Elizabeth Castle, Military fortress in Saint Helier, Jersey.
Elizabeth Castle is a fortress built on a tidal island in St Aubin's Bay, connected to Saint Helier by a causeway that floods at high tide. The site features defensive walls, period buildings, and a small chapel, displaying layers of military construction spanning several centuries.
Construction began in 1594 to address the military limitations of the older Mont Orgueil Castle against cannon fire. The fortress became a critical defensive position and later witnessed significant military conflict, including a notable engagement in the 1700s.
The castle houses a small hermitage linked to Saint Helier, Jersey's patron saint, representing an important spiritual site for the island's religious heritage. This connection draws visitors interested in understanding how the island's spiritual history shaped its identity over centuries.
Access is possible on foot across the causeway at low tide, or by amphibious ferry during high tide periods. Check tidal conditions before visiting and wear sturdy shoes, as the paths are uneven and the walk can be demanding in windy weather.
The castle maintains a military tradition through a costumed interpreter who demonstrates historical weapons and shares accounts from Jersey's past. These living demonstrations give visitors a direct sense of how soldiers experienced life at this fortified outpost.
Location: Saint Helier
Inception: 1594
Address: St Aubin’s Bay, St Helier JE2 3NU, Jersey
Opening Hours: April-October 10:00-17:30; "(approximate dates)"
Phone: +441534723971
Website: https://jerseyheritage.org/explore/find-a-place-to-visit/elizabeth-castle
GPS coordinates: 49.17500,-2.12500
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
Jersey offers many places where you can pause and take in the island's natural beauty. This collection brings together viewpoints scattered across the island, from hilltop fortresses to coastal towers and quiet observation platforms. Each spot gives you a different way to see the landscapes around you, whether you are drawn to photography, hiking, or simply standing still to watch the light change over the water and fields. You will find spots on cliffs, in parks, and on rocky outcrops that let you see far across the coast, the bays, and on clear days, even toward France. These are places where the rhythm of the island becomes clear, where you can understand how the sea shapes everything here. The viewpoints range from medieval landmarks like Mont Orgueil, which overlooks the eastern shore from its hilltop fortress, to modern observation platforms built for comfort. Some are tucked into public parks with walking paths, while others sit on isolated rocks or stand alone on high ground. Each one gives you a fresh perspective on Jersey's geography, revealing how the island connects to the larger landscape of the Channel Islands and the European coast beyond. Whether you want to frame a photograph, stretch your legs on a walking path, or find a quiet moment to reflect on the views around you, these viewpoints let you experience Jersey on your own terms. They show you how the island has been shaped by centuries of geography and history, and they give you room to simply be present in the landscape.
Jersey is a Channel Island with a history spanning from the Neolithic period to World War II. Visitors can explore Mont Orgueil Castle in Grouville, a fortress from the 13th century that overlooks Gorey, or Elizabeth Castle, a 16th-century fort reached by a causeway covered at high tide. The War Tunnels form an underground network from World War II that shows the period of German occupation. La Hougue Bie contains a burial site from the Neolithic period topped with two medieval chapels. The island also offers natural spaces like Saint-Brelade Beach and Plemont Bay with sand and water for relaxation. The Jersey Museum and Maritime Museum in St. Helier tell stories of seafaring and history. For nature lovers, the Jersey Zoo spreads across 13 hectares with animals from around the world. Visitors can also sample local products at La Mare Wine Estate for wine tasting or visit the Anglo-Normandian Islands Distillery. Together, these places show Jersey's story from its earliest people to the maritime activities that have shaped the island. Whether you seek medieval castles, museums, or nature, Jersey has something to discover.
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