Alderney in Style - Wildlife & History

Tour Code: GBR49

A 5-day wildlife and history holiday on the charming island of Alderney, joining local expert naturalists to enjoy wildlife walks and activities, including a search for Alderney's thriving population of Hedgehogs, many of which are leucistic (or 'Blonde'), as well as the chance to learn about Alderney’s remarkable history.

5 days from
£1,495 (Inc flights)

Land only price from
£1,295

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Highlights

Summary

Alderney is the most northerly of the Channel Islands and, despite lying just 8 miles off Normandy’s Cotentin Peninsula, its relative inaccessibility ensures that it is a peaceful backwater where the pace of life is slow, visitors are sparse and the locals most welcoming! Despite its small size - approximately 3.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide - the island’s rich tapestry of habitats merits close attention from the keen naturalist. In spring northbound bird migration will be in full swing and the island will be adorned with colourful flowers. As spring progresses to summer the seabirds will be back in their nesting colonies offshore and butterflies, moths and dragonflies will be on the wing to enrich the island’s natural history. After a scenic flight from Southampton we’ll be based for four nights at the splendid and well-appointed Braye Beach Hotel. We will explore the island’s diverse patchwork of habitats on foot and by minibus, in search of such birds as Peregrine and Dartford Warbler, as well as visit Gannet colonies and enjoy the island's other seabirds. We will also have a chance to enjoy some bird-ringing at the newly-established Observatory and moth-trapping, as well as to look for some of Alderney's thriving population of Hedgehogs, many of which are leucistic (or 'Blonde').

Stay at the delightful 4-star Braye Beach Hotel, which has fabulous views
Explore the island, mainly on foot, covering a leisurely 2 to 3 miles each day
Peregrine, Buzzard, Raven & Dartford Warbler among the island’s special birdlife
Visit Gannet colonies (holding some 2% of the world population) on Les Etacs & Ortac
Boat excursion if weather permits to view Gannet colonies, other seabirds & marine-life
Enjoy bird-ringing and moth-trapping!
Flights to & from the mainland included in the cost of this holiday
Learn about Alderney’s remarkable history
Led by expert resident naturalist guides

Grading

Morning and afternoon walks covering around 3 miles.

Alderney is the most northerly of the Channel Islands and, despite lying just 8 miles off Normandy’s Cotentin Peninsula, it is, strangely, the least accessible. No scheduled ferry service links the island with either the mainland of France or England, or with any other island, and herein lies its charm — it is a peaceful backwater where the pace of life is slow, visitors are sparse and the locals most welcoming.

Just over 3.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, it is possible to walk around Alderney in a day. However, for the naturalist, the island’s rich tapestry of habitats is deserving of much more time. In spring the island will be carpeted with a wonderful display of flowers, the seabirds will be back on their offshore nesting islets and birds will be migrating northward with the chance of a rarity or two! Butterflies and moths emerge as the spring moves in to summer with the chance of unusual species such as Large Tortoiseshell, Glanville Fritillary and Long-tailed Blue. By early autumn the island is at its peaceful best and given favourable weather, a wealth of southbound birds, together with migrant moths, butterflies and dragonflies, enrich the island’s natural history.

On this holiday we will explore Alderney on foot, supported, when required, by the local island minibus. Our leisurely walks will each cover 2 to 3 miles and will enable us to explore the island’s patchwork of grazing pastures, wooded valleys, flower-filled grasslands and dunes, small ponds, marshes and heaths, often from cliff-top paths accessing spectacular coastal scenery. From the latter we should see Peregrines, Buzzards, Ravens, Dartford Warblers and seabirds, including the spectacular Gannet colonies on Les Etacs and Ortac (between them hosting over 8,000 pairs — 2% of the world’s population). If the weather is good, an optional boat trip out to enjoy at least one of these colonies — as well as other seabirds and marine-life — will be a highlight of this holiday. Using local experts we will also offer you the chance to enjoy moth-trapping and sightings of some of Alderney’s thriving population of Hedgehogs, many of which are leucistic (or ‘Blonde’ Hedgehogs).

