The northern regions of Jersey are a far cry from the bustling, tourist hotspots in the south. Here, the landscape is largely rural, with a colourful patchwork of agricultural fields being interspersed with quiet backroads and peaceful villages.

One such settlement is the village of Trinity, located towards the centre of the parish that holds the same name. Trinity village is a relatively small settlement, consisting of a loosely-defined collection of buildings situated either side of a main road. The village has seen development in recent years, with most construction centring around the parish church.

There are a range of local amenities within the village, but it is perhaps most notable for its proximity to Jersey’s northern coastline. The tranquil sands of Bouley Bay are just a short step from Trinity Village, and from here I recently explored the spectacular headlands and fortifications that characterise the region.

Just be sure to keep an eye out for Bouley Bay’s famous mythical black dog, which is said to roam the area at night. But if you’re visiting during the day, you are far more likely to be greeted with beautiful scenery.

Bouley Bay harbour

Setting The Stage

The parish church of Trinity is the only example of a church on the island that is not dedicated to a saint, instead being dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The church is a very well-recognised building, largely due to its distinctive white spire.

The oldest parts of the building date to around the 11^th or 12^th centuries and include the chancel, which was built by parishioners using rounded pebbles from Bouley Bay. The church itself can make for an interesting visit and its grounds in particular are very scenic to walk through.

From here, it’s a short distance to the Royal Jersey Showground, located at the southern end of the village. This forms the headquarters of the Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society, and many events take place here throughout the year. The Showground covers 7 acres of land and is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it the perfect place to host events such as flower shows and cattle shows, demonstrating the very best of Jersey farming.

The Showground also hosts the popular Weekender Festival, which takes place at the beginning of September. This attracts some huge names from the British music scene and beyond, transforming Trinity Village into a thrumming hub for music, dancing and entertainment. It’s a great event to attend if you wish to experience a friendly, small-scale festival, and it has fast become the traditional closing party to Jersey’s summer season.

The Durrell Legacy

While Trinity Parish Church may be the cultural heart of the village, locals and visitors alike often flock to a rather different service within the settlement – the local pub. The Trinity Arms has remained popular throughout the years, with its charming, traditional appeal making it one of the best-loved pubs in Jersey. Its bar is often busy with regulars, and serves a variety of ales and lagers – many of which are locally-brewed – along with a healthy selection of wines and spirits. The food in the nextdoor restaurant is worth trying too, offering freshly cooked meals in a warm, relaxing environment.

Statue of Gerald Durrell at the Zoo in Jersey

If you’re visiting the village of Trinity, I highly recommend to swing by Jersey Zoo – situated just to the east of the village. Established in 1959 by naturalist, Gerald Durrell, Jersey Zoo is one of the most interesting attractions on the island and can be a fun day out for all the family. It was the first ever zoo to be designed with conservation in mind, with Gerald Durrell being passionate that the zoo should be a place to help protect the world’s threatened wildlife, rather than a place for mere entertainment.

A host of endangered species can be found within the zoo’s 32 acres of land, including Andean bears, western lowland gorillas and several species of lemur. With aviaries, bat tunnels and a large reptile & amphibian house, a visit here is sure to keep you busy for many an hour. The grounds also attract a lot of native wildlife, as the landscaped gardens and park areas are bursting with flowers and fruit trees.

These areas can be ideal for resting or having a bite to eat as you journey through the zoo. Jersey Zoo is open daily from 09:30 until 17:00, with on-site parking and dining available.

Trinity Village may be small, but it boasts a variety of activities both in and around its locale. Set within one of the most scenic parishes in Jersey, it can make for a wonderful visit.