Celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in Jersey
Jersey is the crown jewel in the English Channel and the sunniest spot in the British Isles, so where better to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this June bank holiday weekend? June in Jersey is all about feeling the sand between your toes and embracing Jersey’s curiously Brit…(ish) culture. Visitors can raise a glass to the Queen, who’s also a Jersey Duke (!), at La Mare Wine Estate – the most southerly vineyard in the British Isles, take high tea on the high street, or place bets at Les Landes Racecourse as the sun sinks over the English Channel.
Stay: The Moorings Hotel and Restaurant
New to Jersey and the first island hotel to be listed on Mr & Mrs Smith, The Moorings brings together coast, countryside, and fine cuisine – all in the setting of a charming harbour village below a castle.
This ‘restaurant with rooms’ is a feast for the eyes and appetite, with its Gallic-flavoured fare, signature cocktails (barrel-aged negronis and Moorings Campari spritz are not to be missed), and a celebration of bonhomie that begins with aperitifs at the bar and culminates in nightcaps after dinner. Featuring cosy, luxe rooms and the addition of owners Matthew and Iselin’s local knowledge, guests will be able to effortlessly maximise their time during a short stay. Located on Gorey Pier on the island’s scenic east coast means beaches, Mont Orgueil Castle and cliff-top walks are nearby. Prices start from £145 per night.
Jubilee events
To kick off the merry making, Jersey will take part in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons initiative, a coordinated national programme. The exuberant event will host live music, food and entertainment leading up to the lighting of a virtual beacon. Musical Originals will see a choir of 60 island primary school children singing the ‘Song for the Commonwealth’ as part of the ceremony. The celebration will be held on Glacis Field (south of Fort Regent), looking towards Elizabeth Castle which was named after Queen Elizabeth I in 1600. From 6pm on Thursday 2nd June; free entry
For motor enthusiasts, Jersey’s International Motoring Festival – held on the island’s stunning south coast – is not to be missed. One of the largest motoring events in the Channel Islands, The Rubis Jersey International Motoring Festival sees competitive sprint and hill climbs for classic & vintage cars and motorcycles.
To commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee, a pageant will take place, including a formal march from all uniformed organisations in Jersey followed by a vehicle procession representing the seven decades of the Queen’s reign. Taking place along the scenic St. Helier waterfront, the event provides the perfect opportunity to wander around Jersey’s main harbour or head inland to fuel up at Central and Beresford Street Market, where visitors can taste some of Jersey’s delicious local produce and island classics. Don’t miss La Bouche, a casual restaurant helmed by chef James Boothman, who recently appeared on the new Jamie Oliver series the ‘Great Cookbook Challenge’. Pageant: 11am on Friday 3rd June; free entry
Visitors should bring their fanciest hats and dress to impress for a grand picnic at Elizabeth Castle. The celebration, hosted by Jersey Heritage, welcomes guests to bring a picnic and spend the day at one of Jersey’s oldest castles, which has defended the island for more than 400 years. Take in the breathtaking views of the south coast bay and stroll along the causeway at low tide for a festive family day out. From 10am on Saturday 4th June; free entry