{"id":369683,"date":"2026-01-14T17:03:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T17:03:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/369683\/"},"modified":"2026-01-14T17:03:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T17:03:10","slug":"this-tiny-british-island-is-struggling-for-visitors-but-its-an-overlooked-gem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/369683\/","title":{"rendered":"This tiny British island is struggling for visitors \u2014 but it&#8217;s an overlooked gem"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"646\" height=\"410\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-1147344393.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-26283241\" alt=\"United Kingdom, Channel islands, Jersey, overlook over Portelet bay\" decoding=\"sync\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tHere\u2019s why you shouldn\u2019t dismiss Jersey Island (Picture: Getty Images\/Westend61)<\/p>\n<p>A small island 14 miles off the coast of\u00a0<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/france\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">France<\/a>, many are quick to dismiss <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/jersey\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jersey<\/a> as an antiquated or boring holiday destination, with recent figures indicating a decline in tourists.<\/p>\n<p>From January to October 2025, just 424,400 people visited the island, 93,300 fewer than the same period in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>In response to this, the <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/tourism\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">tourism<\/a> board has been tasked with reinvigorating interest in the destination \u2014 launching a new section of their Visit Jersey website, dedicated to enticing tourists with deals and pushing more advertising across the UK.<\/p>\n<p>And, they\u2019ve got a lot of material to work with. At just nine by five miles, while the Channel Island is small, it packs a punch, from Michelin starred meals to beaches that look like they could be in <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/spain\/\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Spain<\/a> or Portugal.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, with a flight time of one hour and five minutes from <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/london\/\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">London<\/a> to the capital of St Helier, it\u2019s just a hop, skip and a jump away.<\/p>\n<p>So before you book that vacay to Anglesey or the Isle of White, here\u2019s why you might want to consider Jersey instead.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tBest of Metro Deals\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>Get exclusive\u00a0discounts\u00a0with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.metro-deals.co.uk\/deals\/london\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Metro Deals<\/a>\u00a0\u2013  save on getaways and spa days.\u00a0Powered by Wowcher<\/p>\n<p>Bannatyne Spa: Spa day for two with treatments, lunch &amp; prosecco \u2014\u00a0save up to 57%\u00a0off.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.metro-deals.co.uk\/deal\/london\/beauty\/spa\/39394863\/bannatyne-spa-day-lunch-2?ito=module_fact_box%5D\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Mystery Escape: Hotel stay with return flights from as low as \u00a392pp \u2014\u00a0save on worldwide holiday packages.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.metro-deals.co.uk\/deal\/travel\/mystery-holiday-competitions\/mystery-holiday\/42834642\/surprise-mystery-holiday-escape?ito=module_fact_box\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Beach Retreat (Lanzarote): 4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights \u2014\u00a0save up to 58%.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.metro-deals.co.uk\/deal\/travel\/beach-holidays\/canary-island-holidays\/43343763\/4-star-lanzarote-beach-retreat?ito=module_five_box\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"371\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2172624571.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-26283785\" alt=\"St Helier\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tThe island has a blend of both British and French influence (Picture: Getty Images)<br \/>\nA little slice of the UK with a French twist<\/p>\n<p>Metro\u2019s travel team have visited Jersey, seeing first hand the charm of the tiny island.<\/p>\n<p>When Senior Entertainment Reporter Pierra Willix visited for the first time, she was immediately struck by the clear European influence on show, making it a perfect spot for anyone who wants to get away, but isn\u2019t quite yet into the idea of forsaking familiar home comforts.<\/p>\n<p>Take a walk around the capital, St Helier, and you\u2019ll see the blend of British and French influence right in front of you \u2014 picture a vibrant French food market, a stunning harbour (complete with a British chippy), old-man pubs and couples sipping cappuccinos and gin-infused cocktails.<\/p>\n<p>Walk (or cycle) along the coast to the island\u2019s second town, St Aubin. It\u2019s here you\u2019ll find the rowdy\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgarinn.je\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Trafalgar<\/a>, with it\u2019s live music and friendly locals.<\/p>\n<p>While the temperatures aren\u2019t exactly tropical pm Jersey, the island does experience a much milder summer than the mainland, with average temperatures in August sitting at around 20 degrees. And luckily, there\u2019s some beautiful beaches to laze about on and enjoy the weather. <\/p>\n<p>A short cycle ride from St Aubin will take you to St.\u00a0Brelade\u2019s\u00a0Bay, located on the South West coast of the island.<\/p>\n<p>Kristina was charmed by this sandy spot, noting how she had headed in the beach\u2019s direction in search of the original Jersey Crab Shack.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-940625292.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-26284179\" alt=\"Beauport Beach, St Aubin, Jersey, Channel Islands\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tJersey has some of the most beautiful beaches close to Britain (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>\u2018I hadn\u2019t realised quite how popular the seafood institution would be and ended up missing out on a table,\u2019 she shared. \u2018So be sure to book in advance. Instead, I opted for take out pizzas from the nearby Pizza Express, and had a picnic on the beach.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Originally a fishing village, and just four miles from the capital, lies a slightly more secluded spot: Beauport Bay. <\/p>\n<p>Accessible by a flight of stairs leading down to the coastline, this is one of the best spots on the island to marvel at the unspoilt landscape.