Sun-dappled coastlines, low-tax living, and a deeply storied past — the Channel Island of Jersey is stepping confidently back into the spotlight. And with the return of Bergerac to TV screens, this quietly charismatic island is once again ready for its close-up.
Mention Jersey to most Brits and you’re likely to get a nostalgic nod to 1980s detective drama Bergerac. But while the show — recently rebooted with a fresh cast and a modern twist — has sparked renewed interest in the island, there’s a lot more to Jersey in 2025 than vintage crime-solving and police cars on clifftop roads.
Nestled just 14 miles from the French coast, Jersey has long been a curious blend of British civility and Gallic flair. It’s the largest of the Channel Islands, with a culture all its own, shaped by its Norman roots, wartime scars, and fiercely independent spirit.
But lately, Jersey’s been catching the eye for new reasons — not least its growing reputation as a high-end, low-fuss destination that blends natural beauty with urban polish, and heritage with high living.
Where tv nostalgia meets timeless scenery
Let’s start with Bergerac, because it would be rude not to. The original ran from 1981 to 1991, putting Jersey on the map as a sun-soaked, slightly mysterious outpost where crime never disrupted the calm for long. Now, in an era of reboots and streaming wars, it’s back — and the island is embracing the spotlight once more.
Expect the reboot to showcase more than the odd car chase or windswept interrogation. Today’s Jersey is all crisp air, creamy granite farmhouses, artfully renovated manors, and beach walks where the only disturbance is the call of a distant gull.
Tax breaks and tidal shifts
Much like Dubai, Jersey has a reputation for its favourable tax policies — a draw for the wealthy and internationally mobile. But this isn’t some offshore enclave sealed from the world. In fact, it’s surprisingly grounded.
Yes, there’s a sense of discreet affluence — think hedge fund managers in fleece gilets and private chefs sourcing seafood straight from the dayboats. But there’s also a local soul here, grounded in community, countryside, and coast.
Work-life balance? It’s practically a religion. You’re never more than 15 minutes from a beach, the rush hour barely registers, and even the capital, St. Helier, feels more village than city. And yet, fibre broadband and global banking make it easy to build a business from a beachside café, should you so choose.
Heritage with real character
Jersey’s history is as textured as its shoreline. You’ll find remnants of Neolithic tombs, medieval castles, and fortifications from the Nazi occupation — a haunting but important chapter in island history. Take a walk around Elizabeth Castle at low tide, or visit the thought-provoking Jersey War Tunnels for a stark reminder of resilience.
Then there’s the language. Jèrriais — a form of Norman French — still lingers, especially in place names and local signage. You won’t need to speak it, of course, but the soft, slightly Breton twang of islanders’ accents tells you this is not quite England, not quite France — but proudly Jersey.
Foodie heaven, from oysters to cream teas
Jersey might be best known for its famously rich milk and butter, but the food scene has moved far beyond dairy. Expect Michelin recognition and bold local flavours at every turn.
The produce is impeccable — lobster, chancre crab, hand-dived scallops, and of course, the island’s eponymous royal potatoes. You’ll find them dressed up in butter and sea salt at beach cafés, or elevated to art form at sleek farm-to-fork restaurants in St. Brelade or Gorey.
The island also has a thriving market scene. Sample wild-foraged herbs at the Central Market in St. Helier, or try a local cider from one of the many independent producers embracing Jersey’s agricultural roots.
Coastal calm and clifftop drama
Jersey’s coastline is its greatest asset, offering everything from gentle family-friendly bays to wild cliffs that feel made for windswept novels. St. Ouen’s Bay is a surfer’s paradise, while Beauport offers Mediterranean-style calm with far fewer tourists.
Adventurous types can kayak through sea caves or coasteer along the rugged north shore. Prefer something slower? Try a guided walk to Seymour Tower during low tide — one of the island’s iconic “marine castles” standing sentinel in the vast intertidal zone. Jersey boasts the third-largest tidal range in the world, and it changes the landscape by the hour.
Low-key luxury and hidden escapes
For accommodation, Jersey strikes a lovely balance between charm and polish. You’ll find opulent hideaways like The Atlantic Hotel — perched above St Ouen’s Bay — or the lovingly restored Longueville Manor, a country-house escape with five-star finesse. For something more intimate, there are seaside cottages and boutique guesthouses with ocean views and homemade scones.
And while there are no skyscrapers or megamalls here, shopping in St. Helier offers a mix of independent boutiques, designer names, and duty-free incentives — ideal for a little island indulgence.
Jersey isn’t trying to compete with Ibiza or Mykonos. It’s subtler, softer, and arguably more sustainable. The local tourism board is leaning into eco-conscious travel, encouraging visitors to explore via e-bikes, hiking trails, and boat trips that focus on wildlife and conservation.
It’s also ideal for those who crave space and serenity over nightlife. There’s a decent cocktail scene, and music lovers can enjoy festivals like the Weekender, but this is a place for early mornings, sea swims, and locally roasted coffee on sun-drenched terraces.
Contrary to perception, Jersey isn’t flashy it doesn’t need to be. It’s a place where heritage meets understated luxury, where you can go from boardroom to beach in under an hour, and where every clifftop walk feels like a private screening of nature’s greatest hits.