Visit Jersey #TheIslandBreak Part One
Considering we have enjoyed countless UK holidays over the years, it’s surprising that The Channel Islands have never been on our radar. Although I was aware of them, I knew very little about them as islands and even less about them as a holiday destination. So when we were offered the opportunity to visit Jersey this Summer, although of course we jumped at the chance, we had no idea what to expect!
I’ll be honest, I assumed that Jersey was just off the South coast somewhere, and had no idea that it was actually a four and a half ferry ride away from Poole. Living in Lancashire this meant that we had to make the journey down the night before, stay over at a hotel nearby, and be up bright and early to be at the port for 8am. To say that the children were excited would be a real understatement!
Travelling with Condor Ferries, it couldn’t have been easier. We simply downloaded our boarding cards onto our phone, showed them at the check point and, after just a short wait, boarded the ferry ready to sail. Having never taken the children on a ferry before I was so relieved at how straight forward it was and, having been allocated seats in the Ocean Plus area, it was great that we had our own seats and a large table to keep the children contained and entertained!
Ocean Plus seating comes at an added cost to the tickets and yet not only was it great to have our own drinks and snacks bar, but situated at the front of the boat it meant that we had a great view ahead of us, particularly as we approached Guernsey and again on to Jersey.
Condor Ferries also have a restaurant serving food, which for us was breakfast and then later, serving lunch. It also has the all important Duty Free shop, a children’s area with a large television and bean bags, and a viewing deck.
Now I’ll be honest with you, as first time sailors, things didn’t go quite to plan with all three of the children, and both Gaz and I, suffering with sea sickness before we had even left the harbour. An hour in, sat holding a sick bag as the children each vomited into their own, I have to admit that it wasn’t the most fun we’ve ever had as a family, and yet we focused on the fact that we had a lovely few days to look forward to.
Thankfully as we approached Jersey the sea seemed to calm down, the sun started shining, and with the children regaining their normal colour, we were able to enjoy the view as we came into dock at St Helier.
After quickly returning to our car and exiting the ferry into St Helier, we drove just ten minutes to our hotel, The Hampshire.
The HampshireĀ is a boutique hotel that caters for parties of all sizes, and all budgets. We were very lucky to be offered a Premier Room to sleep six, which is just perfect for larger families like ourselves.
With a large super king sized bed and a double pull out sofa in one room, alongside a fully furnished bathroom, we then had an adjoining room for the girls with bunk beds, another bathroom and plenty of space to spread out.
The children were so excited to have bunk beds, although equally impressed with how big the televisions were! I loved that each room was fully equipped and not only had the basics we would expect from a hotel room, but all of the little extras to really make a hotel stand out.
The Hampshire’s facilities were equally impressive with a large, free, car park, a gorgeous bar/lounge and a lovely outdoor patio area and swimming pool. It honestly felt as though we were a million miles from home!
The Hampshire prides itself on anĀ AA Rosette awardedĀ restaurant which, although we didn’t dine at for our evening meal, looked amazing. Our children are notoriously fussy and you definitely wouldn’t find chicken nuggets and chips on the menu here! That said, we did enjoy our breakfast in the restaurant each morning which was delicious, and the service was second to none.
With a hot self service buffet, and all of our favourites available, and a huge range range of pastries, fruits, cereals and breads, there was no chance of going hungry here! The children loved that they were offered hot chocolate each morning, a real treat for them with breakfast!
We loved The Hampshire’s central location, just a ten minute walk from the centre, where there are so many gorgeous restaurants, bars and shops to wander.
St Helier has so many family friendly restaurants which was great for us, with the children’s favourite, Pizza Express, just down the road. With three fussy eaters it’s always reassuring to know that there is always something on the menu they will eat!
After a long day we were more than ready for bed, and thankfully The Hampshire has some of the comfiest beds we have ever slept in!Ā I’ll be sharing everything we got up to in my next post and explaining the reasons why Jersey will always have a special place in our hearts and why sea sickness beds were our saving grace. Now if only I’d thought of that before…..
** We were invited to Jersey as guests to share an honest review of our experience. All words and opinions are my own **
Other than the sea sickness looks like you had a wonderful trip. Fun stuff to see. Great food and terrific place to stay
Looks like a lovely trip. I think you may be the first that I’ve heard of having seasickness on a ferry š Glad that you didn’t let it interfere with your holiday. Jersey looks like a nice place to visit.
Jersey looks great. Ive never been but it looks like a nice place to go
Feel for you o the seasixkness. We’ve done gale force winds on a 10 hour overnight ferry to st mall but coped ok because we were able to lie down and try to sleep.
We flew to Jersey when we went because N wanted to go on a plane for the first time. We loved Jersey when we went
I have been to Jersey before but I flew instead of taking the ferry because of the high cost of the crossing. It was so much cheaper to fly. I had dinner at the exact Pizza Express on one evening! š
Wow. This sure seems like a fun trip. Loved that there are so many things that one can do here! Especially loved the amazingly turquoise waters! Stunning!
The pictures are lovely! All in all, the trip sounded like a success even with the seasickness issue! I will be sure to check this destination out if I am in the area!
