Guided tours Aurigny (Alderney)

During the warmer months Alderney Tours organises this lovely tour once a day in a minibus (with a maximum capacity of twelve people) to discover the essentials of the island. With commentary along the way, this organized tour will tell you all you need to know about the history of Alderney and the island's flora and fauna. Departure from the bottom of Victoria Street, in front of the Braye Hotel. Packages with lunch in a restaurant on the island can be arranged on request. An excellent agency.

The rationale for the Alderney Railway (1847) was the need to bring stone from the Mannez quarry near Fort Grosnez to build and maintain the breakwater - the long dike that serves as a breakwater in Braye Harbor. The railroad track even extended along the breakwater. The first stone of the breakwater was laid on February 12, 1847, and then fourteen wagons, each carrying three and a half tons, made the trip as needed. The stone quarried at Mannez is hard sandstone, which has metamorphosed over geological time into quartz aggregates known as quartzite. The Alderney Railway Company was only established in February 1978, as much for tourism purposes as to maintain the tradition. Today, its traction equipment is regularly renewed by the purchase of decommissioned material. On special occasions (especially during the festive season), a small diesel locomotive pulls two large red cars recovered from the London Underground. While usually, you'll get on a nice little train more discreet ... On certain days, a miniature train - not one you can sit on, but one you can ride - is also in operation. The youngest should love it! In any case, it's a great activity to do with the family during a trip to Alderney. And above all, it's a great way to explore the island's beautiful scenery and coastline.

Since its creation, the association has been fighting for the protection of nature in Alderney. The volunteers have built many birdwatching posts around the island, built bunkers and fortifications and cleaned the island to enhance its nature. In addition to the 270 species of birds, Alderney is home to rare species such as the black rabbit and the blonde hedgehog, also known as the "Alderney spice-girl"! If you find yourself here, you will be able to take part in many guided tours.

If the weather permits, and you want to go on a trip to see the marine life of Alderney, this is a great option. The crew of the Sula of Braye will take you on a half day sailing tour of the exceptional natural heritage of the Alderney coastline. On board the boat, you will meet the famous puffins and more than 1% of the world's population of gannets along the beautiful coastal landscapes of the island. An outing by reservation only.

The Lady Maris II boat offers trips or rides at sea on request, for up to a dozen passengers. The skipper, a well-known local sailor who knows the waters of the islands like the back of his hand, also offers boat hire and numerous crossings to and from France (Cherbourg in particular), to and from England or to all the other Channel Islands. Please note that reservations are essential, and the organization of outings obviously depends on weather conditions.