Things to do
There are clubs on Alderney for almost anything you can think of. For a full list and all the relevant contact details pick up a copy of the Alderney Press or Journal, both fortnightly magazines which can be purchased from Le Cocqs Stores, Jeans Stores, the Post Office or the newsagents.
There are lots of ways to spend your time on the island whether you prefer just being lazy and taking in the scenery or getting out there being an adrenalin junkie… from walking, fishing, birdwatching, cycling, golf, tennis, cricket, rifle or clay pigeon shooting, surfing, kayaking, swimming, boat trips, sunbathing and beach-combing. You can go geocaching on Alderney, go to www.geocaching.com and search for Alderney.
The Alderney Wildlife Trust organises a variety of events for you to take part in, eg., guided tours of St Annie, bat walks, educational lectures, and many more. See their website for more information or pop into the shop in Victoria Street (www.alderneywildlife.org or Tel: 822935)
'Letter Boxing' organised by Alderney Wildlife Trust, a great thing for a family to do for a day - buy a map, clues and a stamp and book, £5 deposit and £5 to enter and win a boat trip.
The Odeon is an old German look-out at the east end of the island. This German WW2 bunker offers stunning views of the island and the Channel, towards Cap de la Hague and Gorey in France, and the Race (the fast running waters between Alderney and the tip of Normandy) and there is a telescope on one of the observation levels. Run by Visit Alderney, the Odeon had a make-over in late summer 2021 and is now open to the public 10am-4pm daily, admission free.
Alderney Railway Society runs the only train in the Channel Islands and a pretty unique one it is too! Two London underground carriages pulled by ‘Elizabeth’, a diesel locomotive. Trains run from Braye opposite the Moorings, to Mannez Quarry, a stone’s throw from the lighthouse (though currently lighthouse tours are not available), most Saturday and Sundays through the summer with extras running on Bank Holidays and throughout Alderney Week. The miniature railway also re-opened in summer 2020.
Alderney Museum houses a record of Alderney’s fascinating history. For further information call 823222.
Alderney Cinema shows films on general release in the UK, at the Alderney Arts Centre and Cinema in Victoria Street. Films are usually shown on Monday and Thursday evenings, most weeks during the summer and slightly less often during the winter. For more information call 824277.
Beaches in Alderney are the island’s crowning glory, there is a variety of stunning beaches, all of which have beautiful chrystal clear water and most have soft white sand. Bathing is very safe for children, apart from at Platte Saline which is a shingle beach and has a strong undertow so is therefore not a swimming beach. Dogs are not allowed on the main beaches of Braye, Longis, Saye, Arch and Corbletts from 1 June to 15 September.
Boat tours are a fantastic way to learn more about the island. Its rugged coastline is perhaps best appreciated from the water - from its dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches and wealth of bird and sealife including the puffins on Burhou, to the impressive Gannet colony on Les Etacs. Choose from trips on Sula, the Wildlife Trust's boat, Lady Maris II and Avante II.
Island Tours by minibus or car are also available.
For more information on all tours, see the Visit Alderney website, sightseeing tours page here
Day trips to the other islands and France are possible, you can get to Guernsey with Aurigny or The Little Ferry Company, and there are occasional charter boats offering trips to Sark.