I Found British Holidays Exciting: This Overlooked Island Shifted My Perspective

In the seventh entry of newzealandadventure Travel Hot Takes , Lifestyle Editor Kristina Beanland shows how she became enamored with an island English Channel .

As a child, I used to spend each year two weeks only summer in Portugal Back then, I wasn't aware of how fortunate I was to have such an intimate connection with this stunning land, yet I clearly knew this: I detested taking holidays in the UK.

Sure, I was acting like a spoiled child. The only excuse is that my 10-year-old self simply didn’t realize it at the time. how much a family holiday costs .

The couple of years when we set off Scotland instead of the Algarve were met with teen fury: ' Doesn’t it rain In Scotland?" The images are nearly humorous—I decline to grin, disregarding the majestic vistas of John O' Groats standing behind me.

So it wasn’t until 2021 that the possibility of a UK-based vacay came up again.

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It was when the world was still living in the shadow of Covid, when travel to far-flung destinations involved PCR tests and paperwork — but like so many of us, I craved a change of scenery.

And that’s when I landed upon Jersey , the tiny Channel Island located 14 miles off the coast of France .

The sole individuals I knew who had gone there were my grandparents, both octogenarians at the time. However, a friend from the island shared photos of her stay, and I found it hard to accept that this location, famous for its beautiful shores, was actually part of the United Kingdom.

It was the simplest choice, and with a flight duration of one hour and five minutes from London to Saint Helier’s capital city, it felt like barely any distance at all.

What drew me to Jersey

It may seem strange, but upon arriving in Jersey, what caught my attention initially was folks lounging at outdoor cafés, enjoying illy coffee at metallic tables — it simply exuded a certain charm. European .

This essentially set the pattern. The island often portrays itself as being of two minds: it boasts quintessential English elements such as traditional pubs and fish-and-chip shops, yet features roads named like Route de la Libération, hosts Norman-style markets, and offers expansive strips of pristine white sandy shores that make you question whether you're not actually somewhere on the mainland.

I've never felt the urge for a ' taste of home' during vacations — you won't find me sipping a full English breakfast when it's 30 degrees Celsius outside or visiting an Irish pub instead. Yet, there was comfort in embracing familiarity while still looking forward to discovering new places.

The atmosphere here is also very laid-back. It feels like there isn’t much to worry about when you can unwind after a long day with a swim in the ocean or enjoying a beer outside. Naturally, it’s not perpetually sunny — I did encounter some rain during my visit — but typically, the climate is moderate and tends to be warmer compared to the UK.

In a town where everybody knows each other, walking into a pub like The Rowdy can feel like stepping into a familiar circle. Trafalgar In St Aubin, where the live music was a highlight, became my favorite spot). Here, being an out-of-towner is noticeable. Instead of making you feel unwelcome though, the residents are eager to converse—be it to explain exactly how slow next-day delivery can be around these parts, or to assure you they have connections somewhere back home in your neck of the woods.

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With its dimensions being merely nine by five miles, getting around is quite simple — the bus system is user-friendly; however, I favored using two wheels for transportation. Following the rental of a bicycle, Aaron’s Bikes I rode my bike for about 40 minutes from St Helier to reach the Portelet Inn pub, which offers breathtaking vistas of the bay.

Activities to enjoy in Jersey

Should you only do one activity in Jersey, it ought to involve hopping aboard a vessel.

Jersey Seafaris provide thrilling RIB boat excursions along the coast and further out. Among their top choices is a tour that brings you to The Ecrehou (costs begin at £45.99 for adults), which consists of a couple of uninhabited islands merely eight miles off the French shore.

There’s enough time for you to hop off, have a wander (and drink your tinnies Before returning home, you could catch sight of some dolphins (just be prepared for some fast circles being made in the harbor). I enjoyed the experience so greatly that I reserved another tour for the next day.

If relaxation is what you're seeking, I checked out two of Jersey's beautiful beaches.

Where to lodge in Jersey

The Club Hotel and Spa Situated at the heart of St Helier, this spot boasts ample rooms. However, its standout feature is a petite outdoor pool equipped with a waterfall—a serene haven for relaxation (or soothing those post-party blues). Additionally, it offers a library area paired with an honesty gin bar, along with its eatery, Bohemia, which has maintained a Michelin star status for over two decades now.

My favorite spot was St. Brelade’s Bay, which both locals and visitors enjoy because of its expansive stretches of sandy shore and the authentic Jersey Crab Shack. I wasn't aware of just how busy this seafood landmark would be; as a result, I couldn't secure a table—so make reservations ahead of time. Rather than dine inside, I chose to get takeaway pizza from the nearby Pizza Express and enjoyed a seaside picnic instead.

A lovely place to visit is Portelet Beach, which features dramatic stairs leading down from the cliff edges to a cozy cove. Should you prefer not to go all the way down to the sandy shore, the Portelet Inn offers a charmingly old-world atmosphere along with breathtaking vistas of the bay. Their roasted pork belly dish was delightful, and considering my meal cost only £26.95 for three courses, it felt like quite the steal for someone hailing from London.

The area also boasts intriguing history. During World War II, from 1940 to 1945, Jersey was occupied by Nazi forces, and today, the chilling tunnels housing an underground German military hospital serve as the island's most popular museum. The Jersey War Tunnels The travelling exhibits provide insight into daily life for residents back then and are a crucial stop during your stay in Jersey.

Both St Helier (the capital) and St Aubin deserve a leisurely walk. Meander along the harbor in St Aubin, or savor dinner at The Old Court House Inn , where you can satisfy your hunger while watching the boats bob in the distance.

A British island gem

I loved Jersey so much, I’m scared to go back.

Certainly, the reasoning might seem convoluted, yet those four days on the island were incredibly enjoyable; thus, I fear they may not be easily duplicated.

Latest figures It shows that approximately half of the people visiting Jersey are over 55 years old, however, in my opinion, millennials and Generation Z are overlooking this underappreciated treasure.

This place offers all you'd desire for a getaway: stunning shores, excellent cuisine (along with drinks), and laid-back island atmosphere. It reshaped my perception of a UK vacation—don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers.

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