The freedom of Jersey with a Libertybus staycation!

Planning a staycation can be just as exciting as a trip abroad, especially when your destination is the picturesque island of Jersey. Nestled in the English Channel, Jersey offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and charming local culture. And the best part? You can explore it all using the Libertybus, making your journey both eco-friendly and convenient. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable 3-day adventure! Oh and you can purchase a 3-day Pass, giving you unlimited travel on the network for only £23.50 or £47 for a family (2 adults and up to 3 children – 15 years and under!). Incredible value and flexibility!

Day 1: Coastal Charm and Historical Wonders

Morning: St. Helier and Elizabeth Castle

Start your staycation in Jersey’s vibrant capital, St. Helier. Hop on Liberty Bus Route 15, which frequently runs between St. Helier and the Jersey Airport, making it a convenient option for exploring the town. Begin your day with a visit to the bustling Central Market, where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Fresh pastries, local cheeses, and artisan coffee await you.

Afterwards, head towards the waterfront for a short walk to Elizabeth Castle. At low tide, you can reach the castle on foot across the causeway, or take the Castle Ferry during high tide. This historical fortress, dating back to the 16th century, offers panoramic views of the bay and a deep dive into Jersey’s military history.

Afternoon: St. Brelade’s Bay and La Corbière

Board Route 12A from St. Helier’s Liberation Bus Station and travel westward to St. Brelade’s Bay, one of Jersey’s most beautiful beaches. Here, you can relax on the soft sands, take a dip in the clear waters, or explore the charming parish church and Fisherman’s Chapel nearby. Treat yourself to a delicious lunch at one of the bay’s beachfront restaurants, where you can savour local seafood while enjoying the ocean view.  Next, continue on the Route 12A to La Corbière. This route offers a scenic ride along the southern coast, passing lush countryside and quaint villages. La Corbière Lighthouse, perched on a rugged promontory, is a must-see. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh sea air and capture some photos of the stunning coastal scenery before returning back on the Route 12A to St. Helier’s Liberation Bus Station.

Evening: Gorey Pier 

As the afternoon turns into evening, hop on Route 1 from St. Helier to Gorey Pier. The route winds through the eastern part of the island, offering glimpses of rural life and coastal vistas. Arriving in Gorey, you’ll be greeted by the impressive Mont Orgueil Castle. This medieval fortress has stood guard over Jersey for over 600 years and provides a fascinating look into the island’s past. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the French coast.

End your day with a leisurely stroll along Gorey Pier. Enjoy dinner at one of the charming seafood restaurants, where you can watch the sunset over the harbour, casting a golden glow over the castle. We can highly recommend The Dolphin Hotel & Restaurant or The Moorings – historic places at Gorey Pier, offering delicious meals and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Reflect on your day’s adventures as you dine on local specialties, from freshly caught fish to Jersey Royal potatoes.

Day 2: Natural Beauty and Adventure

Morning: La Hougue Bie and Jersey Zoo

Board Route 13 from St. Helier towards La Hougue Bie, one of Europe’s finest prehistoric sites (see above). This ancient passage grave, dating back to around 3500 BC, offers a fascinating glimpse into Jersey’s distant past. The on-site museum houses a collection of archaeological finds, providing further insight into the island’s rich history.

Back onto the Route 13 with a trip to the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (Jersey Zoo), located in Trinity (see above). It’s a world-renowned sanctuary. Founded by famed naturalist Gerald Durrell, the zoo is home to a variety of endangered species and plays a crucial role in global conservation efforts. Spend your morning exploring the beautifully landscaped grounds and getting up close with animals such as gorillas, orangutans, and lemurs.

Afternoon: Rozel Bay 

From the zoo, catch Route 3 to Rozel Bay, a picturesque fishing village on Jersey’s north coast (see above). Here, you can enjoy a light lunch at The Hungry Man, a beloved kiosk serving hearty sandwiches and fresh seafood right by the harbour. Take some time to wander around the quaint village and perhaps dip your toes in the cool waters of the bay.

Evening: St. Martin and The Royal Bay of Grouville

Continue your journey on Route 3 to St. Martin Parish Hall, a charming village known for its lush green lanes and traditional Jersey granite houses. Make the short walk to The Royal St Martin’s public house in St. Martin (see above) and enjoy dinner here – the Field Mushroom and Truffle Pitchivier is something else, so too the Tofu Coconut & Lemongrass Curry! After gorging on the culinary delights, pick up the Route 2 from here – the bus heads past The Royal Bay of Grouville. This expansive beach (see below) is perfect for an evening stroll, with Mont Orgueil Castle providing a dramatic backdrop.

Day 3: Artistic Inspiration and Coastal Serenity

Morning: Samarès Manor and Gardens

On your final day, explore the artistic and serene side of Jersey. Start with a visit to Samarès Manor, easily accessible via Route 1A, which stops right outside. This historic manor house is surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens, including a herb garden, Japanese garden, and exotic plant collection. Stroll through the manicured grounds, taking in the colours and scents of the diverse flora.

Afternoon: St. Ouen’s Bay and The Wetland Centre

From Samarès Manor, head back to St. Helier on Route 1A and catch Route 22 from Liberation Bus Station to St. Ouen’s Bay, Jersey’s longest beach (see below). This stretch of coastline is a haven for surfers and nature lovers alike. Rent a bike or simply walk along the wide expanse of sand, breathing in the salty sea breeze.

A short ride on Route 22 brings you to The Wetland Centre, located at the edge of St. Ouen’s Pond (see below). Managed by the National Trust for Jersey, the centre offers a glimpse into the island’s unique wetland ecosystem. Observe a variety of bird species from the viewing hides and learn about the local wildlife through interactive exhibits.

Evening: The bright lights, serenity and architectural heaven that is St. Helier

As your staycation draws to a close, take the Route 22 back to St. Helier and enjoy a peaceful walk around the harbour, along the Promenade to Havre des Pas (see below), with the sound of waves gently lapping the shore as your soundtrack. Stop off for dinner by the seafront, maybe at the lovely Dockland Restaurant or Moita’s Bistro, which serves up fabulous Portuguese food. Petisco Tradicional is a small friendly cafe/restaurant a few yards inland, whilst The Good Egg Beach Cafe on the front is fabulous too!

Then, back into St. Helier for maybe a visit to a nightclub, wine bar or a walk round the bustling old town, soaking in the fab architecture! Every building, either a shop, restaurant, church or even a bank is aesthetically delightful on the eye and entrancing to look at!

Embrace the Journey!

Jersey may be a small island, but it’s brimming with natural beauty, historical intrigue, and cultural charm. Traveling by Libertybus not only allows you to explore at your own pace but also helps reduce your carbon footprint. Whether you’re wandering through ancient castles, relaxing on pristine beaches, or immersing yourself in local wildlife, Jersey offers an idyllic setting for a memorable staycation. So, hop on the bus, let the island’s magic unfold, and create lasting memories on this enchanting island getaway. For more details and to plan your scenic sojourn, check out….  Liberty Bus