Where to swim in Jersey
A saltwater pool that is filled by the tide, Havre des Pas Bathing Pool originally opened in 1895 as a safe place for local swimmers. This historic lido boasts beautiful art deco-style boardwalks, indoor changing facilities and toilets, outdoor shower, diving platforms, children’s pool, and plenty of space for relaxation and sunbathing. The pool and changing area are free to access, although the main building now operates as a private event space and a refreshment kiosk over the summer. Best for low tide swims, the pool is completely submerged at high tide. Take care on the steps, as they can become covered in slippery seaweed over the summer months.
There is no parking at Havre des Pas, however Green Street car park is a short (5 minute) walk away. The lido is around a 15 minute walk from the town centre or around 5 minutes by bus. There is ample space to secure bikes beside the boardwalk, and the journey is flat, so suitable for all fitness levels.
A pebble beach on Jersey’s north coast, Bouley is a small and deep bay that’s good for swimming at all states of tide. The small beach has toilets, an outdoor shower, seasonal refreshment kiosk, step access to the beach, and a slipway, which is great for accessing the water at varying states of tide. Popular with scuba divers, Bouley Bay is a great place for spotting fish and crabs, so take your goggles or your mask and snorkel!
There is parking available at Bouley Bay, or the beach can be reached via bus route 4, via a 40-minute cycle from St Helier, or via a 1 hr 45 minute walk. There is a steep hill to access the Bay, so active travellers will require a moderate level of fitness.
One of Jersey’s most popular beaches, St Brelade’s Bay offers a true “paradise island” feel. With clear waters, white powdery sands, and a backdrop of seaside gardens and palm trees, it’s the perfect place to spend a hot summer’s day. Swimming is best at mid- to high-tide, and the beach has a regular lifeguard patrol over the summer months. Fill up after your swim with an array of beachfront eateries – including our very own Oyster Box and Jersey Crab Shack – and enjoy beachside facilities including outdoor showers, public toilets, gift shops, ice cream shops, and regular bus services.
The Bay can be reached via bus routes 12A and 14, or via a short (15-minute) walk from the Rose Farm or Red Houses stops on bus route 15. For active travel, the Bay is a 30-minute cycle from St Helier, or a 1 hr 45 minute walk, involving some steep inclines.
Just around the coast from St Brelade’s Bay, Beauport is a smaller sandy beach with beautiful clear waters and unspoilt surroundings. The beach is accessed via a 5-minute walk from the car park with some steep steps and has limited facilities (no toilets, showers, refreshments, or bus service). This means that the beach is often quiet, making it a peaceful place to swim and enjoy Jersey’s natural beauty.
Beauport is around a 10-minute cycle from St Brelade’s Bay or around a 30-minute walk.
A rocky Bay in the north west, Plemont boasts majestic cliffs, golden sands, spectacular caves, and even a waterfall. The Bay is completely submerged at high tide, so is best for mid-tide swims. This beach has public toilets, an outdoor shower, and a popular café, and boasts views across to Guernsey, Herm and Sark on clear days.
Around an hour’s cycle from St Helier, or a 10-minute walk from the Portinfer Junction stop of the route 8 bus, Plemont is accessed via some steep steps so will require a moderate level of fitness to reach the Bay.
Walking & Cycling Routes
The promenade along Victoria Avenue offers a safe, easy, and relaxed walk or cycle between St Helier and St Aubin. A flat route with separate pathways for cycles and pedestrians, the promenade takes around 20 minutes to cycle, or just over an hour to walk. Enjoy views across St Aubin’s Bay and plenty of public toilet and refreshment stops along the route.
A pretty woodland area in the east of the Island, St Catherine’s Woods are perfect for a relaxed family stroll. Kids will love the rope swings, stepping stones, and muddy puddles, and grown-ups can enjoy the woodland landscapes and local flora.
Cycling is not possible in the woods, but more adventurous cyclists will enjoy the nearby coast roads with plenty of inclines and coastal views.
