Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, lying approximately 160km (100 miles) south of the coast of England and 23km (14 miles) from the coast of Normandy in France. The island is roughly 14.5km (9 miles) by 8km (5 miles). Jersey has over 20 bays, many small harbours and magnificent beaches bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.
St Helier is the capital and by far the biggest town on the island. Elizabeth Castle withstood Oliver Cromwell and his army for seven weeks in 1651, and was later used by the occupying German forces during World War II. Fort Regent is built on an outcrop above the town. It has been converted into a leisure complex with sports and conference facilities. King Street-Queen Street is the main luxury shopping area on the island. The best beach in the north is at Plémont, with a sheltered bay, rock pools and caves. The coast of France can be seen on a clear day from this side of the island. The main beach in the south is at St Brelade’s Bay, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
In St Lawrence, the former German Military Underground Hospital contains exhibits of Jersey’s occupation. The two main beaches in the east cover almost the whole of the eastern coast. Tourists also visit to buy pottery from the village of Gorey and visits to the workshop can be arranged. The west coast consists almost entirely of an 8km- (5 mile-) beach on St Ouen’s Bay. This area of the island is known for its locally made crafts – decorative candles, leatherwork and pottery.
