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Alderney
As the third largest of the Channel Islands, Alderney has built a reputation for being peaceful and remote. Having only one main town – the charming settlement of St. Anne – the island is the perfect place to get in touch with your wilder side.
Its coastline is just as spectacular (if not more so) than those of the larger islands, featuring windswept headlands, sea cliffs and beaches. In spring, the landscape bursts into life with all manner of wildflowers, while the summer months are the ideal time to spend warm, sunny days on Alderney’s white sand beaches.
It is not just its natural beauty that is appealing either. The traditional town of St. Anne is full of lovely cobbled streets and small cafes, all brimming with character. There are some excellent places to eat and you can be assured a touch of culture too, with Alderney’s intriguing history evident in the form of battlements and forts.
People worldwide love visiting the island and exploring its stunning natural terrain.
Things to See and Do in Alderney
Alderney Museum
St. Anne's Church
Alderney Coast Path
Saye Beach
Alderney Railway
The Odeon Lookout
Longis Beach
Alderney Lighthouse
The Cambridge Battery
Alderney Wildlife Trust Seabirds Boat Trip
Braye Harbour
Beach on Alderney Island
Typical Costs When Travelling
Accommodation
Alderney may be small, however there are accommodation options to suit everyone. There is a campsite at Saye Beach, which generally offers the lowest costs per night. Alternatively, there is a 4-star hotel, several self-catering options and many small guest houses for those who prefer a roof over their head. The most budget-friendly places offer rooms for around £50 – £60 per night, although the average cost per night for accommodation is a fair degree higher.
Food
Fish & chip shops, charming bistros and fine dining restaurants all await you in Alderney. Generally, eating out on the island is not too expensive, with a typical meal at an average restaurant costing around £12. As Alderney is small and has to import a lot of food, is is slightly more expensive to buy some everyday foods than on the larger Channel Islands.
Transportation
You can walk around the entire island of Alderney in just 4 – 5 hours, meaning there is no need to pay for travel within the island if you are fit and capable of walking. You can also hire cars or electric bikes to make things easier, however. Bicycles can be hired from £14 per day, while Braye Car Hire offers a range of vehicles, starting from around £35 per day. You can also book rides from licensed taxi services or take a short train ride along the coast.
Suggested Daily Budget: 74 – 82 EUR / 90 – 100 USD / 64 – 71 GBP
(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)
Money saving tips
1
Take a trip to the beach
Alderney has some fantastic sandy beaches on offer, just a short distance from St. Anne. If the weather is good, why not save a little money by spending a free day by the seaside.
2
Walk where possible
If you're staying in or around St. Anne, it is very easy to travel everywhere by foot. This can save you money and is a nice way to experience the island.
3
Visit in September
It is much more expensive to visit Alderney during the summer months. While January is the cheapest time to go, the weather during winter is often not ideal. September offers a good balance between fine weather and good value.
4
Buy locally-produced food
Local produce such as vegetables and dairy products are often better value than those which have been imported. Buying local foods is also a great way to experience the island authentically.
What else to expect from Alderney?
During WWII, the entire population of Alderney was evacuated to mainland Britain to protect the islanders from an imminent German invasion. The island was under Nazi control for several years afterwards and the legacy of this occupation is visible in the form of impressive fortifications. Some of Alderney’s most famous inhabitants are its blonde hedgehogs. These unique animals can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
There are so few cars on the island that there are no traffic lights or roundabouts, and there are hardly any queues. The speed limit is a mere 35 mph too, making Alderney a very peaceful place to visit. The island is home to the only train service in the Channel Islands, which provides a scenic, two-mile journey along the northern coast.
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July 27, 2021
