Grosnez Castle
The gate arch of a fourteenth-century castle on Jersey's northwestern headland.
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Grosnez stands on the northwestern headland of Jersey, a small castle built in the fourteenth century as a refuge for the population of the surrounding parishes rather than a garrison fortress, cut off from the land by a ditch and defended on the other three sides by cliffs. What survives is the gate arch and fragments of wall. The view runs to Guernsey, Sark and Herm on a clear day.
What you actually see
- The gate arch - the surviving entrance of the fourteenth-century castle.
- The ditch - the cut across the headland that defended the landward side.
- The cliffs - the drops that made the other three sides secure.
- The island view - Guernsey, Sark and Herm visible on clear days.
When to go
May to September is the pleasant season, though the headland is windy at any time. Clear days are needed for the island views. Winter storms make it unpleasant.
Honest expectations
Very little survives beyond the arch and some wall footings. The headland is completely exposed with no shelter. There is no interpretation beyond a board.
Nearby
Plémont is east, and St Ouen's Bay is south.
What to pack for Grosnez Castle
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.