Elizabeth Castle Jersey | Chateau Elizabeth | Jersey Heritage
Source: https://www.jerseyheritage.org/visit/places-to-visit/elizabeth-castle
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:31
Elizabeth Castle Jersey | Chateau Elizabeth | Jersey Heritage
Visit Elizabeth Castle, a fortress just off the coast of Jersey to explore 400 years of history
Opening times
Take a look at the
walking times guide,
please note this is a guide only and you must take care when walking on the causeway.
Occasionally wind and tide conditions mean we have to make changes to our opening times. If in doubt please call before your visit +44 (0) 1534 634048
2026
18 March to 24 October
10am to 5.30pm
Last Ferry from the Castle 5pm
25 October to 1 November
10am to 4pm
Last Ferry from the Castle 3.30pm
Closed
International Air Display
9 and 10 September
Pricing
Unless you are a group of 10 or more there is no need to book ahead, please purchase your tickets from our ticket office at each site on the day of your visit.
Jersey Heritage Members go FREE –
become a Member today.
Children aged under 11 years old must be accompanied by an adult or responsible person aged 16+
Buy your 7 day Heritage Pass
. Unlimited access to Jersey Heritage visitor sites for 7 days.
Castle and Ferry
inclusive of return journey on Castle Ferry
Adult (16+)
£24.50
Child or student
£16.45
Senior (65+)
£23.50
Family ticket
£75.95
Castle only
Adult (16+)
£19.50
Child or student
£11.45
Senior (65+)
£18.50
Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children or students)
£55.95
Ferry
Return
£5
Discounts and free entry
Jersey Heritage Members
Free Entry. £2.50 Ferry (return)
Heritage Pass Holders
Half price Castle Ferry - £2.50
Children under 6 years
Free
Non-pre booked groups of 10 or more adults or seniors
10% (at our discretion)
Disabled visitors pay the normal admission
Free admission for up to two carers
Société Jersiaise Members
Free (not including Castle Ferry)
Museums Association Members
Free not including Castle Ferry)
International Council of Museums (ICOM) members
Free not including Castle Ferry)
Friends of Manx National Heritage
Free not including Castle Ferry)
Réseau des Musées de Normandie – Muséopass Card
Free not including Castle Ferry)
Explore more for less! 7 days unlimited entry with the Heritage Pass.
Location
Address
Les Jardins de la Mer, West Park, St Helier
Phone
+44 (0) 1534 634048 or +44 (0) 1534 833189
Directions
Please be aware that the Elizabeth Castle Ferry kiosk is at the Westpark Slip directly across from the Grand Hotel
Parking
Paid parking available in St Helier
Parking in Jersey
For guidance read
this
Bus route
7, 8,9,12a, 12, 15, 22 and 28
Cycle route
1
What3words location finder
messing.genres.isolated
Facilities
Visitor charter
Click here
WIFI
Available on site
Gift shop
The Jersey Heritage gift shop, selling gifts and souvenirs, is on-site and located at the Castle Ferry kiosk
Payment
Can be made by debit, credit card, in sterling
Dogs
No dogs allowed, except assistance dogs. Read our policy
here
Take a break bags
Fidget and sensory toys to help anyone who needs to take a break whilst on-site
Groups
Book your group visit here
Prices
Discounted entry is applicable to booked groups of 10+ or more adults or seniors (combination thereof). There is no requirement to book if your group is fewer than 10 people.
Castle and Ferry Castle only
Adult £20.85 £16.60
Senior £20 £15.75
Child/Student £16.45 £11.45
Educational Visits
Jersey Schools please email the Education Team
email us.
Overseas educational / youth groups please email complete the
enquiry form
.
Group Tours
Private guided tours can be arranged by advanced booking – £120 per tour – duration approx. 1 hr.
Leaflets available at entrance (£1) provide a brief history and guide to the site.
There is no coach parking on-site. Please speak with your coach operator regarding drop-off and pickup points.
Interpretation Language
External signs in English and French
Visitor booklet (£1) in English, French and German
Elizabeth Castle mobile app in English, French and German
Access
At Jersey Heritage we are committed to ensuring that all visitors can engage with and enjoy our sites and exhibitions. Our access statements have been developed to provide clear information, removing as much guess work as we can. Additionally, we have created visual stories aimed at enhancing the experience for individuals with diverse needs. These resources have been thoughtfully developed to support inclusion and help make our sites a welcoming space for all.
Read our access statement
here.
Read our
visual story
Disabled visitors pay the normal admission with free admission for up to two carers.
Refreshments
The Castle Café has both indoor and outdoor seating areas. It provides the perfect the setting for a locally produced cake or light lunch. We have carefully sourced the best local suppliers to provide delicious cakes and savoury light bites, which accompany our freshly prepared sandwiches, salad boxes and daily specials.
