|

Jersey with kids {Channel Islands} – Our guide

Where to go in May half term holidays with children

We love our trips to Jersey in the Channel Islands. It really is like stepping back in time, to holidays of yesteryear and all the wonderful things they have to offer. Jersey is a beautiful island and perfect for family trips. We have pulled together our guide to Jersey with kids to give you everything you need to know about visiting the island from the best hotels in Jersey to where to eat in Jersey. And from how to get to the Channel Islands to the best things to do in Jersey. If you’re planning Jersey holidays for your family then this is the guide for you.

About Jersey with kids {Channel Islands}

*AD / This post may contain affiliate links and I may also have been compensated or gifted in this post. To read more please see my Disclosure Policy.

The Channel Islands lie around 87 miles from mainland Britain and only 12 miles from France.

Jersey is the largest of the islands and is packed full of sights. From gorgeous beaches to Nazi war tunnels and great food to inland walks.

Getting to Jersey –

There are a couple of ways to get there.

Flights

Flights to Jersey are relatively easy to come by and there are a number of different airlines that fly there including British Airways, Easyjet and FlyBe. Find out more by checking Opodo here.

Ferry to Jersey with kids

We found it really easy to take the ferry to Jersey.

Taking the ferry to Jersey - Channel Islands Ferry - Weymouth to Jersey ferry

We loved this way of getting there. It meant we could load up the car with everything we needed and board the boat.

The crossing was four hours from Weymouth. It was really smooth and nice to have all of our car seats and luggage with us.

Where to go with children in Jersey –

Jersey is really family-friendly. There are lots of great activities and fun trips out all over the island.

Some of our favourite were:

Durrell Wildlife Park

Durrell Wildlife Park, Jersey Zoo

Jersey Zoo is one of the best wildlife parks we have ever been to. It has conservation firmly at its heart.

This is a lovely green space with plenty to keep a family occupied for a whole day, or morning if you are pushed for time.

There are some great spaces to appreciate the wildlife. And it’s somewhere that cares completely for the animals they look after.

If you have children and are travelling to Jersey don’t miss this park.

aMaizin! Adventure Park in Jersey with kids

aMaizin! Adventure Park, Jersey

We had a great morning at aMaizin! Adventure Park.

There is so much to do here, from tractor rides, huge slides and go-karts, ball pools and in summer a huge maze to enjoy.

There really was something for all the ages.

Our three absolutely loved it here and all of the activities on offer.

Jersey War Tunnels

A visit to the War Tunnels, Jersey, Channel Islands

Jersey War Tunnels are an incredible insight into life in Jersey under the Nazis during World War Two.

While not suitable for very young children as they are quite scary, they are absolutely fascinating.

You can follow the story of a real islander and their decision as to whether to leave the island or stay as the Nazis arrive.

And you come face to face with German soldiers and the dilemmas ordinary people faced every day under occupation. It is a really unique place.

Elizabeth Castle

Top 10 Things to do in Jersey, Channel Islands with Kids: Walk out to Elizabeth Castle - copyright: www.globalmousetravels.com

Elizabeth Castle dominates the skyline out to sea from all around St Helier.

Both foreboding and intriguing this 400-year-old castle is accessible by foot at low tide and then by amphibian on the way back.

There’s not a huge amount for children to do once you’re there, but getting there is really exciting and you can feel transported back in time walking up to the Castle gates.

And children will love clambering around the castle walls.

Mont Orgueil Castle

Mont Orgueil Castle, Jersey

While we planned more time at Elizabeth Castle, Mont Orgueil Castle was the surprise.

This really is a family-friendly castle with so much to do for children.

It’s a huge space which is easy to explore. It’s packed with exhibits which help tell the story of the castle’s history.

There is so much to see here, you could happily spend hours exploring. There are also re-enactment days and free children’s activities here on certain days during half term and summer holidays which add to the fun on offer.

Read more: Top things to do in Jersey with kids

Best beaches in Jersey with kids

You can’t go to Jersey and not spend time on the beaches. Here are some of our favourites.

Anne Port Bay

Anne Port Bay, Jersey

We loved this beach. Just around the corner from Mont Orgueil Castle, Anne Port Bay was very quiet and had sand and sea that were just beautiful.

