Fun Facts
Jersey is such a fascinating place, full of fun-filled, obscure and enlightening gems of information. Every route has a tale to tell, of serving locations of monumental historical significance or quirky and colourful contributions to Jersey’s eclectic, charming and unique brilliance. Here’s 10 tidbits to tempt you to find out more about this wonderful, entrancing Island.
On the number 1 route from St. Helier to Gorey Pier is La Rocque Harbour on Jersey’s southeastern coast. It is steeped in history with a fascinating and obscure fact: it was the site of the last invasion of the British Isles. On January 6, 1781, French forces landed at La Rocque in an attempt to capture the island. The invaders marched inland but were eventually defeated at the Battle of Jersey in St. Helier. Today, La Rocque is a peaceful fishing harbour, with a charming granite pier and views of the offshore Seymour Tower, but it holds this unique and dramatic chapter in Jersey’s history.
Rozel Bay, a picturesque fishing village is situated on Jersey’s northeastern coast at the end of the number 3 bus route from St. Helier. It has a quirky and fascinating claim to fame: it’s home to the island’s smallest pub, The Hungry Man. This tiny eatery, perched right on the waterfront, has been serving up hearty snacks and drinks to locals and visitors since the 1940s. Despite its small size, The Hungry Man is a beloved Jersey institution, known for its friendly atmosphere and famous bacon butties. Rozel Bay itself, with its colorful boats and charming cottages, adds to the quaint and cozy feel, making it a must-visit spot with a truly unique character.
Bouley Bay, is nestled on Jersey’s rugged northern coast on the number 4 from St. Helier and is not only a scenic spot but also the location of a thrilling and obscure motorsport tradition: the Bouley Bay Hill Climb. Since 1920, this steep, twisting road has hosted one of the oldest motorsport events in Europe. Drivers from around the world tackle the challenging ascent, which rises 200 metres over a length of just over a mile, testing both skill and nerve. Beyond its racing heritage, Bouley Bay is also a diving hotspot, with clear waters and a rich marine ecosystem, adding to its allure as a destination for adventurers.
St. John’s is a tranquil parish on the number 5 from St Helier and holds a fascinating and lesser-known connection to space exploration. In 1969, during the Apollo 11 moon landing, St. John’s became briefly famous when a local amateur radio enthusiast, Reginald Turner, unexpectedly picked up transmissions between the astronauts and NASA. His radio picked up the iconic words of Neil Armstrong as he stepped onto the moon, creating a moment of astonishment for the island. This quirky brush with history adds a cosmic twist to St. John’s, a parish otherwise known for its scenic countryside and historic church.
St. Ouen’s Bay, Jersey’s longest beach, is on the number 9 route from St. Helier and has a fascinating and obscure wartime secret: it was home to the only German-engineered train track on British soil. During World War II, the occupying forces built a narrow-gauge railway along the bay’s dunes to transport materials for fortifications. Though the track is long gone, remnants of bunkers and concrete structures still dot the landscape, adding a layer of history to the bay’s natural beauty. Today, St. Ouen’s Bay is a paradise for surfers and beachgoers, but its intriguing wartime past remains an often-overlooked aspect of this stunning coastal stretch.
St. Brelade’s Bay, on the number 14 bus route, is known for its beautiful sandy beach and holds a fascinating and obscure fact linked to its parish church. The nearby Fishermen’s Chapel, dating back to the 12th century, features stunning medieval frescoes that were hidden for centuries under layers of whitewash. These vibrant paintings, depicting scenes from the Bible, were accidentally rediscovered in the early 20th century during restoration work. The chapel’s ancient art offers a glimpse into the island’s religious past and provides a surprising historical treasure right beside one of Jersey’s most popular and picturesque bays.
Corbière Lighthouse, perched on Jersey’s southwestern tip on the stunning number 22 route, has a fascinating and obscure link to maritime history: it was the first lighthouse in the British Isles to be constructed of reinforced concrete when it was built in 1874. Even more intriguing, the lighthouse was the first in the world to be equipped with an automatic foghorn, which could detect fog and sound itself without human intervention. This innovation was crucial in guiding ships safely through the treacherous waters around Corbière. Today, the lighthouse is a beloved landmark, famous for its breathtaking sunsets and dramatic coastal views.