St Brelade’s Beach
Voted the third best beach in Britain in 2019
St Brelade’s beach is south facing, enjoying long sunny days. Right outside the hotel is the glorious St Brelade’s beach. Undoubtedly, one of the best beaches in Jersey. In fact, it was voted the 3rd best beach in Britain in 2019.
The beach changes with the tides, on small neap tides a line of fine white sand is exposed making it a perfect place to just throw a towel down and soak up the sun. There are plenty of deck chair concessions providing sun loungers and windbreaks for beachgoers.
St Brelade’s beach is south facing, enjoying long sunny days. It is sheltered from most wind directions although sometimes an onshore breeze brings some cool relief. The bay is one of the most popular beaches for visitors and locals.
In the summer months, the bay is a hub for many water sport enthusiasts, and for those who want to try their hand at something new. The concessions cater for beginners in many sports such as paddle boarding and offer tours to the neighbouring secluded Beauport bay.
RNLI lifeguards are on duty from May – September. The bathing here is safe as there is very little swell that reaches into the bay. Swimming is sublime on calm sunny days. Make sure you check in with the lifeguards about the various states of the tides.
In recent years there have been additions to the facilities along the beach. The whole promenade, or boardwalk, is dotted with top restaurants serving a range of cuisine, to small cafes and kiosks serving delicious local Jersey ice cream. There are plenty of places just to stop in and have a beer after a long day at the beach.
Other Jersey Beaches
Coast to coast beauty
There are so many beautiful Jersey beaches to get your toes stuck into. From the small reddish sandy bays on the north coast like Grève de Lecq to the wide expanse of St Ouen’s Bay; Jersey beaches have something for everyone. The above map features some of our favourites.
On the north coast also is Bouley Bay, this predominantly pebble beach and harbour is popular for kayaking and fishing as well as bathing. Like all north coast bays they are sheltered by the prevailing southwesterly winds.
Also on the north coast is Bonne Nuit Bay; here you’ll find a very small sandy beach adjacent to the harbour. The sun disappears behind the cliffs in the afternoon so it can get chilly. There is also a popular cafe where you can stop for refreshments.
Rozel is worthy of note for its eateries. The popular haunt ‘The Hungry Man’ is located on the harbour; try a Genuine Jersey burger and hang out with the locals.
Stepping out of the Golden Sands Hotel onto the soft sand takes the stress out of any beach holiday. Take a stroll along the bay to the adjoining Ouaisne Bay. This was an old smuggling haunt, here you’ll find the Smugglers Inn, a great watering hole to stop for refreshments.
Just around the corner to the west is Beauport Bay. This iconic little cove is one of the most photographed in the Channel Islands. It is a bit of a trek down the steep path to the beach, but well worth it. Ideal for a romantic afternoon or for some solo peace and quiet. It is possible to kayak here from St Brelade’s beach. The surrounding cliffs provide plenty of shelter on those windy days.
Undoubtedly, St Ouen’s Bay is one of the most spectacular beaches in Europe. With miles of sand stretching along the Island’s west coast it is a breathtaking site for visitors. The drive down the hill at La Pulente offers the best vista, likewise on the northern end at L’Etacq the view back towards the east is stunning.
St Ouen’s Bay is the best beach in Jersey for surfing. The Jersey Surfboard Club is one of the oldest in Europe founded in 1959. Surfing and St Ouen’s have been synonymous and its rich history is celebrated. The waves at St Ouen’s Bay has produced many local surfing champions.
If you fancy your luck on the waves there are a number of surf schools to choose from. It is wise to seek advice from the RNLI on duty if the waves are big.
If you continue along St Ouen’s Bay to the north you’ll arrive at Plemont Bay. This unspoilt and rural area is Jersey’s natural beauty at its best. The National Trust for Jersey along with the States of Jersey purchased the former Pontins site and restored it back to nature. It is home to puffins and natural fauna.
The beach is accessed by stairs – it is best to visit at low tide otherwise the beach is inaccessible. There are plenty of pools to enjoy when the tide is low as well as caves in the cliffs to explore.
RNLI lifeguards are on duty here. There is also a popular cafe at the top of the steps offering wonderful food and views.
Back in town and towards the east is Havre des Pas. This small beach on the coast road is best known for its fresh water swimming pool. The pool was built way back in the 1890s by The Jersey Swimming Club and officially opened on 22nd of May 1895. The area has significant architectural and natural interest.
The pool is as popular as ever and is a great place to take the family swimming when the tide is too low at other bays. There are lifeguards on duty here also. Check the times with the RNLI.
There is so much variety on this small island – enjoy the best beaches in Jersey!
Freedom to access Jersey's beautiful beaches
For disabled people and those with limited movement, the beach is often so hard to access. However, with the help of BeachAbility, many more people in wheelchairs have been able to enjoy Jersey beaches. The charity was founded by Sharon Gray. Her fundraising has meant so many more people can now access the Island’s beautiful beaches.
The legacy of Sharon’s generosity of spirit means BeachAbility can offer access to many of our islands Beautiful beaches. These are indicated on the beach map above.
Information on this free service can be found at Beachability Jersey. Beachability’s website contains contact and booking information, details of each of the locations and a useful FAQ section.
