Longis Bay

Located on Alderney's SE coast , this is a wide, half-mile sandy beach facing south, protected from the north winds by a substantial relic of the German Occupation; a long high wall (to prevent troop landings) which absorbs the heat of the sun and makes an ideal back rest. It is bounded to the left by the causeway to Raz Island, a source of attractive little shells (especially yellow periwinkles) and to the right by the Nunnery.
A small child is completely safe in the middle of this beach; good sand for digging (and fishermen dig for bait here), shallow rock pools inhabited by shrimps and plenty of space for beach games. The water is generally warmer here than at any other beach, especially when a spring tide comes in over hot sand, and the slope into the sea is gentle.
There is easy access by car from Longis Common on the other side of the wall, where the grass is full of tiny flowers and creeping thyme. The Common is a paradise for bird watchers. Some of the best blackberries grow near the rifle butts where an ancient cartridge might also be discovered.
Access to Raz Island is open except when the causeway is covered by sea, though wet it can be very treacherous and slippery underfoot. The islanders used to harvest seaweed from this area. The fort is privately owned but previous tenants have had restaurants there and oysters were once farmed here. Enjoy the hospitality of the nearby Old Barn pub and restaurant.
People fish and windsurf in the Bay and yachts occasionally moor here. There is good angling off the rocks below Essex Castle.