Channel Islands - Jersey with Isobel, Darren & Carl

Channel Islands - Jersey 

A wonderful afternoon was spent at the Jersey Pearl factory, a charming venue filled with beautiful jewellery. One of the most exciting parts was choosing our own freshwater mussel. We each took turns watching the assistant clean and open them, revealing stunning pearls inside. Ours were soft pink and perfectly round—a treasure to always keep to remember this day. 

Today was all about wildlife and wonder. We were bound for Gerald Durrell Zoo.

We began in the Jewels of the Forest aviary, marvelling at the riot of colours and exotic bird calls. Every step brought a new feathered friend—some flitting high above, others watching us curiously from branches. Inside the Durrell Discovery Centre, we took part in some interactive sensory activities and watched a short but powerful film about global conservation efforts. One of the most unforgettable sights was the Galapagos Giant Tortoises—some of whom could live to be over 150 years old!  In the Reptile House, we saw poison dart frogs in electric blues and reds, huge lizards basking under heat lamps, and snakes coiled like living sculptures. But the stars of the show were undoubtedly the gorillas and orangutans. We watched in awe as they interacted with each other, curious, playful, and full of personality. Their intelligence was clear in every gesture. Nearby, the flamingos stood in their elegant pink clusters, occasionally dipping their beaks or balancing delicately on one leg. 

We went on  guided tour of the island. Our first stop was the dramatic and windswept Bay of St. Ouen on the west coast, where we visited the Jersey War Tunnels Military Museum. Housed inside a massive concrete bunker that once formed part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall, the museum was both haunting and fascinating. Inside, we saw hundreds of artefacts from the German occupation of Jersey between 1940–1945. The sheer number of items on display gave a real sense of the people who had lived through it. One of the most incredible sights was the original, working Enigma 3-rotor encryption machine. To stand in front of something so pivotal to the outcome of World War II was both surreal and humbling. 

It was then off to Mont Orgueil Castle, also known locally as Gorey Castle. Rising dramatically above the Royal Bay of Grouville, the 13th-century fortress stands proud on a rocky outcrop, with the sea on three sides and views of France just 14 miles away. Climbing the castle was no small feat—over 200 steps! As we explored each tower, spiral staircase, and hidden room, we came across fascinating exhibits: wooden soldiers guarding the battlements, holograms of royalty, and even a life-sized sculpture known as The Perfect Knight, representing Sir Hugh Calveley. The Medieval Great Hall featured powerful artworks including “The Queen” and “Equanimity” by artists Chris Levine and Rob Munday. As we reached the Grand Battery at the top, we were rewarded with panoramic views of the coastline and countryside. 

A memorable moment was spent at St. Matthew's Church, better known as The Glass Church, nestled in Millbrook. The church’s modest stone exterior gave no hint of the breathtaking interior that awaited us. Once inside, we were mesmerized. Commissioned by Lady Florence Boot in memory of her husband (Jesse Boot, founder of Boots the Chemist), the interior features the only full-sized glass font in the world. 

The seaside train took us to the Corbière Lighthouse, perched dramatically on a tidal island. The sea shimmered, and we paused for refreshments while taking in the rugged coastline. Doug, our driver, explained how seaweed is still used to fertilize steep potato fields, restoring nutrients that the wind and sand often strip away. Next, we headed to St. Brelade’s Bay, a beach of golden sands and turquoise water....and of course treated ourselves to an ice cream treat! 

There were more Jersey War Tunnels to visit.  The tunnels, dug deep into the hillside by forced labour during the German occupation, stretch over 1,000 metres and are filled with harrowing stories, interactive exhibits, and historical artefacts. Inside, the temperature dropped, and the walls echoed with the distant sounds of air raid sirens and wartime broadcasts. We walked through re-creations of living quarters, medical rooms, and propaganda exhibits, absorbing the weight of life during wartime Jersey. Each of us received a replica identity card at the entrance, which made the experience feel all the more personal. A particularly moving section detailed Liberation Day – 9 May 1945. The photos, letters, and videos brought tears to our eyes as we imagined the joy and relief the islanders must have felt. At the end, a wall displayed photos and life stories of real Jersey residents who lived through the occupation. 

We were so lucky with the weather and we couldn't resist a dip in the pool, soaking up the sun on a lounger and relaxing in the warm jacuzzi.