Pictured left to right outside the new store are: Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Director of Retail; Emma Bailey, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Tutti Taylor, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Councillor Candy Vaughan, Mayor of Eastbourne; Trevor Ridler, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Business Development Manager; and Shirley Waters, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents..
Looking forward to exploring a new destination, paddling in clear waters, taking bike rides, eating amazing local food, and making new memories together? Jersey is the answer.
A quick one-hour direct flight from Norwich Airport, at just 9 miles by 5 miles, this compact island escape, ticks all the boxes for a perfect family adventure – idyllic family friend beaches, indoor and outdoor play centres, idyllic restaurants with amazing local produce, Instagram worthy sunsets, bike rides, surfing, RIB rides and much more.
Take a look at this suggested seven-day Jersey holiday itinerary for a family for further inspiration of what could be waiting for you.
A Family-owned local institution, serving up local seasonal flavours, great all-day dining and a tasty brunch menu with panoramic views of the expansive St. Ouens Bay from their large al fresco terrace. The children will be happy in the sandpit whilst you breathe in the fresh sea air with your morning cuppa. Watch the surfers and kiteboarders in action as you refuel for your own adventures.
Just a stone’s throw away from your breakfast spot, you could be riding a wave, or relaxing into the downward dog. Join in with a group lesson or keep it personal and book a family session. All abilities and ages are catered for, there really is no excuse not to get involved.
Staying out west, it’s just a short walk to the heart of the Jersey National Park, to one of the ten largest single sand dune systems in the British Isles and fourth richest in flowering plants with a high density of insect life. Go on a bug safari, or just have fun playing in the dunes, it’s a favorite amongst local families and dog walkers alike. Reach the top of the dune for breath-taking views of St. Ouens Bay.
A great choice for a family day out, come rain or shine. With everything included in your entrance fee, the whole family will be entertained all day. You can mine for gold, ride a go-kart, bounce on a pillow, get wet and wild in a water fight, test your bravery on the drop slides and in the summer months get lost in the maize maze. If the weather turns then its indoors to the giant play barn to burn off some energy. Friendly and relaxing it’s a perfect spot to keep active youngsters entertained and happy all day.
The famous Jersey cows have been making the creamiest, richest and smoothest ice-cream in the world since 1763. Probably the reason why Jersey Dairy ice cream is just too good to pass up.
Embrace your child’s inner pirate!
A cold beer at the end of the day and a pirate-themed play area for the children mean that everyone’s happy at the Portelet Inn. An idyllic terrace to dine al fresco with a hint of sea air for warm evenings or curl up by the fire on chillier nights.
When Jerseys tides drop, the warm beach rockpools are left teeming with life from tiny crabs and fish to colourful anemones. Stay still and keep quiet and the adventurous rock poolers will be rewarded with a glimpse of sea creatures at their feet. Try Greve de Lacq and Green Island at low tide for easy access to rock pooling – just don’t venture too far out and keep an eye on the tide!
Jersey Zoo began as the first ever conservation-themed zoo. Over 60 years later, Gerald Durrell’s animal haven is the natural place to discover some of the world’s most incredible creatures. Whether you’re after fun, tranquility, knowledge or a place to soak up the sunshine, this 32-acre park with valleys, woodland and some of the world’s rarest animals is the perfect chance to experience “the jewel in Jerseys crown”. Relax and stay a while.
Located out east overlooking the castle in Gorey, out west in the beautiful St. Brelades bay or centrally in St. Helier. Wherever you’ve spent your day you won’t be too far from The Crab Shack a home-grown restaurant group. Celebrating Jersey and its local produce at every opportunity, it is relaxed family dining without scrimping on quality and service.
Nothing but building sandcastles and watching the tide drift in and out. Park the grandparents in a deck chair and let the kids explore at their own pace in natures best playground. Jersey has some of the best loved family beaches*…
(*These three beaches all have public toilets, baby changing facilities, cafes and RNLI lifeguards in the summer months)
At the top of the list has got to be St Brelades Bay - set in a beautiful location, there is a good reason why it is one of Jerseys most popular beaches. The views are stunning, it has soft, clean, golden sands and crystal-clear waters with gentle waves. Parking nearby, and accessible by public transport. The bay itself has plenty of places to grab a bite to eat from beach cafes to gourmet restaurants. Not to be missed.