10% off for Jersey Heritage Members (please show your Fob or Patron/Benefactor card when making your purchase).
Discover Elizabeth Castle
Built on a tidal Island in St Aubin’s Bay and dating from the 16th century onwards, the castle defended Jersey for more than 400 years.
At Elizabeth Castle Jersey, spend your day exploring this sprawling 15-acre fortress: climb the battlements dating back to the time Sir Walter Raleigh was Governor of Jersey; explore the grounds that gave refuge to King Charles II during the English Civil War and uncover the story of the Castle during the German Occupation in World War II. The oldest part of this site, The Hermitage, where Saint Helier is thought to have lived around 550 A.D.
You will step back in time to 1781 and meet the Castle Gunner who will tell you his story of the Battle of Jersey, but be prepared to be drafted into the Midday Parade and witness the firing of the musket.
The newly renovated Officers’ Quarters show how the building would have looked when soldiers were in residence. Two rooms tell a story of a solider in residence at the Castle. Explore the wards of the Hospital Block that housed the sick and injured soldiers, staff and family accommodation and a new exhibition telling the story of the Jersey Militia on the first floor.
Take a tour of the site and find out about it’s history with one of our Volunteer Guides, find out about
tour times here.
Explore
Here are some of our favourite photos of Elizabeth Castle
More
More
Heritage Pass
Explore more for less
Get unlimited access to Jersey Heritage visitor sites for 7 days with a Heritage Pass.
More
More
What's On?
Find out what's on at Elizabeth Castle
From exhibitions to events, living history performances and tours, there's always something to discover
Master Gunner
1 April 2026 - 31 October 2026
Walk into the Parade Ground at Elizabeth Castle and you find yourself standing to attention under the watchful eye of the Master Gunner.
Find out more
Elizabeth Castle Tour
23 March 2026 - 1 November 2026
Take a tour of Elizabeth Castle with one of our volunteer guides.
Find out more
Vraiqu’sie
4 April 2026 - 1 November 2026
A charming and fascinating art exhibition celebrating the humble seaweed known as ‘vraic’ that festoons the rocks around our Island.
Find out more
Albert the Invalid Gunner
1 April 2026 - 31 October 2026
Sit and chat with him in the Military Hospital at the Castle. Though physically limited, you’ll discover that he remains mentally sharp.
Find out more
Betsy the Cook
1 April 2026 - 31 October 2026
Join Betsy in the Military Hospital kitchen to discover more about life in the Victorian era at Elizabeth Castle.
Find out more
Sir Walter Raleigh
2 April 2026 - 29 October 2026
Time travel to the Elizabethan Age and meet the legendary Sir Walter Raleigh, one of the most distinguished figures of the era.
Find out more
Force 135
29 August 2026 - 31 August 2026
Step back to May 1945 when Jersey was liberated after five years of German Occupation.
Find out more
Arrival
How To Get To Elizabeth Castle
Elizabeth Castle is built on a tidal Island in St Aubin’s Bay in St Helier and is cut off by the tide twice a day. To reach the Castle and begin your adventure, at low tide you can walk along the causeway or take the amphibious Castle Ferry which runs all day when the Castle is open to the public. Occasionally wind and tide conditions mean we have to make changes to our opening times.
Read our
access guide
for more information.
Learn the History of Elizabeth Castle
Elizabeth Castle has many chapters to its story, including residents such as Sir Walter Raleigh, King Charles II and German occupying forces, but its history dates back as far as the 6
th
century to St Helier, who Jersey’s capital is named after. A hermit called Helibert lived in the hermitage on the islet where the Castle is built. He was murdered and later made into a saint called St Helier. Islanders make an annual pilgrimage to the hermitage and it is a fascinating part of the Castle grounds for visitors to explore.
The first building on the islet was an abbey, named after Helibert and founded in 1155. It was soon downgraded to a priory and later abandoned. Fast forward to the late 16
th
century and a fortress was being built, taking over the main defence of Jersey once gunpowder and cannon were introduced and the medieval castle of Mont Orgueil on the east coast was no longer up to the job. Raleigh, who was Governor of Jersey from 1600-1603, later named the new castle after his Queen; Fort Isabella Bellissima, or Elizabeth Castle Jersey.
Read more…
Explore
You might also like
Places to Visit
Mont Orgueil Castle
A medieval castle with links to the English Crown and amazing views across to France.
History
The History and Future of an Island’s Fortress
We are restoring Elizabeth Castle to ensure it is protected for generations to come
History
Castles of Jersey
Why has Jersey been one of the most heavily fortified parts of the British Isles?
Heritage Lets
Elizabeth Castle Apartment
Stay in your very own historic castle, a mile out to sea.
Weddings
Getting married?
A perfect castle wedding venue as unique as you are making your day truly unforgettable.
