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Jethou
Jethou is a small island located about 5 km off the eastern coast of Guernsey, just to the south of Herm. It was once connected to Herm by a short stretch of land, however it is thought that this land bridge was washed away in the year 708 by a particularly fierce storm.
Jethou is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey and can be easily seen from Guernsey’s eastern coastline.
The island has been leased to a variety of tenants over the years and its current owners have closed it to the public. Unfortunately, this means Jethou cannot currently be visited, meaning the only way to experience it is by viewing it either by boat or from the coastlines of Herm and Guernsey.
Jethou is rounded in shape and has a tall summit, overlooking several smaller islands in its beautiful surroundings. The summit was once home to a gallows, where pirates would be hanged. A small group of buildings can be seen on the north-east shore, including a manor house, a pub and a prison.
Things to See and Do in Jethou
Take a boat trip past the island
Seal/Dolphin watching
Birdwatching
Kayaking
View Jethou from the south coast of Herm
Jethou on horizon
Boats off the coast of Jethou from Herm
Typical Costs When Travelling
Accommodation – It is not possible to stay on Jethou. If you wish to see the island via a boat trip, the best options for accommodation can be found on nearby Guernsey. 3-star hotels on Guernsey vary in price from around £90 – £130, depending on the season. Hostels and BnBs are often better priced, with rooms available for around £50 per night.
Food – Guernsey is also your best bet for food, especially as the culinary offerings on the island are some of the best in the British Isles. A typical restaurant meal for one in Guernsey usually comes to around £15, although cheaper options such as cafes and fast-food outlets are also available. It is important to note that the cost of living in Guernsey is around 30% higher than in the UK, so you may find you have to pay a little extra for groceries.
Transportation – It is currently not possible to visit Jethou, as the island is under private ownership. However, various companies operating from Guernsey offer boat trips which can pass by Jethou, providing you with a chance to see its sights from the water. One of the best options is with Island Rib Voyages, who offer a 1 hour trip to Herm, passing Jethou along the way. This trip costs £29.50 for adults or £19.50 for children.
Suggested Daily Budget: 74 – 82 EUR / 90 – 100 USD / 64 – 71 GBP
Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!
Money Saving Tips
1
Eat Local Produce
While some food is imported to Guernsey from elsewhere, much of it is produced locally. Not only is consuming local produce a great way to experience local culture, it is often cheaper than imported food.
2
Couchsurf
Guernsey is an increasingly popular place for couchsurfing, which can be an alternative to traditional accommodation and can often work out to be much cheaper.
3
Purchase Bus Passes
If you're staying on Guernsey, make use of the island's great bus service by buying daily or weekly passes, which work out cheaper in the long run than standard fares.
4
Book in Advance
Booking accommodation in advance of your trip can be one of the best ways to save some extra cash, as it is generally more expensive to book the later you leave it.
What else to expect from Jethou?
The eastern side of Jethou is an excellent place to spot wildlife such as seals and dolphins. During the summer months, you can often see puffins floating close to shore. The island has a rather dark past. Not only was it associated with pirates and smugglers, it is also said that Guernsey used Jethou to burn witches during the time of witch trials.
The name of the island is thought to stem from the Viking word ‘keithou’, meaning a place of roaring. This may be a reference to an unusual feature on the island known as the Creux du Diable, or Devil’s hole. This is a funnel-like hole in an area of rock on the south-eastern shore. As the waves crash beneath the hole, air is forced through it, producing a loud rushing sound.
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Talking about Jethou’s history a little (which you would definitely hear while on the trip) is that the isle has been the centre of smuggling and piracy in the past for a few centuries.
November 27, 2020
