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Beaches and Bays
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| 2006 |
AnnePort
This east facing beach is a delightful bay in the north east of the Island, which is rarely crowded because of the lack of nearby parking. The beach enjoys the morning and mid-day sun but loses it in late afternoon. The beach is very sheltered from even quite strong westerly winds but is not the best location on the rare days in summer when the wind blows from the east. The sand is hardish and wet along most of the beach, with quite an expanse drying out on low spring tides. There are some stony areas close to the sea wall.
Parking: Can be a problem. There are a few spaces across the road from the beach and a further limited area up the hill at the northern end of the bay on the road to Archirondel. It's a case of arriving early and enjoying the benefit of a virtually empty beach.
Buses: Route 1b to St Catherine. (Summer only)
Toilets: Public toilets available.
Bathing safety: Very safe bathing at all states of the tide.
Water and beach sports: Slipway provides access for small craft.
Refreshments: None close by.
Popularity: Because of its lack of parking, the beach is prevented from becoming crowded.
Archirondel
Archirondel is a very popular beach in the north east corner of the Island, with good parking and an excellent café. It is rarely crowded, despite these facilities, except at high tide when the area of beach exposed is very limited. An ideal spot for an evening picnic and swim, particularly when high tide coincides. East facing, the beach is well protected from prevailing westerlies but loses the sun in late afternoon. A substantial area of wet sand is exposed at mid- to low tide but the upper part of the beach is stony.
Parking: A reasonable sized car park is situated right on the edge of the beach alongside the café and there are other parking areas further up the lane leading to the beach and on the side of the main road.
Buses: Route 1b to St Catherine. (Summer only)
Toilets: Public toilets available.
Bathing safety: Very safe bathing at most states of the tide with the water receding across the flat sandy lower beach and staying very shallow for some distance. At high tide the water reaches the steeply sloping shingle upper beach providing a good location for competent swimmers and the opportunity to dive from rocks surrounding the derelict jetty and Martello Tower.
Refreshments: A café provides for all requirements.
Popularity: The availability of parking makes this a popular beach but low tides during the late morning to mid-afternoon ensure that there is plenty of room for everybody. Space is much more restricted at high tide.
Beauport
Beauport is one of Jersey's most delightful beaches. A veritable sun trap on the south coast it could easily become overcrowded but the long trek down a fairly steep path from the car park at the top of the bay helps keep it from becoming too busy. South facing and surrounded on three sides by the cliff, the beach is sheltered from all but winds from due south. The beach loses the sun in the late afternoon. Soft, golden sand after the initial pebbles makes Beauport ideal for families.
Parking: A good size car park is sufficient to ensure that those who are prepared for the walk down to the beach can find a space for their car at all but peak periods.
Buses: Beauport is a bit off the beaten track. The closest bus stops are at the western end of St Brelade's Bay (Route 12), from where there is a walk of approximately half a mile, largely uphill, to the beach car park, followed by the descent to the bay. Alternatively, there is a flat walk of similar length from La Route du Sud, further along Route 12 towards Corbiere.
Toilets: Public toilets at the car park and beach ends of the cliff path.
Bathing safety : Safe bathing at all states of the tide. At high tide the beach slopes fairly rapidly.
Popularity: The steep climb down to the beach, followed by the inevitable climb back at the end of the day deters sufficient people to keep the beach from becoming overcrowded.
Bonne Nuit
Located in the centre of the island's north coast, Bonne Nuit is a small fishing harbour which is an ideal place for a quiet sunbathe or a picnic, but not the best for swimming. Because it is north facing, the best spots lose the sun as it begins to drop below the high cliffs behind, only to return close to sunset on summer evenings. The cliffs provide shelter from all but onshore breezes. Such sand, as is uncovered at low tide, is occupied by small fishing boats and their ropes.
Parking: Parking is limited.
Buses: Given the bay's relative isolation, Route 4 offers a good service all year round.
Toilets: Public toilets available.
Bathing safety: Not ideal for bathing but competent swimmers will enjoy a dip at high tide.
Water and beach sports: A good place to launch a small boat.
Refreshments: An excellent beach café.
Popularity: Rarely becomes busy but parking can be a problem.
Bouley Bay
Bouley Bay is another small north coast harbour with ideal deep water for competent swimmers who don't mind starting off on a stony beach. The beach loses the sun in the afternoon when it drops behind the high cliffs and does not get it back close to sunset like Bonne Nuit. There is no sand, just pebbles and rocks.
Parking: Very limited.
