Jersey

Jersey is the most southern island of the British Isles and the largest of the Channel Islands. Situated only 14 miles off the coast of France this pocket-sized island has much to offer. Although Jersey is only small it has 45 miles of coastline with sandy bays in the south ideal for water sports such as wake boarding, water skiing, jet skiing and windsurfing; rocky bays in the north which make for excellent diving sites and fishing opportunities; and an impressive network of footpaths that take visitors all around the island.

The island hosts many festivals throughout the year, offering something for everyone. A recurring yearly event in May is the Jersey MG Owners Club Spring Rally. Every year more owners show off their gleaming cars, surrounded by a whole host of motoring activities. Also in May the Liberation Festival takes place when islanders celebrate the liberation from occupying forces during World War II. Several activities and events take place – among other things heritage trails and access to WWII bunkers not normally open to the public. ‘Liberation Day’ is on 9 May when there is a commemorative service and islanders will celebrate freedom, reconciliation and prosperity with an afternoon tea dance and food fair.

Jersey history is influenced by its strategic location between the northern coast of France and the southern coast of England; the island's recorded history extends over a thousand years.

Evidence of bronze-age and early iron-age settlements can be found in many locations around the island. While archaeological evidence of Roman influence has been found, in particular the coastal headland site at Le Pinacle, Les Landes, where remains of a primitive structure are attributed to Roman temple worship.

Formerly under the control of Brittany and named Angia, Jersey became subject to Viking influence in the ninth century, one of the "Norman Islands". The name for Jersey itself is sourced from a Viking heritage: the Norse suffix -ey for island can be found in many places around the northern European coasts. The island was eventually annexed to the Duchy of Normandy by William Longsword, Duke of Normandy in 933; his descendant, William the Conqueror, conquered England in 1066, which led to the Duchy of Normandy and the kingdom of England being governed under one monarch. The Dukes of Normandy owned considerable estates on the island, and Norman families living on their estates founded many of the historical Norman-French Jersey family names. Trade laid the foundations of prosperity, aided by neutrality between England and France. The Jersey way of life involved agriculture, fishing, shipbuilding, and production of woollen goods until nineteenth-century improvements in transport links brought tourism to the island.

Jersey airport information

easyJet flies into and out of Jersey Airport which is located approximately 4 miles from St Helier.

Jersey airport by car
The airport can be reached via the B36. Leave St Helier on the A2, turn off onto the A12 and take the airport turn off. Please note that the maximum speed limit throughout the entire island is 40 mph/64 km per hour.

Jersey airport by coach
Bus number 15 operates a regular service between the airport and the bus station in St Helier. The bus stop is located immediately outside the passenger terminal. Accurate time tables and fare information can be found on www.mybus.je.

Jersey airport by taxi
The taxi rank is located outside the arrivals hall. There are four fixed tariff rates depending on the time and day that the taxi is required. Public holidays are charged in accordance with the third and fourth tariff, according to the time that the taxi is required. These rates are updated on an annual basis.

Pre book your door-to-door airport transfers with easyJet’s partner Holiday Taxis. Arrive at your destination in style and enjoy your own personal service.

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