Mont Orgueil Castle

We travelled to the castle by bus from the St. Helier station, an easy 25 minute trip, and after being deposited at Gorey Pier we walked 5 minutes up to the castle. It is certainly impressive, and the reason why the hilltop has been used for defensive purpose since Neolithic times is clear. We arrived too late for a volunteer-led tour, so explored the castle ourselves using the large number of interpretive signs. The castle’s fortunes have waxed and waned over the centuries, and renovations to adapt it to changes in warfare have left a multi-level maze inside. It’s easy to get turned around. There are several contemporary art installations that include a massive figure that depicts the nasty nature of medieval battle injuries, a silver dragon suspended from the ceiling, an intricate medieval monarchy tree of succession containing steel faces of rulers, and a large holographic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. There is certainly lots to see in the castle’s many nooks and crannies, but we had the general sense that things were a bit disjointed, something that might have been remedied with a tour. Fortunately, we bumped into the Tudor Falconer, who was set up in the Middle Ward with Sovereign, a lovely Harris Hawk, to demonstrate to visitors the ancient and fascinating art of falconry. We spent about 20 happy minutes with the two of them. Practical information: be ready for lots of stairs. There is a nice cafe onsite. Allow 2-3 hours for a visit.

Lovely ‘private’ tour of the castle today. Managed to park in the street just next to the castle and bought our tickets at 10.58 just before the free guided tour kicked off at 11.00. I have to say it was more luck than judgement. Stanley our volunteer tour guide was superb and incredibly knowledgeable about the castle. The tour should have been an hour but 90 minutes later he was still going.
The castle is steeped in history and a labyrinth of room and abundant history awaits. The views from the parapets are glorious when the sun is out.
There are a few films you can watch to get a feel for how the castle expanded over the last few hundred years or so.
Well worth a visit.
Two adults were £38.00.