CYCLING HOLIDAYS

The main roads here can be very busy and are only really suited to experienced cyclists. However many of our country roads have been designated as 'Green Lanes' and a maximum speed limit of 15 mph is imposed.

In addition to this, a network of Cycle Routes has been set up. Six individual 'cycle tours' can be followed, either individually or linked with others in the series. They range in length from 6 to 10 miles, are all classed as either 'easy' or 'moderate' and will give a good look at many of the island's tourist attractions and beauty spots.

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DAY TRIPS

Jersey is just one of the Channel Islands, each one having its own distinctive style and atmosphere. Sark, where there are no cars, is well worth a day trip.

Our close proximity to France also means that day trips and weekend breaks are very popular. A modern fast ferry runs regularly between St. Helier and the medieval walled city of St. Malo in Brittany.

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EATING OUT

Our restaurants in Jersey have a well-deserved reputation for serving excellent food - the emphasis usually being on freshly caught seafood. However, all tastes and budgets are well catered for and at least one vegetarian option is usually available on every menu.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Last year the newly refurbished Opera House opened once again and stages a regular programme of plays and concerts. The Jersey Arts Centre also has a year round schedule of visiting artists from classical musicians to popular music and plays, and Fort Regent is the venue for anything from ballet to comedy shows and music to craft exhibitions.

The new 'Waterfront' development is a great place to have a quiet walk around and see the yachts in the marina or enjoy the gardens. Also located here is a multi screen cinema, a leisure pool, gymnasium, night club and several fast food restaurants.

Pubs in Jersey range from a traditional country retreat to enjoy a quiet pint, right through to places where the whole family can spend a couple of hours in a lively atmosphere, with play areas for children.

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FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATION

There are regular scheduled flights available from a number of UK airports including Manchester, Gatwick, and Southampton, together with several European links. Accommodation ranges from self-catering to luxury hotels and prices vary accordingly. Often the most economical way to travel to and stay in the island is through a package tour, as flights and accommodation priced separately can work out as very expensive.

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SHOPPING

St. Helier is a lively little town with a wide variety of UK High Street retail outlets, all placed within comfortable walking distance of each other. Although VAT is not imposed in the island, the cost of shipping goods across the English Channel seems to even out this tax saving and visitors should carefully compare prices with those back home.

If you do head into town during the summer months there are frequently street entertainers to liven up the atmosphere and I'd advise anyone interested in old architecture to look up above the modern shop fronts because some of the older buildings have some very interesting features. Our fruit and vegetable market in Halkett Street is a fine example of a traditional Victorian market and definitely worth visiting.

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SPORTS

A wide variety of sporting activities are supported in the island, including squash, tennis, swimming, surfing, windsailing, golfing, waterskiing and jet skiing.

Non-members as well as members are welcome at both Fort Regent and Les Quennevais Sports Centres for swimming and racket sports. Waterskiing and jet skiing are available in St. Aubins bay, windsurfing (including lessons) at both Long Beach and St. Brelades bays, and surfing (including lessons) at St. Ouens.

During the summer months horse racing is staged at Les Landes Racecourse.

Members of recognised UK golf clubs can play at La Moye golf course or the Royal Jersey golf club, and non members are welcome at the Jersey Recreation Grounds, Les Ormes, Les Mielles and Wheatlands golf clubs.

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WEATHER

Jersey is the most southerly point in the British Isles and with its land sloping gently from north to south, acts like a natural sun bed. The influence of the Gulf Stream, which flows by these islands, raises our sea temperature and summers are warm and winters generally mild.

During the summer months, temperatures reach on average up to 25 centigrade and the influence of sea breezes means that it rarely feels uncomfortably humid here. Winters tend to be fairly mild and wet, usually with a fair amount of high winds.

Spring and Autumn can be a very pleasant time to visit the island as the weather is mild and visitor numbers are lower during this period. It's at precisely this time, however, that thick fog can develop as the result of cold and warm air from sea and land meeting, and it's not unusual for flights to be disrupted until around mid-day when the sun's full strength dissipates the excess moisture in the air.

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