Everyone likes a freebie at the best of times but, in the current economic climate, when looking for something to do, it is a real bonus if it doesn’t cost a penny.

Visitors to Jersey this year will find that some of the best things about living the life on the island are complimentary.

Jersey Tourism’s website, tiny.cc/jerseyforfree now features information on the events, activities and attractions which are completely free of charge.

Here are a few of the highlights:

Attractions:

Jersey was occupied during the Second World War and the Nazis did their best to turn it into an “impregnable fortress”, leaving bunkers, observation towers, batteries and gun casements strewn across the island. Download a specially designed Occupation Trail Map from www.jersey.com/ liberation to discover all the sites.

Many of the bunkers and towers including the Coastal Artillery Observation Tower at Noirmont Point have been restored and are now open at certain times for a nominal fee, visit www.ciosjersey.org.uk for more information. The island is littered with remains of many others which are free to explore.

Delving further back into Jersey’s history many other sites are free to visit too, such as Le Pinnacle Rock and the ruins of Grosnez Castle. Alternatively there are prehistoric sites including dolmens, megalithic remains and menhirs, see www.prehistoricjersey.net

Visitors with a World Wide National Trust card can gain free entry to some sites including 17th and 18th century farmhouses, mills, cottages, cider “pressoirs” and boulangeries. However there are no entry requirements for the many natural sites, including meadows, woodlands, wetlands and the beautiful orchid field at Le Noir Pré.

Events:

Jersey has a vibrant calendar of sporting events. Watch the local sports teams or visit Jersey during one of the major events such as the Jersey Rally, September 25 and 26, or Sand Racing at Le Braye or Millbrook.

For a full calendar of sporting events see www.jersey.com/events and choose sports and recreation from the drop down menu.

Jersey is the location for the spectacular Battle of Britain Air Display. Taking place over St Aubin’s Bay the display features aircraft from Belgium, Ireland, France, Netherlands, Russia, United Kingdom and the United States and is free for spectators. For more details see www.jerseyairdisplay.org.uk

July 12 is Durrell Day, marking the 50th anniversary of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

The trust is dedicated to the international work of the conservation of animals and its headquarters in Jersey is home to a wide variety of endangered species, including orangutans, ayes-ayes, tree frogs and flamingos.

On Durrell Day entry will be free, and visitors will be able to enjoy entertainment and food stands to commemorate the occasion.

Activities:

Jersey is the perfect place for walking, particularly during the spring and autumn walking weeks May 16 to 23, and September 12 to 19, when dozens of free themed guided walks are available to take part in.

For the rest of the year a number of self guided walks are available from www.jersey.com/walking or by picking up a walking guide from Jersey Tourism.

The National Trust for Jersey also offers free guided walks, its Stepping Out Programme runs through the whole year and includes various themed walks with knowledgeable local guides discovering everything from fortifications to butterflies. www.nationaltrustjersey.org.je

Jersey has some of the best beaches in the British Isles, from long wide sandy beaches like St Aubins or St Ouen’s to secluded coves like Bouley Bay.

Get involved in any number of activities, including rock pooling, frisbee, cricket, body surfing, picnics, swimming and snorkeling.

Jersey has a lot of great wildlife, including some native creatures that won’t be found elsewhere in the British Isles, such as the green lizards. St Ouen’s Pond and St Catherine’s Woods are hot spots for bird watchers.

Marine wildlife is also abundant, with many superb spots for both fresh water and sea fishing, see www.jersey.com/fishing

Jersey Pass

The Jersey Pass costs from £29 for a two day pass, but once purchased gains visitors free entry to 15 of the best attractions in Jersey – four more than last year, even better value for 2009. Go to www.jerseypass.com for more information.