the children?

jamikins

Can highly recommend the zoo...it features endangered species and was really interesting!

Gordon_R

15 days is quite a long time to visit such a small island, so hopefully you will get a decent amount of good weather (Jersey has an enviable reputation for it's sunny micro-climates). If it does co-operate, there are some fabulous coastal and inland walks to enjoy: http://www.jersey.com/english/sights...s/default.aspx. Take a picnic to save money!

If it's warm enough (and it could still be in September), there are some fabulous beaches to sun-bathe or go paddling at (St Brelade's Bay has one of the finest in the whole of Europe).

The above activities are free apart from your local transportation and can easily fill many wonderful days. You might also consider hiring bicycles and enjoyoing the extensive network of "green lanes" where walkers, cyclists and horseriders have priority over motorised vehicles: http://www.jersey.com/english/sights...s/default.aspx

The kids will enjoy the two castles: http://www.jerseyheritage.org/places...izabeth-castle and http://www.jerseyheritage.org/places...orgueil-castle and the Gerald Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (NB they don't like the term "zoo"): http://www.durrell.org/

There are also extensive remains of the German occupation around the island including the War Tunnels and various abandoned gun batteries (Noirmont is the best): http://www.jerseywartunnels.com/ and http://www.jersey.com/English/sights...andbunker.aspx

What are your plans re accommodation and transport? I have family connections in Jersey and have been MANY times so pleased to help if I can...

anicecupoftea

I agree that 15 days is a long time, unless you want to spend a lot of time on the beach. I would split it with Guernsey, which has a very different (much French-er) feel and some side trips to Alderney and Sark.

Gordon_R

I hesitated about mentioning day trips to the other islands because the OP mentioned they have a low budget. The ferry from Jersey to Sark for example is about £44 each.

anicecupoftea

Good point, but in that position I'd shave a few days off the length and use the accommodation savings to do some trips. Jersey isn't a cheap place to stay, eat or sightsee. For me, 5 days was enough to see and do everything I wanted on the island, then time to move on.

bilboburgler

You need to plan in some ferry trips to France, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark which will cost you a fair bit, Jersey has the zoo, the world's smallest church, various beaches (note the biggest tides in the world so do not stray out too far), the odd concrete bunker and that's about it.

jersey_bailey

Hey! i'm so sorry I couldn't get back to you earlier, just packed with lots of stuff to do...well I'm off this 25th.
Rubicund and Jamikins:
Yes the ages of the kids i'm travelling with are 14, 10 and 7. They are not too irritating, they love travelling a lot.So the Zoo might be a perfect place as they are fascinated by animals Thank you so much!!

bilboburgler

Jersey still has horse shoe crabs (mainly destroyed in US and Japan) so make sure to show them to the kids.

jersey_bailey

Hi Gordon_R, its so wonderful of you to give such valuable information!! I'm really excited with your encouragement and it sounds absolutely perfect!! We have already booked our stay with Top Secret Hotel...Is it a bit too far away...while getting around places!! I have looked through the site and the places look magical! Yes! I myself am a big Fan of history!! that's the actual reason I booked a trip to Jersey Do you really think 15 days are a bit too much to look around??

jersey_bailey

Hello anicecupoftea, well if you all suggest me to cut short on the vacation..I just feel maybe I should..I mean I don't want it to get boring for the kids either or are there any other good places which are not too expensive to visit around Jersey..with more of Nature maybe...that would be perfect!!

jersey_bailey

Hi bilboburgler, Thank you so much for sharing..Well I heard a lot about its beauty and the wonderful beaches it has..My kids just love the beaches and the 'Scary places' as they call the monuments..It's more of a educational tour type of thing. I just want them to learn and enjoy at the same time. Yes I did hear about the tides...but not to worry Andrea my 14 year old is quiet helpful while managing the kids...

janisj

>>Hi Gordon_R, its so wonderful of you to give such valuable information!!<<

I visited Jersey June last year and Gordon_R was just the most possible help. I had a great time. Got good suggestions from from several Fodorites, but I honestly think the trip wouldn't have been nearly as successful w/o Gordon's expert advice. From the hotel to the rental car to the VERY weird parking system to just about everything.

anicecupoftea

If the weather is good, you'll be spending lots of time outside. When you're bored of the beach, hire bikes and explore the green lanes where bikes have priority over cars.

Some of the WWII bunkers and observation towers are only open on specific days - see http://ciosjersey.org.uk/bunkers for details.

It looks like it's an hour ferry trip from Jersey to Sark, so worth a day trip if you can afford it. Sark is a joy to walk or cycle round as no cars are allowed, only bikes or tractor- or horse-drawn vehicles.

Gordon_R

<i>We have already booked our stay with Top Secret Hotel...Is it a bit too far away...while getting around places!! I</i>

Not sure I understood this bit - <i>which</i> hotel are you staying at, out of interest.

How are you planning to get around the island - rental car (relatively cheap on Jersey), local buses, walking...?

A day trip to Sark (always pick a good weather day) can be excellent but is pricey. Sometimes they do special promotions and reduced fares for families travelling together:-
http://www.manche-iles-express.com/

jersey_bailey

Hey anicecupoftea, thank you thats really great! the kids love cycling and its not a bad idea either But its strange that tractors are allowed and not car

jersey_bailey

I'll be leaving in exactly four days and I'm superb excited (more than the kids actually ) Staying at Merton Hotel...any good places near by I NEED to visit?

Gordon_R

The Merton hotel is a good choice for a family. It's in St Helier so quite a built up area but they do have parking for your hire car. Howard Davis park is a very short walk away, but really anywhere in Jersey is within a short distance away as the island is small.

tinyteacup

Jersey_bailey - I would love to know how your trip was, I know it was in 2013 but I will be going and want to know what I am in for!