Source: Channel Islands – States of Alderney
Media Release Date: 9 July 2025
Historic Telegraph Tower Opens to the Public as New Visitor Attraction in Alderney.
The historic Telegraph Tower, a remarkable survivor from the Napoleonic era, will officially open to the public as a visitor attraction on Wednesday 23rd July, in a ceremony led by the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey, Sir Richard Cripwell CB, CBE.
Built in 1809, the Telegraph Tower was part of a short-lived but crucial communication network used to report on the movement of French shipping around the Channel Islands. Designed to relay signals between Alderney and Sark, it remains the only building of its kind in the Islands, offering a unique glimpse into the island’s strategic importance and early optical telegraphy.
Now carefully restored and repurposed, Telegraph Tower will serve as a new heritage site celebrating Alderney’s military and maritime past, with engaging displays on early signalling technology, the history of the tower, and its role in the island’s defences.
Members of the public are warmly invited to attend the opening ceremony and explore this fascinating piece of Alderney’s history from 10.45am. “This is a proud moment for Alderney,” said Caroline Gauvain of Visit Alderney. “Telegraph Tower is not only a rare and historic structure — predating the Victorian forts and Breakwater — but it also tells a powerful story of communication, defence, and island resilience.”
Visit Alderney would like to thank historian Colin Partridge and our dedicated volunteers Nigel Clarke, Andy Mileham, Neil Collings, John Walker, and Nick Collier, without whom this project would not have been possible.
From 23rd July, the Tower will be open daily from 10am to 4pm, with free admission.
Event Details Opening Ceremony: Wednesday 23rd July 2025, 10.45 AM Location: Telegraph Tower, Alderney Admission: Free Visitors are encouraged to walk if possible, or park in the nearby car parking area. Please ensure the Airport Perimeter Road remains clear at all times. ENDS Contact: Caroline or Alex at Visit Alderney Email: tourism@alderney.gov.gg Phone: 01481 822333 visitalderney.com