Considered the crown jewel of the Channel Islands, prepare to step back in time with a visit to beautiful Sark. With cars prohibited, the Island’s unspoilt landscape and charming unpaved roads are best explored on bike or horsedrawn carriage.
Although it is only a 35 or 50-minute boat ride from Guernsey, Sark feels like an entire world away. It is a beautiful place in the world. The lack of street lights contributes to its spectacular starry night skies, ideal for stargazers. The island is in fact the world’s first designated “Dark Sky Island”. Once you arrive, embrace the island like a local and rent a bike to explore.
How to Get to Sark Island
The Isle of Sark Shipping Company operates a year-round ferry service between Guernsey and Sark. Several ferries run each day during the summer, with reduced daily trips offered out of season. To get the most out of your trip take the 8.30 or 10.15 boats (depending on the day) from Guernsey Harbour, and return on the later 17.45 or 18.15 boats.
The short journey offers fantastic views past the neighbouring islands of Herm and Jethou, where puffineries of puffins can often be spotted on the craggy outcrops and dolphins are visible enjoying the waves created by the wash of boats speeding between the islands. The journey is as much a part of the adventure as the destination.
On arrival at Sark’s Maseline Harbour head through the archway and tunnel to reach the base of Harbour Hill. The walk can be an endurance test with luggage but is great for visitors looking to explore the scenic pathways of Sark. For a more relaxed experience, you can wait for the ‘toast rack’ - a tractor that carries you to the top of the hill and gives you a great taste of local life.
If you are staying for a few days, make sure to label your luggage carefully, as local porters can take your bags from the ship to your accommodation on your behalf.
Things to do on Sark Island
Get out on the water with Sark Boat Trips for a trip to remember. Visit caves, birds and much more. The boat is licensed for a maximum of 12 people, however pre-booking is advised. Departures are from Creux Harbour.
Sark’s wide history spans several centuries. The museum houses an eclectic mix of Sark cultural and heritage memorabilia, from historic photos of rural Sark and its buildings of interest, to details of the attempted takeover of the island in 1990 (yes, 1990!). The museum also boasts a popular and important collection of World War II memorabilia, capturing the island’s unique and challenging war experience as shared by both islanders and British and German troops at this time. Rare re-prints of local wartime resistance newsletters are available to read, in addition to many interesting books about Sark’s unique wartime history. The museum operates on a voluntary best-effort basis and has basic hours which are detailed on the door - or ask in the tourism office next door.
Enjoy a leisurely carriage ride on Sark
An enchanting way to explore Sark is by horse-drawn carriage. Various tours are available that will take you through the quaint narrow lanes of Sark to places of outstanding natural beauty. You can sit back and enjoy the scenery whilst the history of the island is narrated to you by a cheerfully enthusiastic bi-lingual driver. You can share a carriage ride with other visitors or book a private 6 seater wagonette. It’s an island adventure worth taking!
Coasteering with Adventure Sark
Adventure Sark offer you the chance to experience one of the most unique coasteering environments in the world. A day coasteering in Sark could see you exploring some of the most awesome caves and cavern systems in the world.
Set within the grounds of a 17th century manor, the home of the Seigneurs of Sark since 1730, La Seigneurie Gardens comes RHS Recommended. The garden is considered one of the finest in the Channel Islands. Many unusual half-hardy plants thrive within the walled garden, ensuring a colourful display from spring through to autumn. Enjoy the maze, the views and even a sun clock.
One of the best ways to explore Sark is by bike. With no cars allowed, hiring a bike lets you explore the island and enjoy a taste of rural life. There are several places to hire from in Sark: Avenue Cycle Hire, A to B Cycle Hire and Bam’s Bikes - which provide all kinds of bikes from children’s to cargo and electric.
Hike to Little Sark over La Coupée
Enjoy one of Sark’s most famous and spectacular views by heading La Coupée. Connecting Sark with Little Sark, the walkway gives your panoramic views and is a unique part of the landscape.
