Elizabeth Castle
Built on a rocky islet in St Aubin's Bay, Elizabeth Castle defended Jersey for more than 300 years. The castle is accessible at low tide by foot or the castle ferry which will transport you across the bay to and from the castle.
Elizabeth Castle is a perfect place to spend a day exploring Jersey's history. Work began on the castle in the 1590s and it was home to Sir Walter Raleigh while he was Governor of Jersey. The future King Charles II sought refuge at Elizabeth Castle during the English Civil War.
Climb the battlements, explore the turrets and discover the Hermitage where St Helier is thought to have lived around 500 A.D. Visit the exhibitions which explain the role of the castle in Jersey’s history and share the experience of the soldiers who were garrisoned here. Make history come alive as you join the Living History re-enactor on the Gunner’s parade, and stand to attention as he fires the cannon each day between 10am and 3.30pm.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Opening time:
From 1 April 2010
10am to 6pm daily
Admission:
| Castle only |
| Child |
£6.00 |
| Student |
£6.00 |
| Adult |
£8.50 |
| Senior |
£7.50 |
| Family |
£26.00 |
| Castle and ferry |
| Child |
£8.50 |
| Student |
£8.50 |
| Adult |
£11.00 |
| Senior |
£10.00 |
| Family |
£33.00 |
The Jersey Pass is accepted at Elizabeth Castle
Payment On arrival,
cash (Sterling or Euros accepted),
credit/debit card (not Diners Club or American Express)
cheque (with banker’s card)
Entrance and parking
The castle is reached on foot along a causeway from West Park slipway in St Helier.
Visitors can either walk at low tide or catch the pirate-themed Castle Ferry (small charge applies) at high or low tide.
Public parking is available in Patriotic Street, the Waterfront and the Esplanade car parks or in parking bays off Victoria Avenue.
Buses and cycle routes
All bus routes terminate at Liberation Station which is a short walk away.
Island Explorer blue route
Jersey cycle route 1
Refreshments
A café is on the premises
Gift Shop
There are Jersey Heritage gift shops, selling gifts and souvenirs relating to the castle and to Jersey located at the castle and in the ferry kiosk. The ferry kiosk shop is open to visitors and non-visitors.
Access arrangements
Unfortunately the site is not suitable for people with mobility impairment
Dogs
No dogs allowed, except guide dogs
Green Management
The green management of Elizabeth Castle is sponsored by Ogier
Guided tours
Discover the history behind the castle and have its many stories and people revealed by our tour guides. Guided tours are available throughout the season, for times see the on-site blackboard.
Address:
St Aubin’s Bay,
St Helier,
JE3 3NU
or
Castle Ferry Kiosk,
Les Jardins de la Mer,
West Park, St Helier,
JE3 3NU
EVENTS:
Blood and Guts
Meet Lieutenant Robert Bloodsworth, the Regimental Surgeon’s mate of the 95th Regiment of Foot. Could you pass the medical for an 18th century soldier? Find out about the weapons of the period and the wounds they could cause. Then hear about the treatment for the wounded and sick after the battle and see some of the surgical and medical instruments of the 18th century that were available to the surgeon in his job.
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 May to 30 September, 10am to 3.30pm (no show on Thursday 9 September)
Jersey Militia, 4th Regiment, 2nd Battalion (St Lawrence)
The Battle of Jersey occurred on 6 January 1781. The French landed at La Rocque and proceeded into St Helier where the Battle took place in the Royal Square. The St Lawrence Battalion fought alongside the British regiments who successfully defeated the French. Join the 1781 Jersey Militia, their wives and children for a thrilling display of artillery and Georgian life.
Sundays, 30 May, 13 June, 11 July, 22 August and 19 September, 10am to 4pm
Get on Parade
In the stunning atmospheric setting of the Georgian parade ground, meet Master Gunner ‘Gilly’Gilman who will instruct raw volunteer recruits in the art of drill practice and enlighten them as to living conditions and daily life in his 18th century garrison. Sign up for the gun crew and the chance to fire one of the few black powder cannons in use today.
Shows on alternate Mondays and every Tuesday to Friday from Monday 10 May to 1 October, check blackboard onsite for timings
The King’s Shilling
A new recruit received a shilling as a bonus for joining the army, which for years was called Taking the King’s Shilling. Master Gunner Gates has fought for King George III against the Rebels in colonies of North America, now he commands soldiers at the castle in the defence of Jersey against French invasion. The British soldier was a formidable adversary who, armed with his Brown Bess and lethal bayonet, won many a battle. See the Bess demonstrated, hear about the history of the castle, learn about the Battle of Jersey and life in the garrison, witness a real Black Powder cannon fired!
Sundays from 9 May to 3 October, 10am to 4pm
An Old Soldier
Gunner Blake has lived through the horrors of many overseas campaigns but now suffers a grim existence in the castle barracks. Join up for drill practice and a taste of 18th century discipline.
Saturdays from 15 May to 2 October and shows on alternate Mondays 17 May to 20 September,10am to 2.30pm