Sunday 10 July 2011

Ferry Trip: Weymouth to Jersey



Whether you live here or are just visiting, your experience of the UK will not be complete without a ferry trip.

We decided on a day trip from Weymouth to Jersey. Weymouth because its the town my wife was born in and we spent several days there on holiday and decided to throw in the ferry trip just for fun. Weymouth itself is a really quaint old sea-side retreat and there is lots to see: from it's lovely harbour (with old fashioned drawbridge) to the castle and of course a little further on, Portland Bill...

(Weymouth is located by the red X and Jersey is the lower island in the circle)

It really is quite cheap...As little as £30 p.p. can get you a trip on the ferry to Jersey (just short of 4 hours) and back to Weymouth again in the same day. Jersey is an island with a strong French/ continental flair and you will love the strong french accent and theme wherever you go...

The trip itself at near on 4 hours each way is quite long, and be prepared for speed. These ferries are a cross between a small liner and a powerboat! If the sea is a little choppy, you can expect some rough and tumble: the whup-whup-whup-whup- as the bow hits the waves you feel with your guts more than hear with your ears - But that's part of the fun...

I was the only one who did not resort to a sick bag but instead spent most of the trip on the deck of the craft lapping up the sea spray and feeling the wind whip past me...The craft really does go fast, upwards of 70 km per hour...

You will enjoy the feel of time slowing once you dock and hear new accents in Jersey and of course, be prepared for their "funny money" which, although equal in value to the Pound, some people inland may not be too happy to accept...