A Perfect Seaside Weekend at Havre des Pas: Festival Guide & Itinerary

There is something undeniably nostalgic about Havre des Pas. Just a short, ten-minute stroll from the bustling centre of St Helier, this charming stretch of coastline feels like a wonderful step back in time. With high summer hitting the Channel Islands, there is no better excuse to embrace our coastal lifestyle than the upcoming Havre des Pas Seaside Festival. While the town centre is already gearing up for the massive Fête de St Hélier mid-month, the following weekend belongs entirely to the beach.

Taking place on the 25th and 26th of July 2026, the Seaside Festival transforms the promenade and the historic Lido into a vibrant, family-friendly summer party. If you are looking for the best Havre des Pas Jersey things to do this season, pinning your weekend to this community beach event is a brilliant place to start. Whether you are a visitor mapping out your first trip to the island or a local ready for a weekend of sea breezes and acoustic music, here is everything you need to know.

What	Details
Event	Havre des Pas Seaside Festival 2026
Dates	25 - 26 July 2026
Time	Check the official venue listing for exact stage schedules and opening hours
Location	Havre des Pas Lido and Beach, St Helier, Jersey
Tickets	£3 per day or £5 for the weekend (purchased on the door only). Under 10s enter free.
Official Source	Parish of St Helier

The Magic of the Historic Lido

Before we dive into the festival itself, it is worth appreciating the venue. The Havre des Pas Lido is a true Jersey gem. Built in the 1920s, this tidal bathing pool features a sweeping circular boardwalk, an iconic art deco-style pavilion, and panoramic views over the rocky bay. At high tide, the sea surrounds the pool entirely, while low tide reveals a lunar landscape of rocks and gullies perfect for rock-pooling. During the festival, this usually tranquil spot becomes the beating heart of the celebration, offering a unique venue where you can literally dip your toes in the water while listening to live music.

What to Expect at the Festival

The Havre des Pas Seaside Festival is proudly community-focused, which is exactly why it remains so beloved. The promenade is traditionally closed to traffic, making way for a bustling line-up of pop-up bars, local street food stalls, and artisan craft tents. You can expect a very relaxed seaside atmosphere. Acoustic sessions and local bands play throughout the afternoon, drifting across the sand, while beach games and activities keep the little ones thoroughly entertained.

Because the entry fee is so reasonable (just £3 for the day, or £5 if you plan to return on Sunday), it is incredibly accessible. However, do keep in mind that tickets are available on the door only. There is no advance online booking, so arriving early is highly recommended to beat the mid-afternoon queues.

Practical Planning and Cautions

If there is one piece of advice I give to anyone visiting Havre des Pas during a festival weekend, it is this: do not try to park on the seafront. The coast road is subject to closures and the surrounding residential streets fill up instantly. Your best bet is to use the public car parks in central St Helier, such as Green Street or Snow Hill, and walk the ten minutes down to the beach. Alternatively, the island's bus network is excellent and drops you well within walking distance of the Lido. Finally, remember to pack plenty of sun cream and keep an eye on the tide times if you plan to venture out past the bathing pool—Jersey's tides move surprisingly fast.

A Perfect Seaside Weekend Itinerary

Once you have soaked up the lively atmosphere of the festival, there is plenty more to explore. A morning walk along the promenade towards Greve d'Azette is a wonderful way to start the day. As you wander, look inland and you will spot the imposing 19th-century ramparts of the Fort Regent Leisure Centre, standing high on Mont de la Ville. After a busy morning, you can spend your afternoon hopping between the festival's acoustic stages and the sandy beach.

Where to Eat Nearby

While the festival itself is packed with street food and pop-up bars, you might want to find a proper table for dinner as the evening cools down. Central St Helier is only a short walk away and offers some fantastic options.

• For a celebratory meal: Head over to Weighbridge Place and grab a table at The Square. It is a fantastic spot with a cosy, welcoming atmosphere and live music that never overpowers the conversation. Their steaks and fish dishes are cooked to perfection—ideal if you are celebrating a special occasion or just want a really good dinner after a day in the sun.
• For a family-friendly feast: If you have kids in tow and need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Bella Italia - Jersey on York Street is a bubbly, reliable choice with a great children's menu featuring all the pizza and pasta classics.

Where to Stay for the Festival

To truly make a weekend of it, basing yourself near the coast means you can wake up to the sound of seagulls and wander straight down to the Lido without worrying about transport.

• For local charm: The Thalatta Guest House on Cleveland Road is a brilliant, unpretentious find. It is tucked away from the main business of the town but incredibly close to the beach. The breakfast is hearty, and they are incredibly accommodating if you need to leave your bags before check-in while you explore.
• For resort-style fun: If you are travelling with family, The Merton Hotel on Belvedere Hill is just a short walk from Havre des Pas. It is famous on the island for its casual, fun atmosphere, complete with an indoor pool and waterslides for when you need a break from the salt water.
• For modern comfort: The Pomme d’Or Hotel in Liberation Square offers lovely harbour views and puts you directly between the town's central amenities and the walking route to the festival.

Make a Full Weekend of It

If you have some free time on Sunday morning before heading back to the beach, delve a little deeper into the island's rich heritage. You can easily walk over to West Park and catch the amphibious ferry to Elizabeth Castle in St Aubin's Bay, which has defended Jersey for over 400 years. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep your feet on dry land and want to learn more about the local culture and wartime history, booking a guided walk with Stroll In Jersey is a highly engaging way to see the island through a local's eyes.

Whether you come for the live acoustic sets, the historic Lido, or just a really good ice cream on the promenade, Havre des Pas in July is hard to beat. Grab your tickets on the door, pack your beach towel, and I will see you by the water.