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Island Attractions

Alderney Island.

Like all the Channel Islands, Alderney enjoys a mild climate which makes it a great location for outdoor activities. Despite the fact that it lies close to mainland Europe, France is just 8 miles away, and the UK, Alderney has managed to avoid the mainstream tourism and remains an unspoilt oasis.

Island visitors are encouraged to call in to the Alderney Visitor Information Centre who will provide detailed information and liturature covering the many island attractions, including:

Sea Fishing

One of our guests with his first catch.

The island of Alderney offers some of the best sea fishing available. Suitable for evrybody from the novice to the experienced serious fisherman, witha rich diversity of species and locations to fish from. Sandy beaches, rocks and of course excellent local charter boats are all available. Local tackle shops are friendly, well stocked and provide information on the current "hot-spots".

Newford House can help to arrange all you sea fishing requirements. If you just want a relaxing day to try sea fishing for the first time or need to organise a whole fishing holiday we can use our contacts with the local charter operators and tackle shops to make sure you have the best chance to catch that big one.

Golf

Golfer.

The Alderney golf course is a 9-hole course. Alternate tees add distance and change each hole, making it an overall challenging 18-hole course. With the, sometimes significant, wind factor and natural hazards the course can provide a challenge for the more experienced golfer.

As well as being the most testing golf courses in the Channel Islands it is also one of the most picturesque. The course is surrounded by sandy beaches and covers the most senic countryside. Stunning views of the Channel and the French coast only enhance your game.

Unless there is an event, such as a tournament or championship, it is usually possible to turn up and play without booking a tee time. Green fees start from £27 a day for the weekend and allow you to play as many holes as you wish.

Island Railway

Railway locomotive.

With the help of volunteers and local enthusiasts, Alderney has the only working railway within the Channel Islands. Running throughout the holiday season the railway, opened by Queen Victoria in 1847, attracts visitors from across the world.

The railway provides a scenic route around the coastline from the harbour to the north east of the island. The route then moves across country towards the lighthouse, where a tour is available, and Mannez Quarry. At the lighthouse you have the chance to take a trip on the islands miniature railway before the return journey to Braye Harbour.

Wildlife

Puffin.

With areas of natural habitat designated by the United Nations as of "International Importance" and the recognised bird sanctuary of Burhou Island, you won't be surprised by the diverse and extensive wildlife found on Alderney. Over 900 species of plant are recorded on the island, including the spotted rockrose, provide walkers with more to look at other than the spectacular views.

Animal life is also abundent with over 300 species of bird (some not found in the UK), sealife, insects and a resident population of Grey Atlantic Seals. However, one of the islands star attractions is the Blonde Hedgehog. These white hedgehogs (not albino), effectionately known as “Alderney Spike Girls”, can sometimes be spotted scurrying about their business. These hedgehogs also differ from the brown hedgehog by not carrying fleas. Add these to the islands Black Rabbit population and you just don't know what you will see.

History

Alderney Castle.

For a small island, Alderney boasts a rich and ineresting past with evidence of this history still available today. There is considerable evidence of continuous occupation on the island for at least the last 5,000 to 6,000 years, reaching as far back as the late Stone Age. Everyone from the Romas, Vikings, the French and the English crowns have all laid claim to the island and left their marks.

Recent history is no less interesting. With Alderney under occupation during World War II, the island became part of Hitler's Atlantic Wall, designed to protect Allied forces from gaining a foothold on mainland Europe. Over 5 years the island was turned into a vast concrete fortress untill, on 16th May 1945, a British landing force retook the island from the German garrison.

Beaches

Couple on beach.

Alderney has plenty of quality beaches to suite all tastes. With fine sands and sea conditions to suite all activities the pick of the crop are:
Saye Beach - This is a great family beach with white sands and a shallow water depth.
Braye Bay - Protected by the breakwater and just a short walk from the town centre, this beach is always a favourite.
Corblets Beach - Another quality family beach also popular with water enthusiasts.
Longis Bay - This south facing beach streachs for over half a mile and is protected to some extent by the German fortifications from the occupation.
Clonque Beach - This shingle beach leads down to the rock pools making it a favourite with nature lovers.
Arch Bay - This small sheltered beach is always popular with families and young children.
Platte saline - Swimming is not permitted from this beach due to the dangerous sea currents in the area, but is popular with the fishermen.

Wining & Dining

Golfer.

Alderney has a great selection of places to eat and drink for such a small island. Every taste is catered for from simple take-away fish and chips to fully licensed restaurant. Here are a small selection to chose from:
Braye Chippy - Take-away or eat in traditional fish and chips. Open all year. Tel: 823475.
The New China Garden - Chinese take-away food. Open during the evenings. Tel: 822569.
Nelie Gray's - Bar meals, snacks, take-away and fully licensed restaurant. Open all year. Tel: 823333.
Gannets Bistro - Bar meals and snacks, bistro restaurant in the evening. Open all year. Tel: 823098.
The Old Barn Restaurant and Garden - Fully licensed restaurant. Open all year. Tel. 822537