Sark Discover
Win a b reak on Sark
Great Things To See and Do The Complete Guide to Sark 2018
Sark Island Hall Open Monday to Saturday Facilities include badminton, table tennis, boules, snooker, pool & darts
Selling off sales 10am - 9pm A wide selection of wines, spirits & beer including Sark beer
The Sunflower Café Breakfast 9 - 11.30, Lunch 11.30 - 2.30, Afternoon teas until 4pm Tea, coffee & cakes, delicious homemade soup, toasties, fresh Sark crab & sandwiches
Evening meals Wednesday, Saturday & Friday plus Mondays in July & August Specials - Friday nights, fish & chips Saturday nights, pizza - both eat in or take away
Corporate events & BBQs catered for WiFi
The Maple Bar Open Monday to Saturday until 10pm
Tel 01481 832666 info@sarkislandhall.co.uk 2
Sark
A unique way of life by Major Christopher Beaumont, Seigneur of Sark Sark is the oasis of tranquillity at the centre of the Channel Islands and has been its spiritual centre since the Bronze Age. It’s no surprise therefore that Sark is good for your health. You will feel better for your visit, whether you come for the day to taste the peace and quiet or stay longer to unwind and really appreciate being away from the noise and bustle of modern life. It really is true that people have come to visit for a few days and have so fallen in love with Sark that they decided to make it their home. Your visit to Sark is packed full of opportunities. There are carriages waiting to take you on a gentle guided tour of the island or bicycles to hire so that you can explore by yourself. Both are an ideal way to get a feel for the island if you are here just for the day. There are plenty of places to eat where you can sample our delicious local produce and excellent sea food. There are countless routes for a relaxing walk to see spectacular views of the coastline and our wonderful wildlife. You can squeeze these into a day visit but to get the most out of Sark you need to stay longer. There’s time then to get close to the shoreline on one of our many safe and beautiful beaches, which are ideal for children of all ages. The sea around Sark is crystal clear, perfect for a paddle or a refreshing swim. If you’re feeling more adventurous go in search of one of our beautiful natural rock pools, such as the famous Venus Pool in Little Sark, or take to the waves with a round the island boat trip. There are so many things to do and places to discover that you can’t possibly see everything, even if you’re staying for a fortnight, but this just means that there’s always going to be something new to find next time you visit. 3
Great things to see & do on Sark
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Contents
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Map of Sark....................................6 Explore by Horse Power................8 Explore Sark by Sea......................11 Explore by Pedal Power...............12 Discover Beaches & Rockpools....14 Explore on Foot............................16 An Island of Inspiration................18 An Island of History .....................20 Wild Sark.......................................22 La Seigneurie Gardens..................24 Explore Little Sark........................26 Sark After Dark.............................28 Shopping on Sark.........................30 Good for the Body & Soul............32 Events on Sark..............................34 A Taste of Sark.............................36 Getting to Sark..............................41 Win a Break on Sark.....................42 Accommodation Guide................43 Useful Information.......................54
Sark Scale - 6cm = 0.5mile
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Guernsey 50mins Guernsey 50mins
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Walking Distances from the Visitor Centre i Times are approximate & based on a gentle walking pace
1 Dixcart Bay -------------------------30 minutes 2 Eperquerie Common --------- 40 minutes 3 Gouliot Headland --------------- 35 minutes 4 La CoupĂŠe ---------------------------30 minutes 5 Little Sark (centre) ------------ 55 minutes 6 La Seigneurie Gardens ------ 20 minutes 7 Maseline Harbour -------------- 30 minutes 8 Pilcher Monument ------------ 25 minutes 9 Sark Henge ------------------------ 30 minutes 10 Window in the Rock -------- 30 minutes
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50mins Jersey
If there is one sound that perfectly captures the essence of Sark it must be the clip clop of hooves accompanied by the rumble of cartwheels and when you arrive at the top of Harbour Hill and see the horses and carriages waiting you know straight away that this island is different; a place where horse power rules the roads. The working season for the horses starts gradually as the spring weather improves and visitors start returning, building to a peak in July and August.
In autumn the horses continue working as long as there are visitors but at the end of the season their shoes are removed and they are turned out into their fields. Although their owners still have plenty of work to do feeding and caring for their fourlegged employees, winter is a time for the horses and their drivers to take a well-earned rest. Of the forty or so horses on Sark just over half work for a living, pulling carriages of various sizes from two-
wheeled buggies that carry a couple of passengers to the larger wagonettes and vans that take twelve. During your carriage ride the gentle pace allows the driver plenty of time to point out the most interesting sights and talk about island life and the elevated seating position provides an excellent view over hedges and garden walls. Carriage tours start and finish at the top of Harbour Hill just above the tractor bus stop. There are two sightseeing tours on offer: a one-hour tour taking in the north of Sark, or a twohour tour that covers the north of
the island and then goes as far south as La CoupĂŠe, the beautiful natural causeway that connects Little Sark to the main island. Most tours stop at La Seigneurie Gardens. Carriages from La Sablonnerie also include Little Sark in some of their tours. If you are not with a tour group ask any driver if they are available. Prices vary depending on the tour. It is also possible to pre-book a carriage ride by contacting the operators before you arrive. The drivers will also do private tours and night taxis by prior arrangement.
Pick up a carriage tour at the top of Harbour Hill when you arrive or phone to book one in advance.