Find out more
Stay
You can stay here too
Did you know you can stay at Elizabeth Castle's apartment?
Read more
Visit Elizabeth Castle, a fortress just off the coast of Jersey to explore 400 years of history
Opening times
Take a look at the
walking times guide,
please note this is a guide only and you must take care when walking on the causeway.
Occasionally wind and tide conditions mean we have to make changes to our opening times. If in doubt please call before your visit +44 (0) 1534 634048
2026
18 March to 24 October
10am to 5.30pm
Last Ferry from the Castle 5pm
25 October to 1 November
10am to 4pm
Last Ferry from the Castle 3.30pm
Closed
International Air Display
9 and 10 September
Pricing
Unless you are a group of 10 or more there is no need to book ahead, please purchase your tickets from our ticket office at each site on the day of your visit.
Jersey Heritage Members go FREE –
become a Member today.
Children aged under 11 years old must be accompanied by an adult or responsible person aged 16+
Buy your 7 day Heritage Pass
. Unlimited access to Jersey Heritage visitor sites for 7 days.
Castle and Ferry
inclusive of return journey on Castle Ferry
Adult (16+)
£24.50
Child or student
£16.45
Senior (65+)
£23.50
Family ticket
£75.95
Castle only
Adult (16+)
£19.50
Child or student
£11.45
Senior (65+)
£18.50
Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children or students)
£55.95
Ferry
Return
£5
Discounts and free entry
Jersey Heritage Members
Free Entry. £2.50 Ferry (return)
Heritage Pass Holders
Half price Castle Ferry - £2.50
Children under 6 years
Free
Non-pre booked groups of 10 or more adults or seniors
10% (at our discretion)
Disabled visitors pay the normal admission
Free admission for up to two carers
Société Jersiaise Members
Free (not including Castle Ferry)
Museums Association Members
Free not including Castle Ferry)
International Council of Museums (ICOM) members
Free not including Castle Ferry)
Friends of Manx National Heritage
Free not including Castle Ferry)
Réseau des Musées de Normandie – Muséopass Card
Free not including Castle Ferry)
Explore more for less! 7 days unlimited entry with the Heritage Pass.
Location
Address
Les Jardins de la Mer, West Park, St Helier
Phone
+44 (0) 1534 634048 or +44 (0) 1534 833189
Directions
Please be aware that the Elizabeth Castle Ferry kiosk is at the Westpark Slip directly across from the Grand Hotel
Parking
Paid parking available in St Helier
Parking in Jersey
For guidance read
this
Bus route
7, 8,9,12a, 12, 15, 22 and 28
Cycle route
1
What3words location finder
messing.genres.isolated
Facilities
Visitor charter
Click here
WIFI
Available on site
Gift shop
The Jersey Heritage gift shop, selling gifts and souvenirs, is on-site and located at the Castle Ferry kiosk
Payment
Can be made by debit, credit card, in sterling
Dogs
No dogs allowed, except assistance dogs. Read our policy
here
Take a break bags
Fidget and sensory toys to help anyone who needs to take a break whilst on-site
Groups
Book your group visit here
Prices
Discounted entry is applicable to booked groups of 10+ or more adults or seniors (combination thereof). There is no requirement to book if your group is fewer than 10 people.
Castle and Ferry Castle only
Adult £20.85 £16.60
Senior £20 £15.75
Child/Student £16.45 £11.45
Educational Visits
Jersey Schools please email the Education Team
email us.
Overseas educational / youth groups please email complete the
enquiry form
.
Group Tours
Private guided tours can be arranged by advanced booking – £120 per tour – duration approx. 1 hr.
Leaflets available at entrance (£1) provide a brief history and guide to the site.
There is no coach parking on-site. Please speak with your coach operator regarding drop-off and pickup points.
Interpretation Language
External signs in English and French
Visitor booklet (£1) in English, French and German
Elizabeth Castle mobile app in English, French and German
Access
At Jersey Heritage we are committed to ensuring that all visitors can engage with and enjoy our sites and exhibitions. Our access statements have been developed to provide clear information, removing as much guess work as we can. Additionally, we have created visual stories aimed at enhancing the experience for individuals with diverse needs. These resources have been thoughtfully developed to support inclusion and help make our sites a welcoming space for all.
Read our access statement
here.
Read our
visual story
Disabled visitors pay the normal admission with free admission for up to two carers.
Refreshments
The Castle Café has both indoor and outdoor seating areas. It provides the perfect the setting for a locally produced cake or light lunch. We have carefully sourced the best local suppliers to provide delicious cakes and savoury light bites, which accompany our freshly prepared sandwiches, salad boxes and daily specials.
10% off for Jersey Heritage Members (please show your Fob or Patron/Benefactor card when making your purchase).
