Elizabeth Castle

Make sure you give your self plenty of time to visit. To start the adventure to the castle you get on a amphibious truck. Castle is a fantastic place to visit, with a lot of history from across hundreds of years, lots to see plus lots of steps, but after all that climbing there is a lovely little cafe to refuel. We had a fantastic time exploring

The castle is well worth a visit when in St. Helier. A religious priory from the mid 12th until the late 18th Century, Elizabeth Castle is located outside the harbour and connected to the mainland by a causeway that is above water only 5 out of every 12 hours. Named Elizabeth Castle (after Elizabeth I) in 1600 by Sir Walter Raleigh, its fortifications have have been modified over the years, most recently by the Germans during the 1940 to 1945 occupation years. Jersey Heritage does a very good job of maintaining and interpreting the castle, and volunteer guides make it come alive. There are lots of stairs to climb, nooks & crannies to explore, and plaques to read. The Artillery museum off the Parade Ground is informative while not being overwhelming. Some practical information: Visitors are transported by an amphibious vehicle when the water is high, but if the tide is out a walk across is a nice way to spend 15-20 minutes (note the tide times at the ticket office if hoping to walk there or back). Take some extra clothing if visiting on a windy day. Check the very good Jersey Heritage caste website if one has some accessibility issues. There is a good cafe onsite, and several nice spots for a picnic. The castle is closed during the winter.