Alderney·Attraction
Standout
179-year heritage (1847)
Built by the British Government in the 1840s to carry stone for breakwater construction, officially opened 1847. First nationalised railway in Britain, operated by the Admiralty. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert rode on it in 1854. During WWII, track was replaced with German 60cm gauge. Society took over in 1978, first public passenger run Easter Saturday 5th March 1980. Thomas the Tank Engine connection: a 1911/1912 incident where a train overshot the breakwater inspired Rev Wilbert Awdry.
Alderney Railway is a heritage railway on Alderney with origins in 1847, built by the British Government as the first nationalised railway in Britain to carry stone for the Braye breakwater. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert rode it in 1854. The Alderney Railway Society took over in 1978 and runs the 2-mile standard-gauge coastal route from Braye Road Station to Mannez Quarry. Services include heritage rides, a 7.25-inch miniature railway, footplate experiences, private charters, and seasonal specials including the Easter Chicken Run and Santa Express. —
Each capability links to every business in the Baliwick that shares it.
Industrial heritage, watermills and heritage railways.
From their website
Heritage railway operations · Heritage railway rides (Braye Road to Mannez Quarry) · Miniature railway (7.25" gauge, 440 yards) · Footplate experience (drive/guard for a day, £100) · Private charter (up to 80 passengers, from £200) · Easter Chicken Run special · Santa Express special · Membership with 10 complimentary rides/year
May to September, weekends and bank holidays. Check website for specific dates and timetable.
Key dates and recorded company events for Alderney Railway.
Compiled from public sources — mistakes are possible. If something here looks wrong, let us know.
Community-created tapestry panel — completing the Bayeux Tapestry narrative
Wildlife charity — bird ringing, guided walks, and conservation research
MLA-accredited history museum, Gulbenkian Award winner — prehistoric to WWII collections & archive
Anglican place of worship — cruciform granite building with 12 bells
Membership club established 1960 at Fort Albert — archery, rifle, pistol, and clay pigeon shooting.
Costume and textile museum — Channel Islands' only permanent exhibition