The answers to your questions depend to some extent on where you are starting from and what you are flying, but I always route from the Isle of Wight (St Catherines point) to Cherbourg, then Carteret lighthouse where I call Jersey Approach.
For the sea crossing I will be as high as weather permits (10,500 ft).
This route takes you through the Channel danger areas which will not be active over the bank holiday but check anyway with London Info.
Jersey is a very nice place to visit and the Aeroclub are friendly with food available.
Fuel is duty free so very cheap.
Last edited by Tall_Guy_in_a_PA28; 12th Apr 2017 at 13:52.