Mont Orgueil Castle: A Medieval Fortress with Panoramic Views
Explore an 800-year-old medieval fortress with stunning views of Jersey and the French coast. Discover hidden treasures and gruesome tales!
Mont Orgueil Castle, also called Gorey Castle, has been an imposing feature of Jersey's landscape for over 800 years. Constructed in the 13th century, it served as the island's primary defense against French attacks for over 400 years. The castle's strategic location, with cliffs on three sides and the sea on the fourth, made it a formidable stronghold. Over the centuries, Mont Orgueil has evolved, serving not only as a defensive structure but also as a prison, a spy station, and a seat of government. Notable figures like William Prynne were once imprisoned within its walls. The castle was also occupied by German forces during World War II. Today, Mont Orgueil is a popular tourist attraction managed as a museum since 1929. Visitors can explore the castle's network of staircases, towers, and secret rooms, discovering hidden treasures and gruesome stories of castle life through specially commissioned artwork. Highlights include the medieval 'wheel of urine' in the turrets and the 'witches in hell' exhibit in the cellars. From the battlements, one can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the distant French coast. Don't miss the world-renowned artworks “The Queen” and “Equanimity” in the Medieval Great Hall, by artist Chris Levine and holographer Rob Munday, commissioned to celebrate Jersey's relationship with the monarchy.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there are almost 200 steps to the top of the castle and the surfaces are uneven.
- Visit in the afternoon or evening for the best light for photographing the castle.
- Check the Jersey Heritage website for special events and exhibitions.
- Consider purchasing a Jersey Heritage Pass for access to multiple heritage sites.
A brief summary to Mont Orgueil Castle
- Castle Green, Gorey, Jersey, JE3 6ET, JE
- +441534853292
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
LibertyBus routes 1, 1a, 2, and 13 serve Mont Orgueil Castle. Alight at the Gorey Pier stop, which is a short walk from the castle entrance. A single bus fare is approximately £2.50.
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Walking
Mont Orgueil Castle is easily accessible on foot from Gorey Harbour. Follow the main road along the coast, and you'll see the castle entrance on Castle Green. The walk from the harbor is a short, but moderately steep climb.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Jersey. A taxi from St Helier to Mont Orgueil Castle takes approximately 10 minutes and costs between $19 and $23. There is no dedicated car park. However, there's limited on-the-road parking and car parks in Gorey village.
