Seymour Tower

The story

Seymour Tower, completed in 1782, stands as a solitary sentinel on Jersey’s south-east coast. Part of a chain of coastal defences against French invasion, this granite tower was designed to guard the island's vulnerable eastern approaches. Its isolated position offshore speaks to a time when naval threats were constant. Reaching it involves traversing a remarkable marine environment, a landscape typically hidden beneath the waves. The tower itself is a testament to resilient engineering, having withstood centuries of exposure to the elements and the relentless ebb and flow of the English Channel’s powerful tides. It offers a tangible connection to Jersey's strategic military history and its enduring relationship with the sea.

What to expect

A guided walk to Seymour Tower allows you to experience the vastness of Jersey's intertidal plain. You’ll navigate across a landscape unveiled by the retreating tide, discovering oyster beds, intricate gullies, and small rockpools teeming with marine life. Upon reaching the tower, you can explore its historic interior, gaining insight into its defensive purpose and the lives of those stationed there. For the truly adventurous, the possibility of an overnight stay offers a profound connection to this isolated marine fort, watching as the sea reclaims its dominance around the tower.

Highlights

• Explore an 18th-century offshore defence tower
• Walk across a vast intertidal landscape
• Discover rich marine biodiversity
• Experience extreme tidal movements firsthand
• Capture dramatic coastal photography
• Opportunity for a unique overnight stay

Where you'll find it

Located off La Rocque in Grouville, Seymour Tower is found approximately two kilometres from Jersey's shore. It's best reached via guided walks departing from the coastal road near La Rocque harbour. The surrounding area offers views towards the Minquiers reef on clear days and is a rich environment for birdwatching and coastal walks along the nearby beaches at high tide.

Good to know

Never attempt the crossing unguided — the tide here comes in faster than walking pace.