From coastal adventures to fascinating history, this five-day itinerary packs plenty in for school groups visiting the island of Jersey.
Day 1
After you arrive on the sunny shores, head straight to the Jersey Accommodation and Activity Centre (JAAC) and get settled in. Located on the east coast in St. Martin, the JAAC is the only residential adventure and activity centre on the island.
Once you have got yourself set up, head over to La Hougue Bie, home to one of the ten oldest buildings in the world and numerous exhibitions through the ages – an experience that is both educational and thought provoking.
Jersey Heritage offers free educational resources that you can download.
Explore the shore
Why not end your day with take a stroll down to the Royal Bay of Grouville – easily accessible from the JAAC and which leads up to the monumental Mont Orgueil Castle.
From there, head to Entwistle’s Fish & Chip shop in Gorey Village, a favourite amongst locals, and grab some grub to go before eating with your pupils on the beach.
Day 2
Join Kazz from Wild Adventures to experience some of the wilder parts of Jersey. Uncover wild edibles and medicinal plants, using natural navigating skills, making cordage using plants and trees, and finally the great achievement of making fire with friction. Get lost in the wilds of St. Ouen, take in the fantastic scenery, encounter local wildlife, and learn about the vast variety of Jersey’s landscape.
All that exploration would have built up a healthy appetite, so why not head to The Line Up or The Hideout in St. Ouen’s Bay – relaxed beach huts where the kids can eat on the beach or sit on the sea wall and watch the Atlantic swell sweep in.
Spend the afternoon in the capable hands of the surf experts at Splash Surf Centre who are able to tailor surf programmes to suit all abilities, time scales and budgets.
For more Jersey inspiration, read the feature in the Autumn edition of School Travel Organiser magazine for even more ideas for your future school visit.
Day 3
Spend the morning at Jersey War Tunnels immersing young minds in the true story of wartime Jersey, the only part of the British Isles that was occupied by the Germans during World War Two. The exhibition is housed within an underground tunnel complex, built by the German’s using slave labour. By bringing the Occupation to life, the exhibits help today’s young individuals appreciate the hardship, the heartache and the heroism of this period.
Markets & museums
Explore the Central & Beresford Street Markets, a great place to see first-hand some of Jersey’s freshest produce, finest goods, crafts and tasty treats. The market is an integral part of Jersey’s heritage and source of pride for many islanders having served the community for over 200 years. Both markets are lively, full of characters, colours and smells.
Pizzas by the bay
The beach at St. Brelade is thought by many to be the most beautiful beach on the island and shouldn’t be missed from your itinerary. Order takeaway pizza from perhaps the most idyllically situated Pizza Express in the British Isles.
Once the kids have eaten, gear up for an evening of adrenaline on mega fun inflatables or perhaps a calmer sunset session of stand up paddle boarding or kayaking with Absolute Adventures.
Day 4
So often children are told where to be and when, why not offer the group a choice for today’s activities? Jersey Adventures are school group experts, and they can plan a variety of activities either around the island or based at the JAAC.
Whether it’s abseiling off of Mont Orgueil Castle, coasteering, climbing or blo-karting (wind-propelled craft which operates on land), there is fun for all imaginations. Break into smaller groups and spend the day making memories that last a lifetime.
Evening activities
After another day of adventurous activities let your hair down on your last night with a disco organised by the JAAC, or step it up a notch and book in for a disco session at one of the island’s top attractions, Jump Jersey.
Day 5
Before heading home, why not squeeze in one last unforgettable experience and stop in at Jersey Zoo, the first ever conservation-themed zoo that was opened by the legendary Gerald Durrell.
Over 60 years later, this haven for animals is the natural place to discover some of the world’s most incredible creatures. Supporting activity sheets or taught sessions with zoo staff can be organised to enhance your visit.
For more about this itinerary provided by Visit Jersey as well as other options for school trips to Jersey, visit www.jersey.com/holidays/school-trips/