Does the island have much to offer in terms of things to do outside work, or are we just not looking hard enough? Lucinda gives us her thoughts on the matter.
It seems to me that we’re constantly surrounded by negativity around the lack of things to do Jersey for kids, teenagers, young adults and generally people of all ages so I thought I’d jot down my thoughts on the subject. This is a topic of conversation that sometimes comes up in the office, when we discuss our weekend plans or on a Monday discussing what we got up to and more often than not I find myself talking about how busy I’ve been. This got me thinking surely there is actually a lot to do in Jersey, especially for young adults and perhaps it’s a lot to do with your outlook on life and mindset.
Like anywhere, I think most would agree that Jersey is a much better place to live in the summer. However, this can probably be said about most places (though maybe not Dubai with their extremely hot summers!). I actually think the question is dependent on people’s mindsets more than anything. I would say that individuals who are outdoorsy and sporty, or that way inclined, won’t have as much difficulty having a fun filled and busy life outside of work.
Jersey has a lot to offer in terms of year round outdoor activities, but perhaps lacks on indoor activities for the long winter months. We’re very fortunate to have such beautiful variations of landscapes to go and enjoy, right on our door step, that’s the beauty of living on such a small island, but what is there to do when the weather is bad or for those for whom the outdoors isn’t that appealing?
As a young adult, there are many sporting activities to take part in, such as run clubs, various gym classes, sports you can get in to. I for example go to the @wolfpack run club on Wednesday evening for interval training and they also have a coffee slow 5k run on a Thursday morning, rain or shine. They’re a very friendly run club with regular monthly socials that don’t involve running.
As well as gym, I also often go to boxing classes which offer opportunities for socialising. In addition, I road cycle, play padel and play hockey during the winter months. These are again very social sports with teas and coffee after, or something stronger!. During the summer months, Mont Orgueil host bring your own drinks & food DJ sets which are fabulous events aimed at all ages, with good music and if you’re lucky, a lovely sunset.
Hola Friday! Is also on during 12 weeks of summer, starting Friday 27 June through to Friday 12 September. This is held outside the IFC buildings and provides a fun yet chilled environment for people to get together after work on a Friday. We have the various outdoor Saunas like Sauna Society and Sandy Toes dotted around the island which again, provides opportunities for sea dips and the health benefits. Other activities I’ve had a go at this year include, yoga, pilates, candle making, pottery painting, paddle boarding, surfing. A pretty varied range of things to do!
And the nightlife in Jersey? I’m sure we’d all agree this is an area that needs huge investment with options for youngsters and adults decreasing year after year. I do feel for teenagers who have not had the nightlife experience we once had in Jersey when it was thriving with so many nightclubs and events on most weekends. Having said that, I do think our restaurants make up for our lack of nightclubs. We are so fortunate to have so many different variations of cuisine on offer on such a small island. If you think about it, we have restaurants providing cuisine from a number of different countries and cultures all, of high quality. It’s so rare to go out for a meal in Jersey and leave with a bad experience. Having said this, we do also have some great bars in Jersey. My favourites include Vinifera, The Porters Store, The Blind Pig, Kings Bar and the Yard, especially when the sun is out.
Whilst it may seem that a lot of things on offer in Jersey come at a cost, there is a lot of free things to do also. I find myself going out most evenings in summer for a run, walk or simply sitting somewhere on one of our many beautiful beaches chatting with friends, taking a moment to myself, reading a book or catching up with messages. I never feel unsafe and that is something I really appreciate in Jersey and a big perk of living on this gem of an island, with actually, in my opinion, lots to do!
