Just a 40-minute flight from the UK, Alderney provides the perfect environment for switching off and escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life. Whether you want to wander around the cobbled streets of St Anne, explore the island's coastline by boat, or relax on golden beaches, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Nestled on the edge of Braye Beach in Alderney, one of the island’s most picturesque spots, you will find the 4-star Braye Beach Hotel with stunning bay and harbour views. Part of the Hand Picked Hotels Group, Braye Beach Hotel offers exceptional service and quality in a peaceful location.
*This content is part of a paid partnership with Hand Picked Hotels
Island life is the perfect way to reset and unwind. Spend days wild swimming and lounging on the beach, trying local cuisine or reconnecting with nature; and with 27 beautifully appointed bedrooms just steps from the sand, Braye Beach Hotel provides the ideal base for your break.
Here are some of our top tips for a summer escape:
Beach Days
Pack your beach towels and head to some of Alderney’s beautiful beaches. Read your book on the sand, take a refreshing dip or explore the rockpools at low tide.
Braye Beach is one of Alderney’s most popular beaches. Its white sands are perfect for making sandcastles and the clear calm waters which are sheltered by the breakwater are safe to paddle along or swim in. There are a selection of restaurants on Braye Road accessible from the beachside just over the sand dunes, where you can enjoy a long lunch with a view or order to take away back to the beach.
Get Out on the Water
Refreshing and exciting, getting out on the water with a paddle board or kayak is the perfect way to enjoy a digital detox during your stay.
Just outside of Braye Beach Hotel, you can hire double and single kayaks, transparent canoes and paddle boards. As well as a quick introduction to your gear and buoyancy aids, you are also provided with a wildlife guide sheet, so you can keep an eye out for the unique fish and underwater plants in the bay.
Al Fresco Dining
There’s nothing better than enjoying a meal in the sun. The Beach Bar, Brasserie and Terraces at Braye Beach Hotel have one of the best al fresco dining experiences, with options for eating at all times of the day. Whether it’s a morning coffee and pastry, a seafood lunch or dinner and cocktails, you can relax with a view and the sounds of the sea.
The menus at Braye Beach Hotel blend local produce with international cuisine, catering for diverse tastes. Seafood and fish are sourced directly from the surrounding waters, and Alderney vegetables and dairy are at the heart of many dishes.
Explore St Anne
Just around the corner from the hotel is Alderney’s main town, St Anne. Wander the cobbled streets, shop in the antique and independent stores, browse the Flower Shop and Farm Shop before visiting the award-winning Alderney Museum.
Packed with local history and charm, the museum provides a history of the island from the pre-historic period to the present day and hosts lectures and presentations by many knowledgeable speakers. There are many fascinating displays including an extensive display of Alderney’s Elizabethan wreck and recent discovery of Roman remains.
Discover Unique Wildlife
Reconnecting with nature is an excellent way to recuperate from modern busy living, and Alderney is one of the best places in the Channel Islands for wildlife lovers. Its diverse habitats range from coastal grassland to subtidal kelp forests, attracting seabirds, dolphins, bats and the rare blonde hedgehog.
The Alderney Wildlife Trust operate a range of guided tours and events to help you learn more about the local environment, take a look at their What’s On page to find the latest seasonal events.
Wander along the Coast and Lanes
Cliff walks and hikes are a cornerstone of island culture, and if you are in need of a recharge, mindful hikes are an excellent way to get outside in nature, relax your mind and get the endorphins flowing.
Despite being just 3.5 by 1.5 miles long, Alderney boasts over 30 miles of scenic walking trails and lanes to explore. Pick up a map and head out to discover Roman forts, beautiful vistas, Iron Age sites and clifftop viewing points.
For those who would like to explore on two wheels, you can hire bikes on island to see more in a shorter space of time.
Relax at the Hotel
After a day of walking, eating and swimming, take your time and relax in the comfort of your hotel. With views of the quaint streets or out across the bay, the rooms at Braye Beach are a comforting home from home. Throw open the windows and listen to the sounds of the waves as you unwind.
Alternatively, take a look at the in-house cinema. You can choose from their archive of classics, musicals and foreign language films, or bring your own favourite on DVD - a great way to cosy up after a long day.
With Alderney’s relaxed pace of life, a trip to Braye Beach Hotel will have you recharged in no time. Soak up island life, enjoy natural beauty and peace, just 40 minutes from the UK.
Book your break at: https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/brayebeach
