Explore family holidays in Jersey

Jersey is a thrilling island off the coast of France that’s under the control of, but not officially part of, the UK. When you visit, you’ll find that travel there is remarkably easy for UK residents making it a convenient holiday destination if you’re looking to get off the mainland. Plenty of family-friendly activities are available whether you’re looking for thrilling watersports or a more relaxing experience. With a surprisingly diverse array of food options, you and the kids won’t find yourself short on things to eat. Take a look at everything you need to plan unforgettable family holidays in Jersey.

Getting to Jersey

Before you can start your holiday in Jersey, you’ll need to get there. Fortunately, you won’t have to look far to find a convenient way to the island from just about anywhere. Multiple low-cost airlines make frequent flights from the mainland to Jersey, and the Jersey Airport is conveniently located in between the shore and more inland attractions. Alternatively, you can take the ferry to Jersey from southern England. Specifically, Poole and Portsmouth both offer ferry routes to Jersey. The high-speed ferry can get you across the channel in about 4.5 hours, but the conventional ferry takes about 10 hours in total.

Things to do with a Jersey family holiday

To get the most out of your Jersey family holiday, you’ll need to create an itinerary that the whole family can enjoy. In addition to the pristine beaches here, you’ll find plenty of inland attractions showcasing the natural splendour of the island alongside thrilling adventures in theme parks. All you have to do is find the right attractions that work for your family’s unique tastes. The number of options you’ll have, however, are seemingly endless. Take a look at the top attractions for a Jersey family holiday.

The Botanic Gardens at Samares Manor

If your family is interested in vibrant greenery, you’ll find everything you need at the Botanic Gardens at Samares Manor. The soil here is exceptionally fertile, so you can enjoy a diverse array of plant life including those native to Jersey and those that were sourced elsewhere. Among the gardens, you can explore walking paths that will take you past an array of colours as the vibrant plants decorate the area in pristinely intricate design patterns. Don’t forget to check out the herb garden if you’re looking for inspiration to bring back home.

aMaizin! Adventure Park

At aMaizin! Adventure Park, you’ll find a wide variety of games and activities that your kids will enjoy. Located in St. Peter, your little ones can race go-karts, mine for gold and embark on tractor rides. You’ll additionally find a jumping pillow area and a place for designated toboggan rides. That’s just the beginning as this destination features both outdoor and indoor activities. There’s even a barnyard area where you can interact with barn animals like horses and pigs. Just remember that it’s closed on Mondays, so plan your trip accordingly.

Jersey Zoo

If your family loves animals, Jersey Zoo may just be the best destination on the island. You’ll find fascinating creatures here from all over the world including bears, gorillas and even orangutans. Apart from the apes, this zoo is also home to adorable meerkats, lemurs and otters that are sure to delight the kids. Additionally, this zoo has a reptile center that also features a variety of amphibians as well. You can visit with peace of mind since this zoo has been dedicated solely to conservation for decades, always prioritizing the safety and happiness of animals before anything else.

St. Brelade’s Bay

No trip to Jersey would be complete without stopping by the beach. At St. Brelade’s Bay, you’ll find yourself at one of the best beaches in the UK that offers far more than simple soft sands and inviting waters. While the beach itself is plenty of fun, you and your family can also venture out into the water. Plenty of kayak rentals are available throughout the area letting you explore the water from an entirely new perspective. The beach itself is quite spacious, so you and your family can find a spot without having to worry too much about the crowds, though it is a bit more crowded during the summer.

Beauport Beach

At Beauport Beach, you’ll find a long strip of golden sand that functions effectively as a sun trap since the sunshine is always on the beach until late in the afternoon when the sun finally falls behind the western cliffs. Because of the excessive natural lighting, it’s one of the more iconic beaches on the island with a pebble bank and a nature reserve nearby. The water is generally calm, so it’s common for families with kids to swim around just off shore. Just keep in mind that there aren’t any lifeguards posted here, so you’ll need to keep an eye on your little ones.

Top restaurants for family breaks in Jersey

In between your family’s adventures throughout Jersey, you’ll need to take a break to eat every now and then. Fortunately, you’ll find no shortage of options on the island that the whole family can enjoy. While much of it focuses on seafood as you might expect from an island destination, you’ll actually find a diverse selection of options that even your family members uninterested in seafood will be satisfied with. Take a look at the top restaurants for family breaks in Jersey.

Mark Jordan at the Beach

Mark Jordan at the Beach offers delicious taste alongside notable value, so it’s the perfect destination for cheap family holidays to Jersey looking for something good. They offer traditional British fare and seafood that you can enjoy among picturesque views of St. Aubin’s Harbour. You’ll find a children’s menu here suitable for kids up to 12 years with selections that are designed to be delicious and healthy. You’ll find chicken, Irish beef minute steak and a fillet of cod, the latter of which is especially loved by kids who adore seafood.

Oyster Box

For a more laid back dining experience, you’ll find nothing quite like Oyster Box. This chic-casual dining destination offers something the whole family can enjoy with options for virtually every taste and dietary requirement. That means you’ll find vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available on their eclectic menu. Seafood dominates the menu, of course, but you’ll also find prime cuts of beef, chicken, pork and duck. The adults in the family can also enjoy a diverse menu of cocktails, beer, cider and wine.

Viva Pizza

Just about every kid in the UK loves pizza, and you can get some of the best in Jersey when you visit Viva Pizza. This restaurant has a wide selection of options including all the classics as well as some more unique offerings. Vegetarian Fiorentina pizza is available alongside spicy pork meat feasts, so everyone in your family can find something they’ll enjoy regardless of their food preferences. You’ll also find classic dishes like spaghetti bolognese in addition to items like fish and chips and chicken tikka masala curry.