Here are our top ten suggestions of things to do whilst visiting the island…

1. Alderney Week

If you have a young family or are looking for a lively, fun and brilliant time then make sure to head to Alderney for Alderney Week, the island’s biggest annual carnival suitable for every age. 8 days of non-stop entertainment, events and competitions, concluding with a dramatic torchlight procession and quarry party… not to be missed!

For more information visit Alderney Week.

2. Beautiful Beaches

Every Alderney lover will have a favourite beach but ours is Saye (pronounced Soy) - a stunning white sandy beach on the doorstep of the campsite and popular with families. Arch is small and secluded with similar white, soft sand - good for children and beach barbeques. Corblets is also a family favourite especially for children and is perfect for keen swimmers and even surfers weather permitting. If it is a particularly windy day then Longis Bay is a sensible option facing south and protected from winds by an impressive anti-tank wall built by the Germans during WWII. Braye Bay is the closest beach to town, sheltered by the harbour’s breakwater and the best for sandcastle building.

3. The Sea

For accomplished sailors and people interested in sailing the Alderney Sailing Club caters for dinghy sailing to cruisers with an active junior section. Angling here is some of the finest in the British Isles, so either cast a line off the island shores and harbour wall, or charter a fishing boat to take you to the best spots. Our water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkelling, swimming, windsurfing, and kayakking.

4. Explore

The best way to discover Alderney is on foot and the island offers over 50 miles of walks and paths across commons, beaches, cliffs and around the town of St Anne. Guided walks are available ranging from history, heritage and bird watching to nocturnal bat walks, which are organised by the Alderney Wildlife Trust in cooperation with the Alderney Society.

Whilst out walking or generally travelling around Alderney be sure to explore the impressive Victorian and German fortifications dotted around the island. There is a spectacular 360 degree view of the island from the top of Fort Albert and on a sunny day you are able to see the other Channel Islands from The Guns.

5. Gannet Rock

Standing at the top of The Guns you will also be able to see the famous Gannet Rock with hundreds of birds circling but far enough away not to smell them. A spectacle not to be missed.

6. Train

If walking is not a favourite or priority this holiday then you can hire bikes, take a taxi or even travel on the Channel Islands only running railway (an old London Underground carriage) starting at the harbour and chugging gently out to the lighthouse.

7. Sunset

After a fun packed day doing all of the above, there is nothing better than unwinding with a fish and chips take away, from the outstanding Braye Chippy, and sitting by Fort Tourgis or on the harbour wall to watch the sun set over the water and our adjacent island, Burhou.

8. Star gazing

Later on as you take a slow walk home have a look at the amazing night sky with the most incredible display of stars, rivalling anywhere in the world due to no light pollution. Take a rug and cosy up to watch nature’s light show. The Milky Way and shooting stars are visible almost every night. Heaven......

9. Burhou

Burhou is home to our beloved Puffin colony and occasional seals. It is only a short boat ride from Alderney and hosts a single hut with bunk beds, gas cooker and BBQ facilities for a truly ‘Famous Five’ experience. You can hire the island for the night for a mere £10, but do book in advance. Be warned though, it is in some of the most powerful waters and you will need someone experienced to get you there.  Please note that Burhou is closed from the 15th March - 1st August for puffin breeding season. Contact us for more information.

10. Day trips to other islands and France

Of course, last but not least are the other Channel Islands – Guernsey, Jersey, Sark and Herm - and also France only 9 miles away. With some wind behind you, set off for a great day of sailing or alternatively take a charter boat or fly on the Dornier planes for yet another unique experience.