12 REASONS TO VISIT JERSEY WITH KIDS

1. Getting there is easy peasy (lemon squeezy)

Whether you’re travelling from London or one of the many local airports that fly into Jersey (think Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Norwich and Sheffield to name a few) you’ll only spend around an hour in the air; no sooner are you up, you’re coming back down again – great for restless children. No stress, no fuss - and definitely no jet-lag. Flights from local airports with EasyJet and FlyBe go for a song, too; British Airways regularly has late deals from London from £47 return including taxes - perfect for a spontaneous weekend getaway.

2. It’s completely geared up for children

Jersey has plenty of blue flag beaches, low tide and warm waters making it perfect for children who want to swim. Many of the hotels have restaurants with children’s menus, and children are pretty much allowed anywhere – even in Michelin star restaurants and pubs after 7pm. Older children will love the range of outdoor activities on offer, too and will doubtless sleep like a baby after a day in the fresh air.

3. It’s sunnier than blighty

Jersey is closer to France than it is to the UK so enjoys significantly more sunshine than blighty.  Winters are mild with temperatures rarely dipping below zero, while March, April and May are ‘walk around in a t-shirt and flip-flops’ months. Summers are long and hazy, the perfect temperature for a dip in the sea, a barbecue in the garden or dinner al fresco overlooking the sea.

4. You can spend the money in your purse

Jersey is in the same currency union as the UK meaning it takes sterling - you won’t have to hunt out a currency exchange before arriving or, worse still, get stung by high rates at the airport. Once on the ground, you won’t have to spend your first day figuring out the price difference or spending over the odds for something.

5. It’s delightfully small

Small islands aren’t just easier o get around but the airport is never far away - no matter where you are staying on Jersey (which is just nine miles by five), your airport transfer is unlikely to be more than 30 minutes (most likely less). Jersey’s compact and bijou size also makes driving a delight – with a population of just over 100,000, there are fewer cars on the road (and zero traffic jams). And there’s nothing quite like a drive through a country lane or along a stretch of coastline to blow those cobwebs away. (We hired a duck-egg blue Fiat convertible and fell in love with driving again.)

6. It’s squeaky clean

Fewer cars means cleaner air, but you won’t find plastic bottles washed up on the beach, litter on the streets or dirt in your hotel room, either. Why? The locals love where they live and want it keep that way – for them and for us. Thank you, Jersey.

7. The beaches are glorious

Jersey is known for its golden sand, shallow blue water and deserted spots meaning you often can picnic, swim, sunbathe and make sand castles without seeing another soul.  In fact, you are never more than 10 minutes from the water’s edge. Head to the wild and beautiful North coast for soaring cliffs and sheltered bays; the southern shores offer serene beaches with silky sand and safe swimming. In the north, try Piémont beach for gentle surfing, Grève de Lecq for a glass of local cider on a sunny boardwalk and Bouley Bay for scuba diving. In the south, head to St Brelade’s Bay for some of the best sunshine on the island, Ouaisne for a small stretch of picture-postcard beach and Belcroute Bay for Stand Up Paddleboarding.

8. It’s as safe as houses…

Literally – the locals often leave their front doors unlocked and rarely lock their car doors, meaning you and all your possessions will be perfectly safe during your stay. While it’s advisable to not be quite so lax whist on Jersey (imagine having to explain to the car hire company why you didn’t lock the door!), it’s good to know that you can fully relax during your holiday.

9. Even fussy eaters will eat

With plenty of farm stalls, delis, restaurants, quirky cafes and pubs serving pub grub, you certainly won’t starve on Jersey. The seafood comes straight from the island’s clear waters meaning you can tuck into flappingly fresh fish whenever the mood takes, be it at a fish stall or in a Michelin-star restaurant overlooking the sea.  When it comes to produce, Jersey is known for the Big 4, namely oysters, lobster, Jersey Royal potatoes and Jersey Cows that produce milk, butter, cream and ice-cream. Don’t leave without trying afternoon tea with a dollop of Jersey cream or a locally-made ice-cream on the beach. For fish, try Jersey Crab Shack in St Helier or Oyster Box on St Brelade; for Michelin-star restaurants, you can’t beat Ocean or Bohemia Bar and Restaurant. Before leaving, visit Relish Deli and grab some local goodies to take home.

10. The locals are super friendly

Research suggests that happy people are kinder, friendlier and more forgiving – on Jersey, you won’t come across a surly shop assistant, a miserable barmaid or a bad-tempered barista. You won’t have to ask anybody for directions, either – simply stand with a map in front of you (or just a furrowed brow) and some kind local will come and ask if they can help. Some will even take you to where you can to go, especially if they are heading that way themselves.

11. There are loads of great places to stay

From boutique hotels to country cottages and from camp sites to quirky B&Bs, Jersey has it all. “Where luxury meets the Ocean,” claims the website of The Atlantic, a multi-award winning, five-star hotel overlooking the sea (pictured below). There’s an outdoor pool, a Michelin-star restaurant and a health club, too. Or try The Club Hotel & Spa, a boutique hotel with a Champagne bar on the roof and a decent spa. Lovers of the outdoors will find plenty of options to camp, glamp or stay in pastel-hued VW vans, while those something completely different can choose to stay in a 19th century cliff-top fort (Fort Leicester), a 15th century granite farmhouse (Cider Barn), a 1930s beach hut hideaway (Barge Aground), an apartment in the barracks of St Elizabeth’s Castle or in a Radio Tower with 360-degree panoramic sea views.

12. You won’t hear the words “I’m bored”

It’s not all beaches and food on Jersey - there’s plenty to see and do during your stay. If you’re feeling active, you can play golf, abseil, surf, cycle, paddle board, kayak, dive or hike; history lovers should make a beeline for the iconic castles, of which there are five - a picnic in the grounds of Mont Orguiel Castle is a must. For attractions, head to Jersey National Park, Jersey Zoo (pictured below) or Jersey Pearl, where you can pick your own oyster pearl.  There’s tax-free shopping all over the island, too - head to the island’s capital St Helier for high-street stores; St Aubin for quirky finds; and The Central Market for flowers, fruit and veg and meat.