This sheltered north facing beach in fringed with wooded slopes and leafy country pubs. A beach that will easily keep you and your little ones entertained all day. With rocks to climb, pools to search for critters in and a sea that’s never too far out, even at low tide, make this a winner with families. However, perhaps its crowning glory is the little stream that runs down the beach, where children play, captivated for hours damming and re-damming the flow. It’s easy to find parking and there are laidback beachside cafes with facilities along the sunny boardwalk.
This beach is well worth the effort of reaching! Located on Jerseys rugged north coast and accessed by quite a few steps is one of Jerseys most beautiful beaches. A Sandy cove on the North West tip of the island with many rock pools, fascinating sea caves, and even a freshwater waterfall. There are some stunning cliff path walks across the top of the bay for those adventurers who want to explore further.
A family run café, located right on the idyllic beach at Portelet Bay. Known for their authentic woodfired pizza as well as seasonal fresh fish during the summer. Using locally sourced produce wherever possible, sometimes from their own garden, their small menu allows them to serve the highest quality and freshest food possible. Portlet Bay can either be reached by steps down or a boat from one of the islands RIB Operators, for an extra slice of adventure!
Settle into a slower pace this morning and take to two wheels. For a kid friendly route, head to the railway walk cycle track which runs from St Aubins Village to La Corbiere Lighthouse along what was once the Jersey Railway track. Nowadays it’s an off-road gravel cycle path with a café and children playground en route. Hire bikes, tandems, kids’ tagalongs and even electric bikes at the start of the cycle path in St. Aubins from an old WWII tunnel and set off in expedition.
The perfect place to stop on your two-wheel adventure. Located directly on the cycle path and with the local parish’s playground at its rear this pit stop will please the whole family.
Coffee culture, brunch and lunches by day…sourdough pizzas and tapas kitchen by night. Fully licensed with a spanking new wine list, cocktails beers and gin!
For children that like an adventure, whisk them off in your family bubble to Jerseys archipelago, Les Ecrehous, and Les Minquiers, one of the largest unexplored areas in Europe. Discover a submerged coastal landscape of reefs and islands, revealed at low tide. Walk, wander, swim and paddle board around this unique habitat before it returns to seabed.
A fresh blast of sea air always puts a smile on your face. You may be forgiven for thinking you were in Jamaica from looking at the pictures!
Elizabeth Castle can be reached at low tide by foot, or, no matter what tide, you could take a ride on the castle amphibious duck, which will transport you across the bay to and from the castle.
Elizabeth Castle is the perfect place to spend a day exploring Jerseys history. Climb the battlements, explore the turrets and bunkers and discover the Hermitage where Saint Helier is thought to have lived around 550 A.D. Meet the 18th century Master Gunner on the Parade Ground. He’ll put you through your paces before marching off to the cockpit to fire the Black Powder cannon.
Jump Jersey is the islands news and biggest indoor activity centre, with a trampoline park, climbing walls and soft play area for the little ones to spring into action. Think “It’s a knock out” meets “Gladiators” with a laser light show and music thrown in for good measure. Big or small, this epic play arena will rock your world, with enough high energy adventure and aerial action to earn you some serious parent points.
Whilst a wine estate may not be the first though on a family trip, with a great playground, chocolate tasting and a treasure hunt throughout the vineyard and estate it’s okay for the grown-ups to treat themselves to a tasting. Reconnect with nature in the beautiful vineyards and orchards of La Mare. In the heart of Jerseys countryside.
Dining al fresco has gained a new level of importance for us all. Pull up a deckchair for a sundowner or pick a table outside for dinner. As you watch the sun slip beyond the horizon you can spot the surfers in the break catching the last waves of the day. Enjoy great world flavours like fish tacos, ribs and curries using the islands rich local produce.
Remember the specialist Travel Norwich Airport staff at Fred. Olsen Travel can tailor your holiday to match your requirements and ensure that you get the holiday of your dreams…