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y b e r o l p x E r e w o p e s r o h 9
Explore Sark by Sea Sark Carriages
Michelle Perrée 01481 832027
Stopping at the new café,
Shenanigans www.sarkcarriages.co.uk
Danny Wakley Carriages
Paddle your own boat
An amazing day out on Sark
Tel 01481 832135 or 07781 113386 www.dannywakley.com
Don’t forget to visit the
Sark Occupation & Heritage Museum
e Guille Morgan & Georg To gain a different perspective of Sark you need to take to the waves and admire the island from the sea. From here you get fabulous views of Sark’s coastline and perhaps even a souffle; a huge spray of water that shoots up into the air when just the right amount of swell hits just the right shape of rock. Adventure Sark offers all manner of water-based fun including kayaking and coasteering trips to parts of Sark you never knew existed. Their tours vary from short taster sessions to all day trips and can include the amazing Gouliot Caves. For a more sedate maritime experience take a trip around the island with Sarkee George Guille and his son Morgan. Their boat, the Non Pareil, was designed and built on Sark in 1982 and since then has 10 10
been around the island thousands of times. George and Morgan have a passion for Sark’s wildlife and will show you puffins, guillemots and razorbills in season and oystercatchers, gannets, fulmars, kestrels, buzzards and peregrine falcons can be seen all year. You might even see the dolphins that play in the bow waves of the island’s boats from time to time. When conditions allow, George and Morgan also visit some of the island’s caves and they can take their boat almost to the back of the beautiful Moie du Mouton cave. You will also discover the wealth of beautiful little bays, archways and bathing spots that Sark has to offer as well as the island’s fascinating rock formations. (See page 46 for more information.) 11
On a small island without cars the quickest way to explore is by bicycle. Given a single day and a set of wheels you can cover the island from one end to the other and there aren’t many hills to slow you down. There are few restrictions on where you can ride your bike on the lanes, just the Harbour Hill and on the Coupée for safety reasons, and there are plenty of parking areas for you to leave your wheels and
explore the smaller paths on foot. There are a number of cycle hire centres on Sark all providing a range of bikes. Tag-a-longs are popular for parents with small children and there are child trailers for babies and toddlers to ride in in comfort while an adult does all the work. All of the hire centres provide helmets and baskets as required and if you fancy a bicycle made for two you can even hire a tandem!
See Sark on a Bike
AVENUE CYCLE HIRE LARGEST SELECTION OF CYCLES ON THE ISLAND CHILD TRAILERS, TAGALONGS & CHILD SEATS
Explo Pedal re by power 12
FAMILY DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
01481 832102 avenue.cycle.hire@cwgsy.net www.avenuecyclessark.co.uk
Avenue Cycles, The Avenue, Sark, GY10 1SF 13 13
Sark is a rugged plateau of rock some three hundred feet high but when the tide falls some fabulous beaches are uncovered. The easiest to get to is Dixcart Bay with its archway, pebbles and sand. It lies at the end of a gently sloping woodland path and is sheltered in all but a southerly wind. Derrible Bay is just the other side of the Hog’s Back headland to the east and, on low water, the most beautiful sandy beach is revealed. On the west coast is Port du Moulin, another popular bathing spot where you can swim through the archway at high tide. Sark’s largest beach is Grande Grève on the west side of the Coupée where a stunning swathe of sand is revealed as the tide retreats; well worth the climb down all of those steps! For the more adventurous beach goer there are smaller coves and bays to discover. Port à la Jument is tucked away on the west coast and you can often have it all to yourself, even in the height of summer. On the west side of the Eperquerie is Les Fontaines, a pebbly paradise with caves and archways. If it’s rock pools you’re looking for then there’s plenty of choice. As the tide falls there are fascinating nooks and crannies to explore in all of Sark’s bays but the best place to take children is the Eperquerie Pool. Built by a local family in the 1940s as somewhere for their children to learn to swim, it’s teeming with prawns, small fish and other marine life. It’s covered at high water so, as with all of Sark’s beaches and bays, check the tide times before you set off. Another popular seaside venue with families is Creux Harbour. At high tide it provides a safe swimming area with a sunny, sheltered pebble beach and café, shower and toilet facilities nearby. If you time your visit with one of the ferries arriving, there will be the Harbour Hill ‘toast rack’ transport so you won’t even have to walk back up the hill.
reux Harbour Cooling off in C
Just chilling at Grande Grè ve
Strawberry 14
anemone
Cushion sta rfish
Discover beaches and Rockpools
Grande Grève
Pick up a copy of the Sark Rockpool Guide from the Visitor Centre & discover the fabulous creatures on our seashore.
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Explore On foot
Look out for Sark Strolls (£9.95), a walking guide to Sark and, for the more adventurous, the La Trobe Guide to the Coast, Caves & Bays of Sark (£5.50). Both are for sale at various outlets on Sark. 16 16
Buddhist car ving
Dixcart Bay Window in the rock
Cliff path between Dixcart & La Coupée
At just three and a half miles long by a mile and half wide, Sark is the perfect size to explore on foot. There are tranquil lanes and gently sloping paths for those who enjoy an easy stroll but for the more energetic walker there are steep descents to the island’s gorgeous beaches and hidden bays to test those leg muscles. Either way, you will be treated to breath-taking views of Sark’s stunning coastline, woodlands and countryside every step of the way. Little Sark, just across La Coupée, is also stunningly beautiful and the perfect size to explore on foot so don’t forget to bring your walking boots! Sark Visitor Centre runs a variety of guided walks from May to September and personal guided walks can be arranged through their office. Call 01481 832345 for more information or visit www.sark.co.uk.
Magical places to discover on foot
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For hundreds of years the beauty and tranquillity of Sark have been inspiring creative people. Turner captured the stunning natural architecture of the island’s coast in his sketches and Victor Hugo’s tragedy Toilers of the Sea was inspired by his time on Sark. The Victorian artist William Toplis was obsessed by the island’s coastline obsessively recording the cliffs, caves and seascapes in minute detail. (Reproductions of his work can be seen at the Island Hall.) In the 20th century the artist and illustrator Mervyn Peake lived here for several years setting his novel Mr Pye on Sark. Today the island continues to inspire artists of all kinds working in a variety of media mediaincluding including music, of music,
watercolour, ceramics, textiles, silver and photography. Their work is for sale all around the island giving visitors the chance to take home a really special memento of their time on Sark. Local artist Rosanne Guille specialises in watercolours of the island’s stunning coastline, countryside and wildlife. She now has a gallery on the Avenue selling her prints, cards and original paintings. Nearby is Sark Glass Take Two offering a wide choice of contemporary art and craft pieces including handmade crystal glassware designed here by Tim Casey and prints of quirky island scenes by Sark Sark by artist artist Martin Remphry.
inspired by her love of Sark, folk lore and astronomy. Theatre lovers won’t be disappointed either. This year the much-loved touring company Oddsocks will be on Sark for the first time, performing comedy versions of The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet outdoors in the stunning setting of the Seigneurie. In the autumn there are pirates on the loose at Stocks Hotel with the murder mystery dinners, Curse of the Sark Hoard. There’s also plenty of music on offer this year too with the Sark Summer Festival, the Roots Festival and Opera Sark.