Buses: None in winter, but Route 4 calls in six times daily on its return journey from Bonne Nuit on summer weekdays. Alternatively a longish walk down the hill from Trinity Church and a slightly longer walk back up.
Toilets: Public toilets available.
Bathing safety: Good swimmers only. The pebble beach shelves steeply and the water is deep, but inviting.
Water and beach sports: There is a skin-diving (spear fishing) school here.
Refreshments: A bar and beach café provide for all needs.
Popularity: Not the easiest bay to get to and parking is limited, so it never becomes too crowded.
Corbière
The coast of Jersey’s south western corner is rather rugged and can be extremely dangerous for shipping, although it wasn’t until 1874 that Corbière lighthouse was first lit. The lighthouse was the first in the British Isles to be built of reinforced conrete and its light is visible for 18 miles (29 kms) in clear weather. The lighthouse is connected to the shore by a causeway that is covered at high tide. The rush of the tide around this part of the coast can be very dangerous but it is a beautiful place, whether in broad daylight or at sunset.
Parking: There is lots of free parking in the surrounding car parks or in the lay by.
Buses: Route 12 serves this area where Corbière is the final stop.
Toilets: Public toilets are available across the road from the bus stop.
Bathing safety: This area is rocky and can be rather treacherous with its strong swell. Not suitable for bathing.
Refreshments: During the summer season there is often an ice cream van positioned on the cliff top. Food is also served at the Corbière Phare Pub opposite the bus stop.
Popularity: This is a popular point for both locals and visitors because of its spectacular views and sunsets.
Gorey
The village of Gorey is situated on the east coast of the island, the nearest headland to France. The castle of Mont Orgueil stands above the small village and at night when it is illuminated, it is particularly attractive. At one time the castle was the first defence against the French, but now the harbour is the starting point for more peaceful summertime invasions of the French ports of Carteret, Portbail and Grainville.
Close by is the Royal Jersey Golf Club and the Jersey Pottery.
Gorey offers the visitor a variety of places to stay from economy guest houses to small luxurious hotels offering the highest standards in comfort, service and cuisine. Close by is the Royal Jersey Golf Club.
The community also features a wide variety of restaurants and pubs.
Green Island
Many local people, particularly those living in the east, would unhesitatingly name this their favourite beach. South facing, the beach is a sheltered suntrap, which is probably why everyone loves it so much. Much more sheltered than the stretch of open sand around the corner from La Mare to Greve d'Azette. There is soft sand and rocks for the children to play on and around.
Parking: The public car park is right next to the beach, otherwise go to the end of the line on the approach roads.
Buses: Well served by Route 1.
Toilets: Public toilets available.
Bathing safety: You have to walk a long way to find the sea at low tide and you risk being overtaken in the rocky gullies as it returns. However, once the tide passes the rock breakwater on its way in, bathing is very safe.
Refreshments: The beach café has metamorphosed into one of the Island's best small restaurants, but there is also a beach kiosk.
Grève de Lecq
The most accessible and most popular of the north coast beaches, Grève de Lecq has good parking and excellent facilities. The beach faces north and the high surrounding cliffs mean that it loses the sun in late afternoon. It is pleasantly sheltered except from northerly winds, which are rare in summer. It has coarse, golden sand.
Parking: A large public car park fills up rapidly during the high season but it otherwise caters reasonably well for demand.
Buses: An excellent service on Route 9, seven days a week, all year round.
Toilets: Public toilets available.
Bathing safety: Safe for all the family except when there is a heavy swell.
Refreshments: Several cafés and pubs are among the attractions.
Popularity: A deservedly popular, but rarely crowded beach.
Grosnez Castle
On a headland, on the northwest of the Island, stands Grosnez Castle, thought to have been built in the 14th century. To the south is Le Pinnacle, a 200 ft (61 m) high rock, which featured as an object of worship and a ceremonial site for thousands of years.
Parking: There is ample free parking on the cliff top alongside Grosnez Castle.
Buses: Route 8 provides a regular service during the summer season. During the winter you will need to plan your route more carefully with infrequent bus times.
Toilets: Public toilets are not readily available.
Refreshments: During the summer season, an ice cream van selling real Jersey ice cream is situated in the car park.
Popularity: This is a popular area for walking the cliff paths. Seasonal horse races at Les Landes race track, situated next to Grosnez Castle, draw crowds to this very picturesque location.
Grouville Bay
Long stretch of sandy beach safe for bathing.
Facilities for water skiing, wakeboarding, fun canoes, banana rides, speedboat trips and motor dinghy hire are available during July and August.
