The Jersey Collection; Ouaisnè Bay

Ouaisnè Bay is a beautiful, quiet bay on the South Coast of the island of Jersey, the largest of all the Channel Islands. The name is pronounced “Way nay” and means ‘anchorage’ in Jerrais, Jersey’s own predominantly dis-used language. Like many of the island’s sights, Ouaisnè is a completely unique place, rich with history and natural beauty.

Ouaisnè is practically conjoined with St Brelade’s Bay to its West, only seperated by rocks and a small headland (named ‘La Grouin’) that is an amazing look-out spot over the two bays and the ocean. At low tide, you can walk over the sands to reach Ouaisnè Bay from St Brelade’s, or climb down the rocks where you can find an embedded bunker. Ouaisnè is a wide, vast beach with the same creamy golden sand that can be found on St Brelade’s, but it seems to hold the water more and is usually packed tightly. The water is clear, clean, and a stunning pale-blue shade. Ouaisnè definitely gets more seaweed then its neighbour but swimming is safe and the beach is rarely busy, despite being a complete sun-trap all day long.

The bay is sheltered from winds by two headlands on either side, and a tall wall backing the sands. This wall was actually constructed during the Occupation in World War Two and was built by forced labourers and Nazi Germans. It’s a surprisingly dark glimmer into the past, found on such a gorgeous place. Beyond the wall, you will find Ouaisnè Tower, which overlooks the beach. It is a Martello tower that was built in the 1790s as a defense, and later painted its distinctive red and white colouring that is now quite iconic. You can also reach Ouaisnè Common, which is a Site of Special Interest and a nature conservation area. The Common is home to many plants and wildlife, including grass snakes and green lizards, and is a great place to go for a hike.

The headland to the East of the Ouaisnè Bay is also home to La Cotte de St Brelade, also known as Lé Creux ès Fées in Jerrais, which means ‘The Fairies’ Cave’. This is an archaeological cave, where it is believed neanderthals lived between 250,000-48,000 years ago. An intriguing site to explore, whether you’re a history buff or not!

Ouaisnè Bay can be directly reached from the East by a slipway onto the beach. From this way, there is disabled access and you can find a public car park. You will also find public toilets there, as well as beach café Kismet Cabana and a historic island pub, Old Smugglers Inn. The beach offers no lifeguard service, but dogs can be brought all year round. If you are visiting using Jersey’s Liberty bus service, you can take the 12A route to Portelet and ask for the turning to Ouaisnè Bay. From there, you can follow the road down until you reach the bay. Alternatively, to reach Ouaisnè via St Brelade’s Bay as previously mentioned, take the 12, 12A or 14 bus routes.

Ouaisnè Bay is an amazing place off Jersey’s beaten track. Full of historical sights to see, there is so much more than meets the eye to this stunning beach. If you’ve been to Ouaisnè Bay, let me know in the comments section what you thought of it! And if this post has inspired you to visit, let me know too!