Elizabeth Castle is a castle and tourist attraction, on a tidal island within the parish of Saint Helier, Jersey. Construction was started in the 16th century when the power of cannon meant that the existing stronghold at Mont Orgueil was insufficient to defend the Island and the port of St. Helier was vulnerable to attack by ships armed with cannon.

It is named after Elizabeth I who was the queen of England around the time the castle was built.

As part of the Jersey Heritage attractions, Elizabeth Castle is accessible at low tide by foot, or, at both low and high tide, the castle ferries, Charming Betty or Charming Nancy, which will transport you across the bay to and from the castle. Elizabeth Castle is the perfect place to spend a day exploring Jersey's history. Climb the battlements, explore the turrets and bunkers and discover the Hermitage where Saint Helier is thought to have lived around 550 A.D.

Mont Orgueil Castle, or Gorey Castle as it was first known, has cast its imposing shadow over the beautiful fishing port of Gorey for more than 800 years. One of the finest examples of a medieval fortress in existence, Mont Orgueil is also a symbol of Jersey’s national identity and independent character.

Take in breathtaking views of the French coast as you delve into the network of staircases, towers and secret rooms to discover hidden treasures.  Explore the network of staircases, towers and secret rooms to discover gruesome tales and hidden treasures.  Learn the story of the Castle through specially commissioned artwork, climb the turrets to find the medieval ‘wheel of urine’, and make your way if you dare into the cellar to study the 'witchcraft' exhibit. High on the battlements, with their commanding view of the surrounding hillsides and distant French coast, stand shoulder to shoulder with wooden soldiers who ‘guard’ the Castle.

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO AT MONT ORGUEIL CASTLE

1) See the Dance of Death statue hidden within the Castle

2) Amazing views across the sea to the French coast

3) Walk down the staircase to find the Witches in Hell

4) Discover the Wheel of Urine

5) Find the Prayer Nuts in one of the castle's rooms

Hohlgangsanlage 8 was a partially completed underground hospital complex in St. Lawrence, Jersey, built by German occupying forces during the occupation of Jersey during World War II. Over 1 km of tunnels were completed

Grosnez Castle is a ruined 14th-century castle in St. Ouen, situated in Grosnez in the north-west corner of the island. Philippe de Carteret held it against the French when they held half of Jersey between 1461 and 1467, but it has been a ruin since the mid-16th century. Today, the ruins are open to the public. with concrete steps that lead from the rear of Grosnez Castle to an automated signal station where you will have fantastic views across to the other Channel Islands.

Beauport Bay is the perfect bay for soaking up the sun and is nestled in the west of the island, surrounded by a cliffs on three sides. The Bay is only for more agile visitors as it’s reached through an energetic ramble down a steep incline using the steps from the car park. On the plus side, this means you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy the beach as it’s never too crowded. Beauport enjoys the most sun in the morning and early afternoon. While there are a few pebbles to gingerly step over, the rest of the sand is fine and free of sharp rocks and shells, making Beauport perfect for families with little ones. We are proud of our clear local waters, and Beauport’s is worthy of special mention as it’s pristine. This makes it the perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling and rock jumping. Watch out for the rocks made of natural pink granite, which sparkle in the sunlight. 

You wouldn’t think so from the quiet turning off a main road, but at the end of this winding lane, the adventurous will discover one of island’s most striking hidden away beaches. Plemont beach is shouldered either side by high cliffs and the island’s largest caves, creating a sheltered crescent-shaped sweep of golden sand and rock pools at low tide.

Plemont is a hugely popular locals’ beach with a long history. It was a favourite beach in Victorian and Edwardian times, when whole families would descend the steps to picnic on the rocks - parasols at the ready. Photographs from time time show chivalrous gentlemen carrying intrepid lady bathers through the rock pools on their way to see the caves.

WHEN TO GO
Check the tide times. This pretty beach is only uncovered at low tide, with a small window of opportunity to enjoy the golden sands before the tide comes back in. Lifeguards patrol the beach from mid May to mid September, and be sure to time your visit around breakfast, brunch or dinner at Plemont Bay Cafe…

Discover the iconic La Corbière lighthouse in Jersey. It’s not just the architecture of this striking white lighthouse that draws the eye. It’s also the location - towering over Jersey’s south western corner, flanked by rocks and reached by a causeway. Stormwatcher and sentinel, it stands through the island’s sunsets and weathers the Atlantic storms.  Here’s how to enjoy this iconic location to the full.

The lighthouse of La Corbière is set on a tidal island out at sea, surrounded by dark rocks. At low tide, you can walk the causeway out to the lighthouse, past rock pools and sandy beaches to discover a part of the island only revealed at low tide. Explore, but stay alert - an alarm warns visitors when the tide is returning and it’s time to leave the causeway.

The best way to get to La Corbière? We’d suggest either on foot or on a bicycle with a picnic from St. Aubin. An inland trail begins at St. Aubin and follows the track of a long-disused granite railway, climbing through tree-lined valleys to reach its peak, and the first glimpse of St. Ouen’s Bay. Save the picnic to enjoy at the end of the road with dramatic views overlooking the lighthouse and the bay.

SUNSET SUNDOWNERS
It’s said that we never get tired of sunsets, and the southwestern headland of La Corbière is at its most magnificent silhouetted by the vibrant colours of a sunset sky. A magical spot for sundowners, La Corbière is an ideal place to end your day with a drink while you watch the sun sink into the sea.