Grosnez Castle

The ruins of Grosnez Castle sit in the North-West corner of the island. The castle was built around 1330 on the orders of Sir John Roches. The Hundred Year’s War had just started and the castle was used to provide local farmers with a place of refugee from French attacks.

The ruins are free to explore and perfect for my two who have wild imaginations. They were both convinced that this was once a grand castle, a home to a beautiful princess. They created this whole elaborate story about how the princess trailed her hair down the cliff face, and into the sea. Then the mermaids would plait her hair with the silver foam of the sea. They have clearly been inspired by their collection of mermaid stories. How lovely that their surroundings inspired such great story-telling. We sometimes feel the pressure to keep children constantly entertained. However, give them space and freedom and they surprise us by entertaining themselves.

It was a glorious day and the sun was high in the sky. However, you would not have known from the jacket Oldest was wearing. Oldest insisted on wearing it! I’m not sure how she managed in the heat. We explored the ruins of the castle. Behind the archway is a viewing platform that offers stunning views.

Don’t you find the sea hypnotic? There is something mesmerising and very calming about it. Oldest would have happily carried on gazing out. We didn’t spot any mermaids this time. Groznez Castle is 200ft above sea level. The castle is situated on beautiful headland. That is perfect for little ones to charge about on. Just stay away well away from the cliff edge.

Youngest announced that we were going on a march, she appointed herself leader. This was a role she took very seriously. One that required her to wave her spade around. There might have been some shouting too. We didn’t mind as we were too busy enjoying the wonderful scenery and breathing in the lovely clean air.

It is the perfect place to go for some contemplation and Oldest was clearly mulling things over. I would love to know what she is thinking here -

“Will my sister please stop bellowing at me and waving her spade!”

Oldest had also brought her Eye-Spy book along. We spent quite a bit of time looking for butterflies that she could tick off in her book. The only problem was that Youngest was bellowing a lot, she probably scared every living butterfly of Jersey!

There are lots of lovely walks you can do along the cliff-tops but make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear. Not sandals like my two are wearing. It is worth exploring as there are stunning views to be had in every direction. It was such a clear day when we went that we were able to see Sark, Guernsey and France from the cliff-tops. There is also plenty of wildlife and birds to spot.

This was our first time visiting Grosnez but it is now one of my favourite spots on the island. I love the sense of space and how you can see for miles and miles. I have since been told that the sunsets are stunning at Grosnez. I am hoping to return with a picnic so I can see for myself.

What adventures have you had this week?