WHILE there has been an ‘uplift’ in late bookings for direct flights to Spain and Portugal, according to head of one of the Island’s leading travel agents, what else can you do when it rains in Jersey?
With Fort Regent out of action and the Opera House closed, Robert Mackenzie of C.I Travel Group said: ‘We are short of entertainment venues.
‘We are an Island best known for its stunning beaches and for being the “sunniest place in the British Isles”.’
Wanderlust Magazine, one of the UK’s largest and longest-running travel publications, has listed Jersey in its shortlist of Europe’s ‘most desirable’ Islands.
But this summer has been described as the ‘worst’ in decades by local beach café owners, and there has been more rainfall so far this August than in the entirety of July and August 2022.
Parents with children on school holidays and tourists expecting a beach holiday have been led to ask: what else is there to do in Jersey?
Tricia Warwick, chief executive of Visit Jersey, has said it’s ‘important that the Island has a healthy balance of outdoor and indoor activities for visitors and Islanders alike to enjoy year-round.
‘Jersey is spectacular in the sunshine, but, as we’ve seen this summer, bad weather happens everywhere.
‘We want everyone to have the best possible holiday experience, but when bad weather strikes all is not lost,’ she continued.
‘This week it’s been great to see local partners, such as Lakeys Bike Hire, share on social media how intrepid visitors aren’t letting the weather get in the way of their adventures. For those who do have to change their plans, Jersey.com has suggestions and ideas for things to do on a rainy day.
‘Sunny weather alone does not make or break a holiday destination. At Visit Jersey we’re focused on showcasing what makes Jersey so unique, from the Island’s history and heritage to food, wellness and beyond.’
Mr Mackenzie, the managing director of C. I. Travel Group, further said that ‘we could always do with more’ indoor venues.
He added: ‘The Jersey Opera House is currently closed but it will re-open in 2025. In the meantime, we are short of entertainment venues, but then we have amazing outdoor events such as the Weekender Festival and, of course, next week, Battle of Flowers – for which it is looking as if it will be sunny.
‘We have had unseasonable summers in the past and the Island’s visitor economy has always recovered quickly.’
He added: ‘Last summer was a bumper one for the industry, we had great weather in June this year and there is still plenty of this summer left – with sunnier days forecast for next week, so it’s by no means a wash-out for the industry this season.’
What are your top tips for a rainy day?
Tricia Warwick, chief executive of Visit Jersey: ‘There’s much more to Jersey than sandy beaches, and the Island is full of “gems” to discover in rain or shine. Visitors can step back in time at the Jersey War Tunnels or our incredible Jersey Heritage sites and museums, including the new Bouan Appetit exhibition at Jersey Museum and the Jersey Island Geopark Visitor Centre, to learn about the Island’s ambition to become a UNESCO Global Geopark.
‘Jersey is also brimming with delicious food options to wait out the rain, from casual cafés to fine dining, distilleries, guided tours of the market and more. The new Harbour Gallery and ArtHouse Jersey at Capital House are free to visit and host a range of events and workshops. The list really does go on.’
Robert Mackenzie, managing director of C. I. Travel Group: ‘Visitors have plenty to do when we are not enjoying beach weather. Indoors: museums, War Tunnels, Jump Jersey, the AquaSplash, Cineworld, to name a few. Even if it’s a bit damp, many outdoor attractions and activities are still open including Jersey Zoo, Amazin’ Maze, cliff walks, e-bike hire – the list goes on.
‘Not forgetting the amazing choice of restaurants we have to offer visitors, serving fresh seafood and other local produce. In my view we are fortunate to have so much to offer visitors.’
Children’s Minister Inna Gardiner: ‘Check out our learning from home website for lots of creative ideas: learningathome.gov.je. It features lots of low-cost ideas and indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.
‘Pop to the Jersey Library in town to sign up your child or children to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge.
‘Don’t let the rain put you off. Bring a brolly and let the children enjoy getting double-soaked in the Splash Park at Millbrook Park and watch their smiles as they play and have so fun.
‘Follow our Youth Service’s social media pages. They are running lots of fun and free activities over the summer and they share timetables of what’s on and when.’
Social Security Minister Elaine Millar: ‘I grew up in Scotland so I am used to wandering around in the rain in a waterproof and wellies, even in summer. But one of my favourite indoor places in Jersey is the reptile house at Jersey Zoo – I love the little blue frogs.’