We spent ages on the beach, shell hunting and jumping in and out of the waves.

St Ouen’s Bay in Jersey with kids

St Ouen's Bay, Jersey

St Ouen’s Bay is a really big expanse of sand and an absolutely beautiful beach.

It was lovely to see the horses riding on the sand and it was the perfect spot for us to have a run around here. It’s also a really interesting stretch of coastline with Nazi bunkers and defences surrounding it.

St Brelade’s Bay

St Brelade's Bay - Jersey with kids {Channel Islands}: Beaches

With restaurants facing the beach and another gorgeous sandy expanse St Brelade’s Bay is a beautiful spot in Jersey.

Perfect for sandcastle building and paddling in the sea it’s yet another great beach on the island.

Where to eat in Jersey with kids

Ocean Restaurant, Atlantic Hotel

Ocean Restaurant, Atlantic Hotel - Jersey

We had a fantastic meal at the Atlantic Hotel’s Ocean restaurant.

The food here is wonderful. They do some great children’s meals, or kids can choose from the a’la carte menu.

It’s a great place for a meal if you’re looking for somewhere special.

Fish and Chips on the Beach – Jersey with kids

Wally's Fish and chips, St Brelades Bay - Jersey with kids {Channel Islands}: Where to eat

We had a lovely meal of Fish and Chips from Wally’s Fish and Chip shop in St Brelades.

We drove five minutes to the beach and sat watching the sun go down as we ate our fish and chips.

Does it get any better than that?

Self-Catering

If you are camping or staying self-catering there are lots of nice little Marks and Spencers, Waitrose and also little delis to stock up on supplies.

Where to stay in Jersey with kids –

Glamping

Glamping in Jersey. Bell Tents at Daisy Cottage Jersey, Channel Islands

Glamping in the Channel Islands is a really special experience. We have rounded up the top places to go glamping in Jersey here.

The Atlantic Hotel

Atlantic Hotel - Jersey with kids {Channel Islands}: Where to stay

Oh how we loved the Atlantic Hotel Jersey. This is a fantastic hotel with indoor and outdoor pools, gorgeous rooms and the best views on the island.

Our number one pick.

More on the Channel Islands

We have also visited Guernsey which is easily reached from Jersey. Read our post all about a day trip to Guernsey to find out more.

So, what do you think – will you add Jersey with kids to your must-visit list? Or have you been and got any tips or suggestions?

Similar Posts

17 Comments

  1. It looks like an amazing place to visit. It’s great finding out a bit more about it. We’d love the wildlife park!

  2. i’ve wanted to go to jersey for ages, so it’s good to have some ideas for places to visit.

    also, those wetsuits are SO cute!

  3. We’re huge fans of the Channel Islands as my brother lives on Guernsey, but I’ve never managed to make it to Jersey and always wanted to. I imagine it to be very similar, but with just a little bit more going on for the rainy days, when the beach isn’t an option. That bell tent looks like so much fun!

  4. haha theres those adorable animal print onesie swimsuits again, love them, looks like a fabulous place to visit as a family x

  5. This is such a fantastic write up, and really comprehensive too! Durrel Wildlife Park sounds like it would be right up my street!

  6. I have always fancied going, it looks lovely. The approach to the castle is great, it looks so exciting. I LOVE the wetsuit x

  7. I’m definitely adding Jersey to my wish list having read your posts about your trip there. It looks lovely.

  8. Wow – it looks like you had an amazing time! I know if I went to jersey I’d eat new potatoes the whole time and come home a stone heavier 🙂 x
    Love Vicky

  9. We really need to go to the channel islands, after all we can get the condor ferry from Poole. Apparently you get a 25% discount as National Trust members too

  10. Going with the car so you can bring everything is definitely the way to go with children. I love that first photo, but all of your photos are fabulous. Really comprehensive review thanks.
    Liska x

  11. This sounds like another fantastic break away – I like the idea of buying the local produce from the local stores.

  12. Pingback: Top 10 Things to do in Jersey, Channel Islands with Kids - Globalmouse travels

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.