The 5 best family beaches in Jersey

It's said in Jersey you are never more than 10 minutes form the beach - and the coastal personality changes form north to south on this beautiful island. Whether you want to slip off your shoes, unwind and clear your mind, swim in crystal clear waters on a secluded pebble beach or, hit the waves, take a surf lesson and exhaust the kids before bed - there is beach to suit your mood in Jersey.

For a more comprehensive guide to what to see, eat and do in Jersey with kids don't miss this article.

Here's our 5 favourite beaches in Jersey:

• St. Brelades Bay - Regularly voted the most popular beach on the island - and, one of the best in the UK. St. Brelade's Bay offers possibly one of the best views in Jersey. With water sports, beach cafes and hotels overlooking the beach this is a popular - and busy spot. This large sandy bay offers safe swimming and family activities like banana boats, canoe hire, paddle boarding and kayaking.
• Plémont - Located on the North coast this is one of the island most picturesque beach with magical caves, glistening rock pools, soft sands - a must-see cove that offers the perfect escape.
• St. Ouen's Bay - This is Jersey's premier surfing spot with a beautiful 5-Mile stretch of sands and sea. With the nearby Splash Surf Centre at The Watersplash (restaurant, surf school, bar and nightclub) offers lessons for all ages and levels. Be sure to try Faulkner Fisheries, a restaurant based in an old WW11 bunker that serves up fresh barbecued fish and seafood, Jersey Royal potatoes, chips and out-of-this-world Jersey Butter garlic bread.
• Portelet - A south-facing, sheltered bay with soft golden sands and a small island in its centre. Great safe swimming spot for children and home of the excellent Portelet Bay Beach Café - accessible by steps down (and a little effort back up!)
• St. Aubin's Bay - Stretching from St. Helier to the harbour at St. Aubin this is a popular beach for waterspouts inc;ding waterskiing and jet ski hire. With beautiful soft sands its ideal for small children.

GETTING THERE

There is one airpot on the island of Jersey in the parish of St. Peter. But, we highly recommend getting the ferry. It's stress-free, easy and children love it - and, it sure adds to the journey being part of the adventure. Whether you decide to go on as a foot passenger or take your car, which is the ideal option for families as you can pack without restrictions and are free to explore the island at your own pace.

Condor Ferries operates a year-round service to the Channel Islands from Poole with its fast ferry Condor Liberation, alongside a conventional ferry service from Portsmouth. The journey take 4 and half hours which goes surprising quickly with all the amenities available on-board - including a bar & restaurant, a children's play area & TV area and a duty-free shop. With airline style seating on-board - you can also upgrade to the Horizon Lounge (great for families and with brilliant panoramic sea views) or, the executive Club Class long (ideal for adults only.)

GOOD TO KNOW: If you are going by car, you need to check-in an hour before your departure time. Everyone needs some photographic ID to board (this can be a passport, valid driving licence -full or provisional are accepted and, even a NHS Smart card) >> To book Condor Ferries, check current prices and sailing times, visit Condor Ferries or, call 0345 609 1024

WHERE TO STAY

There is a wealth of luxury and elegant hotels on the island but, the best one for families is the 3* Merton Hotel. Part of the Seymour Hotel group – founded in 1920 – it’s one of the largest and longest family-run chains in Jersey – and, one of the top rated family hotels in Jerey to boot. The hotel feels more like a mini-resort with its on-site buffet restaurant The Belvedere, Italian bistro Bonetti’s (with a takeaway menu for room service), Jersy Joe’s (a cool diner serving snacks and drinks) and a lobby bar & lounge. The Merton Hotel also offers activities and entertainment for tots (Georgie’s Créche), kids & tweens (the Kids Zone for 4 -11 year olds) and teens ( XST).

What’s especially appealing about the Meron is its central location, in the capital St. Helier, the nearby on-site parking and the biggest draw for families is undoubtedly the indoor and outdoor pool, The Aquadome. A subtropical paradise, the Aquadome is the Merton Hotel’s exclusive pool and leisure club with slides, lazy river, fountains, spa pools, sauna and steam room and a heated outside pool and the Flowrider surf machine. There is also a children’s play area in the gardens surrounding the Aquadome. >> With over 280 rooms and self-catering suites available you will be hard pressed to find a more perfect family hotel in Jersey. To book and for the latest offers visit Seymour Hotels