The Hamptonne Country Life Museum is a 15th-century estate that explains Jersey’s agricultural history. With children’s play areas, orchards and fascinating exhibits on centuries of farm life, this institution provides a fun and enlightening family day out. Chat with the docents and staff about old-world customs and utensils.
The three houses of the farm were constructed in different centuries, giving insights into changing architectural designs over the years. Visit the outbuildings and the colombier, a French version of a dovecote.
Meet the resident “Goodwyf” who dresses in period clothing and teaches visitors about quaint traditions and the history of the farm. Exhibits dispersed across the museum display a range of intriguing relics, such as a spinning machine and an old open hearth.
The museum reveals the age-old methods for cider production using Jersey apples. Bring your children to see the animals in wooden enclosures on the farm compound. You can pet the horses, pigs and cows. The pigs have their own sty complete with a mud bath and outdoor area. Look for the Jersey cows grazing in the meadows.
Little ones can frolic on the adventure playground, made up of rustic wooden cabins and huts containing slides and rope webs. Attend such events as the Fais’sie d’Cidre, which features live music, fun activities and a lot of cider.
In summer, the museum opens daily from morning until late afternoon. Note that the site opens for only 2 to 3 days a week in late spring and autumn, before closing for winter. Purchase admission tickets, with discounts available for kids and seniors.
Hamptonne Country Life Museum stands between Six Rues and Les St. Germains, a little north of central Jersey. Drive northwest from St. Helier for 15 minutes to get here. Visit some of the nearby sights, such as the United Reformed Church in Jersey, the Jersey Indoor Bowling Association and the Pallot Steam Museum.