Jersey is positioned a few miles off the coast of France, near Normandy, and is the biggest of the group of islands known as the Channel Islands. The Channel Islands are a group of small islands in the channel between the UK and France and include Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney and Sark, the first two being the major of these islands. Even though Jersey is nearer to the French shoreline than the British shoreline it is the job of the United Kingdom to guard it against any invasion attempts, however, with this said the island itself is not part of the United Kingdom or the European Union, instead it is part of the Common Travel Area which essentially means that it is a passport free region.



The island is a position that is steeped in history, dating back thousands of years with indications of early Iron Age influence, Bronze Age artefacts and even verification of Roman settlements have been revealed in recent years . In the 9th century Jersey was invaded by Viking attacks which lasted right into the 10th century and this is where Jersey got its name from. Over the years there have been regular up-roars between Britain and France relating to the ownership of Jersey which has stemmed from, and featured such major names as William Longsword (The Duke of Normandy), William the Conqueror and King Harold of Hastings. Recent times have also seen Jersey being occupied by Nazi Germany control from July 1st 1940 until May 9th 1945 during which time they built military enforcements, watch towers and war tunnels around the outskirts of the island.

However in, 1945 the island was liberated by British armed forces after the German residency on the island surrendered. The 9th May is now celebrated as a National Holiday to honour the liberation from the Germans.

Jersey has been known as a place of natural beauty and offers a selection of places to visit and things to do. You can go back in time to those World War II days and take a saunter in the War Tunnels at St. Lawrence, visit the rich heritage in the assortment of museums that are based across the island. Or if you favour a golfing break you can venture down to Grouville and play at the Royal Jersey Golf Club.

One thing to bear in mind even though the money of Jersey is pound sterling it is only legal tender in Jersey itself so you won't be able to use it on the British Isles.