Discover

Constructed in 1837 this Martello Tower was one of the last to be built in Jersey and marked the accession of Queen Victoria to the throne. This impressive fortress provides the ideal location for views of La Déroute channel. As part of the fortification plan launched in 1831 to protect Jersey, the tower’s main purpose was to prevent enemy landings at nearby Anne Port, using a 32 pounder gun on the top platform. It was last used during World War II as a headquarters for the German 2nd Battalion Artillery Regiment. Unlike other towers in Jersey, Victoria Tower is surrounded by a dry moat (4m width, 3m depth), with a drawbridge to protect the entrance. The central hall was occupied by a crew of 5 men using the basement as a store and magazine. The tower was used as an observatory in the 1970’s by the Victoria College Astronomy Society.

Enjoy

A perfect retreat in summer when the nearby fields and côtils are carpeted with wildflowers, such as Yellow Bartsia, Common Knapweed and Lesser Burdock, the site is alive with butterflies. Within walking distance of the Dolmen de Faldouet, Mont Orgueil Castle and Le Sauf Geffroi, visitors can enjoy wonderful views of Normandy, one of the closest points of mainland France to Jersey being approximately 13 miles away. On a clear day, you can see the wind farms above the town of Port-Bail and its harbour and beach. The area around Victoria Tower is a wonderful place to relax and have a picnic but please leave nothing but your footprints.

Protect

National Trust Rangers manage the site and have planted small wildflower patches as part of the Channel Island Pollinator project. The site is home to the stunning Swallowtail and Long-Tailed Blue butterflies and is an ideal butterfly watching location. The site is also home to ground-nesting birds.