Hello lovely friends! Is everyone managing to stay on board the frantic coronacoaster of life? There have been moments where I’ve been pretty close to falling off, but holding onto the premise that there’s always (most of the time) an up after a down has kept me going. Sorry it’s been a while, I hope you’re all keeping safe and staying healthy. I know, why does public hand sanitizer smell like tequila?! I, too, hate the smell of my own breath after wearing a face mask for a bit too long. But, keep washing those hands (brushing those teeth) and wearing those face masks. Please.
As mentioned in my previous post, I’ve had to shift my perspective moving forward with this blog. It’s crazy to think that this time last year I was adventuring through Southeast Asia, truly living in the moment without any worries in the world, embracing that carefree traveller persona. Now, well… the fun is over and I’ve been preoccupied navigating through the ups and downs of adulthood during a global pandemic. COVID summer has come to an end here in the UK, and we’re bracing for a winter filled with… well, it’s looking like more COVID.
If someone had told me a year ago that I’d be where I am now, home, living with my parents, working a new job completely online from the comfort of my own bedroom, not being able to mix with people outside my household, not being able to go to any festivals or concerts, having to wear a facemask in public places, not being able to go out to pubs past 10 pm...I’d have laughed in their face and told them to lay off the shrooms.
But alas, here we are. I’m grateful every single day for my health, my job, and to be able to have a roof over my head and food on the table every night.
Anyways, let’s get on with this post.
Despite the circumstances, I was extremely lucky to be able to use some of my leftover savings and fit in a bit of travel within Great Britain. Although I’ve backpacked the likes of Asia, Australia, and New Zealand (shut up Belle we get it you’ve travelled), it’s sometimes easy to neglect the beauty we have in our own country and in Europe. COVID restrictions have opened our eyes and allowed us to appreciate the beauty we have on our doorsteps.
I enjoyed a month of summer in Jersey. Not New Jersey, no. Some people thought I was travelling in America. Even if we could travel to the states right now, um, no thank you…I’m good. I went to Old Jersey, or… just Jersey. For those of you who don’t know, it’s one of the channel islands between the UK and France… and it’s a truly fantastic place (when it’s sunny and warm)!
As much as I felt like I was turning into a local after spending almost a month there, I’m not a native Jersey girl (shock). But, I’m lucky to have some really close friends who are! This was my third time visiting the island, and I had such a fabulous time that I’d thought I’d do a little write up touching on some highlights. My hope is that this will inspire you to explore closer to home for the foreseeable until travel restrictions lift!
10 things I got up to in Jersey
1. Coasteering
I’d heard of cliff jumping, but ‘coasteering’ was a new one for me. When my friend Rebecca first mentioned that she wanted to take me ‘coasteering’, I pictured a sort of rollercoaster track where you sit in a little cart and steer your way along the coast. Just me? Probably. It couldn’t be further from that really. It’s basically just cliff jumping. You kit yourself out in a wetsuit and a pair of old shoes, climb up the rocks as high as you want, and jump in the water. When we went, the tide was extremely low. This meant that the jumps were… extremely high. Nevertheless, my inner adrenaline junkie took over and I went for it. Just make sure you’re careful!
2. Boat Trip to the Minquiers (pronounced ‘Minkees’)
I honestly had no idea these islands even existed. The Minquiers are a group of islands and rocks located about 15km south of Jersey. One glorious sunny day, our friend Hannah kindly invited us to spend the day on their family boat to explore. The journey there took about 45 minutes and as we arrived, our phones turned to French time. That happens a lot in Jersey.
We were blessed with stunning weather, so pulling up to the Minquiers that day felt like pulling up to some deserted tropical islands in the Bahamas. As I was soaking in being at sea on a private boat looking out at the crystal clear water and white sandy beaches, for a few hot seconds, I forgot where I was. As the tide came out, the islands became more and more visible. We then jumped off the boat and swam over to explore. There were only a few others on the beach and there wasn’t a piece of rubbish in sight.
3. Plemont
Surrounded by high cliffs and large caves, Plemont is one of the most beautiful beaches in Jersey. Located off the main road, down a quiet lane, you’ll find a path with some (many) steps leading down to the water. The beach can look completely different within a few fours, depending on which tide you catch. There’s even a waterfall if there’s been some rain! Fun fact, Jersey has the biggest tides in the world.
4. St Ouens Bay - Surfers paradise
Located on the west side of the island, St. Ouen’s bay covers at least 3 of the 5 mile coast. St. Ouen’s bay is a prime surfing spot, with British and European championships taking place every year, so if you want to catch some waves, head on down! The main places to grab some delicious food along St. Ouen’s are El Tico, Le Braye and Watersplash (the ‘Splash’).
5. Rozel Bay
Rozel Bay is a quaint little fishing village located on the north east coast of the island. The houses are idyllic and you can grab a hearty tasty meal from the pop up stand called ‘The Hungry Man’ (they also have incredible vegetarian and vegan options!).
6. St. Brelade’s beach
St. Brelade’s Bay was voted as one of the top three best beaches in the UK. With soft golden sand and great swimming, you can paddle board, kayak and jump off a pier. There’s also a pizza express where you can get take away pizza (yum).
7. Pizza on the beach at Portelet
Whilst we’re on the topic of pizza on the beach, Portlet beach is also an absolute dream! Order a delicious pizza from Portelet Bay Cafe and enjoy amongst the waves.
8. Beats on the Bay at Kismet
Located in Ouaisné Bay (pronounced Waynay… I know sorry, what?), there’s a quirky little Café called Kismet Cabana. During the summer months, they run a great little season called ‘Beats in the Bay’. Enjoy music from local Jersey talent over a great meal and watch the sun go down.
9. Bike Riding around the island
Not much more to say about this one - cycling is an easy, cheap, fun way to get around the island and will keep you fit. Bear in mind, Jersey is not flat, so you’ll have your work cut out for you. One day, my friend Rebecca made me cycle around 40k in one day and my legs were hurting for a good 2 weeks, no joke.
10. War tunnels and Jersey Zoo
Okay, I have to admit, I didn’t actually manage to go to the War Tunnels or Jersey Zoo, but they are top on my list for the next time I visit! The Jersey War tunnels exhibit the true story of life in Jersey during the German Occupation. Discover the hardships, heartache and heroism from people who experienced it firsthand. Jersey Zoo, well, it’s a zoo… which I know can be a controversial topic, but Jersey Zoo is different. Established in 1959 and operated by the Durrel Wildlife Conservation trust, this conservation is renown for its beautiful lands and hundreds of species.
I think that just about sums up my Jersey highlights! I hope you enjoyed reading.
Expect some more posts soon!
Until next time:)
Big love,
Belle x
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