Calling Jersey (Channel Islands) mumsnetters and regular visitors - tips and advice about flights and accommodation pls from those in the know!

[Gustsoffthecoast]

We are hoping (Covid-19 allowing) to travel from UK to Jersey summer 2021 to visit family and stay for 10 days.

Our relations are in St Peter but our son (zoology student) wants to visit the zoo every day we are there. Which area would be a good compromise between the two locations please?

We are not looking for budget accommodation but I've had a first look at self catering cottages and the prices seem steep in comparison to rest of UK. Is it cheaper to stay in a hotel?

And secondly, I am terrified of flying (especially on small planes).

I know this sounds ridiculous but which is the route from London (or anywhere else in South of UK) which has the biggest planes please and most reliable service ? The last time I visited (years ago) I flew from Eastleigh, southampton, in a turbulent Shorts and people cried on landing! I was too petrified to do anything but pray.

(I am not a good sailor either so St Malo boat is out too.)

Any other tips and advice gratefully received!

Anyone?

I'm in Jersey and so can give some pointers.

Travel wise the planes all tend to be fairly small, but probably flying from Heathrow would be your best bet.

For accommodation, St John and St Mary are the 2 parishes in between St Peter and Trinity where the zoo is. There aren't many hotels in either parish and so self catering would be best. I would think it would be more expensive than the UK, but hotels would be unlikely to be cheaper.

Most hotels are in St Helier which is on the south coast and not particularly near to either St Peter or the zoo.

At the moment there are quarantine and testing requirements depending on where you travel from and unless we get a vaccine these will most likely still be in pace next summer. The maximum at the moment is testing and 14 days self isolation which is enforced and there are fines for those who are in breach.

Jersey is beautiful though and so hopefully you will be able to visit next year!

Thank you so much FunnysInLaJardin for that v useful information. It's very much appreciated!

Oh dear I'm sorry to hear you think that restrictions will still be in place next summer - all so depressing - although I realise of course it's a distinct possibility.

Here's hoping for better news soon! Thanks again!

Easyjet and British Airways both fly to Jersey all year round from Gatwick on A319s (a larger plane) and they do not use turboprops for this route. BA also offer hotel accommodation on their website so you should find something suitable that way.

That's just the sort of info I was after with regard to the plane situation, thank you AttilatheMeerkat. I am a total wuss when it comes to flying nowadays

Will have a look at the BA website too.

Oh god I remember that Southampton plane too OP

Could you not go by ferry?

@AttilaTheMeerkat

Easyjet and British Airways both fly to Jersey all year round from Gatwick on A319s (a larger plane) and they do not use turboprops for this route. BA also offer hotel accommodation on their website so you should find something suitable that way.

Just for info, since Covid I think all Gatwick routes are now via Heathrow

@Gustsoffthecoast

Thank you so much FunnysInLaJardin for that v useful information. It's very much appreciated!

Oh dear I'm sorry to hear you think that restrictions will still be in place next summer - all so depressing - although I realise of course it's a distinct possibility.

Here's hoping for better news soon! Thanks again!

No problem at all. I hope you are able to visit next year!

Having checked airport departures I see they are now flying to both Heathrow and Gatwick. For years it was only Gatwick!

Oh well that's good news at least !

Hi

Jersey is a small island so don't get too hung up on location. From St Peter to the zoo is a 15/20 minute drive, and from St Helier to the zoo even less, so you could easily stay in either place and visit the zoo daily.

Self-catering is very expensive and they price themselves out of the market in my experience. There are some fairly cheap hotels in Jersey but you should be aware that they are quite old-fashioned and will cater for the coach holiday market, which you may like but might want to avoid! Hotels in St Brelades are worth looking at, as they are generally nicer (IMO) than some of the cheaper St Helier options and in a lovely place. You're near St Peters there, and a bus route to town, where your son could change for the zoo, if he's using public transport.

Easyjet maintains its Gatwick route but BA has moved its flights to Heathrow - this may change back by next summer but it's anyone's guess. Both use nice substantial planes.

The entry restrictions may well be in place next summer but they are dynamic and now operate on a regional basis as far as the UK is concerned. Green regions involve no self-isolation, and Amber is around seven days, but everyone is tested on arrival so of course you might test positive.

You can camp in some nice campsites, including 'glamping' options, but they are on the other side of the island from St Peters. The zoo itself does glamping but it's not at all cheap, and might be something to consider for a couple of nights?

Jersey has some Air B&B options, but also not particularly cheap.