How to plan a classic trip to Jersey
25 November 2021
Nestled just a few miles off the French coast, but decidedly British in feel, the island of Jersey makes an excellent weekend or week-long break. What’s more, a classic car is the very best way to take in its charms.
Measuring a mere nine miles by five, Jersey packs an awful lot of both history and charm into its modest dimensions. Much like your own classic vehicle, in fact…
There’s plenty of history across the island – most visible in the handsome castles and coastal towers that were built to defend it from invaders. But there are also miles of beautiful beaches and hidden coves to explore, great food and drink… and some fantastic coastal drives. If you’re the proud owner of a vintage vehicle with some up-to-date vintage car insurance, we’d thoroughly recommend putting your classic through its paces along Jersey’s stunning coast roads.
Here’s our guide to experiencing Jersey from behind the wheel of a classic.
Jersey: an introduction
Self-governing, with its own Parliament, Jersey also manages its own legal and financial systems, and is not part of the United Kingdom (it is part of the British Isles, though. Confused? Us too).
There is plenty of British cultural influence, though: English is spoken, and the Pound is the island’s currency. You’ll also be pleased to know that they drive on the left in Jersey. British newspapers and television are present, and the islanders are fans of the UK’s traditional sports, not least cricket.
There is, though, a strong Norman-French culture present, too, making Jersey a fascinating hybrid of two cultures. The ancient Norman language of Jèrriais is still spoken by a few (mostly older) residents, and you may see some signs in the language around the island.
How to get there
Condor Ferries operates car ferry services from both Portsmouth (7 weekly) and Poole (1 weekly) to St Helier in Jersey. The Poole ferry is the one to take if you’re heading over for a short break, as it takes just four hours.
All cars will fit on the ferries to Jersey. You will just need to specify, when booking, whether your vehicle is a standard (up to 1.85 metres high) or medium car (up to 2.2. metres – a classic Range Rover, for example). There are also two separate categories for standard or medium cars carrying loads on the roof, such as a roof box.
Your classic car cover should cover you for travel throughout the British Isles, but double check before you set off.
Hiring a classic
Given its wealth of history and timeless beauty, seeing Jersey from the front seat of a classic car makes perfect sense. And the good news is that, even if you don’t own your own vintage vehicle, you can still tour Jersey in classic style.
Jersey Classic Hire offers a tempting range of wonderful cars from yesteryear, that you can hire for the day. Have a browse through their eye-catching fleet – and choose from a V8 Triumph Stag, Austin Healey ‘Frogeye’, 1961 Rover P4 and more. Cars cost around £130-£160 for a day’s hire with insurance on top.
Things to see and do in Jersey
Jersey War Tunnels
This fascinating visitor attraction unfolds the story of Jersey’s experiences during World War II. The island was occupied by the Germans from 1940 to 1945 and, as the war dragged on, life became progressively harder for the natives of the island. Food, fuel, and medicines grew scarce, crime increased, and the Germans placed many restrictions on daily life.
Jersey War Tunnels recreates this difficult time in fascinating detail. It’s housed within an underground tunnel complex, poignantly built by the Germans using slave labour.
La Hougue Bie
One of Europe’s finest examples of a Neolithic Passage Grave (and purportedly one of the 10 oldest buildings in the world), La Hougue Bie is a fascinating place to learn about life in Jersey’s Neolithic community, some 6,000 years ago. You can explore the new Neolithic Longhouse, built by volunteers, take a free tour of the site, and refuel at the tea room.
Jersey Museum and Art Gallery
If you visit one place to get a feel for the island, this should probably be it. The ground floor of the Jersey Museum and Art Gallery is a fascinating and comprehensive account of the island’s history. Exhibits include a film, The Story of Jersey, which won Visit England’s ‘Best Told Story’ award.
Elsewhere on the ground floor, the Aspiring Jersey Island Geopark Visitor Centre reveals, through sights and sounds, how geology has shaped and influenced today’s island. The museum goes on to tell the island’s history from the arrival of the first tribes some 250,000 years ago. There’s also a beautifully restored, gas-lit Victorian house, and – as part of a display on the island’s Ice Age history – you can even meet Barbu, the resident Neanderthal.
Mont Orgueil Castle
First known as Gorey Castle (nothing particularly Gothic there – it’s the name of the nearby village), Mont Orgueil Castle has stood near the fishing port of Gorey for more than eight centuries.
A particularly fine example of a medieval fortress, Mont Orgueil also symbolises, for many islanders, Jersey’s national identity and independent spirit. From its staircases and towers, you will be treated to some awe-inspiring views of the French coast.
The castle came about because of a dramatic change in Jersey’s status. When England lost Normandy to France in 1204, Jersey – still a dependency of the English Crown – found itself just miles away from an aggressive enemy, as opposed to the ally of before. Strong defences were needed – hence the construction of this castle on a headland facing the French coastline.
Massive amounts of building materials had to be shipped to the island from England, and before long a circuit of walls and round towers grew up along the coast, with the castle itself serving as a base for the English garrison stationed here. Mont Orgueil withstood French raids during the 1200s, 1300s and 1400s.
