Local Attractions
Please note that these links are provided for your convenience only. The Atlantic Hotel cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites.
Jersey War Tunnels
Meadowbank, St Lawrence
t: +44 (0)1534 860808
www.jerseywartunnels.com
Open daily February – December
The award winning Captive Island exhibition is housed in one kilometre of underground tunnels hollowed out beneath a Jersey hillside more than 60 years ago, and tells the story of the island's occupation during World War II. Originally intended as a secure military hospital, the tunnels now present an account of the occupation by the Germans through to liberation on 9 May 1945 using islanders' accounts and authentic regalia. A cleverly lit unfinished tunnel gives a chilling reminder of the treacherous conditions in which the tunnellers were forced to work and risk their lives.
Durrell
Les Augrès Manor, Trinity
t: +44 (0)1534 860000
www.durrellwildlife.org
Open every day except Christmas Day
The headquarters of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust lies in 31 acres of serene parkland and features a remarkable collection of rare and endangered species. The vision of conservationist and celebrated author Gerald Durrell, this zoological park is home to gorillas, orang-utans, Andean bears, lemurs and exotic birds and reptiles. In addition to enabling visitors to see fascinating species in their own natural habitat, the zoo is also designed to educate young and old about the importance of protecting animals and saving them from extinction both at home and around the world.
Mont Orgueil Castle
Gorey, St Martin
t: +44 (0)1534 853292
www.jerseyheritagetrust.org
Open daily in the summer and weekends in the winter
Standing majestically above one of the island's most picturesque bays, Mont Orgueil ('Mount Pride') has for centuries been one of Jersey's defining icons. The castle, which was built in 1204 to counter the possibility of French invasion, is protected by cliffs and the sea on three sides. It served to repel 15 attacks between 1204 and 1600, and today offers visitors the chance to explore its ancient passages and enjoy stunning views across calmer waters to Brittany.
Elizabeth Castle and The Hermitage
St Helier
t: +44 (0)1534 723971
www.jerseyheritagetrust.org
Open daily March – October
Accessible on foot at low tide or by amphibious ferry from West Park, Elizabeth Castle straddles two islets in St Aubin's Bay and defended Jersey for three centuries. The castle was first constructed in 1590 to protect St Helier and provided shelter for King Charles II during the English Civil War. Also home to Sir Walter Raleigh, who developed the castle and renamed it to honour Queen Elizabeth I, it remains one of the British Isles' most complete fortifications.
Jersey Museum
The Weighbridge, St Helier
t: +44 (0)1534 633300
www.jerseyheritagetrust.org
Open daily
Offering an extensive introduction to Jersey's traditions, industries, people and culture, Jersey Museum recounts the island's rich history. In addition to regular exhibitions and events, visitors can enjoy a large collection of works by local artists in the Barreau-Le Maistre Art Gallery and the Merchant's House, whose rooms recreate island life in Victorian times.
Jersey Maritime Museum and Occupation Tapestry Gallery
New North Quay, St Helier
t: +44 (0)1534 811043
www.jerseyheritagetrust.org
Open daily
This unconventional museum focuses on Jersey and the sea by exploring three main themes: nature, the boat and the human story of the ocean. Having learnt about weather, tides and currents, visitors can witness many of the island's fish in a large aquarium, watch craftsmen restore classic vessels, design their own ship and experience life as a sailor. The Occupation Tapestry Gallery, meanwhile, features the unique twelve-panel Occupation Tapestry depicting islanders' memories of World War II which was specially commissioned to mark the 50 anniversary of the Liberation of Jersey.
La Hougue Bie Museum
Grouville
t: +44 (0)1534 853823
www.jerseyheritagetrust.org
Open daily April – October
The Neolithic dolmen at La Hougue Bie has been central to Jersey's religious heritage for almost 6,000 years and remains one of Europe's most important burial sites. Built from large stones weighing up to 40 tonnes each and predating the Egyptian Pyramids, the chamber lies deep inside a mound topped with a medieval chapel, while a nearby Neolithic house reconstructs life in the Stone Age.
Channel Islands Military Museum
La Grande Route des Mielles, St Ouen
t: +44 (0)1534 723136
Open daily April – October
This comprehensive collection of authentic German World War II military artefacts and Occupation items includes a large array of running military motorcycles. The displays are located in a 10.5 metre coastal defence bunker which formed part of Hitler's so-called 'Atlantic Wall', and conditions under German Occupation are brought to life by a series of brief first-hand commentaries.
Grève de Lecq Barracks
Grève de Lecq, St Mary
t: +44 (0)1534 483193
www.nationaltrustjersey.org.je
Open Wednesday – Sunday May – September
Built during the Napoleonic Wars in the 19th century, Grève de Lecq Barracks is now owned by the National Trust for Jersey and charts the island's military and social history. The site, which once accommodated 250 garrison troops charged with protecting Jersey from invasion, includes sympathetically restored dormitories, washrooms, cells, ammunition stores, stables and store rooms.
