Wild Edges: Writing Place in Alderney
A Two-Day Travel Writing Retreat at The Blonde Hedgehog
Sunday 20th – Monday 21st September 2026
Wild Edges: Writing Place in Alderney is an intimate two-day small-group retreat for adults who want to slow down, look closely and write in response to place. Based at The Blonde Hedgehog hotel in St Anne, this short retreat is ideal for those drawn to travel writing, memoir, journalling and place-based creative nonfiction. The retreat is led by Gail Simmons, travel writer, author and creative writing tutor, who recently wrote about Alderney for The Times.
With its windswept bays, dramatic clifftops, tranquil inland lanes, Roman remains, Victorian fortifications, wartime traces and constantly changing coastal light, Alderney offers an exceptional setting for reflective writing. Over two carefully curated days, participants will explore how to write place not only through description, but through atmosphere, history, sensory detail and personal reflection.
The retreat combines guided workshops, island walks, quiet writing time, shared meals and optional evening experiences: an itinerary that is both creatively stimulating and gently restorative. Rather than a formal course or a demanding walking holiday, this is a small-group retreat shaped around gentle exploration, close observation and time to write.
Highlights include a first day exploring The Nunnery, Longis Bay and Longis Nature Reserve, and a second outing on the west coast around Fort Tourgis and the views towards the bird-sanctuary island of Burhou. Returning each day to The Blonde Hedgehog, guests will have time to shape their notes into prose, with tea, dinner and the comfort of the hotel woven through the two days.
Late September is a particularly lovely time to experience Alderney: often mild and bright, though sea breezes and passing showers are always possible.
Non-residents: £175 for 2-day course including coffee/tea and lunches.
Residents: £475 to £525 including 2-nights accommodation at the Blonde Hedgehog (19th and 20th September - depending on rooms), 2-day course, coffee/teas, and lunches.
For enquiries and to reserve a place, email info@alderneyliterarytrust.com.
Question Time and Dinner with Andrew Lownie
Saturday 30th March 2026
6.30pm @ The Blonde Hedgehog
£55 for a welcome drink & 3-course meal.
To book, call The Blonde Hedgehog on 01481 823230 or email book@blondehedgehog.com
*Questions should be submitted beforehand to the Trust to curate for an interesting evening.
An Interview with Andrew Lownie
Saturday, 30th May 2026 2.30pm @ The Georgian House (SOLD OUT)
The renowned biographer, Andrew Lownie, will be in Alderney for the launch of his updated (paperback) book 'Entitled: the rise and fall of the House of York'.
'Entitled' is the first joint biography of the now former Duke and Duchess, revealing how their lives are still deeply entwined. Drawing on four years of research, numerous Freedon-of-Information requests and interviews with over a hundred people who have never spoken before, biographer Andrew Lownie traces the lives of the late Queen's second son and his ex-wife through their childhoods, courtship, marriage, divorce, careers and royal and charitable activities.
Beyond being simply a rigorously researched biography, his book is "a study in reputational collapse and the danger of unchecked power inside Britain's most protected institution" (The Standard).
Andrew Lownie is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He is President of the Biographers Club, sits on the Board
of Biographers International Organisation, and is a Trustee of the Campaign for Freedom of Information. He will be in conversation with BBC broadcaster, podcaster, and event host Jo Durant, a familiar face at literature, history, and science festivals.
His new and expanded paperback will be available to purchase at the event.
This event is sold out. For ticket returns, please telephone the Alderney Visitor Centre on 01481 822300.
