Winter at the beach

Our beaches aren’t just for summer. Even on a brisk winter morning, our beautiful beaches are the perfect place to breathe in the fresh sea air. They each have their own unique personality. Over the following pages we highlight beaches and places you might want to stop for a coffee or snack! It might be worth calling ahead to check opening times in winter months, as some close on certain days.

Anne Port NE

A quiet and rarely crowded east-facing stretch of sand that catches the morning and midday sun. 2

Bouley Bay N

A winding hill leads down to this steep pebble beach with deep water for competent swimmers. The bay is home to one of Jersey’s scuba-diving schools. 4

Archirondel NE

This popular beach with an excellent beach cafe is pebbly at first but sandy at low tide when the water stays shallow for some way out. East-facing, Archirondel loses the sun in the late afternoon. 2

Green Island SE

A locals’ favourite, this sheltered south-facing beach is a real sun trap where soft sand, rock climbing and rock pool adventures await. The tide goes out a long way, so take care with the swift incoming tide and pick times close to high water to enjoy swimming or paddling. 1

de Lecq

The most popular of the north coast beaches, Grève de Lecq’s sheltered sands and rockpools are ideal for families but lose the sun in the late afternoon. Don’t miss the excellent cafés and local pubs close by. Even in the winter months, some providers over coasteering trips for guided cold-water dips! 9

A tiny fishing harbour with space to play on the sand, picnic or catch some sun, but more of a wild swim that some other beaches. Worth visiting for the excellent beach café. 4

Grouville Bay / La Rocque Harbour SE

A real suntrap on the south coast, once you’ve wandered down the steep path from the car park and crossed the pebbles, you’ll reach a sheltered south-facing beach with golden sand and shallow turquoise water, ideal for swimming. 12a, 14 to St. Brelade’s Bay, then walk along the cliffs

A long stretch of sand that leads to Gorey harbour, with Mont Orgueil Castle as a backdrop. Plenty of parking, beach cafes and kiosks as well as a children’s beachside playground and soft sand make Long Beach a local favourite. 1a, 2

Ouaisné Bay SW

This south west facing beach is the wilder contrast to the adjoining St. Brelade’s Bay. The beaches are connected at low tide, or cross the pine-rich headland and walk along the sea wall next to the protected Ouaisné Common towards locals’ favourite, The Smugglers Inn. 12a

Rozel Bay NE

A small fishing village lined with beach huts and harbourside cottages, Rozel is more of a fishing harbour than a place to swim. But at low tide, Rozel’s small stretch of white sand is safe for children to play , just look out for the Rozel geese! 3

Havre des Pas S

Close to the centre of St. Helier, this sandy beach is worth a visit to see the architecture of the art deco pool, filled by the tide each day. The beach is easy to access, and safe for swimmers. 1

St. Aubin’s Bay SW

A crescent of south-facing sand from St. Helier to St. Aubin, the beach is in full sun for most of the day. With several beach cafes along the promenade front, look out for the softest sand around the Gunsite Café with jet ski hire close by. 12a, 14, 15

St. Brelade’s Bay SW

The beautiful beach at St. Brelade’s Bay is one of the island’s busiest; a visitor favourite for its soft sand, safe swimming, beach activities and seaside eating. Voted as number three in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards, this stunning south-facing beach is in the sun for most of the day. 12a, 14

Plémont NW

A pristine sandy cove reachable by a long flight of steps, where the intrepid are rewarded with a stunning natural playground of rock pools and sea caves. There’s safe swimming when the sea is calm, and surfing when it’s wild. The beach is completely covered at high tide. It’s quite a walk down from the bus stop so pack sensible footwear! 8

Portelet Bay SW

Climb down the long flight of steps and you’ll be rewarded with a sunny, sheltered and sandy beach circling Janvrin’s Tomb at the centre. Portelet Bay Beach Café serves excellent pizza throughout the season, and the pub at the top of the steps, the Old Portelet Inn is a family favourite. 12a

St. Ouen’s Bay W

A magnificent beach and natural playground for surfers and adrenaline seekers. It’s where one of the oldest surfing clubs in Europe has its home and makes a stunning setting for beach walks. Swimmers should take care in the strong currents and stick to the flagged zones. The beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards during the season. 22