The Ultimate Getaway Guide to the Bailiwick of Jersey: Everything You Should Know

The beautiful island of the Bailiwick of Jersey sits just off the French coast, 14 miles to be exact from the walled city of St Malo.  Navigating from the South Coast of England, the island of Jersey is 85 miles south.  The Bailiwick of Jersey is part of the Channel Islands, which consists of the Bailiwick of Guernsey its largest neighbour.  The Bailiwick of Jersey is the biggest island in the Channel Islands, which can be reached by sea or air.

The Bailiwick of Jersey is ideal for any type of break.  It’s a great place to visit for the day, its exciting for a weekend break or short trip, and there’s plenty to do for a week long holiday at one of the islands hotels.

So whether you are looking for a short break or a longer stay, the Bailiwick offers a range of places to stay from around 100+ hotels, B&B, campsites, guest houses and more recently islanders have listed some of their houses on Airbnb meaning you can stay in a house with your own private beach.

Getting to the island is easy, a short plane ride from London in an hour, or take your car and go by ferry travelling out of Poole in Dorset you can be in the Bailiwick of Jersey in around 4 hours.

Where do we start… there is literally so much to do on the island of Jersey.  We’d recommend some time before you go planning what you want to do.  From exploring castles, relaxing on one of the many beaches, rock polling with the kids, eating in the top restaurants, walking along the coastal paths, visiting one of the many attractions, or just spending the day in the hotel spa.  If you’re look for more inspiration, then check out our 101 things to do in Jersey guide (we really need to make this a 1001 things to do in the Bailiwick of Jersey)

For a small island, the Bailiwick offers so many places to eat.  The Bailiwick is famous for its food, in particular for its seafood which comes straight from the sea and onto your plate.  Take a pick from beach cafes whilst watching the sun set, to village delis, or Michelin star restaurants there is something for everyone whatever your budget.  With all these eating experiences available be sure not to miss some of the Bailiwick of Jersey’s specialities when you visit.  What not to miss…

The Island of Jersey should be officially referred to as the Bailiwick of Jersey.  A bailiwick is an area of jurisdiction of a bailiff – for these areas or territories they have a privately appointed bailiff who would impose the sheriff’s functions under a royal agreement or imperial writ.  Slightly complicated we know, let’s have another go…

A “bailiwick” is a place which is under the jurisdiction of a bailiff.  When people think of this from an American perspective, we all think of a bailiff as an official who keeps order in a courtroom, walk the prisoners in and out, and escort the jury to their seats.  However in the UK, a bailiff is more like a sheriff who can arrest and service papers to an individual and seize property if somebody is in dept.

An example of a real-life bailiwick is the Bailiwick of Jersey,  a set of islands part of the British Isles found near the French coast, they have their own legislative assembly, which is presided over by a bailiff.  We got there in the end… either way it’s a great place to visit!

Your spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your travel to Bailiwick of Jersey.  With airports across the UK offering direct flights to the island, with a flight time of 40 minutes from the South of England to 1 hour for those that choose to fly from London.  Alternatively for those looking to take a longer break, we would recommend taking your car and going by sea with Condor Ferries.  Set sail from Poole or Portsmouth and pack everything into your car to get the most from your trip to Bailiwick of Jersey.

The Bailiwick of Jersey is part of the British Isles along with Guernsey, Herm, and Sark which collectively make up that of the Channel Islands.  Whilst the Bailiwick is not part of the UK, the UK is in fact responsible for its defence.  In the British Nationality Act 1981 its interpretation of the United Kingdom includes ‘the UK and the Islands together’.  Interesting European Parliament has confirmed that Jersey is within the Union but only as a European Territory, but Jersey is not fully part of the EU but does have a special relationship within it, which some recognise as the European Community for the purpose of free trade.

The bailiwick consists of the island of Jersey, which is in fact the largest of the all Channel Islands, along with surrounding islands all of which are uninhabited that are named Les Dirouilles, Les Pierres de Lecq, Les Minquiers and Les Écréhous.  I’m sure you will hear people referring to these islands along with those found in the bailiwicks of Guernsey as the Channel Islands.   Jersey has a separate relationship to the Crown from the dependencies of Guernsey and the Isle of Man but all of which come under the Queen of England.

Nobody owns the Bailiwick of Jersey, it is in fact part of the UK, but Jersey has its own financial, judicial, and legal system along with the power of self-determination.  The Bailiwick has a Lieutenant Governor on the island who is the representative of the Queen of England.  The island is a self-governing parliamentary democracy.

The sterling pound is in fact the currency used by the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands.  However they have their own currency which you’ll be given as change from your English notes.  Remember the  Jersey pound is not a separate currency, but is issued by the States of Jersey denominated in pound sterling.  Pretty much in the same was as banknotes are issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland – for full details check out our Currency Guide.