A Weekend in Jersey:Your Guide to a St Helier Escape

A weekend away should be about more than ticking off a list of attractions. It is an opportunity to slow down, discover somewhere new, enjoy good food and drink, and find time to relax.

Set in the heart of St Helier’s Old Town, Beresford House puts you within easy reach of historic landmarks, independent shops, bustling markets and the waterfront. With four beautifully appointed boutique bedrooms and three distinctive food and drink experiences under one roof, it is an ideal base for exploring Jersey at your own pace.

Whether you are planning a romantic escape, a weekend with friends or a short island adventure, here is how we would spend 48 hours in St Helier.

Friday afternoon: Check in and settle in

Your weekend begins at Beresford House, where check-in is available from 2pm.

Step inside your luxurious boutique bedroom, leave your bags behind and take a moment to unwind. With comfortable beds, thoughtfully chosen furnishings and a relaxing atmosphere, your room is somewhere to settle into the slower pace of a weekend away.

Make yourself at home with the complimentary snacks, mini bar and in-room espresso machine. Slip into your robe and slippers, enjoy a coffee and decide what the afternoon has in store.

When you are ready to head out, St Helier is waiting just beyond the door.

Friday afternoon: Explore the streets of St Helier

Start with a wander along King Street, St Helier’s main shopping street. Browse the shops, discover familiar names and independent finds, and enjoy the easy rhythm of the town centre.

Continue towards Charing Cross, where you will find the crapaud statue. Crapaud is the Jèrriais word for toad and is a traditional nickname for Jersey people, making this a particularly local landmark to look out for.

From here, take your time exploring the surrounding streets. The Old Town is full of character, with historic buildings, tucked-away corners and places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat.

The beauty of staying centrally is that there is no need to rush. You can wander wherever curiosity takes you, knowing that your room is only a short walk away.

Friday evening: Dinner at Beresford House

After a little exploring, return to Beresford House for dinner.

For a more elegant evening, the Dining Room takes inspiration from the grand brasseries of the Côte d’Azur, offering a setting made for good food, a glass of wine and lingering over conversation.

Alternatively, settle into the Conservatory for a lighter, more relaxed atmosphere beneath its glass ceiling.

Whichever you choose, there is no need to venture far to begin your first evening in Jersey.

Friday night: Cocktails, pints and a little adventure

The evening need not end with dinner.

Head to The Old Vic Free House for a cocktail, a pint or a nightcap. With its welcoming atmosphere and characterful setting, it is an easy place to settle in for another drink before calling it a night.

If you are keen to experience more of St Helier after dark, there are plenty of options within walking distance.

• The Lamplighter: Head here to explore a selection of whiskies in a traditional pub setting.
• The Melting Pot, The Blind Pig and The Porter's Store: Discover some of St Helier's cocktail-bar scene, each offering its own atmosphere for a late-night drink.
• The Drift: If you would rather dance than sit, make your way to the dancefloor.

For something more cultural, check the programmes at Jersey Arts Centre and Jersey Opera House, both a short walk from Beresford House, for performances and events during your stay.

Whether you fancy one final drink or a later night on the town, you can make the evening as relaxed or adventurous as you like.

Saturday morning: Sleep in and enjoy breakfast

One of the best things about a weekend away is not having to set an early alarm.

Enjoy a lie-in in your luxurious bed, complete with an organic mattress and Egyptian cotton sheets. When you are ready to start the day, choose between a leisurely room-service breakfast or a trip out to explore the town's cafés.

Here are three local favourites to consider.

Tavola, Central Market

Just next door to Beresford House, Tavola is a convenient choice for breakfast in the heart of St Helier. Afterwards, take a wander through the Central Market itself. This beautiful Victorian covered market is home to stalls selling fresh produce, flowers and local specialities, making it a lovely place to soak up the atmosphere and discover a little more of everyday island life.

The Yard, by Jersey Museum

For another option, head towards the Jersey Museum and enjoy breakfast at The Yard. It is a handy stop to combine with a morning of exploring the town's history and cultural attractions.

Vienna Bakery

If you are keen to get moving, pick up a freshly baked croissant from Vienna Bakery and enjoy breakfast on the go. It is a simple pleasure, especially if you have a full day of exploring ahead.

Saturday: Discover St Helier's history and waterfront

After breakfast, set off on foot to explore more of the town.

