Three-night break in Jersey

By Janine Pulford

The idea of sailing to an archipelago in the English Channel at the entrance to the Gulf of Saint-Malo is alluring. We are fortunate in Dorset to have Condor Ferries on our doorstep to transport us within a few hours and for a reasonable cost to such a destination – the beautiful Channel Islands. Our trip, with the car, was effortless. It only took a few hours and once in Jersey we found our hotel in Saint Helier and checked in.

We cannot speak highly enough of Hotel de France. Our room was spacious and luxurious affording stunning views across the capital and out to sea. It also had a private balcony. Breakfast, brunch, A La Carte, afternoon tea and dinner menu are all available in La Terrasse restaurant and bar. There is free parking, an exclusive Healthhaus health club and Ayush Wellness Spa.

On our first night we took a swim in a warm, blue-lit spa pool before indulging in an evening meal at the hotel.

What we did next

Jersey Zoo

Founded in 1959 by Gerald Durrell, Jersey Zoo is overseen by a charitable trust. After Gerald Durrell’s death in 1995, the trust was named Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust to honour his significant and enduring contribution to conservation. It continues to provide zooled conservation today.

We have been a number of times but we never fail to be impressed by the spacious pens and beautiful habitats for the animals, birds and reptiles. From stunning Chilean flamingos to gorillas, meerkats and tortoises, it is reassuring to know the zoo cares for the future of these species and has success with breeding programmes.

Jersey Zoo has a broad appeal for all ages and abilities and we spent many hours there.

That evening we returned to Hotel de France for another leisurely swim before dinner. It was quite simply a lovely way to wind down and relax.

St Helier: shopaholic’s paradise

The next morning we went to St Helier on the hotel’s minibus shuttle service to get the best from the day.

What a shopaholics’ paradise.

Pedestrianised streets, Liberty Wharf and covered markets mean you can literally shop until you drop, come rain or shine. There are tons of places to choose from for coffee, lunch, snacks and evening meals.

The streets are bustling and packed with stores with many familiar names amongst them. There is no VAT to pay on Jersey so there are savings to be made on certain items.

The fresh food and flower market is vibrant, and there is a fresh fish market too.

Although we were tired after our day in St Helier, we had already decided to eat at an Indian Restaurant in St Aubin’s that evening and drove the short distance.

Strung with twinkling nights, St Aubin’s bay could easily be a romantic setting in a novel - now there’s an idea.

Homeward bound

By the time we had got up he following morning and relished another healthy breakfast, it was time to set off home. When you travel with Condor Ferries you can upgrade to the Horizon lounge where visibility is fabulous and you feel connected with what is going on at sea.

The method of travel is leisurely because you can get up and walk around whilst moving at speed to your destination. There is food available and an onboard duty free shop selling alcohol, tobacco and perfumes at discount prices, as well as some fashionable gifts.

If you haven’t yet been to Jersey, a three-night break is an ideal way to discover the island. We only scraped the surface because Jersey is a little island with a big history. There are wonderful sandy beaches generally within a 15-minute drive from wherever you are, German war tunnels, castles, museums, stunning botanical gardens, a wine estate and distillery offering tastings, and seven heritage sites.

A perfect way to explore the best of Jersey

Cycling is the perfect way to explore the best of Jersey. Let life slow down as you explore the 15mph green lanes though the countryside, where cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians have priority. Follow the coastal routes taking in Jersey’s beautiful beaches and coastlines. With 96 miles of marked out cycle routes across the Island, including off road cycle paths, Jersey really has something for everyone.

At Jersey Bike Hire there are electric bikes, traditional touring bikes, kids, tandems, tagalongs, seats and trailers available for oneday hire or longer. See the advertisement for details.

Competition for a 3-night break in Jersey with breakfast included

In conjunction with Condor Ferries and Hotel de France, Dorset View is offering the chance to win a three-night break in Jersey

COMPETITION WORTH OVER £1,000

All you have to do to be in with a chance to win this valuable prize is to read the Jersey article and answer this question: What bay with twinkling lights on Jersey could easily be the setting for a romantic novel?

How to enter

Enter online at www.dorsetview.co.uk or send your answer to the address on page three. Closing date is 31 May 2023. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd, Condor Ferries or Hotel de France are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final. Personal details will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner. The winner will be announced in the magazine. Their name, email address and phone number will be passed to the venue or the promoters for the purposes of allocating the prize.

Terms and Conditions

1. The prize-winner can only book the hotel and ferry tickets between the following dates: 1 June and 14 July 2023, or 7 September and 31 October 2023 at off peak times.

2. Prize is for 2 adults and a car with a 3-night stay with breakfast in Hotel de France (one room).

3. The winner can stay longer on the island but any further accommodation required will have to be booked and paid for separately. Extra ferry fares if applicable will have to be booked and paid for separately. Any extension of stay does not form part of the prize.

4. Usual Condor Ferries T&Cs apply. Visit www.condorferries.co.uk to find out more.

5. Photo ID is required to board the ferry. A passport is ideal. See Condor Ferries website for more details.

6. This prize cannot be redeemed for cash. Its cash value is £0.001p.

7. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

8. No responsibility can be held by Pulford Publicity Ltd, Condor Ferries or Hotel de France if you are unable to take up your prize.

9. The prize is not transferable.

10. Competition closing date: 31 May 2023.