Castles and forts

​Elizabeth Castle

Elizabeth Castle is in walking distance of St Helier and is one of Jersey’s most precious cultural landmarks. The castle is built on a rocky islet, which means it is cut off from the mainland at high tide.

Its history begins in the 1590s and it was home to Sir Walter Raleigh while he was Governor of Jersey from 1600 to 1603. There is plenty to see and explore – from browsing exhibitions and displays to exploring the castle’s turrets and bunkers.

You can learn more about Elizabeth Castle, its history and upcoming events by visiting the Jersey Heritage website.

 Elizabeth Castle on Jersey Heritage website

Mont Orgueil Castle

For 600 years, Mont Orgueil Castle protected Jersey against French invasion. The castle, which overlooks the pier in Gorey, is an exciting place to explore – you can easily lose yourself amongst its many staircases, towers and hidden rooms.

Admire the views across the bay to France, and take in artwork and frequent exhibitions as well as events that all help to tell the castle’s story.

Find out more about Mont Orgueil Castle and what’s on by visiting the Jersey Heritage website.

Mont Orgueil Castle on Jersey Heritage website

Fort Regent

Fort Regent is a Napoleonic fortress dating from 1806. Overlooking St Helier, Fort Regent now houses Jersey’s largest leisure, conference and entertainment venue, but the rampart areas provide 20 acres for walking as well as spectacular panoramic views of the south and east coasts. Fort Regent is a short walk from the town centre – look for the big white dome on the hill.

Fort Regent leisure centre 

Occupation sites

During the German Occupation of Jersey, hundreds of concrete bunkers, gun emplacements, anti-tank walls and tunnels were built in anticipation of an invasion that never came. However, after being sealed off for years, the Channel Islands Occupation Society (CIOS) began restoring some of these fortifications and 8 of them are now open to the public at certain times of the year.

Find out more about Occupation sites and opening times on the Channel Islands Occupation Society website.

Channel Islands Occupation Society website ​