As well as great cliff paths to explore, Sark is home to several bays where you can unwind. Derrible is a unique beach that is sandy at low tide and with rocky caves to explore at high tide. For easy access head to Dixcart Bay which is sandy at low tide and well-loved by local families. Creux Harbour is also a popular spot for sea swimming at high tide, though take some care as boats can moor there too.
What To Do For Lunch On Sark
There is nothing better than a long lunch on Sark in the sun. Enjoy a glass of local cider, wine or Pimm's with some local crab or classic fish and chips.
Nova’s is a small, friendly café located in the heart of the Avenue and is a popular rendezvous for local people and visitors alike. The secluded, sunny garden area at the back of the café is a lovely place to spend an hour. Open daily for a selection of hot and cold drinks, beers and wine, plus a choice of homemade sandwiches, snacks, cakes, pastries and afternoon teas throughout the summer months.
Hathaway's Restaurant serves teas, coffees and cream teas, along with light lunches, fish and chips during the day, and a full restaurant menu in the evenings. It is located alongside La Seigneurie Garden, and is an excellent place to enjoy a local cider or glass of wine in the sun on your visit to Sark, before a wander around the impressive gardens.
How To Spend Your Evenings On Sark Island
Spending a few days on Sark is the ideal way to unwind. If you are staying overnight, here are some suggestions for how to spend your evenings.
Dinner Time
In addition to the places listed above for lunch, there are some other options whether you fancy a great curry with friends in a casual setting or a beautiful, local tasting menu in a lovely dining room.
Nicole’s boasts beautiful garden and conservatory dining areas. Their varied menu includes freshly caught Sark seafood as well as other local meat and produce. They also offer delicious authentic Indian curries, ideal for when you want something different to eat.
Stocks pride themselves on producing good food using the freshest local ingredients wherever possible. They have a long-standing relationship with a team of local fishermen, farmers and other suppliers, who they call their ‘Sark food heroes’. They also grow their own produce in Sark’s first ever market garden. Dishes are simply cooked using exciting combinations of fresh ingredients to emphasise honest flavours.
Enjoy a Tipple
Alongside, the hotel bars, there are a couple of pubs that the locals like to frequent on Sark. One is the The Bel Air, at the top of Harbour Hill and The Mermaid, a quiet and unassuming spot situated down a quiet lane. Just remember to bring a torch to get home, because there are no street lights in Sark, and it can feel very dark very quickly.
Stargazing Under The Night Sky
In 2011, Sark Island was designated an International Dark Sky Community, the first in Europe and the first island globally to be given such status. It is incredibly important to Sark’s 600 residents to protect the island from light pollution and preserve the island for the tens of thousands of visitors that enjoy the tranquility of the island. Sark has no motor vehicles, beyond farm vehicles and tractors and no public lighting in its lanes. This contributes to the fact that the Milky Way can be seen clearly from the island - it is even used by locals as a way to navigate. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy the dark skies.
Where to stay on Sark Island
The island has a great selection of hotels, B&Bs and self catered accommodation to choose from, along with campsites.
Hotels - Stocks
In terms of hotels, Stocks Hotel is a traditional country house luxury hotel, with a poolside bistro and bar. La Moinerie Village also boasts nine guest lodges, all beautifully furnished, as well as rooms available within their main traditional farmhouse building.
Camping - La Valette and Pomme de Chien
For those who like to camp under the stars, Sark has many options. La Valette Campsite is situated on the east coast of the island with fabulous panoramic views towards France. Pomme de Chien is a family run, good sized campsite with large fully equipped tents on site, plus space to bring your own.
Guest Houses and Log Cabins
Sark is filled with charming guest houses where you can experience true island hospitality at very reasonable prices. From Le Vieux Clos Guest House to Sue’s Bed & Breakfast, there are a variety of options. More detailed here.
Discover more about the Island of Sark here.