Margaret Langlois painting on the west coast above Port du Moulin
An Island of Inspiration
Sue Daly’s jewellery is for sale here too; vitreous silver and enamel pieces inspired by the patterns and colours of Sark’s sealife. Silversmith Cheryl Tonks also has her shop on the Avenue and just off the main road is Lorraine Nicolle’s workshop where she sells her pottery and jewellery. At the Island Hall is Coumme-Nous, the island’s arts co-operative, where the sixteen members display their work including a beautiful collection of scarves and other textiles by weaver and spinner Amanda Vogan-Petrie. Some of her pieces are made from handspun Sark fleece. On the way to the Coupée you will find L’Espace Gallery featuring pencil, pastel and painted images by Annie Dachinger Dachinger
Inspired by Sark
Vitreous enamel & fine silver jewellery Made on Sark by Sue Daly Available at Sark Glass Take Two on the Avenue
To contact Sue - Tel 01481 832175 - Email suedalysark@icloud.com
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An Island of History
La Société Sercquaise SARK HERITAGE ROOM at the Visitor Centre Library, archives & records, history, exhibitions & displays, family history, archaeology & natural history Open weekdays 11am to 1pm - Free entry
Sark Heng e
Megalithic do lmen on Little Sark
From Neolithic times thousands of years ago to the German Occupation in the Second World War, the history of Sark is written in the landscape as well as the buildings, monuments and relics that remain. Archaeological studies have revealed that the people who lived here as long ago as 5,000 BC held the island as a sacred place. Artefacts from this period, as well as the Iron and Bronze Ages, can be seen among the 20
many collections in the Société Sercquaise’s Heritage Room. In the early Middle Ages French monks established a monastery and school on Sark in an area still known as La Moinerie. There was a short-lived French invasion in the 16th century and the remains of the defensive walls built by the soldiers can still be seen on the Eperquerie. In 1565 Jerseyman Helier de Carteret, Sark’s first Seigneur, and his forty families
permanently settled the island. His original home, the Manoir, is still lived in. Sark Henge was created in 2015 on the cliffs near Derrible Bay with views to Helier’s home island to celebrate the 450th anniversary of his appointment as Seigneur and the granting of the Fief. The history of Sark’s Seigneurs is revealed in a fascinating exhibition at the Seigneurie, the home of the island’s Seigneurs and Dames since 1730.
L’Eperquerie
himney Silver mine c
The German Occupation left few physical remains, compared to the huge fortifications and sea walls on the other Channel Islands, but the terrible impacts on those who lived through those dark days on Sark have never been forgotten. Some of their stories can be discovered in the Occupation Museum as well as in the Heritage Room and there is a memorial on the Hog’s Back to the Commando raid, Operation Basalt. 21
Discover Wild Sark
A seasonal guide to some of Sark’s fabulous wildlife. Dolphins can be seen all year round so keep an eye out when you’re on the ferry.
Hummingbird hawk-moth
Sand crocus
Silver-studded blue
Bluebells
Wasp spider
Thrift
Large tortoiseshell
Green hairstreak
Burnett rose
Puffin, April to mid July
Razorbill April to mid July
Holly blue
Guillemot April to mid July
Jersey tiger-moth
Bottle-nose dolphin
Autumn ladies tresses
Violets
Primroses
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April
Heath spotted-orchid
May
June
July
Autumn squill
August
Great green bush-cricket
September
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Explore La Seigneurie Gardens A visit to the famous Seigneurie Gardens is not just a horticultural treat but a tour through Sark’s fascinating history. The Gardens surround La Seigneurie, the traditional home of Sark’s Seigneur. The crenellated clock tower, ornate drawing room wing and dovecote were Victorian additions by the Reverend WT Collings, the great-great-great-grandfather of the present Seigneur, Major Christopher Beaumont. Beyond the dovecote are the ponds and well originally created by the monks of St Magloire’s Priory that occupied this part of the island many centuries ago. Other interesting features include a maze and a fascinating exhibition on the history of La
rs - Guided tou New for 2018 rie. Call 01481 of La Seigneu information. ore 832017 for m 24
Seigneurie and Sark’s Seigneurs. The walled garden is aligned with St Peter’s Church, the central arches once framing a view of the church tower. The high granite walls provide a gentle micro climate and shelter from the wind allowing half-hardy plants such as the Australian bottlebrush and New Zealand teatree to thrive. Other notable plants include the large climbing geranium on the south-facing wall, the giant Echium pininana that can reach over ten feet high and the abundance of St Peter Port daisy and Geranium Maderense. Probably the oldest surviving feature within the walled garden is the formal rose garden edged with box hedging. The circular rose garden is much more recent,
rose garden The Dame’s designed in 2000 by the late Seigneur Michael Beaumont. In 2008 La Seigneurie Gardens Trust took over the running of the Gardens and also oversaw the conversion of a ruined building near the gates to create the café and bistro, Hathaways, named after Sibyl Hathaway, the Dame of Sark. It’s the perfect place to end your exploration of these enchanting gardens.
