Jersey as a Vacation Spot

Jersey, one of the Channel Islands in the EnglishJersey cows producing thick, delicious cream. Farmers
Channel (in contrast to Jersey, USA), is a small yetfields green with the tops of Jersey Royals - the finest
beautiful island, perfect for a short holiday.new potatos around. Greenhouses filled with flame-red
The island itself is as far south as France (St. Malo istomatoes. Foxglove-strewn laybys and meadows and
less than 4 miles away and visible on a clear day) andthe deep blue sea. There are also castles and
so whilst still part of the British empire it benefits fromfishing-boat filled coves to enjoy.
far better weather.Jersey has a low national speed limit, plenty of narrow
This weather means not only an ideal place fortracks and a "no caravan" rule making it a great place
camping, beaches and outdoor persuits but also youto walk or cycle, and an efficient local bus service
will see a profusion of plants and animals not normallycovers the entire island. Exploring this small island is
seen on mainland Britain. Most notable is the only Britishtherefore safe, practical and incredibly good fun.
population of the Green Lizard, often nicknamed theOther things to see here are the underground tunnels
Jersey Green Lizard for just this very reason.used by the Nazis during the war (the Channel Islands
Reaching around a foot long, and the malesare as far north as the invasion got) and the
possessing a bright blue throat they are certainly aworld-famous Durrell Wildlife Preservation Trust (or
wonderful (if rare) sight to behold. Red squirrels can stilljust "Jersey Zoo"!). It was here that a small boy fell into
be seen here for the eagle-eyed and dolphins maythe gorilla pit many years ago much to the shock of
often be seen during the summer months.his parents. Alive, but scared, rather than being
Talking of beaches, whilst the island only measures aattacked, the boy was watched over and looked after
few miles long there are beaches for all ocassions.by the gorillas until keepers were able to extract him
Long, sandy beaches perfect for surfing, moresafely.
protected "sun bather" beaches and wild rockyPersonally, I like to camp though there are plenty of
outcrops covered in breeding sea birds. There arehotels around (less self catering accomodation though)
even some caves that only appear at low tide.of an international standard. Being a tax haven, Jersey
You can arrive by ferry or plane as Jersey is wellboasts rich businessmen, private jets and Ferraris
served by both a safe port at St. Helier or an airportmaking it a more British Monaco. English is spoken, they
on the west side of the island.drive on the left and they use the pound. There is,
Escaping from the attractive but busy main town ofhowever, a lovely "French" feel in the style of the
St. Helier, venture to the northern half of the island forhouses, many French place names and in the excellent
the "true" Jersey experience. Rolling fields filled withquality of food available here - especially the seafood.