Jersey has a lot to offer when it comes to a day out at the beach. From the sheltered and picturesque Greve de Lecq, to the wide open expanses of St Ouens bay, there’s something to suit every family’s needs.
But which beach do you choose when you’re new to the island with a young family and are still figuring things out.
We’ve put together this handy little guide to advise you on the best family friendly beaches in Jersey.
We know that having little ones means you have to plan your beach trips, that’s why we’ve tried to think of everything to help you have a fun family day down the beach.
Harve des Pas
Close to the centre of St Helier, Harve des Pas’ art deco-style open pool is perfect if you don’t fancy the long walk down to the water when the tide is out. The pool is easy to access, and with no worries of tidal currents, it’s safe for swimming.
Harve des Pas has a small kiosk serving drinks and snacks throughout the day and there are clean changing areas and toilets that are perfect for washing the kids down at the end of the day.
The pool is monitored by a lifeguard between 10am and 6pm.
Bonuses: Safe sea swimming
Down sides: Lack of nearby parking can make it tricky carting down buckets and spades.
St Brelades Bay
One of the island’s busiest beaches, St Brelades Bay is known for its golden sands and beautiful scenery. With lots of water sports, safe swimming and seaside cafes and restaurants it’s no wonder this bay is popular with both locals and tourists.
The shoreline has plenty of beach activities including kayaking and banana boating, while still being safe for young swimmers.
On the promenade, there are plenty of places to eat and relax. From fine dining at the Oyster Box, to ice creams and sandwiches at Midbay Cafe there’s something for everyone. If the children tired of building sandcastles and swimming in the sea, there’s a hair braiding and necklace making shack called Fish ‘n’ Beads.
While St Brelades is ideal for the whole family, the bay can get very busy in the peak of summer. If busy beaches aren’t for you, then St Ouens Bay may be more suitable. If not, stick to the ends of the bay where the crowds start to thin out.
There is plenty of parking, however, it can fill up pretty quickly so get down there early or catch the number 14 bus.
Bonus: Picturesque, lots going on and the perfect place to spend the day with the family
Down sides: Can get very busy on hot days
St Ouens Bay
Stretching along the west coast of the island, St Ouens bay offers miles of open sandy beach. Washed twice a day by the tide and the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean, this beach is great for surf and sun until the late evening.
St Ouens is perfect for playing in the waves and lots of space to run around. Life guards are situated at El Tico and patrol the bay on quad bikes throughout the day between April and September. However, always swim between the red and yellow flags and make sure your children are always supervised when playing in the water as the current is strong.
The bay has a variety of restaurants, cafes and kiosks for fuelling up and there’s plenty of free parking wherever you chose to stop.
The sand here is more hard packed as it gets completely covered by the tide each day. So while the sand isn’t fluffy and white, it’s perfect for beach rounders and building sandcastles.
Another great feature of this bay is that there are outdoor showers in most of the car parks for rinsing off sandy toes!
Bonus: Great for running around and playing in the waves
Downside: The waves can get big and be very careful of the strong current and rip tides.
Greve de Lecq
Probably the most popular of the north coast beaches due to its pretty scenery, enclosed by the sloping cliffs, plenty of parking and lovely beach cafes.
With lifeguards monitoring the beach in the summer, this stretch of sand is great for little explorers. There are plenty of rock pools where the kids can go hunting for crabs and small fish and the local cafes sell buckets, spades and balls just in case you’ve forgotten anything.
While you can’t hire any kayaks in the bay, you can pre-book a tour with Jersey Kayak Adventures to go exploring the caves and untouched beaches around the area.
Bonuses: Hours of nature watching in the rock pools
Down side: Loses the sun in the late afternoon due its’ sheltered nature
Green Island
Situated on the south east of the Island this beach is brilliant fun when the tide is out. Ample rock pools, golden sand and lots of shells and stones to play with.
The beach is conveniently located next to a good size car park, cafe and beach shop. There are also toilets and showers for cleaning up before heading home.
Bonuses: Great fun even when the tide is out
Downside: Limited options for places to eat but you can get picnic food from the nearby M&S.
Top Tip
Be aware of the seagulls. Keep an eye out for swooping gulls that will try and make off with your children’s ice cream and sandwiches. The seagulls in Jersey have no fear….