Following the route of Jersey’s old railway, the aplty-named Railway Walk follows a mostly flat path from St Aubin to Corbière. Enjoy a pretty tree-lined walkway, perfect for a relaxed walk or cycle, ending with beautiful views of Corbière Lighthouse. Around 30 minutes’ cycle, or around 1 hr 30 minutes’ walk, this is a perfect route to enjoy getting active without the risk of cars and without too many hills.
Thanks to Jersey’s huge tidal range, the Island doubles in size when the tide goes out leaving an expanse of sea bed to explore. This unique and interesting landscape offers sandy pathways to follow, rocks to climb, and rock pools to explore and admire. Kids will love looking for crabs, small fish, sea slugs and sea anemones, while for grown-ups, a moonlit bioluminescence walk offers the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of glow worms in the sand. Opt for a guided walk to make the most of the sea beds, and to make sure you get safely back to shore ahead of the incoming tide.
Annual Local Events
Liberation Day is celebrated every year on 9th May to mark the anniversary of Jersey’s liberation from German Occupation during the Second World War. There is usually a re-enactment of the liberation events at Liberation Square in the town centre, as well as street entertainment, concerts, and family events.
Liberation Day is a public holiday in Jersey, so most schools, offices, and some attractions are closed, particularly when Liberation Day falls on a weekday.
30 Bays in 30 Days takes place every July, and encourages Islanders to swim at one of Jersey’s beaches every day throughout the month. The event raises money for charity, and is also a great way to boost fitness and mental health.
The Jersey Battle of Flowers is a carnival parade that’s celebrated every year in August.
The first Battle took place more than 100 years ago in 1902, to celebrate the coronation of Edward VII. The celebration has changed over the years, but still takes place every August along Victoria Avenue. Each year, the event features brightly-coloured floral parade floats that are built by the local community, street performers, musicians, and family entertainment. It’s great fun, with a real sense of excitement and community spirit.
Black Butter is a traditional Jersey preserve made from apples and spices. It is made in the autumn months, with the Jersey National Trust offering the opportunity to get involved in preparing apples and cooking the Black Butter using the traditional methods.
The Black Butter Festival usually takes place at The Elms, a National Trust property, every October.
Christmas is widely celebrated in Jersey, with highlights including the Simply Christmas Market every year in the Royal Square. Cosy up with a mulled wine and a mince pie as you explore the quaint displays of local crafts and gifts, and enjoy performances from island artists and musicians.
Outdoor Activities in Jersey
A great way to enjoy Jersey’s coast, paddle boarding allows you to experience the water without getting wet! Best enjoyed on a calm day, paddle boards are available to hire over the summer season, with some providers also offering guided tours. Find out more about paddle boarding and other water sports via Visit Jersey.
A fun coastal adventure, coasteering around Jersey’s beaches and bays will have you climbing over rocks, swimming into gullies and caves, and jumping from the cliffs into the sea. Perfect for adrenaline junkies, it’s a high energy outdoor experience, best undertaken on a guided trip. Find out more about coasteering, and other water activities, via Visit Jersey.
Take to the water and explore Jersey’s hidden beaches and bays. With kayak hire or guided tours to choose from, there’s options for both beginners and more experienced paddlers. Find out more via Visit Jersey to learn about different options and book your experience.
At just nine miles long and five miles wide, Jersey is the perfect place to explore by foot or by bike. Visit Jersey offers plenty of information about discovering the Island by walking or cycling, or you can also find more information in our Health & Wellbeing section.
Thanks to Jersey’s huge tidal range, the Island doubles in size when the tide goes out leaving an expanse of sea bed to explore. This unique and interesting landscape offers sandy pathways to follow, rocks to climb, and rock pools to explore and admire. Kids will love looking for crabs, small fish, sea slugs and sea anemones, while for grown-ups, a moonlit bioluminescence walk offers the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of glow worms in the sand. Opt for a guided walk to make the most of the sea beds, and to make sure you get safely back to shore ahead of the incoming tide.
Sea swimming has become increasingly popular in Jersey over the last few years – and with good reason. As an Island surrounded by sea, there’s so much choice of beautiful beaches, coves, and even a saltwater lido to enjoy the sea at low tide. See more information about sea swimming in our Health & Wellbeing section.
