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An unexpected trip to Jersey. Callum was ill on the morning the Scouts left to go to Jersey. Our alarms were set for a 2.45am start … but Callum woke us up at 00.50am with those dreaded words, “I’ve just been sick”.
No way he could travel, so I went along at drop off time to explain what had happened … and handed in his forms, glasses and sea sickness tablets.
Flight options were FlyBe from Southampton (£170 each!), or Easyjet / BA from Gatwick with similar times. The early flight on BA looked good at £70 (plus luggage) and seemed the cheapest option. We couldn’t book online as Callum only needed a one way ticket. Very impressed that they immediately offered us to pay for flights using Avios points and just pay the taxes. That also included 1 item of checked luggage each which was perfect – Callum had a rucksack plus a box with his sleeping bag and roll mat in. £67 for the two of us (plus overnight hotel and meal!!). Even so, it still came in cheaper than Fly BE or Easyjet.
Alarm went off at 4.45am this morning … breakfast at the hotel (premier inn Gatwick North) and then a two minute walk across the road to the terminal. Baggage drop queue was moving quickly and checked in Callum’s luggage.
We left Jon to go to work and went through security. Callum was picked out for random screening … then I had forgotten Callum had sunscreen and hand gel in his rucksack so that delayed us again!
A short wait before boarding and the flight was pretty empty. We took off 5 mins ahead of schedule and land 15 mins early. A 5 minute wait for luggage to come through … and Callum was ready to pounce as soon as he saw his bags. His box was first off and his rucksack was last to come through. Just glad every thing made it.
We were ahead of schedule and someone was meeting us at 8.30am. It was Sandra … Callum had started his Scout Camp at last and would be there for the final 5 days. He was dispatched with pleas of good behaviour, remembering his manners and to have fun.
The rest of the day (well, until 3pm-ish) was mine. I joined the queue for the local bus service into St Helier – just £2 for the 30 mins journey into the capital. Liberation Square was right by the bus station so headed through here to the tourist Information.
I had about 6 hours in St Helier. I decided to see the Maritime Museum and Occupation Tapestry then head over to Elizabeth Castle. Nothing opened on the island until 10am so had a quick coffee in the Sailors Rest Cafe (odd little place!) until the Maritime Museum opened.
The tapestry was first port of call and the panels were stunning. The interactive displays have more information on the subject covered on each panel covering the arrival of the Germans on the Island, life under German Occupancy and the final panel covered Liberation. Lots of small details and it will take more than one visit to really appreciate everything.
From here, you go upstairs to see the Maritime part of the museum. Information about the local island and habitat, a fan knitted underwater sea scene, nautical memorabilia and at the end a giant globe depicting 4 different sea voyages. Sadly it wasn’t working as it should with ships sailing out of time to the commentary and some ships not sailing at all … but you got the idea.
From here it was a walk around the harbour to catch the ferry (amphibious vehicle) across to Elizabeth Castle … set on an island just of the coast.
I’d timed it badly and it was an hour’s wait as 60 people were already waiting to board. With each boat taking 30 passengers, there was nothing to do but wait. The tide was in so you couldn’t even walk across the causeway.
It was well worth the wait. The castle was stunning and much bigger than you think. Some parts date back to the late 1500s whilst the German fortifications were added more recently.
Lots of nooks and crannies to explore … inside the governor’s house, the German gun towers, the old munitions stores. Also some very stunning views over St Audins Bay and of St Helier itself.
Time to head back as I needed to be sure that I was back across the water in good time to catch the bus to the airport. It was not a problem as most wanted to stay on the island and get the most out of their stay.
I needn’t have worried as I still had time to find the town centre and hit the shops … although didn’t buy anything! St Helier has a fabulous traditional high street with some of the shop names you expect to see from home … plus more local shops, mainly selling jewellery. Some lovely items … but I resisted!
The No 15 bus was waiting at the bus station and it was time to head back to the airport. An unexpected, but enjoyable stay in St Helier. For such a small island, there is loads to do … The Mansell Collection, Durrells Zoo, another Zoo, Creepy Valley (which Callum will get to experience with the Scouts), gorgeous beaches (if a little seaweedy!), War tunnels, and loads of forts and castles dotted around the island. Hopefully we’ll be back for a family explore sometime.
Flight home was a lot busier but only about 3/4’s full. We left on time for the 40min flight home. My fingers were crossed the M25 was playing ball so Jon was there to meet me!