Australian b ottlebrush La Seigneurie Gardens are open every day from Easter to 1st November 10am to 6pm with guided walks with one of the gardeners every Wednesday at 11.30am. (To book the guided walk call 01481 832345. Tours can be arranged for groups on other days if requested in advance.)
www.laseigneuriegardens.com Tel 01481 832208
La Seigneurie wedding venu is also a fairytale e. See thei for full detai r website ls. 25
Explore Little Sark Little Sark is connected to the main island by the narrow isthmus known as La Coupée that you can see on the cover. Early descriptions of the passageway aren’t complimentary, with islanders too afraid to cross in case they were blown off by a strong wind. This was, however, before the protective railings were built in 1900, after much deliberation between locals and the Seigneur of Sark as to whose responsibility it was to maintain this high ridge, which is a staggering 80 metres (262 ft) above the sea and just three metres wide. The current roadway and railings were built in 1945 by German prisoners of war under the direction of the Royal Engineers. Sark’s ancient history is also recorded on Little Sark with two dolmens; an intact one on the south coast and another in ruins on the west, both thought to be around four thousand years old. The
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remains of a windmill, built in the 18th century to challenge the Seigneur’s monopoly on milling flour, can be seen close to La Sablonnerie. The coast of Little Sark is noted for its fine scenery, caves and inlets. La Fontaine Bay, named for a small spring located nearby, is particularly well known for its views and is a lovely spot for swimming. Little Sark is also synonymous with the ill-fated silver and copper mining ventures of the early nineteenth century. Although the mines were abandoned due to flooding and the lack of ore, there is still evidence of them in the chimneys and other ruins that remain. At the end of your explorations head to La Sablonnerie, Little Sark’s only hotel or tea garden, for a cream tea or lobster lunch in the beautiful setting of their gardens.
Recently chosen by the hotel guide Which? as
For a truly memorable day or stay, be sure to enjoy the magical beauty of this famous haunt. Renowned for its excellent cuisine, enjoy a delicious gourmet luncheon in the idyllic Award Winning garden or perhaps a romantic candlelit dinner. Own horses & carriages available for hire. Call Elizabeth Perrée on 01481 832061 www.sablonneriesark.com E-mail:reservations@sablonneriesark.com
Venus Pool, the most famous rock pool in the Channel Islands. Finding it can be something of adventure and only recommended for the sure-footed. Check the tide tables before setting off as the pool is covered by fast flowing water at high tide and only uncovered two hours either side of low water.
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Discover A Million Stars
e at th t g n i z en ga Star r monum e Pilch 28 28
The World’s First Dark Sky Island With no cars or street lighting and very few outside lights on buildings, the view of the night sky over Sark is spectacular. Over seven thousand stars and planets are visible with the naked eye and the Milky Way stretches from one horizon to another. (Don’t forget to bring a torch though – Sark really is dark!) In 2011 the quality of Sark’s night sky
was recognised by the International Dark Sky Association who designated us as the world’s first Dark Sky Island. The best views are when there is little or no moon so check out the dates of the new moon when you plan your visit. Full moon nights though hold their own beauty and walking home by moonlight is one of the many magical experiences to be had on Sark.
The island’s o by Sark Astr bservatory is run onomy Socie ty situated near St Perer’s c and is To join one of their sta hurch. r-gazing sessions en qu Visitor Centr ire at the Sark e - Tel 01481 832345.
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Mon Plaisir Stores
For all your groceries, fresh fruit & veg, local meat & homemade produce. Also Sark lobster & crab (cooked if you prefer) & local wet fish to order. Free deliveries 6 days a week. We’re opposite the Methodist Chapel
Self catering? Email your order to us in advance & it will be delivered in time for your arrival on Sark.
Aladdin’s Cave
A treasure trove of affordable gifts, souvenirs & holiday necessities on Mermaid Lane
Tel 07781 128912 www.sarkaladdinscave.uk
Sark Life the magazine for
people who love sark
Tel 01481 832600
Email home.deliveries@monplaisirstores.sark.gg
Available quarterly on Sark & Guernsey or subscribe online to have it delivered
www.smallislandpublishing.sark.gg
Shopping on Sark A visit to Sark doesn’t mean going without a little retail therapy whether you’re looking for a souvenir, a gift or simply keeping the larder stocked up if you’re self catering. We have two food shops with a wide range of fresh produce and groceries and both will deliver to your door. (Order in advance if you’re coming to stay and your groceries will be waiting for you when you arrive.) Sark even has its own hair and beauty salon if you need a trim or a little pampering. There aren’t any cash machines on Sark but we do have a branch of HSBC Bank and some shops offer a cash back service. The Post Office runs a Bureau de Change and their shop, the Gallery Stores, is a miniature emporium selling everything from books, toys and phones to hardware,
gardening supplies and pot and pans. If you need a kitchen sink, they will order one in for you! Most of Sark’s shops are in the centre of the village, known as the Avenue, but don’t forget about Mon Plaisir, the grocery shop that’s a little further to the west near the Methodist Chapel. They have a wide range of frozen and fresh foods, local fish and shellfish to order and Sark meat. Just outside the village in the other direction is Aladdin’s Cave with its wide range of gifts and holiday essentials (including rain coats for those occasional days when the sun doesn’t shine!) and, if you enjoy tracking down a bargain, check out the Professor Saint Charity Shop in the Avenue that raises thousands of pounds for Sark’s medical fund.
Sark Post Office & Gallery Stores Celebrating 50 years of family business
Sark souvenirs & postcards E gifts E stationery E fishing tackle soft drinks, sweets & ice-creams E hardware E housewares Mobile phone sales & top ups E Bureau de change E NatWest banking services Open Monday to Saturday (& Sundays in summer) Tel 01481 832078 30
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Sark, Good for the Body & Soul
When the last ferry of the day pulls away from the harbour, a sense of utter peace descends on Sark. The tractors are parked up, the carriage horses are turned out to rest and the Avenue and the Coupée, bustling by day, are deserted. For anyone in need of a break from the noise and pace of everyday life, staying on Sark gives you the chance to savour this, the real magic of the island, with acres of unspoilt natural beauty and the time and space to enjoy 32 32
it. Take a stroll along the west coast to watch the sun set, see the sun rise from Sark Henge before an early morning run or simply put your feet up, admire the view and listen to the sounds of the birds and waves at any time of the day. For something more organised, visitors are always welcome to join the Sark Yoga group. They meet three times a week and hold outdoor classes when the weather allows in the evenings or early mornings.
