Many years ago, my wife and I holidayed on Jersey and Guernsey. We would like to return to the Channel Islands and try Alderney. Do you think it’s worth it, and how can we get there?
Ray Metcalf, Cheltenham
It’s certainly worth going, Ray. The island of Alderney — eight miles off France and about 60 south of the Isle of Wight — is as pretty as it is peaceful. It’s also tiny — just three miles long and 1½ miles wide, with a population of 2,400.
As well as beaches, walking and wildlife (including the remarkable blonde hedgehogs), it has a small museum, the landmark Mannez lighthouse and a little railway (alderneyrailway.com). The first passengers were Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, in 1854, and it runs in summer using two 1959 London Underground carriages.
Aurigny (01481 822886, aurigny.com) flies nonstop from Southampton to Alderney; from £114 return. There are also services from Gatwick, Stansted, East Midlands, Manchester and Bristol, via Guernsey. Ferries sail to the island from Poole (alderneygiftbox.com) and the Manche Iles Express (www.manche-iles-express.com) sails to nearby Diélette, in Normandy. For more information and accommodation suggestions, go to visitalderney.com.
Got a question for Richard? Then email travelclinic@sunday-times.co.uk