Alderney: An Island escape close to home

The beauty of Alderney

Unspoilt, untouched and truly peaceful, Alderney is the perfect place to take a deep breath and re-connect with the outdoors.

Offering serenity and solitude, the sea air and uninterrupted coastal views are a haven. An escape from the rush of everyday life, where the freshness of the air and the natural ebb and flow of the tide slows life to a more gentle pace. A place to find time for yourself and unwind.

On a clear night, the sky is full of stars, which fall down to the sea. With a milder than average climate it’s easy to grab a blanket and enjoy a few hours of stargazing and count the shooting stars or see the Milky Way for the first time.

Wonderful wildlife

The wildlife on Alderney is incredible! The island provides a diverse ecosystem, with steep cliffs that rise up from the sea, wind blasted heathlands, rich farmland fields, woodland and sweeping sandy beaches, creating the perfect habitat for a large variety of wildlife all connected by a network of over forty miles of winding paths and tracks.

If you look closely on a walk you could spot a beautiful Glanville Fritillary butterfly, a seal bobbing in the water or at dusk a glimpse of an Alderney blonde hedgehog.

Between April and July the Puffins come to nest on their islet home of Burhou, only 2 miles away from Alderney, and can be seen in the surrounding waters, whilst the Gannets breeding on nearby Les Etacs dive for food for their young and is an amazing sight to behold. If you love wildlife, you’ll love Alderney!

An island steeped in history

From Victorian forts and WWII bunkers, to an ancient burial site and the best preserved small Roman fort in Western Europe, Alderney is packed with history.

Wherever you are on the island you don’t have to travel far to step into the past. You can touch the walls of a Roman Fort, climb the steps of a World War II German naval range-finding tower, explore a 12th century Watermill, all at walking or cycling distance from Alderney’s charming, cobbled town! History has shaped the landscape over the centuries and the island offers a fantastic playground for walkers and explorers alike with a surprise or a discovery awaiting you at every turn.

Things to do

Visitors are often surprised to find so much to see and do on such a small island.

From an award-winning museum, an art gallery and a cinema to the Channel Islands’ only working railway and peal of 12 bells, Alderney has a wealth of attractions all waiting to be discovered.

Some like exploring Alderney on their own, others may want to enjoy a guided tour during their stay. Both are great ways to discover the island. Alderney has island guides offering walking and cycling tours along with taxi, minibus, boat and kayak tours who all love sharing their island knowledge.

Getting to Alderney

The journey to the island is part of the adventure.

The airline Aurigny Air Service runs direct flights to Alderney from Southampton and Guernsey when passengers can see the pilot at work and enjoy their own window seat. Aurigny fly regularly to Guernsey from over half a dozen UK airports including London Gatwick.

For those travelling by sea, the small ferry True Blue Charters offers crossings between Poole and Alderney and the Salty Blonde between Guernsey and Alderney.

You can make also your own way to Alderney’s lovely airport or charming harbour.

Where to stay

A wide range of accommodation is available on Alderney. Choose your own island retreat from boutique hotels, welcoming guest houses and cosy self-catering, to a coastal campsite or a unique stay at a Victorian fort.

Where to eat

Alderney is bursting with flavour. From local produced pork and beef meat and rich creamy dairy to seafood straight from the island’s clear waters and home-grown vegetables, the island’s delightful pubs, cafes and restaurant offer the freshest ingredients and tantalising choice.

There is no other place in the world quite like Alderney.

An Alderney adventure awaits you, go to visitalderney.com to find out more.

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