East Jersey, Jersey

Head to the east coast to view a spectacular castle backdrop which is perched above on a grassy summit overlooking Gorey Village. Here you'll find a bustling harbour where you can simply soak up the atmosphere and watch the world go by, or shop for local artisan products.

There are many picturesque bays and quaint fishing villages to visit or maybe dip your toes in the water at the Royal Bay of Grouville, where the huge expanse of sands stretch south from Gorey Harbour, and attracts water sports aficionados, joggers, sunbathers and swimmers.

Mont Orgueil Castle: this majestic fortress has an 800-year old history and was built during the reign of King John at the start of the 13^th century. Discover the thrilling stories behind this medieval landmark, climb the ramparts and explore its numerous hidden rooms.

Gorey Harbour & Village : nestled beneath the castle walls lies Gorey Harbour which is a picture postcard view and must-see to add to your holiday snap collection. With quaint houses, pubs and seafood cafes, all hugging the small harbour, which houses fishing boats and yachts. A perfect place for a stroll and to take in the sights and sounds of relaxed fishing village.

The east of the island is where the sun rises above the French coastline, giving life to land and sea.

La RocqueHarbour: Savour a stroll along this pristine harbour that extends into local waters and shelters tiny fishing boats in its embrace. Seymour Tower stands tall on the near horizon, which you can explore in the company of a local guide. There is a small sandy beach where you can discover a world of rockpools teeming with marine life. At high tide the sand is covered, so be sure to time your adventure just right.

Le Hocq: An iconic coastal tower juts out over a grassy mound on a salty shore rocked with bracing sea air. A huge tidal range reveals an endless expanse of rocky shoreline. From here it feels like you could walk to France. It may lack the conventional beauty of Jersey's western bays, it has no space for swimming or sunbathing, but you will often find you have the place to yourself to quietly reflect and drink in spectacular scenery. There is a friendly local pub just minutes from the beach, or roll out a picnic on soft grassland as you idly watch wading birds under a vanilla sky.

GrouvilleBay: known to locals as Long Beach, has a long stretch of soft golden sand with calm sheltered waters perfect for swimming. You can enjoy water skiing, wakeboarding, banana boat rides and even hire a motor dinghy in summer. Young families will love this friendly beach nestled near sleepy Gorey Village. There is easy parking close by and regular public buses, cafés and kiosks to enjoy a Jersey Dairy ice cream and even a beachside playground on a soft bed of sand.

Anne Port: This east facing beach is a delightful bay in the north east of the island which is rarely crowded. The beach enjoys the morning and mid-day sun, but loses it in late afternoon and sheltered from even strong westerly winds. The sand is hard and wet along most of the beach. A great spot if you are looking for some peace and quiet.

The Jersey Crab Shack , Gorey: established in 1946 as a small pottery in Gorey, this restaurant has become one of the islands most popular eateries for fresh seafood with a terrace offering magnificent ocean views.

Sumas: Sumas has been a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike since 1997. A chic and contemporary room, with new all weather terrace offers stunning views of Mont Orgueil Castle and the Royal Bay of Grouville. The menu showcases the best of Jersey's shellfish, including Hand Dived Scallops, Royal Bay oysters, and Lobster, as well as fantastic steaks and meats. Awarded 2 AA Rosettes, Michelin Guide, The Good Food Guide.

Nightlife: in general, Jersey's pubs serve until 11pm with late night bars and nightclubs staying open until 1am or 2am. Jersey has strict drink and drive laws - see details of Taxis in Jersey for the contacts to help you with hassle-free ways to get home.

Gorey has two different sides to its character: Gorey Pier, where you’ll find a concentration of local restaurants, and the more residential Gorey village, home to a collection of more local stores. Don’t miss the chance to experience both - close to Gorey Pier you’ll find local souvenirs from Jersey Pearl and hand-crafted ceramics from local artist Jane James. Venture into the Gorey village to discover Eclat, a fashion and accessories boutique with a curated collection of finds, and the next door Kitchen café, with homemade cakes and tasty breakfasts.

With a range of accommodation to suit the needs of all travellers, from small guest houses, family run establishments to boutique hotels, there is something for everyone. The east cost is a relaxed setting and an ideal base from which to tour the island.