Parking: A good size car park is sufficient to ensure easy parking and access to the beach at all but peak periods.
Buses: Route 1 is one of the most regular routes running every half an hour into Grouville.
Toilets: Public toilets in the car park.
Bathing safety: Safe bathing at all times. Low tide means quite a walk to the sea, as Jersey has one of the largest tidal movements in the world.
Refreshments: There are a number of little eateries across the road from Grouville beach and also a couple of kiosks during the season positioned on the beach.
Popularity: This is a popular area with locals and visitors with a 13th century castle overlooking the bay.
Havre des Pas
The closest beach to the centre of St Helier, Havre des Pas is a sunny and sheltered, south facing beach.
Parking: There is very little parking in the surrounding streets, although there are public car parks not too far away in Green Street.
Toilets: Situated in the pool complex.
Bathing safety: Safe bathing on the beach at high tide, or at low tide use the sea water pool.
Refreshments: Several cafés and restaurants within easy reach and facilities in the pool complex.
Popularity: A popular town beach with locals and visitors.
La Rocque Harbour
Has a small sandy beach. Care should be taken not to get stranded on the rocks with the incoming tide. Parking: A small sized car park is available. Parking is difficult during busy summer months.
Buses: Route 1 is one of the most regular routes running every half an hour into La Rocque en route to Gorey.
Toilets: There are toilets situated on the harbour.
Bathing safety: The area is very rocky and not really suitable for bathing except at high tide. Swimmers should take care due to the strong currents.
Refreshments: Unfortunately there are no refreshment facilities at La Rocque Harbour.
Popularity: The rocky coast line is popular for low water fishing and children find the marine life in the rock pools an adventure playground.
Noirmont
Located on the headland next to Portelet Bay, Noirmont has been bought by the States of Jersey as a permanent war memorial. It is easy to see the strategic importance of this headland to the occupying forces, and it is due to the Channel Islands Occupation Society, which has maintained the bunkers and emplacements since 1977, that this part of the Island’s modern history is well preserved and open to the public.
Parking: A good size car park is sufficient for this very popular area shared with walkers, beach goers and environmentalists.
Buses: Route 12a passes a turning for Noirmont point en route to Portelet Bay. A ten minute walk will take you onto the headland with stunning views over St Aubin’s Bay.
Toilets: There are no public toilets at Noirmont. The nearest will be in the Portelet Inn situated in the next bay.
Refreshments: During the summer, an ice cream van is always nearby.
Popularity: The stunning views ensure it is a favourite for locals, walkers, historians and ‘twitchers’ alike.
Ouaisne Bay
Ouaisne is adjoined to St Brelade's Bay and connected at low tide. Access is only from the eastern end, where the car park is situated. The beach faces south-west and is sunny and sheltered. Some patches of lovely sand, but much remains rather wet after the tide has receded.
Parking: A large car park copes for most of the year, but fills up rapidly at peak periods.
Buses: Sorry, there are no buses. You can either walk across the beach from St Brelade's Bay or catch the Portelet bus and walk down the hill.
Toilets: Public toilets are available.
Bathing safety: Very safe bathing at all states of the tide. Just as good as St Brelade's Bay and much less crowded.
Refreshments: Café, bars and restaurant at the eastern end of the bay.
Popularity: Very popular, rarely crowded.
Plemont
This has got to be Jersey's most beautiful beach, a sandy cove on the north coast with rock pools, sea caves, an excellent café, safe bathing when the sea is calm and excellent surfing when it isn't. The beach is north facing and the surrounding high cliffs provide good shelter. Its lovely sand is completely covered at high tide but when it retreats, it exposes numerous pools with sandy bottoms which are ideal for young children to play in.
Parking: There are very few spaces at the top of the steps which lead down to the beach and more extensive parking a good walk away at the top of the cliff.
Buses: Route 8 provides a regular service, leaving you to walk the final stretch down to the cafe and the steps to the beach.
Toilets: Public toilets alongside the café.
Bathing safety: Safe bathing when the sea is calm, but only for the strongest of swimmers when an Atlantic swell brings breakers rolling in.
Water and beach sports: Surfing when conditions are right.
Refreshments: An excellent choice at the café at the top of the cliff.
Popularity: Popular beach, not too crowded
Portelet Bay
There's quite a climb down steps from the cliff top to Portelet beach, which helps prevent this very attractive and popular south coast location becoming too crowded. South facing, the beach is very sunny and sheltered by the cliff behind. It has soft, golden sand. Well worth the walk down the long flight of steps and the walk back up at the end of the day.
