Discovering Historic St Helier

Guided Tour 09:30 to 11:00

Visiting:

• Liberation Square

• Town Church

• Royal Square

• French Lane

• Victorian Markets

If you like to admire architecture through the ages, and see how Jersey commerce has developed over the last few centuries, take a stroll through the lanes, streets and squares of St Helier and gain an insight into what makes Jersey unique. On this walk you will hear about the man who gave this town its name, and about its rich and varied history. You will also have the opportunity to visit St Helier’s Victorian markets, a must for any visitor to Jersey. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy a Jersey Uncovered ‘Flavours of Jersey’ experience.

Our journey through this colourful and fascinating market this morning will not only provide you with an overview of the market’s history, you will learn about Jersey produce, agriculture, and experience what locals love to eat. Your tasty treats will include Jersey wonders, fruits, cheeses and artisan breads, along with tasty locally made chocolates, and wonderful cookies to take away with you.

This is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to get to know Jersey through food, in some of St Helier’s most historic and iconic buildings.

A St Helier stroll to our next adventure

11:00 to 11:30

It is a short but interesting walk through some of our older town streets, and along our historic harbour front, revealing some quirky stories of St Helier’s varied history, on the way to our next tasting delight.

Channel Island liquor Company

11.30 to 12.30

We have sampled the food, now let’s sample the drink! We have made our way to the headquarters of the Channel Island Liquor Company at the Old Sail Loft in South Pier, where we will spend a delightful hour enjoying the flavours created by this amazing local liquor company, while learning about the variety of botanicals, production methods and history of this popular tipple. The focus is on small bath distilling, and offers a great opportunity to taste a host of gins and develop a better understanding of the flavours.

Lunch

12:45 to 14:00

Enjoy a light lunch at one of our lovely waterfront restaurants or cafés before you ready yourself for your afternoon adventure.

We recommend:

• Rigatoni at Liberation Square – a friendly Italian restaurant with fabulous food and a lovely atmosphere https://www.therigatonijersey.com/

• Colmar – a French Bistro style restaurant in King Street, with outside seating in Broad Street. Charming French flavours with a little je ne sais quoi https://www.colmar.je/

• Quayside – Overlooking St Helier Marina, Quayside offers a fabulous varied menu and one of the largest alfresco dining areas in St Helier https://www.quaysidejersey.co.uk/

• For a Beach Café for an informal lunch by the sea, try The Good Egg at Havre des Pas. (This can be the first stop by car before your afternoon adventure begins) This family run beachside café offers fresh and delicious seasonal food, locally sourced coffees and warm welcoming smiles. Whether you are enjoying the sunshine and views on the terrace, or cosying up in the Beach hut, you will feel right at home. https://thegoodegg.je/

An Afternoon Eastern Adventure

14:00 to 17:00

Visiting:

• Havre des Pas (the Victorian Seafront of St Helier)

• La Rocque

• Beach walk and Oyster Beds with an oyster tasting at the Seymour Inn

• Gorey Village and Harbour

• Afternoon visit to Gorey Castle.

HAVRE DES PAS

Heading east past picturesque Bays, your first port of call on this adventure is the charming Victorian Seafront of Havre des Pas (the Harbour of the Footprints).

Here you can admire the picturesque gardens and the Victorian Promenade and open-air Lido. Hear of the shipbuilding history of the area, and of the famous characters who lived here, revealing island secrets and mysteries.

Venturing further east past the historic Le Hocq Tower, where you will be able to get a glimpse inside one of our famous Napoleonic Jersey Round Towers, before we head along the coast to La Rocque.

This beautiful bay, in our island’s protected Wetlands, offers stunning views and the opportunity to admire our varied birdlife. Here you can uncover one of Jersey’s secret beaches and learn about the French invasion of 1781 led by Baron de Rullecourt, and uncover the history behind Seymour Tower, before we travel on to Seymour itself.

The Oyster Beds

14-45 to 15:45

Fancy an oyster tasting and a stroll out to the Oyster Beds. Here you will don your Welly boots and meeting your specialist guide you will stroll out to the Oyster Beds, to learn a little about our Oyster industry past and present, and see how the Oysters are cultivated today.

Back on shore and in the charming Seymour Inn you will have the opportunity to sample those local molluscs, with an accompanying beverage of your choice, and hear a little more about our oyster fishing industry.

Oyster tasting complete, our driver will now whisk us along the coast road to our next fascinating destination, the charming harbour village of Gorey, nestled at the base of our 13th Century Castle.

Uncovering the Secrets of Gorey Castle – Mont Orgueil

16:00 to 17:00

Take in the magnificent view of our incredible castle, before heading inside this medieval monument. As we wander through the castle wards on this time travelling adventure, discovering hidden rooms and passageways, we are walking in the footsteps of figures such as Sir Walther Raleigh, Sir Anthony Paulet and Queen Victoria. Learn of its fascinating history, and of the many significant historical figures who have featured in it.

On our adventure you will learn why the castle was built, and by whom, and about the famous and infamous characters who lived (and some who died) there.

The visit is a 60 minute moderate climb through the castle. There are many stairs, but the climb is gradual with many stops along the way. Please do remember however that the surfaces are uneven and 800 years old, so we recommend sensible walking footwear.

There is much to see in this magnificent castle, and the views of nearby France are second to none, so this is an adventure to remember Visit complete you may have time for a gentle cup of tea or refreshing beverage on the terrace of the Moorings Hotel, before we return you to your hotel.

Jersey is a magical Island and we hope your day’s adventure will leave you with picture perfect memories.

Tour Costs

Guide Fee for the tour:

• £320 for a Bespoke full day Tour

Transport for four guests or more:

• JU car and driver for up to 7 guests - (7 hours @ £45 per hour) £315

• Minibus for up to 16 guests £650 + 5% GST

• Coach for up to 40 guests £950 + 5% GST

Market Tasting costs:

• £25 per person

Basic Admin Fee for tour organisation:

• £100.00

CI Liquor Company gin Tasting:

• From £40 per person

Oyster Walk and Oyster Tasting:

• From £35 per person

Mont Orgueil Entry Fees:

• Adults - £18.95 per person

• Seniors - £17.95 per person

Any Additional refreshments at own cost

Dietary Requirements

Please note that the tasting selection involves dairy and wheat products. Please therefore advise if you have any allergies.