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JERSEY Jersey’s four seasons


Don’t be put off by its diminutive size—there’s plenty to do in Jersey whatever the weather. Agnes Stamp puts together an action-packed programme


Winter: discover the history J


ERSEY’S rich history stems from its entwinement with two great


nations: Britain and France. This is reflected in the French road names, Norman-style farmhouses, narrow winding lanes and typical Jersey sur- names, as well as in the many historical artefacts and monuments dotted across the island. For 600 years, Mont Orgueil Castle


(01534 853292; www.jerseyheritage. org) protected Jersey against French invasion. Overlooking the harbour of Gorey, the castle boasts amazing views across the sea to the French coast, as well as a network of staircases, towers and secret rooms to explore. In the late 16th century, Elizabeth


Castle (01534 723971; www.jersey- heritage.org) superseded Mont Orgueil as Jersey’s primary defence. Built on a rocky islet in St Aubin’s Bay, it’s accessible at low tide by foot or the castle ferry. Jersey was largely ignored in the


First World War, but, during the Occupation (1940–45), the Germans made use of these older fortifications by adding gun emplacements to them. The moving story of the Nazi invasion is best told by the Jersey War Tunnels (01534 860808; www. jerseywartunnels.com) in St Lawrence.


16 Country Life, Jersey, Summer 2015


The network of underground pas- sages, formerly known as Höhlgang- sanlage 8 (Ho8), were originally intended to be a barracks and ammu- nition store, but, in 1943 as Operation Overlord gathered momentum, they were converted into a casualty clear- ing station and emergency hospital. Jersey and Guernsey were freed


from Nazi occupation on May 9, 1945, and, to celebrate the 50th anni- versary of the island’s liberation, a tapestry was made by the people of Jersey, which now hangs in the Maritime Museum in St Helier (01534 811043; www.jerseyheritage.org). Military vehicles plus a vast and


varied collection of steam locomo- tives and engines, vintage vehicles and classic cars and can be seen at the Pallot Museum, Trinity (01534 865307; www.pallotmuseum.co.uk). On Thursdays, it offers steam-train rides in two beautifully restored Victorian carriages.


Spring: visit the gardens F


OR cyclists, Jersey is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, boast-


ing 350 miles of roads, byways and green lanes to explore. Hire a bike (01534 639720; www.jerseybikehire. co.uk) and embark on a self-guided tour—the tourist office suggests four


different routes that vary between nine miles and 12 miles. If you’d rather amble gently across


the island, a great walk to try is the St Aubin to L’Etacq route, which takes you along the old railway track— opened in 1870—from St Helier. Stop off en route at The Lavender Farm (01534 742933; www.jerseylavender. co.uk), a family-run business—watch the oil being distilled, pick your own lavender and treat yourself to a home- made lunch at the Sprigs Café. Jersey has a mild climate, more


hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the UK and rich, fertile soil. Spring offers the perfect opportunity to visit some of the island’s beautiful gardens. The gardens of Samarès Manor


(01534 870551; www.samaresmanor. com) were constructed in the 1920s by Sir James Knott, a wealthy ship- ping magnate. They feature a Japan- ese garden, a herb garden, willow sculptures, a lake and many camel- lias. There is also a small shop that sells plants and gifts, a restaurant and tea garden. Reg’s Garden in St Brelade (01534


743756; www.reg-garden.com), is open year round and has a large waterfall in the centre. There is an 180ft-long pond filled with koi carp, an aviary, an alpine garden, an amphitheatre


www.countrylife.co.uk


Getting around Jersey is easy and some of the best views —such of this of Mont Orgueil Castle—are from the water


Photos courtesy of Visit Jersey. Photographers: Ben Perron; Danny Evans; Matt Porteous


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