All direct flights from Jersey

Mark Says

Jersey is an alluring place, be it because of its tax haven status or the fact it is usually a few degrees warmer than the mainland. The biggest and most lively of the five Channel Islands also boasts a fantastic variety of top notch beaches, from sophisticated St Brelade's to surfers' paradise St Ouen's, all within half-an-hour's drive of each other. Jersey may be relatively small, just 45 sq miles, but the majority of its 90,000 inhabitants live in the capital St Helier, leaving the rest of the island surprisingly unspoilt and rural.

St Helier itself is a major banking centre, and not surprisingly has a dazzling range of high-end restaurants and boutiques to cater to its moneyed clientele. However many Charlie Hungerford clones there may be cruising the island in their convertible Bentleys, Jersey remains refreshingly unpretentious and down to earth.

If St Helier feels too crowded, the quiet north coast is only a 20 minute drive away. Apart from the many beautiful beaches, Jersey's main attraction is its superb zoo. Founded by the writer and naturalist Gerald Durrell, Jersey Zoo has gained a worldwide reputation as a centre for breeding and nurturing endangered species, many of which are then released into the wild.

Elsewhere across Jersey there are many fine coastal castles to explore, and the narrow, winding lanes that criss-cross the island are great for cycling or walking. There is a wide range of accommodation on Jersey, from campsites to luxury hotels, but you will need to book ahead if you plan to visit during the busy summer months.