24 HOURS IN JERSEY
Words: Emma Juhasz Head for milder climes in the largest of the Channel Islands – the ideal place for a relaxing retreat… SPEND THE NIGHT The Club Hotel & Spa This intimate luxury hotel, situated close to the town centre, is ideal for a spot of indulgence. Unwind in the exclusive spa before visiting the [...]
Words: Emma Juhasz
Head for milder climes in the largest of the Channel Islands – the ideal place for a relaxing retreat…
SPEND THE NIGHT
The Club Hotel & Spa
This intimate luxury hotel, situated close to the
town centre, is ideal for a spot of indulgence.
Unwind in the exclusive spa before visiting
the sophisticated Michelin-starred Bohemia
restaurant. Alternatively, you can take a dip in the
outdoor pool or dine at the less formal café.
Green Street, St Helier, +44 (0)1534 876 500;
www.theclubjersey.com
EAT AT
Bistro Soleil
This warm and friendly restaurant offers
beautifully presented food combined with
magnifi cent panoramas across St Aubin’s Bay.
Enjoy local seafood with a modern twist as you
dine al fresco during the summer or indoors in the
minimalist but brightly decorated dining room.
La Plage, Beaumont, St Peter, +44 (0)1534 720 249
MUST SEE
Mont Orgueil Castle
Towering over Gorey harbour is one of Britain’s
best-preserved castles. Built in the 13th century to
protect the island against the French, it has been a
prison, spy station and even a seat of government.
Gorey, St Martin, +44 (0)1534 633 300;
www.jerseyheritagetrust.org
MAKE TIME FOR
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
The inspirational wildlife conservationist and
writer Gerald Durrell founded this centre on
31 acres of parkland in the grounds of the
16th-century Les Augrès Manor. Get up close to
130 of nature’s greatest animal species, including
gorillas, lemurs, flamingos and orangutans.
Les Augrès Manor, La Profonde Rue, Trinity,
+44 (0)1534 860 000; www.durrell.org
The War Tunnels
During German occupation of the island in World
War II, Jersey was fortifi ed with tunnels and bunkers which included a hospital complete
with an operating theatre. Today, this 1km
stretch of extraordinary underground warrens
is one of the island’s most popular attractions.
Les Charrieres Malorey, St Lawrence, +44 (0)
1534 860 808 www.jerseywartunnels.com
TAKE HOME
Jersey is famous for its apples which are used to
make some fi ne produce, including Black Butter,
a delicious preserve made from apples and spices.
If you’d rather enjoy a local tipple, you can savour
the tasty but strong native Jersey Apple Brandy.
Both are available from La Mare Vineyards &
Distillery, St Mary, +44 (0)1534 481 178
A LONG WEEKEND IN DUBLIN
IF YOU CAN tear yourself away from this lively
and friendly city for a while, you’ll discover
that there is a rich diversity of culture and
beauty to explore nearby. The Wicklow Mountains
National Park (www.wicklownationalpark.ie
)is just 15 miles south of Dublin. This beautiful
17,000-hectare wilderness provides stunning
routes for walkers and has plentiful wildlife, while
the nearby Glendalough Valley was where St
Kevin founded an ancient monastic settlement.
Just 16 miles south of Dublin, also in Co.
Wicklow, lies Powerscourt House and Gardens
(www.powerscourt.ie
) (left). The grounds of this
impressive Palladian building contain Ireland’s
highest waterfall (398 feet) and a herd of Japanese
Sikka deer. Check out the tasty homemade fare
and find something beautiful and unique to take
home at the Avoca Handweavers café and shop.
If you’d rather venture eastwards into the
countryside, then head for Co. Kildare where
you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied. Ireland
is now recognised as a leading golfing location
and one of the prime spots for hitting a fore
is at The K Club (www.kclub.com
). About a
40-minute drive from Dublin, it boasts two
championship 18-hole golf courses.
If your idea of relaxation is letting someone
else do all the work, then horseracing may
offer the perfect diversion. Wexford Racecourse
(www.wexfordraces.ie
), for example, attracts top
jockeys for both its flat and jump meetings and
it is about a two-hour drive from Dublin.