They also run yoga and mindfulness workshops with visiting teachers. If you fancy something a little more energetic, the Sark Running Club also welcomes visitors. They meet for evening and weekend runs and mostly run on the cliff paths. For the ultimate sporting challenge how about the Sark Triathlon or the Sark Ten, both of which take in the island from one end to the other. The going may be tough but the views are stunning!
After your exertions, head down to Stocks Hotel where they offer a full range of massage sessions, including hot stone massages with pebbles from Dixcart beach, as well as aromatherapy and Reiki treatments. Whether you need a serious physical workout or a spiritual tonic, Sark is the perfect destination – it really is good for the body and soul. For more information on the above organisations and events visit www.sark.co.uk and Facebook.
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Main image © NikeUK/Stocks Hotel
Running the Sark Ten
Guided walks to discover Sark’s wildflowers 23rd April to 7th May
This year’s theme is weddings 25th May to 1st June
With races & a walk around the coast to suit all ages & abilities 2nd June
A celebration of the island’s delicious produce & cuisine Throughout June
Sheep Racing & Carnival
A weekend of live music, great food & family events 6th to 8th July
A weekend of fun & games for all the family 20th to 22nd July
Candles on the Creux
Oddsocks
Outdoor Theatre The Tempest 20th August Romeo & Juliet 21st August
A charity event that lights up the old harbour 11th August
Opera Sark
For full details of these & other events on Sark visit www.sark.co.uk 34 34
July
Sark Summer Festival
Sark Roots Festival
Live music, great food & fascinating workshops 14th to 16th Sept
June
Sark Ten
A Taste of Sark
August
Occupation & Liberation 30th March to 10th May
World class opera in the stunning surroundings of Sark 5th to 12th Sept
May
Sacrecrow Trail
Heritage Festival
April
Wildflower Fortnight
Sark Triathlon
A challenging race of swimming, running & cycling around Sark 7th April
September
Events on Sark this year
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Discover the flavours of Sark One of the joys of visiting anywhere new is trying out the local cuisine and food lovers won’t be disappointed on Sark. As an island it’s not surprising that seafood features high on most menus. Local fishermen use pots to catch lobsters and crabs, and with a closed season for five months over the winter, the stocks are protected from over fishing. You can have an equally clear conscience if you choose fish as the delicious bass, pollack, bream, turbot and other fish landed on Sark are all done so from the small boats that make up the island’s tiny fleet. Scallops are another delicacy from local waters and, with a ban on dredging, Sark scallops are only taken by divers which means there is absolutely no damage done to the seabed or other marine life. Meat eaters are in for a treat too with delicious pork, beef and lamb raised on the island. Eggs are also produced on Sark both by a small-
Discover the Restaurant at Stocks 36
scale commercial operation and by many of the islanders themselves. Home-raised hen and duck eggs feature in many a Sark breakfast and you will see them for sale outside several houses. Bee-keeping is also popular here and, with all of the widlflowers to feed from, the local honey is a real treat. Sark’s climate also lends itself to growing fruit and vegetables. There are two commercial growers supplying fabulous fresh, seasonal produce all year round and many residents enjoy growing their own. Some locals offer preserves, fruit and vegetables for sale outside their homes with honesty boxes to place the money in, a system known as hedge veg in the Channel Islands. Diets certainly go out of the window on Sark but then again, with all the lovely fresh air, walking and cycling, it’s easy to work up an appetite.
man sher fi k r eret Sa Cart e D an Jord 37
Clos De Vaul Creux
Guest House, Restaurant & Tea Garden
Sark Island Hall
Breakfasts, snacks & lunch - Monday to Saturday Evening meals Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Don’t miss our famous fish & chips on Friday nights (eat in or take away) & our delicious Sark crab baguettes at lunchtime Tel 01481 832666
La Marguerite Tea Garden Open 12.30 to 5pm daily
Delicious homemade cakes freshly baked every day & marvellous Sark cream teas all served with fresh coffee or loose leaf tea. Just two minutes walk from the top of Harbour Hill Tel 01481 832266 www.sercq.com
Fleur du Jardin Restaurant & Tea Garden The Avenue, Sark
Sit among the begonias & enjoy some of the most succulent seafood on Sark, or perhaps one of Joyce’s award-winning cream teas.
The perfect place to stay, relax, eat and drink with full liquor licence Accommodation 01481 832527, Restaurant 01481 832711 www.closdevaulcreux.co.uk Images © Leigh Thorburn (Gibbins), Clos De Vaul Creux Ltd - 2018
Le Vieux Clos
Licensed Restaurant & Beer Garden
Seating also available inside. For full details visit www.sark.co.uk/businesses Tel 01481 832255 Booking advisable for larger parties. Open from breakfast to dinner.
The
Mermaid Tavern Well-loved local tavern on Mermaid Lane Open 10 til late Tel 01481 832022
La Sablonnerie Hotel & Tea Garden
Little Sark’s award-winning hotel & restaurant
Delicious gourmet luncheons & superb Sark cream teas served in idyllic settings For reservations please call 01481 832061
• Food served all day • BBQs throughout • An ever changing the summer range of real ales
• All major sports shown
• Sheltered beer garden & picnic area
• Live music plus karaoke
• Private functions
• Open every day, • Child & dog friendly all year
01481 832052 info@bel-air.gg www.facebook.com/belairsark 38
Our menu includes local vegetables & meat, luscious Sark scallops, Mark’s fantastic Hungarian dishes, Sally’s Guernsey beanjar & traditional puddings. Parties & functions catered for. Dinner 6-8 most nights. Booking essential. Tel Sally 01481 832341 or 07781 453709 Mark 07781 419506
at La Seigneurie Gardens Open every day throughout the season. Cake, Pub style lunches & cream teas. Thursday to Monday evenings for super value suppers. Home-made local produce. Soups, Vegetarian selection, Cod, Crab Cakes, King Scallops, Lobster Thermidor, Salads, Local Lamb, Pork & Beef, Children’s selection, Strawberries & Clotted Cream.
