A fastinating Journey
The number 1 bus is a stunning seaside ride along three golden bays – Greve d’Azette, St. Clement’s Bay and Royal Bay of Groville.
The whole journey is full of fascination and will entrance you throughout. It’s really mesmerising! Here, though, is our ‘top 10 pick’ sights to be sure to look out for from the bus window:
1. The Monument to Freedom Statue
Situated in Liberation Square, right next to the Bus Station in St. Helier, this amazing sculpture is a striking representation of the Jersey population waving the Union Flag when the British Armed Forces liberated them after years of German occupation during World War 2.
2. Fort Regent, St. Helier
Just after the bus has left, there’s a lovely sight of multi-coloured buildings, lolly-stick style trees and Fort Regent the 19th Century fortification and leisure centre on Mont de la Ville. There’s a real sense of occasion as the bus goes into a tunnel underneath the Fort!
3. The Lido, Havre des Pas
Five minutes after leaving the Bus Station, through the tunnel and the bus runs alongside the delightful Havre des Pas beach with its traditional seaside promenade and small elegant Pier, at the end of which is an original Victorian Bathing pool and lido.
4. Boules games
Keep your eyes peeled for the sight of boules being played on lovely, smooth, carpet-like greens. Boules is very much seen in Jersey as a sign of the Island’s great, links with France and classic French traditions.
5. Palm trees, pastel and perfection
Recurrent views of palm trees at the end of perfectly manicured gardens, with blooming flowers in front of pastel coloured houses, is an abiding memory for many of this great bus journey and its Mediterranean feel!
6. Harry Vardon Statue
Look out for the entrance to the glorious Royal Jersey Golf Club with its smooth greens and soft, undulating fairways. Outside is a statue of Harry Vardon who was born in Grouville, Jersey and learned his golf here. In 1896, Vardon won the first of his six Open Championships (a record that still stands today).
7. The Jersey Round Tower at Le Hocq
Built around 1708, this fortified tower is one of several on the Island that were constructed to defend Jersey and Guernsey from French invasions. It looks out onto the exquisite St. Clement’s Bay – be sure to pay a visit to the Le Hocq Shaq next door with its lovely ice cream and scrumptious snack.
8. La Rocque Harbour
The views are particularly exquisite at this breathtaking harbour with its sweeping vistas, extensive rock pools and sandy areas at low tide and amazing gullies and reefs exposed!
9. The looming presence of Mont Orguil Castle
Excitement gathers at Gorey Pier gets closer and the sight of the medieval Mont Orguil Castle, protectively overlooking the Royal Bay of Grouville and the harbour.
10. Fishing boat roundabout
In the centre of Gorey Pier, opposite the bus stop and where vehicles turn round is a delightful fishing boat, which gives a fabulous first impression, summing up the maritime heart of this brilliant village.