Additionally on this holiday, which will be escorted by a local expert together with all-round naturalist, John Horton, our focus will extend to cover some of the remarkable history of Alderney. Indeed, as we walk around the island, it is impossible not to be struck by its wealth of monuments from the past, whether it be the Roman fort at Longis Bay, the 13th century Bonne Terre Watermill, the commanding stone harbour and forts of the Victorians, or the extraordinary concrete defences and bunkers built by the Germans during their occupation of Alderney between 1940 and 1945.

To reach Alderney one must either fly via Guernsey or take the direct scheduled service from Southampton airport aboard an 18-seat Dornier 228 — a flight that offers fabulous views over the south coast’s expansive estuaries, the New Forest and the Isle of Wight if the weather is clear (the cost of which is included in the price of this holiday). Once there, we will be based in the splendid Braye Beach Hotel, a sparkling 4-star hotel commanding fabulous views over the bay and its idyllic white sandy beach. For those wishing for a little time off from our programme, the hotel’s bar, terrace and superior rooms offer perfect spots in which to relax and absorb the views!

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Fly Alderney and transfer to hotel.

Day 2/4

Daily programme of natural history walks and excursions around Alderney.

Day 5

Fly Southampton

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation: Sparkling 4-star hotel commanding fabulous views over the bay. All rooms en-suite.
Food: Bed and breakfast only is included in the cost of this holiday. The cost of lunches and dinners is not included since each day's itinerary is planned to enable group members to take a break either at the Braye Beach Hotel, or at one of Alderney's many pubs or restaurants where a choice of lunch, snacks and drinks will be available to suit individual preferences.

Reviews

A visit to the delightful island of Alderney, exploring its wildlife and history, enjoying the scenery, culture, food and drink. The holiday provided everything I expected and more and the accommodation couldn't have been better. I've travelled with Naturetrek on several occasions and always enjoyed the holidays. Their tour managers, both in the office and on the tours, are friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable.
T.G. Hertfordshire, Jun 24
There was a great variety of wildlife to view from insects and plant life to seabirds and mammals. The guides were extremely knowledgeable, approachable and friendly. The accommodation was superb and the guides organised meals to suit everyone.
M.S. Bedfordshire, Jun 24
Wildlife experts were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, making sure we got the most out of our visit. The hotel was very good, and all experiences, meals, etc, were taken care of expertly. The guides are excellent, and the choice of holidays wide-ranging. They take care of everything.
J.B. Kent, June 22

Alderney proved to be fascinating and full of wildlife and history. The local guides were knowledgeable and knew how to get the best experience for their visitors. We had some special sightings and the local guides knew exactly where these birds, butterflies, etc, would be so were able to modify the itinerary to enable us to see these. Also the boat trip was changed to allow us to go on a fine calm day, without any fuss. Naturetrek provide the type of holidays with special interest that I like. I travel on my own and they always seem to be able to help with any issues that arise or questions I have about the holidays. I have found their descriptions of the tours to be accurate and helpful.
A.K. Surrey, May 22

The Braye Beach Hotel was one of the most delightful hotels I have stayed in. A wonderful position overlooking the bay, very comfortable, good food and friendly staff. I think that the combination of wildlife and historical interest worked particularly well on this trip, and I was equally fascinated by both aspects. My primary wildlife interests have always been birds and mammals, but I found myself equally enthralled by the island's flowers and moths. The bird ringing and moth trap events made this trip unique and unforgettable. I would like to add an extra five stars for our tour leaders John and Annabel. Both being local to Alderney gave them fascinating insights into life on the island which they were able to tell us about. John's work at the Bird Observatory was invaluable. In short, they were informative, helpful, friendly and with an excellent sense of humour. Very good company indeed.
R.G, Oxfordshire, June 19