Parking: There is quite a large car park at the top of the cliff, but beachgoers share it with pub and restaurant customers so it soon fills up in the season.
Buses: Route 12a.
Toilets: Public toilets available.
Bathing safety: Very safe bathing. Don't get caught on the Ile au Guerdain in the centre as the incoming tide surrounds it, unless you are confident of being able to swim ashore. The tower on the islet is known as Janvrin's Tomb.
Water and beach sports: Canoes for hire.
Refreshments: A good beach café and bar at the top of the steps.
Popularity: Good parking. The long walk up and down prevents it becoming too overcrowded.
Rozel Bay
Rozel is a small fishing port at the north east of the Island, more famous for its selection of superb restaurants than its beach. But when the tide falls, a limited expanse of lovely white sand is exposed and despite limited parking, many choose to soak up the sun here. North east facing, the beach loses the sun in late afternoon. It is a good spot to find shelter when the wind is from the south west. The sand is softer and whiter than the other north coast beaches.
Parking: Very limited parking on the quayside and approach road.
Buses: Route 3 provides an excellent year-round service.
Toilets: Public toilets available.
Bathing safety: Safe when the tide is in but not really a swimmer's beach.
Refreshments: Cafés, bars and restaurants abound on the quayside and within a short walk. This is the gourmet's beach.
Popularity: Much more popular than the limited parking would suggest. The good bus service helps. The beach itself is likely to be less crowded than the tearooms, cafés, bars and restaurants.
Sorel Point
Sorel Point is the most northerly tip of the Island and offers glorious views over the dangerous Paternoster Reef to the isle of Sark. To the east can be seen the massive workings of Ronez Quarry and then further in the distance the Normandy coast. At its tip is a lighthouse and inland to the left a cliff path leading to Grève de Lecq, past Mourier Valley and Devils Hole. Sorel Point can be reached by joining the same cliff path at Bonne Nuit or Wolf’s Caves or by driving along La Route Du Nord and looking for the turning which is well sign posted.
There is a motocross track on the Sorel headland where meetings are held throughout the year.
Leaving the cliff tops for a moment , between Ronez and Sorel, when the tide is half way you may notice a rectangular hollow which measure approx 25ft by 24ft and 15ft deep. Such an unexpected shape at such an inaccessible spot has obviously led islanders to speculate on its purpose. One tale decided it was there for the fairy folk to bath in and called it Lavoir des Dames.
Parking: There is free parking in the surrounding car parks.
Buses: There are no buses which service this area, although you catch the no.7 to devils hole and take advantage of the spectacular walking trails to Sorel Point along the north coast cliffs.
Refreshments: Food and drink is served at Les Fontaines Tavern which is situated at the side of the main road.
Popularity: This is a popular point for both locals and visitors because of its spectacular views and walking paths.
St Aubin
St Aubin’s was once at the forefront of Jersey’s bustling commercial life. Fishermen set out for Canada from the tiny harbour, returning with their newfound fortunes to the thriving little harbour village. This heritage is still evident today in the fine merchant’s houses found on the Bulwarks and the old cobbled High Street. St Aubin’s Fort, built in the bay during to English Civil War and extended during the eighteenth century, is accessible on foot at low tide.
St Aubin’s Bay covers the central part of Jersey’s south coast and has a long sweep of unbroken sandy beach reaching from St Helier Harbour to St Aubin’s Harbour. Only the highest of tides cover all of the sand and at low tide, the sea retreats several hundred yards to open up an enormous expanse of beach. South facing, the beach is in full sun along virtually its entire length from sunrise to sunset and is very sheltered from prevailing westerlies and easterlies.
St Aubin's Bay
St Aubin's Bay covers the central part of Jersey's south coast and has a long sweep of unbroken sandy beach from St Helier Harbour to St Aubin's Harbour. Only the highest of tides cover all of the sand and at low tide the sea retreats approximately 300 metres to open up an enormous expanse of beach. South facing, the beach is in full sun along virtually its entire length from sunrise to sunset. The bay is very sheltered from prevailing westerlies and easterlies. It has soft, golden sand along virtually the entire length of the beach. The last few hundred metres from La Haule to St Aubin's Harbour are permanently wet but the remainder of the beach dries out rapidly.
Parking: Extensive parking along the full length of the bay with immediate access to the beach. Parking areas get congested during busy summer weekends but generally spaces are available throughout the day at most locations.
