Jersey real image HTML test 20260624155749

Category: Guides

Alyssa, travel writer

Alyssa, travel writer

Alyssa writes practical, upbeat local guides for WhatsOn, mixing current events with places to eat, stay and explore.

Pomme d’Or Hotel
Pomme d’Or Hotel

Hey everyone, Alyssa here! If you happened to catch this article's rather unusual title—jersey real image html test 20260624155749—don't worry, I haven't been replaced by an algorithm! Our web team is just running some behind-the-scenes magic to ensure all my travel photos look absolutely stunning on your screens this season. With that out of the way, let's talk about what really matters: summer in Jersey is officially kicking off, and the island is transitioning into a vibrant season of music, theatre, and heritage.

Whether you're a local islander looking for a fresh weekend plan or a holidaymaker trying to squeeze every drop of joy out of your trip, the next few weeks are packed with brilliant things to do. From coastal art walks to medieval fortresses doubling as sunset dancefloors, here is your essential guide to what is happening around the island.

Castle Beats & Sunset Vibes

Starting on Thursday, June 25, the historic Mont Orgueil Castle hosts its very first Summer Night Session of the year. If you have never experienced this, you are in for an absolute treat. The event brings relaxed Ibiza sunset DJ sets—featuring local favourites Simon Gasston and Warren Le Sueur—right into the middle ward of a spectacular medieval fortress.

Watching the sun go down over Gorey Harbour while listening to top-tier DJs is a quintessential Jersey summer experience. My top tip? Treat this as the ultimate Thursday evening kickoff to the weekend. Bring your own picnic, a cosy blanket, and a bottle of wine. Just remember that it can get a bit breezy up on the castle ramparts as the evening draws in, so an extra layer is always a smart move.

Mont Orgueil Castle standing proudly over Gorey Harbour

Immersive Art & Seaweed Heritage

If you prefer your daytime cultural explorations a little more laid-back, you absolutely must check out the Vraiqu'sie exhibition running all summer. It is a wonderfully charming and innovative art exhibition exploring Jersey's traditional seaweed-gathering heritage (known as vraicking). The display uses multi-disciplinary art, film, and traditional Jèrriais song to connect our historic maritime language to modern sensory experiences.

It is a perfect addition to a historical day out, giving you a deep dive into an agricultural tradition that shaped the island's coastal communities for centuries.

Marina Murals & St Helier Strolls

For those spending time in town, take a mid-week stroll along the Elizabeth Marina to watch the Art in the Arches: Safe Haven murals taking shape. ArtHouse Jersey has transformed the historic marina arches with a fresh series of vibrant community and professional murals exploring themes of sanctuary and ocean ecology.

It is an open-air, free-to-access public art display that brilliantly adds a splash of colour to our iconic waterfront. I highly recommend grabbing a coffee from a nearby café, walking the length of the marina, and taking in the outdoor gallery at your own pace.

Looking Ahead: Festivals & Cycling

As we move into July, the calendar only gets busier. On Saturday, July 4, the massive Out-There Festival (Valley of the Unknown) returns to Val de la Mare. It is Jersey's premier electronic music festival, boasting two huge stages in a scenic valley setting. If you plan to go, make sure you secure your tickets and sort out your transport options well in advance, as LibertyBus timetables and local taxis get very busy!

The following day, Sunday, July 5, sees the return of the Tour de Jersey. Starting from Albert Pier, this highly popular island-wide cycling event raises vital charity funds. With routes ranging from a family-friendly 7km up to a gruelling 100km, it is an incredibly scenic way to experience Jersey's coastline and winding country lanes. If you are visiting with your bike, definitely look into registering.

Pomme d’Or Hotel
Pomme d’Or Hotel

Virtual Reality Wildlife

Finally, for families looking for something completely different, Jersey Zoo has launched its Wild Immersion virtual reality experience, open on selected dates through to September. It is a state-of-the-art VR setup that transports you to global wildlife hotspots, allowing kids and adults alike to virtually swim with sharks and walk with polar bears. It is a fantastic, immersive addition to the world-famous conservation zoo.


Where to Eat Nearby

All this exploring is bound to work up an appetite. If you are catching the sunset sessions at Gorey or just exploring the east coast, stop by The Moorings Hotel & Restaurant right on Gorey Pier. It is a wonderfully relaxed spot offering brilliant channel views and an informal menu that hits the spot after a day of walking.

If you are out west preparing for the Out-There Festival or simply watching the surfers at St Ouen's Bay, you can never go wrong with El Tico. The fresh seafood is superb, the sunset views are unmatched, and they serve a lovely Crémant by the glass. It gets busy, so arriving early is always my strategy here.

Old Smugglers Inn
Old Smugglers Inn

For those sticking to central St Helier—perhaps before catching a show at the Jersey Opera House—you might wander past Chambers Sports Bar & Nightclub. Alyssa's honest local advice: head in for the lively atmosphere, the music, and a few drinks, but skip the food menu based on recent local intel. Keep it as a fantastic pre- or post-theatre watering hole instead!

Where to Stay

Need a base for your summer adventures? If you are taking part in the Tour de Jersey, the Pomme d’Or Hotel is an iconic choice. Located right on Liberation Square overlooking the harbour, it places you mere footsteps from the Albert Pier start line. It features modern quarters, an outdoor pool, and a sauna to rest those tired cycling legs.

Pomme d'Or Hotel in St Helier

If you prefer to be slightly out of the town centre, the Somerville Hotel in St Aubin is gorgeous. Set on the hillside, this plush country house hotel offers an outdoor pool and a restaurant with sweeping sea views across the bay towards town.

Make a Day of It

To truly round off a Jersey summer weekend, you should get out on the water. Book a RIB boat tour with Jersey Seafaris. Departing from St Catherine or Albert Pier, their expert skippers can whisk you away to offshore islands like Les Écréhous to spot dolphins, seals, and hidden caves. It is an exhilarating way to see the island's massive tidal range in action.

Alternatively, wait for low tide and walk across the causeway from St Helier to Elizabeth Castle. Home to the Vraiqu'sie exhibition mentioned earlier, this tidal island fortress has defended Jersey for over 400 years. If the tide rolls in while you are exploring, you can simply catch the amphibious castle ferry back to the mainland.

Whatever you decide to get up to this week, I hope you have a spectacular time enjoying everything the island has to offer. See you out there!

— Alyssa

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Join 10,000 subscribers and never miss out on events happening in Jersey again!