Tiny Alderney is just three and a half miles long and one and a half wide — at its widest point — but it’s still the third largest of the Channel Islands, and the only one that’s actually located in the English Channel. The pale golden beaches are just one of the treats of Alderney’s coastline, with stunning rocky outcrops creating a habitat for seabirds, with over 260 different species around to spot, and sparkling coves inviting marine life. The best places to stay on Alderney are ideal for anyone looking for an opportunity to slow down and escape traffic, crowds and queues.

Alderney has no cities and just the one town, St. Anne, which you’re never that far away from. Likewise the coast. Considering Alderney’s size, St. Anne’s church is a magnificent surprise; one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture on the Channel Islands, it is cathedral-esque, with stained glass windows and a beautiful entrance. Other sightseeing highlights include the WWII Memorial — Alderney was taken by the Germans, and became a forced labour camp — a WWII German military tower and the Alderney Museum, where you can learn more about life under german occupation, as well as other fascinating facts about this little island.

The best places to stay on Alderney are ideal for families, and for walkers and cyclists, as well as twitchers and animal-lovers. There are plenty of boat trips out to see the unique colonies of sea birds, many taking you to Burhou, an islet that’s become a real haven for all kinds of sea birds. The island is also perfect for a spot of rock pooling. The Alderney Railway is a good way to see everything and donn't miss trying as many local delicacies as you can fit in.

The Best Places to Stay on Alderney

For a Beach Break

• The Braye Beach Hotel is a contemporary hotel converted from a row of houses overlooking Alderney’s finest, sandy beach. As well as wonderful proximity to the beach, this 27 room hotel has a cinema and a games room — useful for the odd rainy day — and comfortable and welcoming lounges, complete with board games and jigsaws. There’s also a choice of dining, with fine dining offered in the AA Rosette-awarded hotel restaurant, or more relaxed fare and atmosphere in the hotel pub (the oldest pub on the island). Braye Beach is very family friendly, and just metres from the hotel.

For an Island Escape

• The Blonde Hedgehog is a relatively new boutique hotel and restaurant, opened in 2020, in the quiet, cobbled centre of St. Anne. The hotel’s nine rooms and suites are spread across three buildings, one of which is The Blonde Hedgehog itself, while another is a luxurious three bedroom cottage. All are spacious and impeccably decorated. The restaurant specialises in locally sourced, farm-to-fork dishes, with some produce sourced as close as the hotel’s kitchen gardens.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer your own space, don't hesitate to visit our online partner, Booking.com, for a great selection of properties throughout the Channel Islands.

Travel Information

• Alderney has its own airport, Alderney Airport, which offers daily flights to Southampton and Guernsey. Alternatively you can fly in to Jersey Airport and get the ferry from there, via St. Peter Port, Guernsey, which will take about five hours. Alderney’s own ferry port offers services to France, as well as the UK and the other Channel Islands.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• The Channel Islands enjoy more sunshine than most of the UK, while still remaining lush and green. They make an ideal beach break, especially if you’re interested in a bucket-and-spade holiday, and there are some wonderful walking opportunities. Because of their sandy beaches, the Channel Islands are a popular summer holiday destination, but there are lots of reasons to visit the Channel Islands in spring and early autumn too.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in the Channel Islands
• Consider one of the other Channel Islands: maybe the best places to stay on Jersey, Guernsey, Sark or Herm
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.