Braye is a broad sandy beach only a few minutes from St Anne and beside Alderney’s main harbour. Sheltered by the long breakwater, it is one of the island’s most popular beaches for swimming, paddling, sandcastles and family beach days.
These predictions use Braye Harbour, the Alderney reference location used by this service. Tide times and water levels at Braye Beach may differ from the prediction because of the local shoreline, weather, waves and atmospheric pressure. Times are shown in local Alderney time.
Dogs are not allowed on Braye Bay Beach at any time from 1 June to 15 September.
Braye is a broad sandy beach beside Alderney’s main harbour, only a few minutes from St Anne. Braye Street runs behind the western part of the beach, with several access points onto the sand and the hotel, toilets, shops and places to eat all within a short walk; the western end is closest to the facilities. The suitability of individual entrances for wheelchairs or pushchairs has not been confirmed, so check your route if you need step-free access.
Alderney’s long breakwater shelters Braye Harbour and much of the bay from direct exposure to the open sea. This often gives Braye calmer water than the island’s more exposed beaches and makes it a popular location for swimming and paddling when conditions are suitable.
The beach is particularly convenient for families because the sandy shore and main visitor facilities are concentrated around its western end. Public toilets are located beneath Braye Beach Hotel, while restaurants, bars and takeaways can be found around Braye Street and the harbour.
Braye remains a north-facing beach and can be affected by northerly winds despite the shelter provided by the breakwater. Observe the conditions before entering the water, supervise children closely, and keep away from the harbour entrance, quays, moorings and operating vessels, particularly near the western end. There are no lifeguards on Alderney’s beaches.
From 1 June to 15 September, dogs are not permitted on Braye Bay Beach at any time of day.
Braye remains sandy throughout the tidal cycle, but the width of exposed beach changes considerably.
As the tide falls, a much broader area of wet sand appears, providing more room for walking, playing and exploring the beach, and the water becomes farther from the main access points and facilities at the western end.
Around high tide, the sea moves farther up the shore and leaves a narrower strip of sand. This can be a convenient state of tide for swimming because the water is closer to the upper beach, though the available beach space is reduced.
The breakwater often gives Braye calmer conditions than Alderney’s more exposed beaches, but it does not guarantee safe water. Northerly winds, waves, tide, water temperature and harbour activity can all affect conditions.
Swim close to the beach and keep well away from the harbour entrance, quays, moorings and moving vessels. Actual water levels may differ from predictions because of atmospheric pressure, wind and waves.
Explore Alderney’s tide times, harbour information and island guide, including its other beaches and local advice.
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Tides. Tide predictions are forecasts. Actual sea level is affected by atmospheric pressure, wind and waves. Always observe the sea and your surroundings.
Swimming. Sea swimming carries risks: currents, waves, rocks, submerged structures, boats and cold water. This page is for planning and does not confirm conditions are safe. Do not assume the beach is lifeguarded.
Facilities. Facilities and café opening hours change seasonally. Check directly before making a journey specifically to use them.
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