This unique little island, just nine miles long and five miles wide, may be British, but it feels like a slice of France. Not surprising when you consider Jersey is just 14 miles off the coast of Brittany and the pretty port of St Malo, yet well over 80 miles from the UK mainland.
It’s often described as a “bit of France that fell into the sea” and picked up by England. You’ll find French place names, French flavours in the food, and even remnants of the Norman language, all while enjoying the familiar creature comforts of a British island. And while English is the official language, this gorgeous island has its own dialect, Jèrriais, which is derived from Norman French. It’s history is deeply intertwined with Normandy, and this is reflected in its place names, architecture, and even some culinary traditions.
However, Jersey is a Crown Dependency, meaning it is a self-governing parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy with allegiance to the British Crown.
Jersey was part of the Duchy of Normandy, whose dukes became kings of England from 1066. After Normandy was lost by the kings of England in the 13th century, and the ducal title surrendered to France, Jersey remained loyal to the English Crown, though it never became part of the Kingdom of England.
At the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Jersey was at the frontline of the Anglo-French Wars and was invaded a number of times, leading to the construction of fortifications such as Mont Orgueil Castle and a thriving smuggling industry. During WW2, the island was invaded and occupied for five years by the Nazis. The island was liberated on May 9, 1945, which is now celebrated as the island’s national day.
Today, the British influence is still felt. English is the main language, and the pound sterling is its primary currency, making it very straightforward for UK visitors. Additional British cultural similarities include driving on the left, access to British television, newspapers and other media, a school curriculum following that of England, and the popularity of English sports, including football and cricket. And of course, the island is well known to Brits through the popular 1980s BBC TV drama Bergerac starring John Nettles.
According to Visit Jersey around 400,000 UK visitors went to the island in 2024 making a significant contribution to the island’s tourism industry.
One English couple, Steve and Vanessa Butcher have visited Jersey 75 times since they won a day-trip in a competition in 1985.
Mr Butcher told the BBC: “From the first time we came, we wanted to come back, and we came back, and we wanted to keep coming back, so it’s gone on from there.” They called the island “scenic, friendly and homely” and would keep visiting.
Jersey offers a diverse range of attractions, from historical sites like castles and war tunnels to beautiful beaches and a renowned zoo. Some of the most popular attractions include Elizabeth Castle, Mont Orgueil Castle, the Jersey War Tunnelss and Jersey Zoo.
The island also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant: The Bohemia Bar & Restaurant located at The Club Hotel & Spa in the capital St Helier. It is the only restaurant in Jersey and the Channel Islands to hold a Michelin star. Bohemia has retained its star for 19 consecutive years and is also recognised with four AA Rosettes.
Several UK airports offer direct flights to Jersey, including Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool, Birmingham and Southampton with an hour flight time from London. EasyJet, British Airways, and Blue Islands are among the airlines that operate these routes.