Alderney Travel Guide

Renowned for its wildflowers and quaint town of St. Anne, Alderney draws in city folk from France and England who are in search of some peace and quiet. Alderney's true appeal, however, extends beyond the picturesque flora and fauna. The island proudly has more than 30 social, sporting and cultural events a year and is a favoured destination for food lovers.

Visitors can have the best of both town life and the countryside. Walking routes cover rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and serene terrain, while St Anne's central church and tidy streets offer a chance to see a storybook town in real life. Golfing and fishing are popular activities with visitors, however, most simply take pleasure in lapping up the fresh air and stunning views.


History of Alderney

Alderney has a president who serves as the civic head and has responsibility for the administration of the island, with the exception of the police, public health and education, which are presided over by the Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey. The President of Alderney is elected for a four-year term by universal adult suffrage of residents of Alderney.

Sir Norman Browse was elected president in 2002 and has remained in office unopposed. His current term of office ends in December 2012.

Alderney Culture

Religion:
Church of England, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational and Methodist.

Social conventions:
Handshaking is the customary form of greeting and normal social courtesies should be observed when visiting someone's home. It is not usual to start eating until everyone is served. If invited to someone's home, a small present such as flowers or chocolates is appreciated. Casual wear is acceptable in most places. Smoking is banned in enclosed public places.

Language in Alderney

English.


Weather & climate

Best time to visit:
The island enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and milder winter temperatures than those experienced in the UK. The most popular holiday season is from April to October, with temperatures averaging 20-21°C (68-70°F). These months give an average of 200 and 260 hours of sunshine. Rainfall is mainly during the cooler months. The sea is 17°C (63°F) on average during the summer.

Geography
Alderney is the most northerly of the Channel Islands, being 32km (20 miles) from Guernsey and just 12km (8 miles) off the coast of Normandy. The island rises 76 to 90m (250 to 296ft), with a mostly treeless flat plateau. At the south end steep cliffs fall into the sea and on the northern, eastern and southeastern sides, the land slopes gradually down to bays. People-free beaches look out onto a rocky coastline of clean water. The climate is milder than the mainland, with hot summers and drizzly winters.


Doing business in Alderney

Businesspeople are generally expected to dress smartly (suits are the norm). Appointments should be made and the exchange of business cards is customary. A knowledge of English is essential.

Office hours:
Mon-Fri 0900-1700/1800.

Economy:
Keeping in Touch in Alderney

Mobile phone:
Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Good mobile coverage.

Internet:
There are Internet cafés and centres in most urban areas. Some multimedia phone booths, often located at main railway stations and airports, offer touch-screen access.

Post:
Alderney's Post Office is a sub-office of the Guernsey Post Office and has its own stamps, which are used on postage mailed from the island. Located at 18 Victoria Street, St Anne.

Post office hours:
Mon-Fri 0830-1700 and Sat 0830-1200.

Media:
The media are free and able to report on all subjects. The variety of publications reflects the full spectrum of political opinion.

Press:
• UK national newspapers and some foreign papers are available on the island.
• Regional publications include the Alderney Journal, Guernsey Press, Guernsey Globe and the Jersey Evening Post.

Television:
• Channel TV is the local ITV provider.
• Channel 4 and BBC 1 and 2 are also available.

Radio:
• BBC local radio.
• The commercial station Island FM.