Once you have seen one castle you have seen them all. This was not the case. This functional, historic monument is in constant flux. New wings and buildings have been added overtime, its purpose changing from the first line of defence for the realm, a tourist attraction, a prison for enslave European workers run by the occupying Germans in world II, back to a tourist attraction. It is well worth a vist. Don't forget to watch the timing of the tides because you can walk across at low tide, but if you become stranded you will have to get the ferry back at an additional charge.

The Ports of Jersey have a "Causeway Access Calculator (for pedestrians)" on their website (just Google it). This will tell you precisely the times the causeway to the castle is closed by the tide, or open and safe to use. It's an easy, 15-minute walk along a concrete footpath (see photos) if you want to save yourself the additional ferry fare. The castle is definitely worth a visit. There's a lot to see and the site is quite large. There was a somewhat quirky and arty display based on seaweed (watch the video in the old hospital - clip below - and it left me with vibes of The Wicker Man!). Other than that, there's all the usual stuff you expect to find in old castles, plus a few additions here that are Jersey-specific. I enjoyed a very unhurried wander around the site, and that's probably the best way to do it.

Had a great day here. Make sure you set to “Elizabeth Castle Ferry Kiosk” to navigate on Google maps. Mind the tide times - you can walk across during low tide. Tide was high from 14:10 today. There were musket demonstrations and lots of informative sign posts. Also just a lovely place to chill.

Elizabeth Castle is a historic 16th-century tidal island fortress located in St Aubin's Bay, just off the coast of St Helier, Jersey. It defended the island for over 400 years and spans 15 acres of battlements, bunkers, and historical buildings. The castle is managed by Jersey Heritage. Check tide times if you're going to access by the causeway. Also note the time of the last boat across too. Best to visit earlier in the day. We also used the Jersey Heritage Pass which was good value for money if you intend to visit a few of the attractions listed. All sorts of demonstrations going on to appeal to all family members. Well recommended to visit

Really interesting day spent here learning all about the history of the castle and managing to catch a musket firing display, very entertaining. There's a lovely art exhibition all about collecting seaweed too with some lovely pieces in the last Georgian hospital in the British Isles. You also can't escape the Germans here, with a couple of their concrete bunkers from WWII dotted about. Highly recommend the walk if tide allows too.