Jersey is one of Europe’s hidden gems. Nestled close to the French coast but part of the British Isles, this idyllic island is the perfect peaceful retreat. Adventures both on land and sea lend Jersey a unique charm and appease every type of traveller. Not sure how many days you need to spend in Jersey? We'd recommend between a long weekend and a seven-night stay, depending on how much time you'd like to save for relaxing between your activities.

It’s easy to spend your days blowing the cobwebs away with bracing coastal walks along the paths that hug the island’s shores. But if you’re after a specific set of things to do in Jersey, we’ve compiled eight of the best attractions not to miss on a getaway here.

1. Plémont Bay
2. Jersey Zoo
3. Jersey War Tunnels
4. Tamba Park
5. Jersey Museum & Art Gallery
6. Elizabeth Castle
7. La Corbière
8. Mont Orgueil Castle

1. Plémont Bay

Tucked into the northwest corner of the island is stunning Plémont Bay. The surrounding cliffs are carpeted in green, the aquamarine water shimmers in the sunlight and the sickle-shaped beach is cloaked in soft golden sand. Descend steep steps to reach the shore, then spend an afternoon investigating the mysterious caves or trying your hand at surfing. If you’re holidaying with little ones, there are plenty of shallow pools for curious explorers to enjoy.

2. Jersey Zoo

Established by naturalist Gerald Durrell in 1959, Jersey Zoo was a game-changer as the first ever conservation-themed park. Today, this lush attraction is home to a wide range of creatures, from orangutans and bears to flamingos and tortoises. You can easily spend several hours ambling through the 32-acre complex, listening to keepers talking about the animals and even having a go at feeding them.

3. Jersey War Tunnels

Due to its proximity to France, the island became occupied by the Nazis during World War II and you can still see where German troops left their mark at the Jersey War Tunnels. These fortifications, dug deep into a hillside in St Peter’s Valley, were built by slave labourers shipped in from across Europe.

Venture into this fascinating underground museum which chronicles what life was like during Jersey’s five-year occupation. The site serves as a stark and sombre reminder of one of the darkest chapters in the island’s history.

4. Tamba Park

Of all Jersey’s attractions, this family-friendly place packs in adventures aplenty! Located in a verdant pocket of countryside, Tamba Park is the ultimate setting for a day out that suits everyone.

Teens can trampoline to their heart’s content, little ones can dig happily in the sandpit and all the family can squeeze onto a micro boat for a leisurely lake cruise. But best of all is the Dino Trail – meander along paths that take you past 16 life-size animatronic dinosaurs. You’ll experience a t-rex, velociraptor and brachiosaurus along the way!

5. Jersey Museum & Art Gallery

Get to know the island a little better at the Jersey Museum & Art Gallery. Set along a cobbled stretch near St Helier’s waterfront, the complex walks you through the island’s history that stretches back 250,000 years. One of the standout highlights is the Victorian House, which has been meticulously restored to create an authentic 19^th-century setting. Don’t miss it!

6. Elizabeth Castle

More of Jersey’s rich history can be traced at Elizabeth Castle. This 16^th-century fortress is perched on a tidal islet and once guarded the St Helier waterfront.

At low tide, you can head across the causeway by foot to visit this magical castle. Spend a morning roaming the time-worn battlements, peeping into the bunkers used by Nazis during World War II and drinking in the incredible views out to sea and back across to Jersey.

7. La Corbière Lighthouse

Lighthouses don’t get more dramatic than this – it’s one of the best things to do in Jersey. Set on the southwestern tip of the island, La Corbière’s bright beam has guided sailors through stormy nights since 1873. Its white silhouette contrasts beautifully against the surrounding sapphire waters and rocky islet it’s built upon.

To reach the lighthouse, you’ll have to wait until low tide to venture 500 yards across the causeway. Take a picnic with you or wait until sunset to see the building at its most picturesque.

8. Mont Orgueil Castle

Towering high above the quaint fishing port of Gorey is breathtaking Mont Orgueil Castle. A medieval relic that’s stood here for 800 years, the fortress played a key role in guarding Jersey from the French, along with many other guises throughout its tenure. Battlements, complete with cannons, offer mesmerising views out to sea and the French coast, while exhibits among the nooks and crannies of the castle give insight into its intriguing history.

Now you’re up to speed on the top things to do in Jersey, begin planning a getaway to the island with Jet2.