Free admission to children under 6 years old
PRE-BOOKING
There is no requirement to book if your group is below 6+ Adults / Seniors
. 15% Group Booking discount is applicable to pre booked groups of 6+ or more Adults or Seniors (or combination of)
Discounts
15% discount for pre booked groups of 6 or more adults or seniors. Please book in advance here
10% discount for non pre booked groups of 6 or more adults or seniors (at VSA discretion)
Students and children no group booking discount
Jersey Heritage welcomes the following Reciprocal Agreements:
- Museums Association Members
- International Council of Museums (ICOM) members
- Alderney Society / Museum ticket holders
- National Art Pass Elizabeth Castle / Mont Orgueil / Jersey Museum
- Friends of Manx National Heritage
- Réseau des Musées de Normandie – Muséopass Card
Our disabled visitors pay the normal admission rate and we are happy to offer free admission for up to two carers.
Heritage Pass
Unlimited access to 4 must see attractions for the price of 3
INFORMATION FOR VISITORS – COVID-19
As part of the Government of Jersey’s contact tracing measures, you will be asked to provide a name and telephone number. This information will be used if it is later discovered that a visitor or staff member on that day had COVID-19. All records will be used only for this purpose and will be destroyed once the possibility of contact transference is over.
Face masks are mandatory in indoor public places.
PRE BOOKING
Pre-booking to visit Mont Orgueil Castle is only required for groups of six or more (adults or seniors) or school groups. Our group visit form can be found here.
About Mont Orgueil Castle
Mont Orgueil Castle, or Gorey Castle as it was first known, has cast its imposing shadow over the beautiful fishing port of Gorey for more than 800 years. One of the finest examples of a medieval fortress in existence, Mont Orgueil is also a symbol of Jersey’s national identity and independent character.
The Castle is home to several art displays including “The Queen” by light artist Chris Levine and holographer Rob Munday, which features, “Equanimity”, a world-renowned holographic portrait of Her Majesty commissioned as part of Jersey’s celebrations of its 800-year-old relationship with the monarchy
Top 5 things to do at Mont Orgueil Castle
1) See the Dance of Death statue hidden within the Castle
2) Take a free tour with one of our volunteer guides
3) Walk down the staircase to find the Witches in Hell
4) Discover the Wheel of Urine
5) Find the Prayer Nuts in one of the castle’s rooms
What makes the Castle so significant?
In 1290 the Channel Islands took on the status of Crown Dependencies, giving them constitutional rights of self-governance and judicial autonomy. The circumstances that led to this date back to 1066 when, as a result of the Norman Conquest of England, the Kings of England were also Dukes of Normandy. However, in 1204, Philip II of France seized the Duchy of Normandy from King John. The Duchy remained disputed territory until 1259 when the English sovereign surrendered his claim to the Duchy except for the Channel Islands.
All of a sudden Jersey was on the doorstep of a belligerent enemy, against which substantial defensive fortifications would be required. The east-facing headland protected by cliffs and the sea, which has been the site of a bulwark since the Iron Age, was a natural choice for King John’s Castle. Huge cargoes of building materials arrived from England and a circuit of walls and round towers evolved. The Castle served as a base for the largely English garrison.
The Castle was subject to raids by the French in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, by which time the age of bow and arrow was giving way to that of gunpowder and cannon. Terrific works were required to adjust the structure to these modern requirements, but as they were taking place in the 16th century, work commenced on the artillery fortress of Elizabeth Castle in St Aubin’s Bay. Suddenly Mont Orgueil Castle was no longer the Islands principal defence against invaders – it became known as the ‘Old Castle’ and was relegated to other functions.
Tour of Le Château de Gouray
Take in breathtaking views of the French coast as you delve into the network of staircases, towers and secret rooms to discover hidden treasures. Explore the network of staircases, towers and secret rooms to discover gruesome tales and hidden treasures. Learn the story of the Castle through specially commissioned artwork, climb the turrets to find the medieval ‘wheel of urine’, and make your way if you dare into the cellar to study the ‘witchcraft’ exhibit. High on the battlements, with their commanding view of the surrounding hillsides and distant French coast, stand shoulder to shoulder with wooden soldiers who ‘guard’ the Castle.
Read more about the restoration of the castle.
Free Walking Guide
Explore Jersey with our series of walking guides taking in many of the Island’s landmarks, heritage and visitor attractions. Our walks have been developed by a Jersey Blue Badge Guide, who knows the Island inside-out. This tour starts at the Seymour Inn public house and leads to Mont Orgueil Castle, taking in the landscape and local maritime history. Find out more.
Guide Book and Audio Tour
2 guide books are available to buy at the castle or from the Trails and Tours area on this website. Download the Mont Orgueil Castle audio tour.
Visual Story
Download our Visual Story for Mont Orgueil Castle. This is a helpful guide to what to expect on a visit and has been produced in consultation with Autism Jersey.
Facilities and Access
Payment: Contactless payment only (not Diners Club or American Express)
Organised groups: 15% discount for groups of 6 or more adults or seniors. Please book in advance by completing the form here.
Entrance and parking: Disc and paycard parking at Gorey Harbour and on Gorey Coast Road. Free public car park at Long Beach. Pedestrian access from Petite Ruelle Muchie, Gorey Harbour Pier and via the main entrance at the Castle Green off Route de la Côte.
Buses and cycle routes: Routes 1, 1a, 2 and 13. Jersey cycle routes 1 and 3
Refreshments: No cafe on site until 4 Feb 2022, self-service tea and coffee will be available at the site during this time.
Gift Shop: The Jersey Heritage gift shop, selling gifts and souvenirs is on site. A cup can be purchased from the ticket office and hot drinks are available in the building on the right as you enter the Castle.
Access arrangements: Unfortunately the site is not suitable for people with mobility impairment
Dogs: No dogs allowed, except guide dogs. Read our policy here.
Hearing loop: Available at reception and a portable hearing loop is available for groups if requested in advance
WIFI: Available on site
Access statement
Read the statement for Mont Orgueil Castle (.docx version)