We saw lots of sea birds, flowers and moths on the beautiful island of Alderney. We also explored some of the island's historical remains. We were excited to see some blonde hedgehogs one evening. It rained all day the first day but that didn't keep us in, and we enjoyed it all the more when we had glorious sunshine later.
R.H. Buckinghamshire

The holiday was well organised with two excellent leaders. Martin organised the walks to see the historic forts and places of interest. John guided us to see the birds and gave us a demonstration of bird ringing.
B. & B.S. Dorset

It worked very well combining both the history and natural history of the island. I really enjoyed this. I also enjoyed the involvement of local people. The young girl with the moth trap and the hedgehog woman. The highlight for me was the boat trip around the island.
A.H. Hampshire

Easy flight, short transfer. Small island so easy to see and travel around. Good guides.
R. & Y.G. Berkshire

Martin and David were extremely helpful, friendly and approachable about anything and everything. We particularly liked meeting local Alderney residents with a passion for certain wildlife. The "Moth Man" and "Hedgehog Lady". The lunch watching the Gannets at Les Etacs in wonderful weather was very relaxing. Hotel excellent.
H.O. Hertfordshire

Very easy travel - good connections, fast transfer and minibuses available. Good mix of activities and easy going style. All round natural history interest plus history made this enjoyable for a couple with different priorities. No problem to opt out for a day or half day. All the guides were very friendly, personable and knowledgeable.
M.H. Dorset

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Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Tue 6th May – Sat 10th May SPACES £1,495

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,295

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£395

Tour Leader:

Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary

John Horton

Tour Leader: John Horton

John Horton is the warden of the British Isles' newest bird observatory on Alderney, and he featured on BBC Countryfile in this role in the spring of 2016. Whilst birdwatching is John's forte, since moving to Alderney he has become a proficient all rounder with regards to the fauna and flora and has discovered species of birds, insects, flowers and mammals never before recorded on the island. Prior to his current role, he was a wildlife crime investigator for the Metropolitan police for 15yrs before discovering Alderney and making it his home. He recently represented the British bird observatories delivering a presentation at the 2019 International bird observatories council AGM in Eilat, Israel. He is sponsored by Zeiss optics and features as the Channel Islands representative on the Zeiss website nature blog. He is the Alderney Bird Recorder, a member of the Bailiwick Islands rare birds panel and in 2021 became the chairman of the Channel Islands bird ringing scheme. John's most memorable wildlife moments are sitting amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas in the African Congo and the ringing of a Spoon-billed Sandpiper in South West India on Valentines Day in 1989. John loves leading our tours on Alderney and its neighbouring islands and derives great pleasure from playing his part in bringing attention to this wonderful wildlife haven.

2026

Departures Availability Cost

Tue 5th May – Sat 9th May SPACES £1,495

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,295

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£395

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Among our programme is a significant range of short breaks, designed specially for those wishing to enjoy some of Europe’s top natural history highlights at the best time of year. All of these holidays have the bonus of being short-haul and supported by like-minded wildlife enthusiasts.
Naturetrek Short Break Wildlife Tours
Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular and in response to the high demand for this type of holiday we are continuing to increase our programme both within the UK and abroad. Most of our short breaks are within Europe, for convenience of travel.
For some of our mini-breaks there is an option to travel by plane or train, and we offer a choice of duration and type of break, from a weekend’s birdwatching in the Somerset Levels to a 6-day whale watching tour in the Azores.
A selection of our UK short breaks:

A winter bird watching break in Norfolk
An autumn holiday to enjoy the Red Deer rut in Ardnamurchan, Scotland
A wildlife weekend in the New Forest

A selection of our overseas short breaks:

In Spain we look for the world’s rarest cat, the Iberian Lynx
Wolves on the plains in rural northern Spain
An exploration of La Brenne’s exceptionally rich butterfly-life in northern France

 

 
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Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager

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Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:

Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
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Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar

Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
 

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Byron Palacios - Tour Leader

  
 
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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire

Tour Reports

Tour report - May 2017

Tour report - April 2017

Tour report - September 2016

Tour report - May 2016

Tour report - April 2016

Tour report - September 2015

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!