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Jersey the Largest Channel Island

Visit Jersey War Tunnels, Gold and Diamond Exhibitions or Just Cycle

Apr 9, 2008 Rachel L. Webb

Beauty, charm and allure - Jersey is said to be like her most famous historical character - Lillie Langtree. There is much to see for both adults and children.

Jersey War Tunnel attraction is a permanent reminder of the German occupation over 60 years ago. The tunnel complex is a host of galleries which depict the dark events of the Islanders through their evacuation, deportation and siege until the liberation of Jersey on 9th May 1945.

Jersey is the most southerly of the Channel Islands and being 45 square miles it’s also the largest. Benefitting from the warming influence from the Gulf Stream and more often than not it boasts the most days of annual sunshine anywhere in the British Isles.

But the sun didn’t always seem to shine on Jersey and work began on the tunnel complex that took nearly three years to build. It was designed as an armaments workshop and bombproof barracks. Slave labourers from all over Europe were put to work excavating this incredible set of tunnels which were hewn from solid rock.

Nearing the end of 1943 when an invasion of Europe was feared the tunnels were converted in to an underground hospital able to accommodate up to 500 casualties. The invasion didn’t occur and the fully equipped operating theatre never got put to use.

Today the tunnels are one of Jersey’s most popular heritage attractions, a serving reminder and a unique opportunity to learn about the true story of the occupation.

Many Jersey men and women lost their lives as a consequence of the occupation and each one has a commemorative plaque in the Garden of Reflection.

Not all of Jersey’s history is dark. The lovely Lillie Langtree who captured the heart of the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VII is one of Jersey’s best-know characters and the Island like Lillie is beautiful and charming.

As is the world of gold and gemstones Jersey’s Goldsmiths’ treasure park will be enjoyed by parents and children alike. Set in the midst of Lion Park, St. Lawrence you can make your own jewellery or commission a piece and watch it being made.

Or if you prefer diamonds, visit Diamondology where qualified gemologists will help you choose the right stone or stones for you.

Dark tunnel, glitter and gold, golden beaches and sunny days Jersey like Lillie gains admirers from near and far.

Jersey offers safe and flatish walking and cycling with bikes and tandems available to hire all over the Island.

Jersey handles many flights from different UK airports including Heathrow, link flights from the other Channel Islands and larger European cities such as Paris, Geneva and Zurich.

A more relaxing form of travel is by car ferry from various ports on the English Channel.

The copyright of the article Jersey the Largest Channel Island in U.K./Ireland Travel is owned by Rachel L. Webb. Permission to republish Jersey the Largest Channel Island in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.