Jersey’s medieval castles are part of the Island’s proud legacy of medieval architecture – Elizabeth and Mont Orgueil castles…and a remote ruin in the North

Elizabeth Castle
Built on an islet in St Aubins Bay, Elizabeth Castle commands the Bay of St Aubin and served as a replacement for Mont Orgueil when the use of cannon came to dominate warfare.

It can be reached either by walking across the causeway from West Park at low tide or catching a Castle Ferry (for an extra charge). The castle is a spacious fortress that has a number of exhibitions that explore its history and recreate conditions for the common soldier in his barracks. The Hermitage – a cave alleged to be the home of St Helier before he was beheaded by pirates in 555 for warning Islanders of their arrival – is set alongside the small castle harbour and offers a great view of the capital.

The highlight of a day at the castle is the firing of the noonday gun which is carried out with great ceremony and much audience participation in and around the Grand Battery.

Mont Orgueil Castle
A magnificent medieval fortress on the east coast, Mont Orgueil Castle has become synonymous with images of Jersey. Built at the beginning of the 13th century, Mont Orgueil has played a vital role in the history of the Island, from the loss of English lands in France in 1204 through the English Civil War, when it served as a prison, up to the present day as a popular destination for visitors.

The castle overlooks the small harbour at Gorey and all areas of the fortification can be visited during the day, although it is worth going to view it at night when it is spectacularly lit up. Served by bus routes 1 and 1b.

Grosnez Castle
Located alongside the race course on the north-west coast of St Ouen, this castle is now a total ruin and so is not really a museum but was once important for the Islanders protection. The distant views over the clifftops are spectacular and they take in the rest of the Channel Islands and the huge swells of the Atlantic Ocean. A footpath and stairway lead down to a small automatic lighthouse below the castle. Served by bus route 8.