Destination of the month – July 2008: Jersey
Jersey is synonymous with fine food and good living, which are celebrated throughout the seasons with festivals, walking tours and other events. Foodie lovers can savour Jersey’s world renowned cuisine in any of the Island’s gourmet restaurants, beachside bistros or country pubs. The agriculture on the Island is a great resource to the Island’s restaurants, but it’s not just the land that provides delicious, local ingredients. The waters that surround Jersey produce an abundance of top quality seafood, including lobster, scallops and oysters and simpler dishes such as Jersey plaice and seabass, each as delicious as it is fresh.
Jersey is also the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Its fantastically diverse coastline and sandy beaches lend themselves wonderfully to just about every water sport. Surfing, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, sea-kayaking, sailing and body boarding are all popular on the island. Aside from the water sports there are adrenalin-fuelled beach activities such as blokarting. The north coast cliffs are great for rock climbing, kayaking the caves and inlets, or for the slightly less adventurous the clifftop pathways offer some great hiking and views.
What’s more, a flight to Jersey takes less time than the stuffy tube ride in to work. Travellers can escape from the hustle and bustle of London in just under an hour. So painless is the journey that many of Jersey’s elite have been known to take day trips to London salons, returning just a few hours later with perfectly coiffed hair.
Jersey may have a reputation for being an island of wealth and snobbery, but it is here that you will find the Island’s bailiff eating alongside locals at the beachside sandwich hut. Neither French nor English, Jersey is defined by a subtle blend of both cultures, offering travellers the home away from home, but also European experience.
Exhibition of the month
The bi-annual West Show taking place this year from 12-13 July in the country Parish of St Peter features rural exhibits, traditional craft stalls, demonstrations and food tastings associated with a traditional country 'fayre' as well as introducing visitors to the island's most famous residents - the beautiful Jersey Cow.
www.jersey.com
Sporting event of the month
Travel out on our charter boat on July 19 to Les Ecrehous, a remarkable reef lying 7 miles north east of Jersey and kayak around the islets at low water. Discover the magic of these Islets which is home to many wild birds and sea creatures. Seals are often seen. All equipment (including wetsuits) is provided . No previous experience is needed as you will be accompanied by a trained and experienced local kayak instructor who has a wealth of knowledge. Now an internationally designated Ramsar wetlands site the reef has a remarkable history and is featured in the BBC Coast series. It was the scene of the 'invasion' by the French in the 1994 during a dispute over fishing limits. Read about the kayaking tours in the Spring edition of Pure Jersey magazine published by Jersey Tourism. For further information and photos visit the website. The maximum group size is 8. Packed lunch is included on this day trip. Private kayaking charters are possible. Advance reservation is essential as the maximum group size is 8.
www.jerseykayakadventures.co.uk
Cultural event of the month
One of the best Roman and Early Briton re-enactment groups in the country, Vicus, will be transforming La Hougue Bie into a Roman camp from 24-27 July. See warriors display their hand-to-hand fighting skills, while camp followers and the indigenous people illustrate the more sedate activities of calligraphy and mosaic making.
www.jerseyheritagetrust.org
Hotel of the month
The Royal Yacht is a new, modern, luxury hotel situated in St Helier. It is one of the oldest yet modern hotels in Jersey, and includes a luxury health spa which provides a range of specialist treatments, facilities and therapies, a fully equipped gym and indoor heated swimming pool.
Within the hotel there are also several bars and restaurants, including the ever popular Drift Bar, that offer fantastic live entertainment, music, alfresco dining and gourmet cuisine, ideal for a luxury weekend break or a romantic break in Jersey.
www.theroyalyacht.com
Restaurant of the month
Bohemia in St Helier offers Jersey's finest food in stylish surroundings. The contemporary design extends throughout the restaurant & bar offering real comfort without formality. Fronted by a chic and popular bar, Bohemia exudes quality matching the service and food excellence, which features the specialities of its island home - seafood and the finest Jersey produce. Awarded a Michelin star and 4 AA Rosettes, Bohemia is also ranked in Egon Ronay's top 25 UK Restaurants.
www.bohemiajersey.com
Special offer of the month
Beachcombers July Special – Stay 7 nights and get one night free plus complimentary evening meal. Save £111pp.
The Beachcombers is situated in a quiet rural location, only a few minutes walk from the magnificent beaches of Grouville Bay. Facilities include a pleasant cocktail bar where entertainment is provided several nights a week during the season. Good appetising meals are served in the attractive dining room. Other amenities include a comfortable lounge, a large landscaped garden, an outdoor heated pool and a tenniscourt.
www.jerseytravel.com
Natural attraction of the month
Sorel Point is the most northerly tip of the Island and offers glorious views over the dangerous Paternoster Reef to the isle of Sark. To the east can be seen the massive workings of Ronez Quarry and then further in the distance the Normandy coast. At its tip is a lighthouse and inland to the left a cliff path leading to Grève de Lecq, past Mourier Valley and Devils Hole. Sorel Point can be reached by joining the same cliff path at Bonne Nuit or Wolf’s Caves or by driving along La Route Du Nord and looking for the turning which is well sign posted.
Hidden in: Rozel Bay
Hidden by the tide in Rozel Bay is the softest and whitest sand of Jersey’s north coast beaches. Rozel Bay is a small fishing port at the north east of the Island, more famous for its selection of superb restaurants than its beach. But when the tide falls, a limited expanse of lovely white sand is exposed and despite limited parking, many choose to soak up the sun here. North east facing, the beach loses the sun in late afternoon. It is a good spot to find shelter when the wind is from the south west.
What the locals are talking about this month
From 5-6 July come along and enjoy a spectacular Maritime extravaganza around St Helier harbour at the Out of the Blue Maritime Festival. Enjoy street theatre, an al fresco food fair and sea shanties. Visiting Norman traders from nearby France will also be selling Soup de Poisson, Crepes, Calvados and other 'fruits of the sea'.
www.jersey.com/food
Walk of the month
On June 6 take a walk on the sea-bed. Explore gullies, cross sand bars and rock pools to Seymour Tower and discover Jersey’s very own wilderness area in the company of local guides. Revel in the stillness and expanse of an area that is covered twice a day by some of the highest tides in the world (40ft). Learn about the fishing history of the area, or just enjoy the chance to be in a wild and remote place. The area is full of wildlife and has a rich maritime history. It is a UNESCO designated Ramsar wetlands site. Reservation is essential as all walks are in small groups. It is only possible to walk to Seymour Tower when there are very low tides. Visit the website for the dates of all walks and other options. For your safety only walk offshore unaccompanied if you have knowledge of the area and its tides.
www.jerseywalkadventures.co.uk
Contact
Jersey Tourism website address
www.jersey.com
Jersey Tourism Press Contact
Mccluskey International
4 Vencourt Place
Hammersmith, W6 9NU
Becky Addley/Ian Mckee/Vanessa Ip (T) 020 8237 7979
jersey@mccluskey.co.uk