A dual summer break
Not sure what to do for your island break to Jersey? A stay at the Golden Sands Hotel is the perfect location for those looking for the quintessential summer break. You’ll have access to a number of activities, on land and on sea, right on your doorstep. Plus, with the hotel’s close proximity to St Helier and to the wilder west side of the island, there is so much to enjoy within easy access of the Golden Sands Hotel Jersey.
Day 1
Water Sports
Start the first day of your island break right by enjoying the sea that’s right at your doorstep. St Brelade’s Bay is home to Absolute Adventures who organise a variety of fun and adrenaline-fueled activities such as sea kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, abseiling and rock climbing. Not only can you take part in exciting guided tours that will show you Jersey’s beautiful coastline, but you can also do kayak and SUP rentals so you can explore the stunning bay of St Brelade’s at your own pace. Grab a packed lunch, rent a kayak, paddle around the coastline and take a dip in the inviting turquoise waters before you return to St Brelade’s Bay.
Enjoy all the sea activities on offer in the bay including bodyboarding for all the family or even the occasional surf when the swell is right. For your afternoon, and a better guarantee of waves, you can take a short 10-minute drive to the Watersplash in St Ouen’s bay and rent a soft-top surfboard or take a surf lesson and make the most of some of the best and most reliable surfing waves in the UK in our crystal clear and clean waters. Saunter off the beach when you’re finished and dry off with a pint and some delicious beach food right at the Splash where they have regular outdoor DJ’s during the summer months to fill the air with the best beach vibes.
When you’ve tired of the fine-sandy beach and sea activities and are in need of a refreshing tipple before heading home, the Café Bar at the Golden Sands is a must-visit. This is the perfect place to sit back, admire the view and enjoy a chilled drink along with some of John’s award-winning service. If you’re feeling indulgent why not dive into some crunchy fish and chips followed by a local favourite – Jersey Dairy ice cream!
Day 2
Walker’s Paradise
Not only is there an abundance of sea activities literally on your doorstep at the Golden Sands, there is also an abundance of walks, trails and hikes that can challenge even the most experienced walkers. On your second morning take your pick of the many trails at your disposal. Follow in the footsteps of the walkers who take part in the round island challenge every year as the route goes right past the hotel in the last leg of the journey to the finish line back in St Helier. You can follow the beach at low tide or across the promenade over to the neighbouring beach of Ouaisne, and then ascend a scenic cliff path trail that takes you to Portelet Common headland which features a spectacular view looking over St Brelade’s Bay. Make your way over the headland to Noirmont Point with its WW2 German gun emplacements which are sometimes open to the public, and then through the lanes down into St Aubin’s village where you can then join the main promenade that stretches across the bay and into St Helier.
Or go against the grain and venture up the cliff path trail that takes you to the neighbouring headland of Beauport. This track will stretch along the south-west coast all the way to La Corbiere and comes complete with breathtaking views of rugged coastline, a quarry and eventually the iconic lighthouse that can be reached at low tide across the causeway. Don’t worry if the return journey is too much for you, you can always relax at the Corbiere Phare enjoying the sweeping views of the Atlantic and wait for a bus to take you back to St Brelade’s Bay.
For those that need a more relaxed amble than an adventurous hike then don’t feel put off. A stroll across the beach or the promenade in St Brelade’s Bay is very flat, just as stunning and can include a short exploration to the pier. Or enjoy the gardens and waterfall located just across the road at the Sir Winston Churchill Memorial Park. Here you can enjoy an after dinner wander spotting the red squirrels and green lizards and relax on one of the benches taking in an elevated view over the bay. There’s a path for everyone here with the Golden Sands situated right in the middle, and they all soak in the best of Jersey’s coastline.
Day 3
A City Break from the Beach
Not too many holiday destinations allow you the luxury of staying on the beach whilst also being a short 15 minute drive from the main town centre. On your third day you can enjoy your idyllic summer break by the golden sandy beach of St Brelade’s Bay, but also be in close proximity to St Helier where you can enjoy shopping trips for luxury brand names at VAT-free prices, or splurge on a mouthwatering 3-course meal at one of the many fine dining restaurants like Bohemia, which has a Michelin star. You can also take in the night life from pool and snooker bars like Planet Pool to slow-cooked BBQ and ping pong at JB’s, and even roof top drinks at bars like Vittoria where you can take in the views over the waterfront. When your venture to the hustle and bustle of town is over you can catch a bus back to the quiet bay of St Brelade, or a short taxi journey at the end of your night and soak in the peacefulness of a stay right on the beach on a calm summer night.
There are also a number of activities in town to explore that the whole family can enjoy throughout your stay like the Central and Beresford street markets which have served islanders for over 200 years, or the Arcadia arcade where adults and kids alike can play classic and new arcade games or even try out an escape room – see if you have the brains to make it out. There are also a number of historical sites and museums like the Maritime Museum, Jersey Museum & Art Gallery, 16 New Street Georgian House, and Elizabeth Castle where the history buffs can get their fill of Jersey’s unique story that spans centuries. There’s even gin and rum tastings at Channel Islands Liquor Co. situated in the old French harbour of St Helier, where you can tour the distillery, taste the liquor, and see the process of how it’s made.
Where else can you experience the city and beach break all in one package and find activities that everyone can enjoy. From your choice of water sports and land activities, an island break at the Golden Sands can really deliver on all your needs.
