10 reasons why Jersey is a fantastic island for solo travellers
An island gem just 14 miles from France’s northern coast, Jersey rewards visitors with long sandy beaches, irresistible sunsets, glorious gardens and some fabulously fresh seafood – plus it's ideal for solo travellers.
If you're one of the quarter of British holidaymakers who enjoys going it alone on a solo holiday or you're looking to try your first ever singles' escape, the Channel Island is a great place to explore on your own.
Jersey is peaceful, enjoys milder weather than the UK and offers breathtaking natural sites you can spend days discovering.
What's more, to help you experience the best solo trip to Jersey, we’ve arranged a summer escape for independent-minded Country Living readers, where you’ll be part of a group to see the best bits and enjoy a couple of days to explore the island on your own or with the new friends you make.
Here's an idea of the top experiences you can expect on a solo holiday in Jersey.
1. Taste delicious fresh seafood
There are so many places on the island to sample some of the sea’s wonderful produce that you’ll be spoiled for choice, wherever you stay. If you’re on a solo trip, there’s nothing nicer than whiling away a few hours with a good book and an even better plate of food.
Throw in some stunning sea views? Instant win. Try beachfront café Colleens in La Greve de Lecq, on the north coast, for fantastically crisp fish and chips the locals love, or head into the capital St. Helier for fine dining.
2. Relax in beautiful gardens
Elegant public gardens dotted across the island make Jersey a nature lover's dream. One of the most famous is the Botanic Gardens at Samarès Manor, created in the 1920s by Sir James Knott with various areas, including an aromatic herb garden and tranquil Japanese garden.
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It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a bit of ‘me-time’ and practice being mindful in beautiful surroundings.
3. Enjoy afternoon tea
Jersey is famous for its deliciously creamy gold top milk, and its clotted cream is even more of a rich treat. That makes afternoon tea on the island a serious affair, with thick butter alongside the traditional jam and cream, plus classy finger sandwiches to start.
Rozel Bay Tea Room’s version comes highly recommended by locals. It’s a cosy, intimate affair, making it a great place to strike up conversation and get some more insider tips for your solo adventure.
4. Discover the island’s story
Exploring a fascinating museum at your own pace is one of life’s great pleasures, so it’s the perfect activity when you’re holidaying by yourself. The Jersey Museum & Art Gallery in St. Helier tells the island’s intriguing story from its earliest settlement 250,000 years ago to its life as a British crown-protectorate.
You’ll find out what rural life was like here during Victorian times, and maybe even learn to speak a bit of Jersey French!
5. Watch beautiful sunsets in St. Helier's harbour
The entire island enjoys wonderful sunsets, and heading high up on the headlands of the north coast is one way to see them, but for an easy-to-reach romantic backdrop, head down to St. Helier’s marina at dusk and enjoy a truly magical experience.
Letting your thoughts settle as you drink in the deep colours of a Jersey sunset is another great way to be mindful.
6. Experience its World War II past
If you want to experience military history up close, head deep underground into the Jersey War Tunnels, built by the Nazi invaders as a barracks and ammunition store.
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It’s now an interactive museum that tells the tale of this dark period in Jersey’s history in a captivating way. You’ll leave with plenty of interesting stories to tell friends and family when you get back home.
7. Venture out to the mighty Elizabeth Castle
Built out on a tidal island off the coast from St. Helier during the late 1500s to protect against invading ships, Elizabeth Castle might look hard to reach when the tide’s high.
It’s connected to the mainland by a causeway though, and nowadays can be reached on charming wading vehicles that drive along the seabed. Hop onboard for an intrepid adventure that’s ideal for independent explorers.
8. Go caving at Plemont Bay
Jersey’s rocky north coast has plenty of pools to explore along the beach, and at Plemont Bay you’ll also find some of the island’s largest caves set into the cliffs, which you can explore at low tide.
One for more adventurous solo visitors, and best in the summer months, it’s a fascinating insight into the island’s geology.
9. Have a BBQ on the beach
An afternoon or evening BBQ on one of the sweeping beaches along the southern shores is a lovely way to while away a few hours – no wonder it’s one of the most popular activities for island inhabitants.
Treat yourself to some brilliant seafood from a local fish shop and grill it in out in the salty sea breeze, enjoying the sweeping views of the horizon and the serene sound of the waves lapping against the sand. This is a great way to spend time with the new friends you make on your solo trip.
10. Taste La Mare wines on the St. Mary estate
Alongside its gorgeous seaside cuisine, Jersey has its very own vineyards, thanks to the warm, sunny climate it enjoys. The La Mare Wine Estate in St Mary is the only one on the small island, but its wines are award winning.
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It’s the ultimate indulgent solo activity: sipping fine wines in a truly idyllic, peaceful setting, with the chance to try some of the estate’s homemade fudge and chocolates too.
Book your place on a solo traveller's trip to Jersey, with no single supplement, a free bus pass and a full-day tour of the island’s highlights all included. FIND OUT MORE
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