10 Best Alderney Beaches: For Families, Wild Swimming, and Relaxing

LOOKING FOR THE BEST BEACHES ON ALDERNEY?

If you’re planning a trip to the Alderney in the Channel Islands you’re in luck! We spent two weeks walking and swimming our way around the Alderney and have the best tips for you.

Aldernay is one of the wildest island destinations in the Channel Islands. Whether you’re looking for pristine beaches, fabulous coastal paths, or amazing wildlife, Alderney has it all.

Start planning your trip to Alderney with our guide below where we share the 10 glorious beaches in Alderney.

Alderney’s beaches may be a well-kept secret, but once you discover them, you’ll wonder how they stayed off your radar. Think wild, unspoiled stretches of sand, tucked-away coves, and a sense of being on the outer edge that makes them unique.

With seven stunning beaches to explore, Alderney offers something for everyone—whether it’s the thrill of water sports like surfing or simply relaxing on golden sands by crystal-clear waters. Easy to access, uncrowded, and perfect for a peaceful day out, these coastal gems are a must-visit—just remember that dogs are restricted on most beaches from 1st June to 30th September. Here’s our view on Alderney’s beaches.

1. BRAYE BEACH

Let’s start with one of Alderney’s most popular beaches.

Braye Beach, located on Alderney’s north coast, is a breathtaking expanse of golden sand curving gently along a sheltered bay. The iconic breakwater, designed by James Walker and the longest of its kind in the UK, provides protection from the elements, creating calm, turquoise waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and paddling. The soft white sands make it a favourite spot for building sandcastles, and its tranquil atmosphere ensures a relaxing day for families and visitors alike.

If you’re visiting Brave Beach in Alderney, you’ll find great dining options right nearby: enjoy fine dining with a view at Braye Beach Hotel, savour casual eats at Cantina No. 6, indulge in fresh seafood and hearty dishes at The Moorings, or head to The Vaults for a relaxed atmosphere and delicious pub-style meals—all within easy reach of the beach.

Additionally, the nearby town of St. Anne, approximately a 15-minute walk away, offers a variety of eateries and shops to explore during your visit.

How to get to Braye Beach Braye Beach is slight east of The Breakwater and ferry arrival point.

Braye Beach, Alderney

2. SAYE BEACH

Saye Beach is a stunning crescent of golden sand framed by sand dunes and rocky headlands, leading to clear turquoise waters perfect for gentle swimming. Located near Saye Beach Campsite on the northeast coast of Alderney, this family-friendly spot is a favourite for visitors of all ages. Despite its appeal, even during peak summer, you can often enjoy the tranquillity of the beach alone or in the company of oyster catchers and the occasional resident grey seal.

Saye Beach Campsite provides a range of amenities, including a well-stocked shop with beach goods, a picnic area, and refreshments like teas, coffees, and ice creams. During high season, the café serves hot and cold breakfasts, light lunches, and afternoon teas, while the popular pizzeria operates daily from 5 to 8 pm (pre-booking is recommended during busy periods).

How to get to Saye Beach From The Breakwater and Alderney Ferry arrival point, walk east along Alderney Coast Path past Braye Beach and around Bibette Head to find the beach. 

Saye Beach Alderney

3. ARCH BEACH

Arch Beach, tucked away on Alderney’s north coast, just around the headland from Saye Beach,is a tranquil and secluded beach surrounded by dramatic rock formations. This beautiful spot is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet, with rock pools to explore at low tide and a picturesque setting ideal for relaxation or photography.

Food and drink at the Saye Beach Campsite is just a short walk away, through the tunnel.

How to get to Arch Beach Follow the directions to Saye Beach, to find Arch Beach after the headland.

Arch Bay, Alderney

4. CORBLETS BEACH 

Corblets Beach is a rugged favoured by surfers and photographers. With a mix of pebbles and sand, strong waves, and stunning backdrops, it’s a destination for adventure seekers. The nearby historic Fort Corblets adds a touch of history to the natural beauty of the area.

Food and drink near Corblets Beach is either a picnic or a walk back to the Saye Beach Campsite. There are no facilities in Corblets Beach itself.

How to get to Corblets Beach Corblets Beach is joined to Arch Beach and can be easily reached on Alderney Coast Path.

Corblets Bay, Alderney

5. LONGIS BAY

Longis Bay, located on Alderney’s sheltered southeast coast, offers a stunning blend of natural beauty and historical significance. This wide crescent of south-facing sand is bordered by Raz Island to the east, home to the imposing Fort Raz.

Heavily fortified during World War II, the area features numerous remnants of coastal defences, including a long wall built during the German Occupation that provides excellent wind shelter for the beach.

Visitors can explore the causeway connecting Raz Island and the fort to the beach, accessible only at low tide – a great one for island hopping. The eastern end of the bay features rock pools perfect for exploration, while the gently sloping sands make it an ideal spot for paddling.

Nestled within the Longis Nature Reserve, the beach also attracts birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and families alike.

Food and drink near Longis Bay includes the Old Barn offers a cosy setting for coffee, light snacks, and meals, making it an excellent stop to fuel your day at the beach – and it is only a short walk away.

How to get to Longis Bay From the town centre, head east on the Avenue de la Liberation, turn onto Longis Road, and continue walking for a mile or so to the beach.

Longis Bay, Alderney

6. CLONQUE BEACH 

Clonque Beach is a striking mix of rugged beauty and historical intrigue. Its pebble and sand shoreline is dotted with rock pools, perfect for exploring during low tide. The beach is framed by the iconic Victorian-era Clonque Fort, adding a dramatic backdrop to the serene coastal views.

There are no food and drink facilities directly at Clonque Beach, but St. Anne, a short distance away, offers excellent dining options like The Vaults or Braye Beach Hotel for refreshments and meals.

How to get to Clonque Beach From St. Anne, follow the coast path west from the Breakwater for a 25-minute walk

Fort Clonque, Alderney

7. LA PETITE SALINE BEACH 

La Petite Saline Beach is a quiet, sheltered spot on Alderney’s coast, ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Surrounded by gentle dunes and offering clear waters, this hidden gem is great for peaceful walks and birdwatching, especially as it’s near Alderney’s Ramsar site.

Like other remote beaches, La Petite Saline Beach does not have onsite amenities. However, you can find excellent options in St. Anne, including Cantina No. 6 or The Blonde Hedgehog, to enjoy a meal before or after your visit.

How to get to La Petite Saline From St. Anne’s take the scenic coastal path and enjoy a leisurely 30-minute walk, soaking in stunning views along the way.