How to savour the best of Jersey in autumn
Autumn in Jersey is an excellent time to savour the island's local produce -- the harvest season is in full swing, the freshest and biggest catches are available and food festivals kick off their annual celebrations. And all this against a backdrop of rich woodland colours, the taste of salt in the fresh sea breeze, and a peaceful hush after the busy summer months.
Savouring a slice of Jersey's island life is easy, with multiple flights a day from the UK mainland taking you to the island's golden shores in under an hour.
From field to fork
Head to Jersey and you'll find an abundance of local flavours served straight from field to fork within the same day. The island might only be nine by five miles, but there's plenty to tuck into whatever the time of year. You'll find fresh produce cooked with passion in the many award-winning restaurants, a variety of street food in St Helier's bustling harbour market, or you can even have your own sizzling sunset beach barbecue with friends.
And during October and November, restaurants also offer special, locally focused menus for Tennerfest -- a celebration of the island's vibrant food scene. Menus start at £10, meaning you can try a wide range of dishes for incredibly affordable prices.
Jersey's big four
Jersey's an excellent place to get out of your food comfort zone with the likes of freshly foraged seaweed and spindly spider crabs on offer. But of course, nothing beats the island's staple ingredients, which have helped make its cuisine world famous.
- Jersey Royals… anything but a humble spud, Jersey Royals have a unique flavour thanks to the marine minerals that nourish the island's soils, plus traditional farming methods. Boil them up and top with a knob of Jersey butter for an authentic local taste.
- Lobsters… we've got the ocean currents to thank for Jersey's abundant seafood -- they bring succulent shellfish and sweet crabs straight to the island's waters. But it's the lobster that really steals the show. And rightly so -- when you see it on a Jersey menu, you’ll know it will have been caught locally and will be tide-to-table fresh.
- Dairy… the iconic Jersey cows have been serving up their rich and creamy milk for hundreds of years. There are plenty of ways to enjoy it, from dollop of cream alongside a slice of pie to a tangy artisan cheeseboard. And don't forget a scoop of smooth Jersey ice cream -- you are on holiday after all.
- Oysters… the shallow waters of the Royal Bay of Grouville have the perfect conditions for cultivating oyster beds. It's also one of the best spots on the island to eat them, with a glass of crisp white wine in hand, plus Mont Orgueil Castle and boats bobbing in the harbour as your backdrop.
Work up an appetite
Jersey's great outdoors not only offers delicious produce, but is also a great place to try something new. You'll find plenty of unique experiences, such a wind karting across butterscotch sands, or exploring the rocky headlands by kayak.
For traditionalists, taking to two wheels in a fantastic way to get a taste of the island, as you pedal between seaside cafés, country pubs and farmers' markets. Or blow the cobwebs away with a brisk walk along one of the many country lanes and scenic coastal paths -- pack a picnic to make the most of the sweeping views.
Win a Jersey break for two!
Fancy winning a 2-night break for two at the 5-star Les Ormes Resort with flights? Click here to find out more and enter the competition.