By the latter century, however, bows and arrows were giving way to gunpowder and cannons – which brings us to…
Elizabeth Castle
This 16th Century fortress is dramatically sited on a rocky tidal islet in the sea just beyond the island’s capital, St Helier. The castle owes its existence to developments in cannon technology. Specifically, during the 1500s, cannons became progressively more powerful. This meant that Jersey’s existing fortress at Mont Orgueil was no longer sturdy enough to defend the island, and the port of St Helier was vulnerable to attack by cannon-bearing ships.
As you may have guessed, the castle is named after the Queen who ruled England at the time of its construction. A little later, the castle grounds were a place of refuge for King Charles II during the English Civil War. In more recent times, the bunkers of Elizabeth Castle were fortified, as Jersey attempted to defend itself from Nazi Occupation at the start of World War II.
The castle now features a range of historical displays – including the regimental museum of the Royal Jersey Militia, featuring centuries’ worth of army memorabilia. Every Sunday throughout the castle’s open season, historical interpreters recreate the castle as it would have been in 1781. That was the year of the Battle of Jersey, when French forces attempted, unsuccessfully, to invade the island. There are displays of musket and cannon firing, as well as insights into civilian life at the time.
To get to Elizabeth Castle at high tide, you can take one of the two amphibious ferries that ply the short distance from St Helier. At low tide, you can simply walk along the causeway from the town.
Hamptonne Country Life Museum
For a break from all the military history, we recommend a visit to the Hamptonne Country Life Museum, right in the centre of the island. A 15th Century house and farm, Hamptonne delivers a rich insight into how rural life has been lived on the island for hundreds of years.
As you wander around the house and farmland, you’ll learn about Jersey’s cider making history and (a treat for any kids present!) meet the farmstead’s own calves, lambs, chickens and piglets.
Where to stay
With its harbourside setting in the middle of St Helier, the Pomme d’Or simply couldn’t be better situated for getting the feel of this wonderful island. All rooms have air conditioning, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service.
Durrell Wildlife Camp at Jersey Zoo
Glamping in a zoo – what could be more fun? Stay in five-star luxury, with some of the planet’s rarest animals – from lemurs to orangutans – for company.
This 18th Century cottage has been beautifully restored, and is now a welcoming holiday cottage for up to four people. Complete with wood-burning stove for the ultimate in weekend-break cosiness. The garden overlooks the bay at Havre des Pas, with its Victorian promenade.
Driving around Jersey
Beautiful and compact, and blessed with some wonderfully scenic coastal roads in particular, Jersey is a driver’s paradise. Here are a couple of routes you and your classic might enjoy.
Jersey drive 1: the West Coast
From St Helier, take the beautiful A2 (later A1) coast road west along the island’s southern coast, with the salty tang of the Atlantic whipping in towards you as you drive. Pretty harbour villages and vertiginous cliffs will add interest and drama as you travel.
Along the way you may want to stop at Noirmont Point, a bracing headland with another angle on Jersey’s eventful military history. Sited at Jersey’s southernmost point, this World War II gun emplacement and battery enjoys commanding views of St. Aubin’s Bay and the French coastline beyond. It’s an incredibly dramatic spot, and well worth the short detour from the A13 coast road.
Further up the A13, we recommend taking the loop that passes by the lighthouse at Corbière, one of Jersey’s most photographed landmarks. The lighthouse is sited on its own islet just off the coast – however, as with Elizabeth Castle above, you can walk out to it at low tide.
Or, simply amble along the headland for some breathtaking views of the whole of Jersey’s west coast. Nearby, the Corbière Phare restaurant will do you an excellent lunch, with more stunning views.
A little further north again, the route acquires a gentler beauty, with the sea to your left and sand dunes on your right. Around here, you’ll find the National Trust for Jersey’s Wetland Centre. Nature enthusiasts will want to visit the bird hide, for a chance to spot the native Marsh Harriers hunting over the wetlands.
Jersey drive 2: the East Coast
This drive will take you up Jersey’s eastern coastline, which has plenty of drama and beauty of its own. Begin by following the A4 out of St Helier, following signs for the coast road.
Once again, the views of the coast are arresting. Points of interest to look out include the Martello towers at La Collette, just outside St Helier, and Icho, on its own islet.
You’ll also pass, soon after leaving St Helier, the beautiful Botanic Gardens at Samarès Manor, an idyllic spot that’s open to all visitors (there are also self-catering cottages should you wish to stay awhile!). There are also some pretty bays and small fishing harbours en route. The Seymour Inn on the A4 overlooks the oyster beds at La Rocque. Unsurprisingly, the oysters at The Seymour are as fresh as they come.
This route will also take you past the distinctly un-gory (actually very pleasant) village of Gorey, with its neat fishing cottages and pavement cafes. A walk to the end of the pier here will reward you with clear views of the coast of France. Nearby, you’ll be able to look in at Mont Orgueil castle, which we mentioned above – or just potter around Gorey itself, soaking up the atmosphere of this pretty seaside village.
Classic car insurance from Lancaster
We think Jersey will make a wonderful destination for a trip in your classic car. And the knowledge that you have the correct specialist classic car insurance will help you to enjoy it all the more.
Benefits of insuring your vehicle with Lancaster includes EU cover up to 90 days and a UK-based call centre to get things sorted quickly when you need us most.
Contact us today to arrange the right classic car insurance for you and your vehicle.