JERSEY
Jersey being part of the English Channel is neither a part of UK or the European Union like Guernsey and Isle of Man. It is largest amongst the Channel Islands and also independent though the responsibility of the defence is that of UK. Jersey has always been a unique island from the past because of its strategic location between England and France. Hence the Iron Age and Bronze Age evidence can still be found in many locations on the island. The island has a temperate climate which is attractive for many visitors to escape the extreme heat or cold and come for a holiday here.
ECONOMY
Traditionally, the islanders’ main livelihood involved agriculture, fishing, milling, shipbuilding and production of woollen goods. Later with the improvement in transport, tourism became an essential part of Jersey’s economy. E commerce and the financial services have also contributed almost 60% of Jersey’s modern economy. Jersey is in fact recognized as one of the leading offshore fiscal centres. The honesty of the local people here has gifted Jersey with the Fair Trade island status in 2005. The income tax rate here remains unchanged for decades which are still flat 20%. Because of the absence of VAT, the luxury goods like videos, lingerie, contact lenses and many more can be bought at very cheap rates than in UK or France. This has added an extra advantage for tourists who love shopping during their holiday.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Almost half of the population of Jersey is not originally from the island. There is a large population of British, Irish, Portuguese and Polish people. English is the predominantly main language here. Christianity is the main religion making Church of England as the established church. Methodism is still strongly held in the countryside. Like Guernsey, Jersey issues its own coins and banknotes though British, Scottish and Guernsey pounds can be easily used too. Currency used is pound though numerous streets are named in French which depicts the ideal blend of English French culture. Jersey is known for its festival ‘Battle of Flowers’ in August which is a premier tourist attraction. The tourists can enjoy this unique carnival played with predominantly fresh chrysanthemums and mingle with the local community participating in the festival with great enthusiasm. Along with the festival the visitors can enjoy the music and entertainment bands, funfair and various competitions for Miss and Mr Jersey.
ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS
Jersey is one place where the blend of British and French influence can be experienced along with its virgin natural beauty. The tourists get captivated by the island’s landscape along with many other activities to do here. Water sports like sailing; surfing, diving, and fishing are common here. The breath taking experience of sky diving and rock climbing can be enjoyed by tourists looking for some adventure. The splendid greenery and climate of the island is ideal for leisure walks, relaxing golf game and playing freebies with the family.
Jersey Lavender Farm
This scenic and aromatic attraction is open in the summer from May end to early August and is just 5 minutes away from the airport. The tourists can enjoy the great opportunity to see the production process of pure lavender essential oil and other fragrant lavender toiletries explained through visual and audio presentations. The visitors can wander through these splendid gardens and can enjoy the delicious meals made from local ingredients and spices served at the café. The lavender soaps, oil and other toiletries can be bought at the local shop at the farm.
Shell Garden
Shell Garden as the name suggests is the largest of its kind made of over a million of locally collected shells. This garden was started by Colin Soudain for his own pleasure but has today become the island’s most unique and popular tourist attraction. The garden still maintains its authentic air of innocence by providing the true spirit of Mankind. Jersey’s unique seashore provides abundant shells used as raw materials to keep beautifying the garden. Shell garden is thus the largest of its kind in the world giving joy and pleasure to tourists coming from all over the globe.
Eric Young Orchid Foundation
One can find world’s largest and finest collection of beautiful orchids in this wonderful landscaped garden. The garden is renowned to have won a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show and known for its fragile flowers and glasshouses all over the world. The stunning stroll in the garden is a must to see orchids in their naturalistic environment to witness their extravagant and compelling beauty.
aMaizin Maze
aMaizin is one of the most popular tourist attraction of Jersey. It has backed many awards including the 2009 Silver Green Tourism Business Award and the 2009 Runner-up National Farm Attraction of the year. Along with aMaizin maze, aMaizin Adventure Park gives a wonderful experience to all members of the family. There is a one time entrance fee and then visitors can avail all facilities and activities of the park free of cost. The entertaining activities include aMaizin Barnyard (u can actually milk the cow here), tractor rides, Towering Toboggan, Crazy Golf, water Wars area, 3 Go-Kart Tracks, aMaizin Craft Centre along with outstanding aMaizin Maze. It is located in St. Peter and easily accessible by bus, car or bike.
Maritime Museum
The maritime museum is a good way to see Jersey’s naval past and explores the age old relationship between the people of Jersey and the sea. The myths and legends of the sea are told here in a very fascinating way. The museum has many user interactive exhibitions going on where the tourists can have the real feel and knowledge about navigation, seafaring and how to design and float a ship. The restoration work being carried on the ancient boat HMS Havick also attracts loads of vacationers from everywhere.
Jersey Museum
This award winning museum is a must for the tourists who want to explore the history, culture and traditions of Jersey from the ancient times to the modern day. Many tourists come to see the island’s best treasures displayed including an invaluable Bronze Age gold torque and Millais’ renowned portrait of Lillie Langtry. The museum also houses a Link Gallery where several exhibitions are held in which one can find out the living style of Jersey’s earliest inhabitants. There is also a grand collection of the famous Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe which includes the screen costumes and the personal items worn by her. Jersey museum also has the largest collection of the famous artist Claude Cahun comprising of her books, photographs and original manuscripts.
St. Heiler
Although for administrative purpose, Jersey is divided into twelve parishes each named after the saint whom the church is dedicated to; St. Heiler is considered to be the capital of Jersey named after the patron saint St. Heiler. It is situated on the south of Jersey on St. Aubins Bay. The port here is the major hub of activity as there are frequent ferries, yachts and fishermen visits. Around 30% of the population of Jersey is concentrated in this town. The Waterfront area recently created is also worth a visit. St. Heiler is a very lively town having Victorian character and influence of France and Portugal. Its ancient Capital Market sells the island’s own produce including freshly caught fish, fragrant flowers and the famous Jersey Royal potatoes. The famous museums like Jersey Museum and the Maritime museum are also located here.
TRANSPORT AND STAYING
Jersey has its independent postal and telecommunication services although it follows the British standards. There are almost 12 flights to Jersey everyday from London which takes less than hour to reach. Quick ferry services are also available from south of England for tourists who wish to get their own car to the island. Jersey is a compact size island which can be easily explored by roads. Tourists can enjoy the island either by the excellent bus and taxi service available throughout the island or can even hire bikes to wander in the countryside.
Jersey offers a wide range of accommodation suiting the pocket and needs of all travellers. Apart from luxurious hotels in St. Heiler suiting the needs of the family and beautiful bed and breakfast in the countryside illustrating the island’s culture, caravanning is also permitted for tourists who want to be mobile through out their stay. During the summer, camping is great fun for enthusiastic and adventure seeking travellers.
The travellers can enjoy delicious island food along with their stay. Smoking is banned in all public places and restaurants and cafes providing a fresh and delightful atmosphere to enjoy. Seafood consisting of crabs, oysters, lobster and fish forms the traditional part of the cuisine. The local produce of Jersey Royal potato is also very popular on the island. Cabbage loaf, fliottes and nettle soup are among other traditional dishes. The best delicacy known all over the world is black butter, a dark spicy spread made from local apples, cider and spices.
Jersey is hence the most upcoming and the best place for a relaxing and leisure holiday. It is the perfect destination for that reviving springtime break - with a bit of shopping and pampering thrown in for good measure. A small island that, when you get to know it, becomes much bigger than you first thought.
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