Buses: The full length of the bay is on numerous bus routes with stops close to access points to the beach, except between West Park and Bel Royal, where buses run on the inner road with stops only a few minutes walk from the beach.
Toilets: A number of public toilets are available along the length of the bay with access to the beach without crossing roads.
Bathing safety: Very safe bathing at all states of the tide. At high tide, sections of beach are rapidly covered to the sea wall, when care is needed, but otherwise the beach slopes very gently and rough conditions are rare during the season.
Water and beach sports: The bay is popular with local windsurfers and hobie cats. Water skiing and jetskis are available from La Haule as are wakeboards, banana rides and beach volleyball. This is also popular at Beaumont.
Refreshments: Cafés of varying sizes can be found at several locations along the beach, as well as beach kiosks at intervals in between.
Popularity: Although close to a densely populated area, the beach is so long that it rarely becomes crowded, except in the high season close to the main car parks. A short stroll will lead to an uncrowded stretch of sand.
St Brelade’s Bay
Set in a beautiful location, St Brelade's Bay is Jersey's busiest resort beach with its tiny jetty and seaside parish church at the western end. South facing, the beach enjoys a long day when the sun shines, although the western end becomes shaded in late afternoon. The bay is very sheltered from everything but onshore breezes. There is soft, golden sand along the entire length of the beach, most of it hidden by human bodies and their paraphernalia on a fine summer's day.
Parking: There are several car parks, but this bay is very popular. Arrive early in the height of the summer to guarantee a space.
Buses: Well served in summer and winter, and also at weekends, so the bus is a credible alternative to queuing for a parking space.
Toilets: There are a number of public toilets along the length of the bay with access to the beach without crossing roads.
Bathing safety: Very safe bathing at all states of the tide.
Water and beach sports: The full range, from beach volleyball and trampolines to pedalos and other waterborne craft.
Refreshments: Cafés of varying sizes at several locations along the beach, as well as beach kiosks, restaurants, bars, shops and other facilities.
Popularity: This is a busy beach with lots going on to keep you entertained.
St Catherine
St Catherine stretches from the breakwater a mile (1.6 kms) or so south along the east coast, taking in a number of rocky coves which are popular picnic spots. When the tide goes out, they are all joined by a stretch of flat, wet sand, but at most stages of the tide bathing is from rocks or the pebble beaches. East facing, so the sun disappears from many spots quite early in the afternoon. Well protected from prevailing westerlies but can be uncomfortable when the wind swings round to the east. The sand tends to remain wet when it is exposed on low spring tides.
Parking: Very limited, the largest area being adjacent to the breakwater.
Buses: Route 1b. (Summer only)
Toilets: Public toilets at the shore end of the breakwater and Gibraltar slip at the other end of this stretch of coastline.
Bathing safety: Only for competent swimmers at high tide, whether from the breakwater slipway, the rocks or one of the steeply shelving pebble beaches, but the water is usually very calm. At low tide there is an expanse of shallow water for paddling and splashing about in.
Water and beach sports: A very popular area for dinghies and other small craft.
Refreshments: A good café at the shore end of the breakwater.
Popularity: Set out early to claim the best spots.
St Ouen’s Bay
Most Jersey residents and many visitors consider St Ouen’s beach the best of its kind. Miles of beautiful sandy beach, washed twice daily by the waves rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean stretch for five miles (8 kms) from end to end. This is a paradise for surfers, but with room and facilities for everyone.
Parking: Car parks at many locations along the length of the bay, supplemented as necessary by roadside parking at peak periods.
Buses: Route 12a runs along the bay as far as L'Etacq.
Toilets: A number of public toilets at strategic locations on the beach side of the Five Mile Road.
Bathing safety: The beach is exposed to the Atlantic along its entire length and the surf can be magnificent - which is fine for those who are experienced, but poor swimmers should take care. Even the most accomplished can be swept off their feet by the currents, so obey the warning signs and flags, take careful note of which sections of beach are restricted.
Water and beach sports: Surfing to match anywhere in the world, windsurfing, sand yachting and kite flying. Motor racing takes place several times during the summer.
Refreshments: There is a large café at Le Braye, several restaurants and pubs in various locations along the bay, ice cream vans in season at the most popular spots and other beach kiosks.
Popularity: Often the Island's busiest beach, but it rarely shows because there is so much room and such extensive car parking.
PTGH wish to thank Jersey Tourism for their help in providing the above information.
19/01/2006
© 2006 Preston Travel Group Holdings Limited. All rights reserved.
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