Tel 01481 832209 www.hathawaysrestaurant.com 39
Getting to Sark From Guernsey
The Isle of Sark Shipping Company provides several passenger sailings a day between Guernsey and Sark. The crossing takes about 50 minutes. www.sarkshipping.gg Tel 01481 724059
From Jersey (& Normandy)
Manche Iles Express operate services from Granville and Carteret in Normandy to Sark, via Jersey, several times a week from April to September. www.manche-iles-express.com Tel 01534 880756
Travelling by sea to Guernsey or Jersey
Condor Ferries operate a regular service between the UK, departing from Poole and Portsmouth to Guernsey and Jersey before then sailing on to St Malo in Brittany. They operate high speed ferries and a conventional ship. www.condorferries.com Tel 0345 609 1024
Travelling by air to Guernsey or Jersey
There are flights to Guernsey operated by Aurigny and FlyBe. There are flights to Jersey operated by Aerlingus, British Airways, Easy Jet, Eurowings, Flybe, Flyskywork and Lufthansa.
Private boat charters
There are two boats offering private charters to Sark and trips from Sark to the other Channel Islands. Visit www.sark.co.uk for more information.
Coming in your own boat
There are free mooring buoys in Havre Gosselin and Grève de la Ville, limited space to dry out in Creux Harbour and plenty of beautiful bays to anchor in all around the island. There is no water taxi service so you will need to bring your dinghy to get ashore.
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Win a two-day break on Sark The prize includes a one night stay for two at Clos de Vaul Creux, a candlelit dinner for two at La Sablonnerie, two days bike hire from A to B Cycles and return ferry tickets from Guernsey courtesy of the Isle of Sark Shipping Company.
Staying on Sark
A day just isn’t long enough to explore the island and, of course, you need to stay overnight to experience Sark’s amazing night skies. There is a wide choice of accommodation to choose from to suit your budget from luxury hotels to campsites. There are several bed and breakfast venues and a whole range of self catering lets from cosy apartments for two to whole houses sleeping up to eleven. For more information visit the accommodation pages at www.sark.co.uk
Luggage
On arrival in Maseline Harbour there are carters (tractor drivers) who will deliver your bags direct from the boat to your accommodation so make sure your bags are labelled with your name and where you are staying. In Guernsey, Sark Shipping has a left luggage facility on the Inter Island Quay. Bags are left at your own risk and the facility is open during office hours or until the last boat has returned to Guernsey.
To complete your stay choose one from our menu of exciting activities
Jimmy’s Carting & Gardening Services
For all of your carting needs on Sark
Luggage, clearing, removals & more Tel 01481 832573 or 07781 410855 Email office@jimmyscartingsark.com www.jimmyscartingsark.co.uk
Hilary & David’s
•A round the island boat trip with George •An hour-long massage for two at Stocks Hotel •Coasteering or kayaking with Adventure Sark •A pottery lesson with Lorraine (your fired pots will be posted to you) •An hour-long carriage ride for two with Stocks Hotel •½ day watercolour painting lesson •½ day private guided walk with Rosanne Guille Answer the question below & return the form to the Sark Visitor Centre (Sark, GY10 1SB), drop it in the box in the Sark Shipping office in Sark or Guernsey or send it to us by email (office@sark.co.uk) or Facebook (Sark Island). Entry forms available online at www.sark.co.uk & www.sarkshipping.gg Closing date 30th September 2018.
Where did you get your information Sark? (Please circle) A - Social media/Internet B - Printed material or brochure C - TV/radio D - Other (please specify)........................................................ Name...................................................... Telephone number................................................. Address.................................................................................................................................................. Email address....................................................................................................Age (optional)............ Which activity would you choose if you win?....................................................................................... For full terms & conditions visit www.sark.co.uk
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Le Hurel - Farm Cottage & Apartment Clos de Ménage - Country House Your perfect Holiday Destination Super for singles, perfect for pairs, great for groups, flexible for families. Sleeps 1 to 18.
Location - Handy Distance for shops, bars, restaurants & beaches. Breakfasts - Hearty & Delicious. Dinners - Home-cooked Dishes featuring Home-grown Delicacies.
Hilary 07781 462545 David 01481 832091 Email david.curtis@cwgsy.net 43
Les Ronche Apartment
La Grande Remise
La Vaurocque Domain Centrally heated self catering & guest house accommodation in a warm & peaceful atmosphere
Cottage-style self catering apartment, centrally located, ideal for couples Tel 07781 113827 Email andrew.prevel@suremail.gg
This newly renovated detached twobedroom south-facing bungalow is centrally located close to all amenities. Contact Cheryl Tonks Tel 07781 128629 Email sarkseahorse@gmail.com
The Annexe
Coin de Grive
Pretty annexe with a double & single room in the north of the island, fully equipped with pation garden. Tel 01481 832077 Email sarkannlong@icloud.com
Accommodation in four double rooms with two bathrooms. Located near the village & Dixcart Bay. Contact Ian Willis Tel 07943029103 Email williscambridge@yahoo.co.uk
Porquoi Pas
Guest house & self catering
Beautiful Scandinavianstyle log cabin by La Coupée at Caragh Chocolates. Secluded with great sea views & heated pool. 4 bedrooms, sleeps up to 11 Email saca@cwgsy.net Tel 01481 832414 or 07781 132260
Beau Vista II In a rural setting, our cottages sleep two to six & are fully equipped to a high standard including multi-channel TV & wifi. Each has its own patio with garden furniture. La Vaurocque was one of the original forty properties settled by Helier de Carteret in 1565. Proprietor Mr John Donnelly
Tel Vivianne 07781 100130 or Jeannie 07781 192958 Email bookings@sarkholidays.com www.sarkholidays.com
Centrally located but quiet bungalow with lovely views over the fields to the sea. Tel 01481 832955 www.beau-vista.com Email booking@beau-vista.com
LA SABLONNERIE HOTEL LITTLE SARK
‘The place to stay in the Channel Islands’ Awarded Johansens Small Hotel of the Year That rare blend of simplicity & sophistication
For further details and reservations call Elizabeth Perrée La Sablonnerie Hotel, Sark Via Guernsey, C.I. GY10 1SD Tel (01481) 832061 Fax (01481) 832408 reservations@sablonneriesark.com www.sablonneriesark.com
Our own horses and carriages are available for hire 44
www.closajaonsark.com
Tel 07781 170968 45
www.sercq.com
La Marguerite Guesthouse Small, family run B&B close to the top of harbour hill
Le Vieux Clos
Licensed guest house & restaurant
L’Ecluse
Secluded cottages nestled in a large, private, sheltered garden surrounded by woodland
Tel 01481 832266 Email suzette@cwgsy.net
Notre Desir Guesthouse
Cosy accommodation off the beaten track on the way to the lighthouse. Tel 01481 832205 zoe_adams@yahoo.co.uk
La Valette Farm
Self catering situated to the east of the island sleeping 6 in an old farmhouse Tel 01481 832205 zoe_adams@yahoo.co.uk
Centrally situated, a comfortable friendly & well-equipped guest house. We provide a splendid breakfast complete with homemade bread & preserves. Peaceful secluded garden perfect for a chilled wine or a Sark-brewed beer. Join us for a relaxing stay.