The Royal Square

Venture beyond King Street to the Royal Square, one of St Helier's historic landmarks. Here you will find the States Chamber, home to Jersey's parliamentary assembly, and an opportunity to appreciate the island's distinctive history and identity.

Liberation Square

Continue towards Liberation Square, one of the town's best-known public spaces. At its centre stands the Liberation Statue, commemorating the island's liberation from German Occupation on 9 May 1945.

Take a moment to learn about this important chapter in Jersey's history before continuing towards the waterfront.

The Weighbridge and Jersey Museum

The nearby Weighbridge is another lively part of town, with places to eat and drink and easy access to the waterfront.

This is also a good opportunity to visit Jersey Museum & Art Gallery, where exhibitions explore the island's history and culture. Allow some time here if you would like to learn more about Jersey's past before heading outdoors again.

Follow the coast to Havre des Pas

From the old harbour, follow the coastal route east towards Havre des Pas.

This pleasant walk takes you away from the busier shopping streets and towards the seafront, where the views open up across the water.

At Havre des Pas, discover the island's beautiful Victorian tidal bathing pool, the Lido. When conditions and opening arrangements permit, it is a distinctive place for a swim, with the surrounding promenade offering a lovely setting for a stroll.

Depending on the weather, you might stop for a coffee, enjoy the sea air or simply take a seat and watch the changing tide before returning to town.

Saturday afternoon: Venture further around the island

One of the advantages of staying in central St Helier is how easy it is to explore beyond the capital.

Liberation Station, the island's main bus station, is a short walk from Beresford House, with services connecting St Helier to many of Jersey's parishes and attractions. If you would prefer to explore under your own steam, bicycle hire is also available nearby.

Here are three ideas for an afternoon excursion.

Option 1: Meet the animals at Jersey Zoo

Set in the parish of Trinity, Jersey Zoo is a wonderful choice for wildlife enthusiasts and families. Founded by naturalist Gerald Durrell, the zoo is known for its conservation work and the protection of threatened species.

Allow time to explore the grounds and learn about the animals and conservation projects before returning to St Helier.

Option 2: Spend the afternoon at St Brelade's Bay

If a seaside escape is more your style, take a trip to St Brelade's Bay on Jersey's south-west coast.

Its sweeping sandy beach, beautiful coastal scenery and relaxed atmosphere make it a lovely place for a stroll, a little time by the sea or a drink overlooking the bay. If the weather is kind, you may find yourself wanting to stay longer than planned.

Option 3: Explore Jersey's wartime history

For a more reflective afternoon, visit Jersey War Tunnels in St Lawrence.

The underground complex and its exhibitions tell the story of Jersey during the German Occupation in the Second World War, helping visitors understand what life was like on the island during this difficult period.

It is a fascinating visit for anyone interested in history and offers a different perspective on Jersey beyond its beaches and scenery.

Whichever excursion you choose, check transport timetables and attraction opening times in advance, particularly outside the main summer season.

Saturday evening: Dinner by the sea at Oyster Box

After a day exploring the island, head to the coast for a memorable dinner at Oyster Box, our seafood restaurant overlooking St Brelade's Bay.

Set right beside the sand, Oyster Box combines beautiful coastal views with a menu celebrating seafood and the pleasures of dining by the sea. It is a lovely way to round off a day of island adventures, whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply making the most of your weekend away.

Take your time over dinner, enjoy the changing light across the bay and let the pace of the evening slow down.

Afterwards, return to Beresford House in St Helier, where your comfortable bedroom awaits.

Sunday morning: A leisurely finish

There is no need to rush your final morning.

Enjoy a last lie-in, savour a coffee in your room or head out for breakfast before packing your bags. If you have time, take one final stroll through the Old Town or pick up something from the nearby market.

Check-out is by 11am, giving you time to enjoy a relaxed start before heading home.

When it is time to leave, Liberation Station is conveniently close by, with onward connections across the island. The number 15 bus offers a direct connection to Jersey Airport; check the latest timetable before travelling to make sure your journey fits your flight.

Make a weekend of it at Beresford House

From historic streets and local markets to coastal walks, wildlife, wartime history and dinner overlooking the sea, St Helier makes a wonderful base for a short break in Jersey.

And with Beresford House bringing boutique accommodation, distinctive dining and a welcoming pub together under one roof, you can enjoy all the ingredients of a memorable weekend without having to travel far to find them.

Make yourself at home in the heart of St Helier.