There is something about Islands that attracts a certain kind of person. It doesn’t seem to matter about the size, or shape, of the land mass that is to be found when one sets foot upon the chosen destination – the fascination factor cuts in and the empathic visitor is at once feeling as though they have ‘come home’.

Alderney is the most northerly of the Channel Islands. Although part of this group, it often has different weather from the others and certainly has a different culture. All the Islands share a distinctly Norman flavour, but the stretches of crystal-clear sea between them have allowed each to develop their own ambience and Alderney’s is one of a relaxed way of life with the benefits of a serene environment and very much a place for those who need to ‘get away from it all’ in this fast, modern world.

Since the Island is only a few miles from France, Alderney has been welcoming visitors from times well before the Romans came – there is an iron-age settlement which has contributed finds to a section of the Island museum, assembled and run by more recent settlers who want to show the discerning tourist that there is a lot more to this small jewel than what’s to be seen on the surface.

These days, visitors are attracted from as far afield as Australia and New Zealand, although most arrive here from the UK, via the two scheduled air links which operate from Bournemouth, Shoreham and Southampton. It is also possible to arrive by boat via either Guernsey or France but, since the Island is so compact, there is no roll-on, roll-off ferry service, so foot-passengers only. However, this car-free attitude is one that most people who arrive in Alderney really appreciate – there are resident’s vehicles and some hire cars, but in the main the roads are pretty free from the normal problems associated with holidays in most other destinations.

As the Island is only just over 3 miles by 1 in size, however, many visitors opt to hire cycles, or just stroll to the various places of interest – including some of the best sea and sun-bathing beaches to be found. Visitors often have to be reminded that, when out ‘grabbing some rays’ on Alderney’s beaches, they must apply plenty of sun-block as the lack of ‘normal’ pollution means that the UV content can give them a tan as quickly as if they were in the South of France!
Alderney calls to people with many different interests – its rugged coastline and abundance of natural features make it a haven for walkers, naturalists and bird-watchers. Indeed, some rare species are found on the Island that are often not seen on any other land-mass in Northern Europe. Artists and photographers appreciate the quality of the light found on the Island – similar to that in more Southern climes. The golf course is quite challenging, with breathtaking views for the players. Private pilots always find a welcome at the airport.
The Island’s Wildlife Trust is very active and they hold an annual Festival Week of events in early summer, as well as a Festival Weekend at the end of August.
Regular Summer events include Alderney Week, when the Island throws caution to the winds and anything goes (within reason!), the Seafood Festival, Route des Moules sailing regatta, Floral Alderney Festival, Open Golf and Ladies Open championships, the Annual Fly-in, International Sailing Regatta, Annual Sprint and Hill-climb, the Annual Angling Festival and much more besides.
All in all, with its breathtaking views and relaxing atmosphere, the Island of Alderney is the perfect setting and offers the visitor an unusual glimpse into a time-capsule that ‘progress’ has left largely untouched. Regular visitors know the magic of Alderney - indeed, it's why they continue to return to the Island’s shores, year after year.