Contact Sally Hutchins Tel 01481 832341 or 07781 453709 Email vieuxclos@cwgsy.net www.levieuxclos.co.uk
Sue’s Bed & Breakfast
The perfect place for settling into Sark life. Enjoy a Sark cream tea on arrival, use of your own lounge & our award-winning garden Tel 01481 832107 Email sueguille@hotmail.com www.suebnb.com
Round The Island Boat Trips
With George & Morgan Guille - the ideal way to see Sark’s seabirds, dolphins & caves Call 01481 832107 or 07781 112502 46
Four well-equipped self catering cottages sleeping two to five people, one with its own private patio & use of the garden. Facilities include library, TV, DVD & WiFi plus hairdryer, iron & board & use of washing machine. Travel cots & high chairs available. Weekly prices range from £495 for 2 to £875 for 5 guests & includes luggage transfers from the harbour & breakfast pack. Contact Mary Teer on 01481 832468 Email lecluseselfcatering@gmail.com 47 47
La Carriére
Comfortable & secluded self catering cottage for 3. South facing with superb views overlooking a valley to the distant sea j.baker@cwgsy.net www.baker.sark.gg Tel 01481 832002
Clos de Saignie & Clos de L’Ecluse Wing
Peaceful, comfortable & secluded self catering both with stunning sea views & all you need for a perfect stay on Sark. Sleeps 8 & 2.
Port es Saies & Dower Cottage
Two charming self catering cottages on the west coast. Both sleep up to 4 & are fully equipped, peaceful & private. baker.sark@cwgsy.net www.baker.sark.gg Tel 01481 832112
Le Vallon d’Or
Comfortable, two-bedroom self catering apartment for four at a sensible price with wifi, garden & barbeque. Just a short walk from the Avenue, yet convenient for Dixcart & Derrible bays.
Email willabel@cwgsy.net Tel 01481 832440
Tel 01481 832653 Email le_vallon_dor@cwgsy.net
The Garden Apartment
Clos Princess Bed & Breakfast
The Cottage
Pomme de Chien Self Catering
Situated just above Dixcart Valley & Bay. Great location with lovely views. www.pommedechien.com
Tel 07781 403355 Email rangjill@hotmail.com
Sark Visitor Centre
We have all the information you need about Sark as well as different exhibitions, internet access, toilets & a cosy reading area. Our friendly staff are always on hand to answer your questions. We’re at the end of the Avenue, just 5 mins walk from the top of Harbour Hill.
Email office@sark.co.uk Tel 01481 832345
Camping on Sark For the adventurous traveller camping out under the fabulous starry skies is the perfect way to enjoy your stay on Sark. The island has two campsites. La Valette is on the east coast near the lighthouse and has wonderful sea views and Pomme de Chien is near the beautiful Dixcart valley. Both have plenty of room for playing games and offer fully equipped, preerected tents or pitches for you to put up your own tent as well as wooden glamping pods. With modern shower and toilet facilities, both of Sark’s campsites offer a great way of spending time on Sark for families and other visitors who enjoy the great outdoors.
La Valette Campsite
Fabulous sea views & modern washing & toilet facilities. Bring your own tent or hire one of our pre-erected fully equipped tents including our new wooden glamping pods.
Pomme de Chien Camping & Glamping site
Tel 01481 832202 www.sercq.com
Fully equipped frame tents, site only & glamping pods. Free hot showers & large playing area.
