Jersey - so near yet so far
We went to Jersey for four nights early October 2011. It was not the warmest time of year, especially as it coincided with the END of the late heat wave, but it certainly wasn’t cold or rainy, and we had a fabulous time.
Our hotel, the Longueville Manor, was as the name suggests an old manor house – and was superb. We couldn’t fault a thing – we were made to feel so welcome and felt like old friends returning. It is set in beautiful gardens with a lovely outdoor swimming pool (unfortunately too chilly to make use of it) and an impressive kitchen garden where they grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers for the hotel and restaurant. The only thing I would “fault”, if I were pushed to find something, would be that its location just north east of St Helier means that it has no view of the sea. But you can’t have EVERYTHING!
Jersey is full of charm and has a staggering amount of top quality restaurants. We ate in both their Michelin starred restaurants, both of which were fully deserving of the accolade. Bohemia on the Thursday night, and then Oceans at the Atlantic Hotel on the Friday night – this was our favourite, nothing could be faulted. It’s expensive, but it was one of those meals where it just didn’t matter what the price tag was, it was worth every penny.
Our favourite place for lunch was the Oyster Box, set on the stunning St Brelades Bay. The beach is long and wide, and ideal for walking off your calorific lunch! A close second has to be Suma’s in Gorey, where, if you’re lucky or reserve a table well in advance, you can dine on a small balcony overlooking the harbour - perfect for long lazy lunches. The restaurant at Longueville Manor should not be overlooked either – very elegant fine dining. Ask for a table in the Oak Room as this is very traditional, with oak-panelled walls, compared to the other dining area which is much more modern and more suited to breakfast or lunch there.
Jersey is very much influenced by the French due to its location and history, and this certainly manifests itself with the standard of cuisine. As you may expect, there is a lot of seafood on offer too.
Hiring a car is a great idea on Jersey – the island is only 9 by 5 miles and you can see most of the island in a couple of days. Journeys take a bit longer than you might think, as a lot of the roads are narrow and winding, and you do have to keep stopping to take photographs! Corbiere Lighthouse is a great spot – watch the waves gushing forcefully upwards as the tide comes in and covers the walkway at high tide. The Jersey War Tunnels is a thought-provoking experience but very interesting, with a few interactive exhibits.
The Zoo (founded by Gerald Durrell) is a great half day out too. We have been to Jersey 3 times before so had “done most of it”, but it was lovely to have a refresher, and even if you just hire a car and drive around the island, stopping for refreshments along the way at the many harbours and beaches, you will have a great relaxing time taking in the beautiful, sometimes rugged, scenery. Definitely worth considering for a long weekend, or a shorter holiday of say five to seven nights, you will feel as if you are a lot further from home.
I would recommend Jersey to anybody – great for families, great for couples young and old, and also for groups of friends.