Not somewhere I’d ever thought of visiting but it looks lovely. My girls haven’t been on a ferry before so this would be super exciting for them.
The seats look comfortable and the ferry clean. I have thought of visiting Jersey. My husband went to Gurnsey recently with Condor Ferries and had a really calm crossing. He really enjoyed his trip, so much history there. Looking forward to seeing part two!
Iāve always liked the idea of visiting Jersey, more so after reading your post! Your purple room at The Hampshire is lovely – love that funky armchair too!
We went to Jersey for our summer holiday in July and we loved it. We flew and it was only just over 2 hrs. I can’t wait to go back to Jersey soon.
Beautiful pictures of your trip! Other than the seasickness it looks like your family had a lovely time! I love the purple rooms! I would love to relax by that pool!
Ah, the sea sickness is no joke! Glad you braved it enough to enjoy the trip afterwards at the island! We love ferry rides or any sort so I know we would enjoy it a great deal! And The Hampshire looks so lovely!!!
What a fabulous time and trip. The food and those views would make for a memorable time. I feel relaxed just looking at your photos.
We’ve sailed with Condor over to Jersey before and had such a great time. I loved the ferries, especially the ocean plus seating. Mich x
Looks incredible. Love how the kids seem all gung ho and enjoying the trip. Your photos look superb, what camera do you use?
I used to love getting the condor to jersey as a child! Something very fun about being on a big boat. Looks like you had a lovely time
Overall it sounds like you had a good time! I love your photos, very bright and colorful, it’s like I was there!
Glad to hear that things looked up after the seasick episode. Your photos look beautiful and the hotel looked comfortable and accommodating for families.
We’ve done this trip a few times – and I know what you mean about the Condor … we spend a lot of time on cruise ships, and have NEVER felt queasy. But there’s something about the Condor that really turns your tummy over – it’s as if it rocks differently to a ‘normal’ ship … more side to side that rolling front to back! It’s worth it though for the quick crossing time compared to the ferry
Iāve never been to Jersey and I must admit I didnāt realise it was such a long ferry journey. Being sea sick isnāt nice but it looks as though you had a lovely time once you were there.
Oh no what a shame about the sickness but I am so glad you had a lovely trip once you were there! The room is brilliant, as a family of 5 we struggle to get larger rooms. Lovely pictures as usual
I’m bookmarking this. I have always wanted to do a trip like this and I love how detailed you were on the information you shared. Thanks!
I can see that the ferry is spacious and filled with lots of activities for the entire family and I guess that helps to past the time. I never been to Jersey but I looks like a fun place to visit. Thanks for sharing.
I really like the look of the hotel rooms and the super sized bed. The large assortment of foods is something that we would appreciate as our boys can be quite fussy at times especially in the early mornings. Looks like you and your family had a wonderful time!
That looks like a rather comfy ferry crossing! I’ve never been to Jersey before, but it is a place I’d love to visit one day.
I was just saying how much I love these great big pictures! Travel with kids is awesome. Littles see things with such joy.
Wow I love travel. This place looks a lot of fun and exciting!!
Wow, this looks like fun! I went on a ferry once and suffered with terrible sickness for days after. The rooms look very comfortable!
What an eventful trip for you all. The seasickness must not have been funny. Glad to see you all had some wonderful moments. I love all the pictures, they go well with your recount of the journey xx
I love the way u write a blog in beautiful manner . looks like you had a great trip. The pictures are very amazing . The content is perfect. thanks for sharing this post.
I have never thought of visiting Jersey for a holiday, looks like a wonderful destination! Just a shame about the sea sickness on the way! x
I have always wanted to go Jersey since being a child. We flew over coming back from France in June and we agreed we’d love to visit soon. Looks like you had a great time, I love going on a ferry.
Iād love to visit Jersey and he other Channel Islands, looks like a beautiful place and seems like you had fun despite the seasickness. And hot choc for breakfast – I can certainly get on board with that!
This looks like such a fun family trip!! That water is so clear and blue! Looks like the room was so fun!!! Great photos!!!
Sorry about the sea sickness, but sounds like an adventure. I love all your photos.
Despite soem sea sickness it looks like you guys had a great few days. Lovely photos. I love the way the rooms were set up, perfect for families.
Jersey has been on my bucket list for years, but I keep putting it off because of the ferry crossing. I’m not a fan of boats and I tend to get sick on the ferry, even the short trip from Dover to Calais on the humongous ferries. I’m surprised how comfy the ferry looks. Condor ferries definitely sounds like a more cosy and less scary option than what I was imagining (it’s always worse in my head!). Sounds like you had an an amazing stay. Will show the post to my friend, who lives in Brittany and keeps telling me we should meet in Guernesey or Jersey for holidays š
I do not think I have seen such blue waters ever. Incredipble pictures.
Oh looks like a fantastic trip. Loved The Hampshire hotel, especially the superb room. I could relate about seasickness augh, that’s one think I do not like about boating. Glad you all had fun!
This looks fantastic! It’s the journey before the adventure š Your pictures turned out wonderful. I love all the smiling faces!
I have never been to Jersey before either and had no idea it was so far away on a ferry! xx