Events in spring

There’s so much more to Jersey than a summer holiday. Spring in particular, is an ideal time to uncover the Island’s story, savour the fresh food, explore nature, connect with locals and discover the true pride and passion of Jersey. Each spring, the Island hosts many events, festivals and challenges, with almost every interest covered. So whether you crave the great outdoors, love to dance, soak up the culture or immerse yourself in the history, there’s an event for you taking place among Jersey’s delightfully familiar landscape with its sparkly continental twist.

Highlights include Taste Jersey, a gastronomic celebration of island flavours from late March to early May. Enjoy specially crafted menus from leading local restaurants featuring the finest local ingredients. Food lovers can also look forward to the Eat Jersey Food Festival at the end of March, which sees five outstanding chefs from around the UK descend on the four-star Michelin-starred Atlantic hotel.

Those seeking culture will love La Fête du R’nouvé, Jersey’s annual celebration of spring festival on 14 May, with lots of chilled-out acoustic sounds, storytelling, poetry and good food in the grounds of the historic La Hougue Bie. Similarly, Genuine Jersey Artisans’ Market showcases goods from producers and craft workers. Beginning in April, this regular artisans’ market takes place in the picturesque harbour village of St. Aubin.

For anyone active, spring is a great time to visit this most Brit…(ish) of islands, as the Walk in the Park event runs throughout May and gives visitors the chance to explore the natural beauty of the Jersey National Park on regular guided walks. Or face the tough True Grit challenge at Ronez Quarry on 16 April, take part in the Durrell Challenge, a 13k race (with a family-friendly 2.6k option) through Jersey zoo on 14 May, or walk 48 miles of Jersey’s coastline on the Island Walk on 17 June.

Lastly, don’t miss Liberation Day on 9 May. Considered Jersey’s national day, it marks the end of the German Occupation during the Second World War and involves lots of celebrations based around Liberation Square, Royal Square and the Weighbridge in St Helier, with live music, great food and entertainment.

Why I love Jersey in the springtime

by Ashley Proudfoot, Visit Jersey’s PR manager

My first trip to Jersey was in March, over a decade ago, when I made the long journey to the island from my home in New York City. Within minutes of landing – after a remarkably short flight from Heathrow – I found myself on the beach in St. Ouen’s Bay surrounded by crisp sea air, sprawling sand dunes, and shimmering blue sea. There’s no question that Jersey shines bright in the summer (it is, after all, officially the sunniest place in the British Isles) but springtime is when the island truly bursts to life. From winding green lanes and fields of golden daffodils to the Victorian Central Market brimming with local produce, doe-eyed Jersey cows grazing in the fields (they’re out and about starting from March), briny oysters freshly plucked from the sea and more, spring is an enchanting time to discover Jersey. As a long-time visitor who now calls the island home, I’m often asked by visitors and locals alike if I miss New York – and the truth is, I’m still amazed by everything on my doorstep in Jersey. On a beautiful spring day I can start my morning with an invigorating beach or cliff-path walk, stop for a delicious local crab sandwich or Jersey Cream Tea (The Hungry Man cafe is my favourite), visit a medieval castle (Mont Orgueil) or Neolithic passage grave that predates the pyramids (La Hougue Bie) and finish my evening with a Michelin-starred dinner in St. Helier – all without having to leave this 9x5-mile island.

St. Helier

No trip to Jersey is complete without exploring the harbour town of St. Helier. Pick up a croissant from the Victorian Central Market and discover stalls bursting with local produce, there’s everything from street food to smart brasseries for lunch, and after dark, relax in stylish cocktail lounges for a tipple or two. History and culture abound in its museums and art galleries, bustling markets and independent boutiques, and it’s the perfect size to easily explore on foot.

EXPERIENCE JERSEY BY BIKE

Get outdoors

Nourish your soul and rejuvenate your limbs exploring this great Brit…ish island. From cold water swimming to stand up paddleboarding and kayaking the coves, it’s all about getting a daily dose of vitamin sea on Jersey. Hiking the National Park, which spans 48km of beautiful coastline, where country lanes open on to clifftop views and secluded bays, is also a must.

Discover Jersey’s past

From the Ice Age to the modern day, Jersey has always had a tale to tell. Visit the island and uncover the island’s curiously Brit...(ish) history –explore World War II bunkers, ancient burial grounds, Palaeolithic caves and impressive castles. Then make your own history by checking into one of the island’s unique island stays, such as the lovingly restored La Crête Fort on the water’s edge, or Hamptonne, a beautifully restored farm in the countryside.

The beaches

Pack you beach bags for the sunniest spot in the British Isles where you’re never more than 10 minutes from the sea. From the golden sandy bays of the south, the Atlantic waves of the west coast and the sheltered coves and hidden rock pools of the north and east, Jersey’s beaches are your playground to explore. The island’s personality changes from coast to coast, so find your ideal spot to revitalise and recharge.

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Step back in time

A weekend in Athens in the low season is highly recommended, not least because the city’s most famous monument – the Parthenon – is nowhere near as crowded as it is in the summer. We walk up the hill to the Acropolis, which has towered over Athens since 447BC, to marvel at the epic Doric columns in the daylight, before retreating to the rooftop bar of our hotel, the Moon and Stars, to take in the view of the incredible monument at night (rooftop bars are a common feature of many city-centre hotels). With a drink in hand, it sparks thoughts of ancient Greece and the civilisation that lived here all those years ago.

We’re within walking distance of Monastraki Square, where we gaze at the ruins of the Roman Forum of Athens and Hadrian’s Library, before heading to Syntagma Square, which is home to the parliament building and where we catch the ornate changing of the guard (it takes place on certain Sundays at 11am;