For us landlocked people, getting to the beach is quite an effort – especially a sandy beach with turquoise waters. Many of us have driven for hours to Cornwall, Devon and Wales to experience these ‘best beaches’, so you can imagine my delight when I arrived at a stunning seaside location after a 45-minute flight.
Just three hours after leaving my house in Tamworth, I was strolling along the beautiful St. Brelade’s Bay on the south-west coast of Jersey, with white sand between my toes and crystal blue water before me, beaming down with the sun’s rays.
Overseas, but not completely foreign – a continental feel where English is spoken but the street names are French. This place is unique.
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Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands but measures just 14 miles by 5 miles, and although it’s only 14 miles from France, it’s a British crown land territory, meaning you don’t need your passport and you won’t have to go through border control when you return home. EasyJet, which added several European routes from Brum in 2024, operates the direct flight twice a week. The flight cost £24 with a small baggage allowance, but more than enough for a few days away.
St Brelade was just the beginning, my research revealed that there are many more stunning beaches to explore. The island’s picturesque coastline is often compared to exotic beaches around the world – even the Caribbean.
As we walked past the lush green fields of Jersey potatoes after a scenic bus ride from the capital city of St. Helier, I rounded the corner and there it was – the most breathtaking view of the stunning Plemont Bay and its freshwater waterfall. I watched the waves crash against the rocks and noticed the warning signs dotted around warning of the potential dangers of the tide.
Then, as I was taking photos and chatting with other tourists, I realized that within a few hours the beach would transform into a beautiful stretch of sand with hidden caves and rock pools to explore. There is a lovely little cafe at the top, near the beach entrance, as well as well-maintained public toilets.
Jersey is part of the British Isles, but its location closer to the coast of France gives it a microclimate, meaning it’s generally warmer and sunnier than the south coast of the UK – and as a UK resident, you don’t need a passport to travel there.
During my visit I stayed at the Club Hotel & Spa in St. Helier. It couldn’t have been a better place to explore the island (and relax in the spa after cliff walks). The staff at this boutique hotel were super helpful in recommending places to visit. A handy guidebook at reception listed all the attractions and also provided bus services to take you to your desired destination. It’s a 10 minute walk from the hotel to Liberation Station and you can pay with your fingertips. It’s no wonder the services were well used by locals and tourists alike.
As well as the stunning beaches and coastal walks, I was struck by the delicious and fresh produce – from potatoes to oysters and scallops to Jersey black butter. I had never heard of it, but you may have seen it on the series Islands to Highlands with James Martin. Like the TV chef, I headed to La Mare winery in St Mary to find out more.
The island’s only vineyard, which also featured on this year’s season of The Apprentice, produces six grape varieties, three red and three white, including the famous Pinot Noir. Established in 1972, La Mare produces around 20,000 bottles of wine annually, as well as Jersey cider, apple brandy and the unique black butter, which, just to clarify, is not regular butter – it’s a type of apple sauce.
The tour is incredibly interesting and you can feel the passion of all the staff, from Tim, the manager, to the chocolate maker, to our wonderful host Chantal, who admits it’s more of a hobby for the seasonal months – to complement her work as a wine expert for British Airways.
From breakfast at our hotel to brunch at nearby Locke’s and dinner at tapas restaurant Botana, I was impressed by the quality of food on this small island. And our hotel offered the crème de la crème. Bohemia has just defended its Michelin star status for the 18th year in a row and the fourth year in a row under head chef Callum Graham. In December, Bohemia was also awarded a place in The Hardens Best UK Restaurants 2024.
The tasting menu features everything from simple potatoes to roasted veal and white Jersey crabmeat. Each course is a taste experience. Although Bohemia seems more relaxed than other Michelin-starred restaurants I’ve visited, it’s very special. However, if you prefer a more casual experience and a less formal menu, you can eat in the bar and on the terrace and catch some rays.
As I enjoyed my last serving of Jersey oysters before the short drive back to the hotel, I vowed to return to this calming oasis, far from the chaos of everyday life at home – after all, it’s only a 45-minute flight away.
*Rooms at the Club Hotel & Spa start from £129 in winter and £209 in summer.
