Welcome to the Alderney Home Page

About Alderney

The northernmost of the Channel Islands and only 8 miles (11 km) from France, Alderney has a charm all of its own, not least the cobbled Georgian streets in St Anne, the capital. Although not much larger than Sark with an area of 3 square miles and just 3 1/2 miles (5 km long) by 1 1/2 miles (3 km) wide, the population of 2,400 is approximately four times greater but nevertheless live a peaceful existence.  Most live in historic quaint capital of St Annes.

It has all the winning ingredients of a rich history and wildlife, beautiful scenery and beaches, cosy accommodation and genuine hospitality.

Alderney has a mild climate and plenty of sunshine. The maximum summer temperature is 25C with a maximum of 9 sunshine hours daily (April-October). Latest weather forecast Jersey Meteorological Department.

The Island is just 20 miles north of Guernsey and a 10 minute flight from Guernsey. The airport was the first to be built in the Channel Islands (in 1935) and boasts three runways, although two are grass strips.

Two local airlines serve Alderney. Aurigny was the first scheduled airline to fly into Alderney and started operations in 1968. They use 14 seater Trislander aircraft and operate regularly through the day to Southampton, Guernsey, Jersey and Dinard.  BlueIslands also operate Trislander aircraft out of Alderney to Bournemouth, Guernsey and Jersey.

Alderney's Braye harbour is picturesque and is protected by the 3,000 feet break-water built by the British to protect the Navy in the 19th century and now maintained by Guernsey. Many ships over the centuries have floundered around Alderney not least because of the huge tidal swells. The tide in an area south of Alderney known as the Race, runs at up to 11 knots and up to nine knots in the stretch of water between Alderney and Burhou called the Swinge.  The island experiences tides of up to 40 feet.

There is plenty to do including walking the cliffs and country lanes (over 70 Km of them), cycling, golf (a nine hole course) and fishing. You can also take flying lessons, windsurf and try your hand at painting or pottery. The island also has the only functioning railway in the Channel Islands which was used to transport the thousands of tons of granite to build the breakwater and the forts.

Although lacking in hedges and tress, mainly because they were used by the Germans during the Occupation, the island remains a beautiful place for walking and is well known as a birdwatchers’ paradise. All around the island are Victorian Forts and German defensive positions which signify the strategic importance of the its position so close to France.

The island’s only church is at St Anne’s in Victoria Street. It was built by the Reverend John Le Messurier and consecrated in 1850. Unfortunately during the Occupation (1940-1945) it was desecrated. A machine gun was fixed into the tower, many gravestones destroyed and the bells went missing. They were later found in Cherbourg and re-fitted in 1953.  

Alderney has gained an enviable reputation for being a well regulated e-betting location with 21 online betting companies licensed there as at December 2007 and regulated by the independent Gambling Control Committee.

Burhou

This is a very small uninhabited island north west of Alderney , only half a mile long and with just a small stone hut, built in the 19th century as shelter for fishermen. It is a wonderful place for bird watching. If you intend to stay overnight, permission must be obtained from the States Office. Visits are only permitted after the breeding season season (landing prohibited between 15 March and 27 July). Boat trips in the summer months take you around the coast of Burhou and the impressive gannet colonies on Les Estacs and Ortac.

Watch out for Puffins leaving and entering their burrows, rafting in groups just off shore and, later in the season, bringing fish home for their growing chicks. Click here to go to the Puffin Cam http://www.visitalderney.com/puffin-cam

Useful Links

Alderney Government Site

Alderney Tourism site

Alderney Gambling Control

Map of Alderney