Saint Helier Jersey: Museums, Theatre and Markets

Saint Helier Jersey brings together island history, performing arts and markets, with practical information to help you plan your trip. If you are looking for a hotel in Saint Helier, these different attractions may help shape your choice of destination: you may be interested in museum exhibitions, a changing events programme or the character of the local markets. Each has its own themes and conditions, so plan visits around your interests and check time-sensitive information in advance.

Museums and history in Saint Helier

The Jersey Museum is in the heart of St. Helier. Admission to its ground floor is free; admission is charged for the rest of the museum. A theatre there shows the film “Story of Jersey”. The ground floor also includes the Link Gallery and the Visitor Centre of the “aspiring Jersey Island Geopark”. The Visitor Information Centre is also located in the museum. Check current admission arrangements and visitor information before your visit.

The permanent exhibition “La Tèrr’rie d’Jèrri – d’s histouaithes dé not’ Île / Being Jersey – stories of our Island” is on the first floor and explores Jersey and the island’s distinctive features. The artworks include a portrait of Lillie Langtry, painted by Sir John Everett Millais. A restored, gas-lit Victorian house tells the story of a Victorian family in crisis and of Dr. Charles Ginestet: he leaves his home and flees to France to start a new life.

At the 16 New Street Georgian House Museum, you can explore life in a restored town house from Jersey’s Georgian era. In the Georgian kitchen, a presentation on the food culture of the time features Louisa, the cook and housekeeper, and you can sample food. Check the availability of this offering before your visit.

Performing arts and events

The Jersey Opera House offers a varied programme throughout the year. It includes West End musicals, international touring productions, dance performances, film screenings, comedy, concerts and local productions. The performances change, so check the programme for your travel dates.

The Jersey Arts Centre is in the north-eastern corner of St. Helier, near Millennium Park. It hosts theatre performances, concerts and film nights. The Centre also encourages participation in performing, visual and literary arts. Check the events calendar before your trip for current events.

Maritime themes and local markets

The Maritime Museum at St. Helier’s historic harbour explores seafaring, navigation and the elements. You can learn about the tides and find out how to design and float a ship. The site also includes the Occupation Tapestry Gallery. The award-winning Occupation Tapestry was woven by islanders to mark the 50th anniversary of Liberation. The museum thus combines maritime themes with a distinctive work created by islanders.

The Central and Beresford Street Markets have served the community for more than 200 years. They offer local produce, crafts, goods and services. Individual traders may change. The markets provide a different way to experience local life than the museums and theatres: the focus here is on products and a varied range of goods.

Walking tour, transport and a bathing pool

A free guided walking tour of St. Helier is offered every Tuesday. It starts and ends at the Town Hall, lasts two hours and begins at 10:30 am. Since the date and time matter for your plans, confirm the current arrangements with the organiser before your trip.

The Liberation Bus Station is in St. Helier. Buses from there connect the town with virtually all parts of Jersey; routes and service levels may change. Nearby, the tidal bathing pool The Lido is located at Havre des Pas. It fills at every high tide and has a platform in the middle that you can swim out to. Alongside museums, markets and events, bus connections and a bathing pool offer other aspects to consider when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Trinity, Rozel, Saint Peters Jersey, St Aubin, Saint Saviour, Grouville, Gorey, St Mary's Village.

For the main travel overview: Jersey.