<\/p>\n<p>And, a third stretch of sand worth a visit is Portelet Beach, with steep steps that descend from the cliffs to a sun-trap beach. It\u2019s also overlooked by thePortelet Inn, an olde worlde pub with panoramic views over the bay. <\/p>\n<p>Given it\u2019s location, Jersey is unsurprisingly home to both an impressive array of high quality seafood restaurants as well as a wealth of <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/portugal\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Portuguese<\/a> cafes and restaurants, due to the large Madeiran community.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"430\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-621590224.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-26287783\" alt=\"Village of Saint Aubin Jersey\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tThe beautiful harbour at St Aubin (Picture: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n<p>Pierra\u2019s culinary highlights included Brassiere Colmar, Sangria Tapas and Restaurant and The Moorings, which has an oyster happy hour that\u2019s supposedly to die for.<\/p>\n<p>One of the things that sticks out from both Kristina and Pierra\u2019s time in Jersey is how laid back the culture is there. Imagine the rest and relaxation you could find in <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/cornwall\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cornwall<\/a> \u2014 minus the five million tourists.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tThere&#8217;s adventure to be had too&#8230;\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/business.jersey.com\/research-trends\/tourism-statistics\/visitor-figures\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Latest figures<\/a>\u00a0show that around half of the visitors that head to Jersey are over the age of 55, but there\u2019s fun for thrill-seeking Millennials and Gen Z too.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jerseyseafaris.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jersey Seafaris<\/a>\u00a0offer exhilarating RIB boat tours around the coastline and beyond. One of their most popular tours takes you to The Ecrehous (prices start from \u00a345.99 for adults) \u2013 a small group of isolated islands just eight miles from France.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s enough time for you to hop off, have a wander (and drink your\u00a0<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/05\/24\/tried-50-tinnies-found-best-canned-drinks-summer-23220515\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">tinnies<\/a>) before heading back home. You might even spot some dolphins (and brace yourself for some high-speed doughnuts in the harbour). <\/p>\n<p>Why not island hop to Guernsey?<\/p>\n<p>For anyone craving a slightly less cosmopolitan getaway, Guernsey might be the right choice for you. While both islands offer a rich history and stunning landscapes, Guernsey tends to be a bit more quiet and with fewer developed areas.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-935677388.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-26284982\" alt=\"Lagurus ovatus (hare\u2019s-tail grass or bunnytail), sunset at Grandes Rocques, Saline Bay, Guernsey, Channel Islands\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tIf Jersey doesn\u2019t take your fancy, there\u2019s always Guernsey (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>This is largely due to the big disparity in population, with only 62,000 permanent residents in Guernsey, compared to Jersey\u2019s population of approximately 110,000.<\/p>\n<p>The Channel Islands have so much to offer, why not make one of them your home for the week this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Do you have a story to share?<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Get in touch by emailing <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/01\/14\/this-tiny-british-island-struggling-visitors-overlooked-gem-26282601\/mailto:MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/01\/14\/caledonian-sleeper-train-getting-a-new-route-biggest-change-30-years-26283529\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Caledonian Sleeper train is getting a new route in biggest change in 30 years<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/01\/14\/overlooked-european-city-a-quiet-gem-120-year-old-saunas-26266688\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u2018Overlooked\u2019 European city is a \u2018quiet\u2019 gem with 120-year-old saunas<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2026\/01\/14\/visit-emily-paris-season-6-filming-spots-rome-breaks-79pp-26131052\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Visit Emily in Paris Season 6 filming spots in Rome with breaks from \u00a379pp<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"metro-button share-bar-comments\" data-vars-position=\"bottom\" href=\"#metro-comments-container\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tComment now<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tComments<br \/>\n\t\t<\/a><a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" class=\"metro-button share-bar-preferred-source\" data-vars-position=\"bottom\" href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https:\/\/metro.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\tAdd Metro as a Preferred Source on Google<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tAdd as preferred source<br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tThe Getaway Expert NEW<\/p>\n<p>Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro&#8217;s resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Here\u2019s why you shouldn\u2019t dismiss Jersey Island (Picture: Getty Images\/Westend61) A small island 14 miles off the coast&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":369684,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[59,57,58,91754,6640,655,50,387,2878,56,4073,54,55],"class_list":{"0":"post-369683","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-united-kingdom","8":"tag-gb","9":"tag-great-britain","10":"tag-greatbritain","11":"tag-guernsey","12":"tag-jersey","13":"tag-lifestyle","14":"tag-news","15":"tag-travel","16":"tag-travel-inspiration","17":"tag-uk","18":"tag-uk-travel","19":"tag-united-kingdom","20":"tag-unitedkingdom"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369683","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369683"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369683\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/369684"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369683"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369683"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369683"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}