La Corbière Lighthouse
Corbière, St Brelade
Life in Jersey is intrinsically linked to the ocean, and the dramatic La Corbière Lighthouse – the first in the British Isles to be built with reinforced concrete – has protected sailors from the potentially treacherous shoreline since 1873. Less than a five minute drive from The Atlantic Hotel, the lighthouse was manned by four keepers until 1976 when it became fully automated.
Eric Young Orchid Foundation
Victoria Village, Trinity
t: +44 (0)1534 861963
www.ericyoungorchidfoundation.co.uk
Open Wednesday – Saturday
This unique centre houses one of the world's most spectacular orchid collections, and is dedicated to the breeding, development and display of these enigmatic and exotic flowers.
La Mare Vineyards and Distillery
Elms Farm, la Rue de la Hougue Mauger, St Mary
t: +44 (0)1534 481178
www.lamarevineyards.com
Open Monday – Saturday April – October
A winelover's paradise, La Mare is dedicated to the art of winemaking and distilling. From humble beginnings in 1972, the estate now produces around 40,000 bottles of wine each year, including the award winning Cuvée de la Mare, Clos de la Mare and Bailiwick. The estate also presses 100 tonnes of apples for its Pompette vintage cider and Apple Brandy annually. And not content with being the island's leading vineyard, La Mare has also created speciality preserves, mustards, fudge, black butter and luxury chocolates, all of which can be purchased on the estate.
Howard Davis Park
St Helier
Jersey's floral heritage is unsurpassed and its mild climate enables a number of rare breeds of flora and fauna to flourish. Howard Davis Park, once privately owned and now one of the most charming of the island's public spaces, is home to a plethora of unusual trees and plants, walled gardens with 80 varieties of rose, and a striking World War II cemetery.
Le Petit Train de Jersey
St Helier and St Aubin
t: +44 (0)7797 777199
Open April – October
Comfortable land trains called Major Peirson, Lillie and Terence take visitors on a leisurely tour of St Helier, with informative commentary on the island's maritime and military history from medieval times to the 1940s. And for those interested in Jersey's railway past, a trip along the 'main line' to St Aubin passes through four of the island's parishes and covers over three miles of the original Jersey Western Railway.
Jersey Pottery
Gorey Village, Grouville
t: +44 (0)1534 850850
www.jerseypottery.com
Open daily
Dedicated to all things ceramic, Jersey Pottery offers visitors the chance to watch pots being thrown from raw materials and learn how they are then transformed into hand-painted pottery or fine porcelain dinnerware. Traditional designs are complemented by unique ranges such as Dragonfly, Sommelier and Fruits de Mer, and children can also paint their own ceramics in a variety of styles and learn the history of pottery from 1946 to the present day.
Moonwalking
t: +44 (0)1534 485201
www.seajersey.com
With the world's third largest tidal range, Jersey doubles in size twice a day to reveal an enthralling lunar landscape which can be explored with marine biologist Andrew Syvret. Popular moonwalks include the high energy shoreline of St Ouen's Bay, the much explored but little understood Le Banc Violet in the south east of the island, and the enchanting La Manche. Moonwalks take place at times when the influence of the moon is at its strongest and reveal intertidal lagoons, sand banks, reefs, gullies and tidal flats, as well as a host of unusual animals and plants.
Jersey Beaches
From the rocky cliffs in the north to the golden sandy shoreline in the south, Jersey is blessed with miles of stunning coastline, and some of the world's finest beaches.
St Ouen's Bay – five miles of sand offering exceptional surfing and watersports, five minutes from The Atlantic Hotel.
Beauport – a sunseeker's paradise on the south coast, ten minutes from The Atlantic Hotel. Perfect for families, although the beach loses the sun in late afternoon.
St Brelade's Bay – Jersey's busiest beach, offering unbroken sunshine from dawn until dusk, ten minutes from The Atlantic Hotel.
Ouaisné Bay – next to St Brelade's Bay, this sandy beach offers safe swimming, ten minutes from The Atlantic Hotel.
Portelet Bay – a small, peaceful and picturesque beach with soft golden sand, ten minutes from The Atlantic Hotel.
Grève de Lecq – a popular beach for families on the north coast, 15 minutes from The Atlantic Hotel.
Plémont – possibly Jersey's most beautiful beach, with safe swimming in calm conditions and excellent surfing when there is a swell, 20 minutes from The Atlantic Hotel.
St Aubin's Bay – popular with watersports enthusiasts, this bay boasts soft golden sand and connects with the harbours of St Helier and St Aubin, 15 minutes from The Atlantic Hotel.
Grouville Bay – a large sandy beach, 40 minutes from The Atlantic Hotel, which is safe for bathing and offers a café and kiosk.
Archirondel – a popular beach in the north east of the island, 40 minutes from The Atlantic Hotel.
Please note that, while most beaches in Jersey offer safe swimming, bathing can be dangerous in some locations. From mid-May to the end of September, St Ouen's Bay, St Brelade and Plémont are patrolled by lifeguards. Patrolled areas, which are safe for swimming, are indicated with red and yellow flags, but please be aware that these may be moved during the day depending on the tide. Should conditions be unsuitable for swimming, red flags will be flown on these beaches.
