"Exciting new chapter" as local landmarks open all year round

Saturday 11 February 2023

Mont Orgueil, La Hougue Bie and an array of other local historic landmarks will be open for exploring all year round starting next month, thanks to a funding boost for Jersey Heritage.

Heritage sites were previously only open according to the traditional tourism season from March to October.

However, a change in policy has been made possible, largely due to an increase in government funding for the charity.

The only exception is Elizabeth Castle, which will remain closed for winter due to the difficulty reaching the attraction in bad weather.

Pictured: Jersey Heritage has announced that almost all sites will remain open year-round.

Jersey Heritage CEO Jon Carter said: "The introduction of year-round opening marks an exciting new chapter for Jersey Heritage and the extra government funding available as a result of the landmark States decision has undoubtedly been a catalyst."

The government's funding increase follows a decision by the States Assembly in 2019 to commit 1% of its overall annual budget to support Jersey's arts, heritage and culture sector.

Mr Carter added: "Knowing the 1% is there for our sector every year has emboldened us to take the decision to open the sites daily all year round. The incredible local support we have received over the past few years has also played its part; visits by Islanders to our sites have tripled and now account for about 30% of overall visits."

"We have also seen a significant increase in the number of people becoming Jersey Heritage members and expressing their support for our work."

Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel called it 'great news', which he said tied in with the government's heritage strategy launched last year "and will be welcomed by Islanders and by visitors to the Island, who now have even more opportunities to learn about and benefit from Jersey’s rich history."