(Hamptonne Country Life Museum, St Lawrence. Tel. 01534 863 955) Housed in traditional farm buildings, this restaurant is part of a country life museum and features local dishes such as cabbage loaves and Jersey bean crock.

  (37 David Place, St Helier. Tel. 01534 619 911) Very popular with locals because of its huge portions, this informal restaurant boasts friendly, mainly Portuguese staff. There's an extensive menu, but Portuguese food is the speciality, including espetadas: large skewers of meat and/or fish.

  (Le Boulevard, St Aubin's Village, St Brelade. Tel. 01534 742 760) Right on the edge of St Aubin's harbour, this stylish restaurant concentrates on nouveau cuisine and local fresh produce. Try the creole fried scallops and king prawns, followed by sesame confit of crispy duck leg.

  (Le Mont de la Pulente, St Brelade. Tel. 01534 744101) Part of one of Jersey's finest hotels, this Michelin-starred restaurant has everything: great food, impeccable service and a fine view. Head chef Mark Jordan concentrates on very fresh local produce, particularly seafood. The £65 Menu de Terroir includes scallops, turbot, Jersey beef and a deliciously crispy thin apple tart.

  (The Royal Yacht Hotel, Liberation Square, St Helier. Tel. 01534 720 511) A centrally located late-night bar with a huge range of cocktails, drinks and snacks. A pitcher of Champagne punch costs just £40.

  (Phillips Street, St Helier. Tel. 01534 700 444) A lively centre for all kinds of arts, where you can also grab a bite to eat. Expect to see art exhibitions and concerts ranging from blues to classical music.

  (Caledonia Place, St Helier. Tel. 01534 870457) Next to the central Liberation Square, Pure features big-name DJs at the weekend and dance music during the week, including progressive and underground electro.

La Mare Vineyards produces two sparkling wines, two whites and a red, as well as apple brandy and cider. All these are for sale at the vineyard, along with other local produce and crafts (Rue de la Hougue Mauger, St Mary).

Fish 'n' Beads, at St Brelade's Bay, is surely the only place where you can sit beside the beach, have a snack and make your own jewellery.

Grève de Lecq is a beautiful sandy beach on the north coast, with two beach cafés, two pubs and a Victorian barracks turned into a museum and visitor centre. A fun place to explore.

Irish comedian Dara O'Briain is bringing his hilarious show to Fort Regent, the huge entertainment complex built in an old fort overlooking St Helier. The Mock the Week star appears on 24 May (Tel. 01534 449 827).

 – Slightly more than an hour away by ferry, St Malo is a lively French port with masses of shops, restaurants and bars. You can take an organised day trip from Jersey, including lunch, or choose to explore the town on your own. Just don't forget your passport!

Jersey's expansive tidal system means the island almost doubles in size at low tide, leaving a huge area of seashore to explore.