Jersey is made up of 12 parishes, each with its own unique charm and beauty. From golden sandy beaches and lively restaurants to stunning coastlines, every parish has something special to offer residents and visitors alike.

The origin of the parishes dates to at least the 11^th century – with each one named after a nearby church and with their borders reflecting natural features.

Every parish has a similar organisational structure, acting as the governing body for the area similar to a local council in the UK.

If you’re thinking of moving to Jersey, you will want to find the parish that best suits you. Here’s a quick guide of what to expect.

St Ouen

The largest in terms of area is St Ouen, home to the lovely Five Mile Beach which is Jersey’s top destination for surfers. This parish boasts beautiful views and stunning sand dunes.

Trinity

Some highlights of Trinity include the highest point of Jersey, Les Platons, which is most often used by mountain bikers, and the beautiful beach at Bouley Bay, which is well known by scuba divers and fishermen. Trinity has a mainly rural landscape, but it holds some incredible views you won’t want to miss.

St Brelade

St Brelade is one of the larger parishes and bordered only by St Peters. It features stunning coastline, including St Brelade’s Bay, one of the island’s most loved beaches renowned for its golden sand. There’s plenty to do, from watersports to visiting local seaside restaurants.

St Martin

Claiming ownership of the beautiful Rozel Bay and St Catherine’s Breakwater, St Martin is located on Jersey’s east coast. St Martin is also home to many potato farmers and you can shop for local produce in the village of Maufant.

St Lawrence

St Lawrence is located toward the centre of Jersey. A parish rich in history and culture, its main attractions include St Matthews Glass Church, Hamptonne Country Life Museum and the Jersey War Tunnels. While it only has a small stretch of coastline, it has great sea views and beautiful parkland.

St Helier

The capital of Jersey and the most urban of the parishes, St Helier Town is known as the heart of the finance industry. Highlights include the Jersey museums, as well as lively restaurants, bars, and cafes along the main high street.

St Peter

St Peter is a larger parish, with the majority occupied by Jersey airport. However, it also boasts beautiful countryside in the heart of Jersey National Park.

St John

Situated on the north end of the island, St John is a rural parish with only a small village. It’s one you won’t want to miss as it offers some of the most breathtaking views from its cliffs.

St Saviour

Located east of St Helier, St Saviour is a largely inland parish with a very small stretch of coastline. It is urbanised and one of the most populated on the island, making it an excellent hub for activities of all sorts, with many of the island’s schools also located here.  

Grouville

One of the most easterly parishes, Grouville is also known as Gorey, the name of the main village. It is home to the impressive Mount Orgueil (or Gorey Castle).

St Mary

Located on the northwest side of the island, St Mary’s is a large yet quiet parish, with a small population. As well as being home to the popular beach of Greve de Lecq, attractions include La Mare Vineyards, a working distillery producing cider, chocolate and Jersey’s famous black butter.

St Clement

The smallest of the parishes, St Clement covers about 4% of the island area (just over 1,000 acres). While it’s the smallest, it’s also one of the most densely populated parishes on the island – offering the perfect blend of history and beautiful nature spots, including some of Jersey’s most popular beaches.

Further information

Contact Geri O'Brien

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