{mosimage} Forty Seven miles from the UK and only eight miles off the coast of Normandy, Alderney is three and a half miles long and one and a half miles wide. The population of around 2400 lives mostly in the single town of St Annes. Seafood abounds and the annual seafood festival is well worth a visit. For pilots Alderney has another fascination. Although owing allegiance to the Crown, the island, like the other ‘Channel’ islands is outside the EU and provides an opportunity to ‘learn the ropes’ of international flight while using an English speaking, GA friendly airport.
{mosimage} Alderney airport was built in 1938 to serve all the Channel islands. Information about the airport and its facilities can be gained from the Airport Manager – Keith Webster: Tel +44 (0)1481 822624 – Fax +44 (0)1481 823005.
The history of Alderney is equally fascinating.. From Neolithic beginnings to the islands unusual association with the UK, Alderney has a unique history. In the last war German Occupiers forced all the islanders to abandon their homes, a situation which would have seen the demise of many communities. Alderney has risen again largely due to the determination of the 2000 plus residents and now, despite a high cost of living, enjoys a low tax environment which makes the island attractive as a tax haven.
Alderney Events.
Alderney is only a short ‘hop’ away across the channel and makes an easy day, or even lunch trip from the southern UK.
Regular Events
Each year Alderney stages three memorable events which are worth a visit.
1) The seafood Festival in May. Wonderfully fresh seafood cooked by experts and very reasonably priced.
2) The Alderney Fly-in in June each year is a chance for pilots to get together and enjoy the island.
3) The Alderney Air Races. Usually held in November, just before the long doldrums of winter these might represent a last opportunity to spread your wings.
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Why Visit Alderney?
{mosimage} If you love beaches, and especially if you have children, the island of Alderney may be the ideal destination for you. Surrounded by long spectacular stretches of sand, Alderney is one place where you can be sure that children are safe, and you’ll find nothing in the sand or rock pools that nature didn’t put there. Longis Bay, guarded by a wall left over from the German occupation of the island, is one of the safest. The wall provides protection from the northerly wind and the water is the warmest around the island.
