Mont Orgueil is an enchanting medieval stone castle perched above one of Jersey’s prettiest villages, Gorey. It was built in 1212 after Normandy, tied to the English Crown from 1066, was seized by France thus turning it from friend to foe. Mont Orgueil was England’s first line of defence against French invasion until its position on the hill made it obsolete in the 15th century due to its vulnerability to cannon fire. It was replaced by Elizabeth Castle in 1594. Thereafter, it was converted into a prison during the English Civil War when it held men who had signed the death warrant of Charles I, including Thomas Waite and Henry Smith. It was occupied by German forces during World War II, with the invaders building concrete look-out posts into its masonry that can still be seen today. From its battlements there are breath taking views of the French coast and amongst the steep staircases, towers, and hidden passages there are plenty of gruesome tales and discoveries to make including the Dance of Death statue, the Witches in Hell in the dungeons, the Wheel of Urine in the turrets and the Prayer Nuts in one of the castle’s rooms.
Visiting Jersey
Check out our island page for Jersey for more information on getting to Jersey, and getting around Jersey and our favourite food and drink in Jersey.
You may also be interested in:
- Jersey’s hidden gems
- Best food and drink on Jersey
- Best beaches on Jersey
- Best outdoor activities on Jersey
- Top 10 walks on Jersey
- Walks from Rozel Harbour to St Catherine’s Breakwater or Bonne Nuit Bay
- Discover Jersey’s Occupation story
- Walk to tidal L’Islet (Elizabeth Castle) from St Helier
- Discover the horrible histories of Mount Orgueil
- Go glamping at the Durrel Wildlife Park
- Try some of the best seafood in the Channel Islands
- Enjoy a seafood BBQ in a WW2 bunker
- Visit one of the ten oldest buildings in the world
Islands nearby
The other Channel Islands are also excellent walking destinations and, together with Jersey, walks around their coast paths form the 110 mile Channel Island Way.
Guernsey – find out about walking in Guernsey, Guernsey’s outdoor activities, cafes and more here
Sark – find out about walking in Sark, Sark’s outdoor activities, cafes and more here
Herm – find out about walking in Herm, Herm’s outdoor activities, cafes and more here
Alderney – find out about walking in Alderney, Alderney’s outdoor activities, cafes and more here
Other islands in the British Isles
We have explored nearly 600 islands in the British Isles and are trying to write them up as fast as we can. Check more here or contact us as we are happy to share our info.
Further information
Our two books are stacked with more ideas on what to do in the Channel Islands and more more info here
