St Helier is the capital city of Jersey, the wonderful Channel Island that some call home and that many choose to visit each and every year. St Helier is always a popular place to add to any holiday itinerary when in the area, but just what is it that makes it so special? Here is a quick guide to St Helier and why you should check it out when you visit Jersey.
King Street
King Street is often referred to as the ‘backbone’ is St Helier. This pedestrianised street is a busy one, full of some fabulous shops such as Voisons and Degruchy (department stores that have been on Jersey for decades). You can also find luxury stores such as Swarovski, Aurum, and Hettich as well as many more. There are more familiar high street names here too, as well as local producers including La Mare Wine Estate.
Local Food
Due to its position, Jersey tends to use a lot of local produce in its food; it’s a lot less expensive that importing it, even from the French or UK mainlands, and it also grows well due to the climate. If you enjoy your food, St Helier has a wealth of different places to eat including Michelin starred restaurants such as Bohemia and Ormer, al fresco terraces, street food (especially on a Thursday where dozens of vendors arrive), and plenty of lovely cafes too.
The History
St Helier is a beautiful town but it’s also a historic one. Take a look at the street names and you’ll see they’ve been around since the 1800s (and many have a French slant to them). You can even see a Georgian house that has been reconstructed (it’s in New Street, ironically) which is open to be explored, and of course there is the fruit and vegetable market which has taken place on the same spot since Victorian times.
The Views
Even if you don’t want to shop, even if you would rather not spend any money, you can still enjoy St Helier for its wonderful views. Take a stroll from St Helier to St Aubin’s Bay and enjoy the sea views that you’ll get along the way.
