Mont Orgueil Castle

Mont Orgueil Castle featuring a ruin, a coastal town and a sandy beach


Climb the ramparts of Gorey’s beautifully preserved medieval castle to uncover its many secrets and to see its numerous engaging exhibitions.

Discover the thrilling stories behind the magnificent Mont Orgueil Castle. This medieval landmark stands watch over Gorey harbor and offers stunning views of St. Malo Bay. Explore its numerous hidden rooms to discover gruesome stories and find unusual objects such as old-fashioned medical aids. The multifaceted attraction also hosts a museum with several exhibitions and some pleasant formal gardens.

Learn about the castle’s 800-year-old history. It was built during the reign of King John at the start of the 13th century, when Britain and France were at war and Normandy was reclaimed for the French. In its 600 years on the front lines of the British Isles, the castle was never captured.

Stride around the ramparts to understand the importance of the castle’s strategic position facing the distant French coastline. Admire the views of Jersey and St. Malo Bay from this elevated vantage point. Wooden soldiers stand guard against potential invaders, with one statue showing a fighter who was wounded in battle.

The castle has several climbable turrets and stairs that lead to darkened dungeons. Learn about a medieval medical technique with the Wheel of Urine, a tool used by the castle’s doctors to diagnose someone through their urine, and explore the creepy Witches in Hell exhibit.

Displays and exhibitions throughout the castle shed light on the building’s layered history. Look for costumed storytellers as you go or join one of the regular tours to hear further tales of life in Mont Orgueil. One exhibit features a holographic portrait of the Queen, part of a larger exhibit dedicated to Jersey’s relationship with the monarchy.

Mont Orgueil Castle is located on the northern tip of Grouville Bay, next to the village of Gorey and about 15 minutes away from St. Helier. Buses from other towns in Jersey stop at the nearby pier. Drivers can find free public parking by the beach. Check the castle’s official website for specific opening times.

Reviews of Mont Orgueil Castle

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
145
" "5 - Excellent 59.67078189300412%
4 - Good
79
" "4 - Good 32.510288065843625%
3 - Okay
18
" "3 - Okay 7.407407407407407%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.411522633744856%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Need a reasonable level of fitness to access and then appreciate all parts of this large structure

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Parking was an issue, plus the fact that the weather had turned. However, a little bit of rain and wind was not a real problem. Not a good idea to visit if wheelchair bound, or other mobility issues. Lots of stairs and steps, many slippery and old. The views are stunning though.

4/5 - Good

Heather

Ware sensible walking/climbing shoes

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

See above with the Jersey Heritage Pass. There are 198 steps up to the top of the castle.....Great for children though- so many rooms and nooks and crannies. You can see the coast of Normandy from the top, on a clear day.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Excellent area to visit even if you don’t go into the castle

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Good view from the top but lots of stairs to climb.

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