www.pommedechien.com
Tel 07781 403355 Email rangjill@hotmail.com
The Loft Apartment
All with 4 Star Gold Awards
Luxury self catering accommodation. Centrally located, family run & set in the secluded, private gardens of Clos de la Tour. Book online at www.closdelatour.gg Email apartments@closdelatour.gg Tel 07781 132216
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Cottage style accommodation with downstairs en suite bedrooms. Centrally located, reasonable prices. Contact Linda Williams Tel 07781 430136 lindawilliams@cwgsy.net www.closprincess.sark.gg
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Hotels
Staying on Sark
Tel +44 (0) 1481
B & B pppn from/to
Half board pppn from/to
La Sablonnerie
832061
£48 to £165
£78 to £195
Stocks Hotel
832001
£67.50 to £162.50
£97.50 to £192.50
Guest Houses
Tel +44 (0) 1481
B & B pppn from/to
Number accommodated
Blanchard House
07781 From £50 400449
4
Clos de Ménage
david.curtis@cwgsy.net
07781 462545
£40 to £65
10
5
Clos de Vaul Creux
832527
£65 to £85 £45 to £65
14
£45 to £60
2
1 2
3 28
15 17 6
25 21
8
11
19
16 2
4 27 22
14
12 18 20 26
9 7 13 5 23 3
Email reservations@sablonneriesark.com Email reception@stockshotel.com
www.blanchardhouse.vpweb.co.uk
www.closdevaulcreux.co.uk
elsieg@cwgsy.net
07781 430136 07781 101923
La Marguerite
832266
£48
8
8 Le Vieux Clos
832341
£40 to £50
14
9 Notre Desir
832205
£48
4
10 Pourquoi Pas
07781 132260
£70 to £100
11
11 Sue’s B and B
832107
£48
7
6 Clos Princess 29
24
10
www.closprincess.sark.gg
6 Dunromin 7
www.sercq.com www.levieuxclos.co.uk www.sercq.com
1
saca@cwgsy.net
sueguille@hotmail.com
Scale - 6cm = 0.5mile
For more information on all accommodation on Sark visit the island’s website at www.sark.co.uk Prices listed are a guide only - please contact the establishment directly to find out the best available rates & any special offers they may have. Dogs accommodated by prior arrangement 50
8
7
Type
Tel +44 (0) 1481
Weekly rate from/to
Number accommodated
12 Beau Vista II www.beau-vista.com
Bungalow
832955
£350 to £560
3
13 Chez Nous
Bungalow
07781 170968 07781 170968 07781 170968
£980 to £2100 £1225 to £2625 £1050 to £2275
6
Self Catering
www.closajaonsark.com
14 Clos a Jaon - La Grange
House
14 Clos a Jaon - Le Grand
House
www.closajaonsark.com www.closajaonsark.com
8 6 51
Self Catering
Type
14 Clos a Jaon - Le Friquet
House
14 Clos a Jaon - Le Petit
House
15 Clos d’Ecluse Wing
Clos de Ménage
Tel +44 (0) 1481
Weekly rate from/to
Number accommodated
19 Port es Saies
Cottage
832112
£495 to £610
4
4
10 Pourquoi Pas
Chalet
£495 to £520
2
26 Pomme de Chien
2 Houses
07781 462545
£900 to £1800
2-10
27 Stable Cottage
House
832440
£800 to £1,800
2-8
28 The Annexe
House
07943 029103
£800 to £1,500
8
Cottage
832112
£575 to £710
4
Campsites
07781 132216 07781 132216 07781 132216
£630 to £1176
2-4
29 La Valette Campsite
£630 to £770
2
26 Pomme de Chien & Glamping Pods
£630 to £1176
2-4
4 Cottages
832468
£495 to £875
2/4-5
Cottage
832002
£395 to £495
3
Weekly rate from/to
Number accommodated
07781 170968 07781 170968
£980 to £2100 £630 to £1400
10
Wing
832440
House
15 Clos de Saignie 16 Coin de Grive
www.closajaonsark.com www.closajaonsark.com willabel@cwgsy.net
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david.curtis@cwgsy.net willabel@cwgsy.net williscambridge@yahoo.co.uk
17 Dower Cottage
baker.sark@cwgsy.net
18 Clos de la Tour - Garden Apt. www.closdelatour.gg
Apartment
18 Clos de la Tour - Loft Apartment Apartment www.closdelatour.gg
18 Clos de la Tour - The Cottage www.closdelatour.gg
15 L’Ecluse
lecluseselfcatering@gmail.com
19 La Carrière
j.baker@cwgsy.net
20 La Grande Remise
sarkseahorse@gmail.com
9
La Valette
www.sercq.com
Cottage
Bungalow
07781 128629
£650
4
Farmhouse
832205
£900
6
07781 100130 07911 718999 07781 462545 07781 113827
£500 to £1,500
2-6
£250 to £450
2
£560 to £1120
2-6
£390 to £420
2
21 La Vaurocque Domain
9 Cottages
22 Le Hurel Studio Apartment
Studio apartment
www.sarkholidays.com lehurelsark@live.co.uk
22 Le Hurel Farm Cottage
Cottage
23 Les Ronche Apartment
Apartment
24 Le Vallon d’Or
Apartment
832653
£550 to £750
3-4
2 Studios 1 Cottage
832940
£550 to £800
8
david.curtis@cwgsy.net
andrew.prevel@suremail.gg le_vallon_dor@cwgsy.net
25 Petit Beauregard
(breakfast by arrangement)
info@petitbeauregard.com
52
Self Catering
Type
Tel +44 (0) 1481
baker.sark@cwgsy.net saca@cwgsy.net www.pommedechien.com cunneen@cwgsy.net sarkannlong@icloud.com
www.sercq.com
www.pommedechien.com
07781 132260 07781 403355
£1960
11
£450 to £1100
4&6
Cottage
832038
£450
2
Apartment
832077
£490
3
Adults per night
Children per night
832066
£10
£5
832316
£9
£5
Discover Sark is a joint publication by the Isle of Sark Shipping Company Ltd & Sark Tourism Designed by Sue Daly LRPS To advertise contact office@sark.co.uk
The Gouliot headland in spring, Sark’s Ramsar site 53
Useful information Arriving on Sark
When you arrive by ferry walk through the tunnel from Maseline Harbour to catch the tractor bus, known locally as the Toast Rack, up the Harbour Hill. (If you’re feeling energetic you can take the footpath.) You can also take the bus back down the hill to meet your ferry. It departs half an hour before every scheduled sailing.
Horse & carriage tours
The carriages will be waiting at the top of Harbour Hill when you disembark the tractor bus and this is the best time to catch one. They will take you around the island on either a one-hour or two-hour tour. If you are feeling romantic, you could always hire a private carriage to give you a personalised tour. For this you will need to pre-book. See page 8 for more information.
Can I bring my bike?
Bicycles can brought on the Manche Iles service from France and Jersey but they are not carried on the passenger boats from Guernsey. (Please contact the relevant ferry companies for more details.) There are three hire shops on Sark with bikes to fit all sizes as well as trailers for toddlers, tag-a-longs and even tandems. See page 10 for more information.
Electric bicycles & mobility scooters
To hire an electric bicycle or mobility scooter, you will need to show that you have a medical condition that limits your mobility. Your doctor will need to verify your need for an electric bicycle or mobility scooter. This process can take some time and we have a limited number of electric bicycles and mobility scooters to hire so it is advisable to plan this well in advance. Please contact the Visitor Centre for further information 01481 832345. Sark Constable (Emergency) 07781 101908 Sark Doctor’s Surgery 01481 832045
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