Discover Elizabeth Castle
Built on a tidal Island in St Aubin’s Bay and dating from the 16th century onwards, the castle defended Jersey for more than 400 years.
At Elizabeth Castle Jersey, spend your day exploring this sprawling 15-acre fortress: climb the battlements dating back to the time Sir Walter Raleigh was Governor of Jersey; explore the grounds that gave refuge to King Charles II during the English Civil War and uncover the story of the Castle during the German Occupation in World War II. The oldest part of this site, The Hermitage, where Saint Helier is thought to have lived around 550 A.D.
You will step back in time to 1781 and meet the Castle Gunner who will tell you his story of the Battle of Jersey, but be prepared to be drafted into the Midday Parade and witness the firing of the musket.
The newly renovated Officers’ Quarters show how the building would have looked when soldiers were in residence. Two rooms tell a story of a solider in residence at the Castle. Explore the wards of the Hospital Block that housed the sick and injured soldiers, staff and family accommodation and a new exhibition telling the story of the Jersey Militia on the first floor.
Take a tour of the site and find out about it’s history with one of our Volunteer Guides, find out about
tour times here.
Explore
Here are some of our favourite photos of Elizabeth Castle
More
More
Heritage Pass
Explore more for less
Get unlimited access to Jersey Heritage visitor sites for 7 days with a Heritage Pass.
More
More
What's On?
Find out what's on at Elizabeth Castle
From exhibitions to events, living history performances and tours, there's always something to discover
Master Gunner
1 April 2026 - 31 October 2026
Walk into the Parade Ground at Elizabeth Castle and you find yourself standing to attention under the watchful eye of the Master Gunner.
Find out more
Elizabeth Castle Tour
23 March 2026 - 1 November 2026
Take a tour of Elizabeth Castle with one of our volunteer guides.
Find out more
Vraiqu’sie
4 April 2026 - 1 November 2026
A charming and fascinating art exhibition celebrating the humble seaweed known as ‘vraic’ that festoons the rocks around our Island.
Find out more
Albert the Invalid Gunner
1 April 2026 - 31 October 2026
Sit and chat with him in the Military Hospital at the Castle. Though physically limited, you’ll discover that he remains mentally sharp.
Find out more
Betsy the Cook
1 April 2026 - 31 October 2026
Join Betsy in the Military Hospital kitchen to discover more about life in the Victorian era at Elizabeth Castle.
Find out more
Sir Walter Raleigh
2 April 2026 - 29 October 2026
Time travel to the Elizabethan Age and meet the legendary Sir Walter Raleigh, one of the most distinguished figures of the era.
Find out more
Force 135
29 August 2026 - 31 August 2026
Step back to May 1945 when Jersey was liberated after five years of German Occupation.
Find out more
Arrival
How To Get To Elizabeth Castle
Elizabeth Castle is built on a tidal Island in St Aubin’s Bay in St Helier and is cut off by the tide twice a day. To reach the Castle and begin your adventure, at low tide you can walk along the causeway or take the amphibious Castle Ferry which runs all day when the Castle is open to the public. Occasionally wind and tide conditions mean we have to make changes to our opening times.
Read our
access guide
for more information.
Learn the History of Elizabeth Castle
Elizabeth Castle has many chapters to its story, including residents such as Sir Walter Raleigh, King Charles II and German occupying forces, but its history dates back as far as the 6
th
century to St Helier, who Jersey’s capital is named after. A hermit called Helibert lived in the hermitage on the islet where the Castle is built. He was murdered and later made into a saint called St Helier. Islanders make an annual pilgrimage to the hermitage and it is a fascinating part of the Castle grounds for visitors to explore.
The first building on the islet was an abbey, named after Helibert and founded in 1155. It was soon downgraded to a priory and later abandoned. Fast forward to the late 16
th
century and a fortress was being built, taking over the main defence of Jersey once gunpowder and cannon were introduced and the medieval castle of Mont Orgueil on the east coast was no longer up to the job. Raleigh, who was Governor of Jersey from 1600-1603, later named the new castle after his Queen; Fort Isabella Bellissima, or Elizabeth Castle Jersey.
Read more…
Explore
You might also like
Places to Visit
Mont Orgueil Castle
A medieval castle with links to the English Crown and amazing views across to France.
History
The History and Future of an Island’s Fortress
We are restoring Elizabeth Castle to ensure it is protected for generations to come
History
Castles of Jersey
Why has Jersey been one of the most heavily fortified parts of the British Isles?
Heritage Lets
Elizabeth Castle Apartment
Stay in your very own historic castle, a mile out to sea.
Weddings
Getting married?
A perfect castle wedding venue as unique as you are making your day truly unforgettable.
Find out more
Stay
You can stay here too
Did you know you can stay at Elizabeth Castle's apartment?
Read more