Welcome to Sark
From the moment you step ashore on Sark it’s obvious that life here is different. Beyond the hubbub of the harbour lies a world with a gentle pace of life; somewhere with the essentials of modern living but without the noise, crowds and commotion that goes with it elsewhere. There are no cars here; tractors are used just to deliver goods and for farming. Walking and cycling are the perfect way to really experience the great outdoors in all its glory; the stunning views, the scent of wild flowers, the warmth of the sun and, yes, the occasional splash of rain! If you like the more sedate mode of sightseeing, why not take a guided tour on a horse and carriage? Sark may be small, only 3.5 miles by 1.5 miles, but it is much more than just a tourist destination; we have a living, working community. We have our own government, a school and a resident doctor. For emergencies we have
ambulances and fire tenders, all pulled by tractor of course! We have no street lights and no light pollution so our night skies are magnificently clear, enabling you to see constellations and the milky way with the naked eye. We truly deserve our status as the world’s first Dark Sky Island. Sark has a fascinating history as you will discover further in this brochure but perhaps one of the more unique facts relates to Sark having been the last feudal system in Europe and remaining so all through the occupation of the Second World War. We only became a democracy in 2008 but have retained some of those ancient influences, including the feudal figurehead, our Seigneur, and if you join one of his house tours, you may even get to meet him. Whether you are here for the day or staying longer, we hope you enjoy your time on our very special island.
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Your Guide to Discovering Sark Contents
Map of Sark - 6 Getting to Sark - 8 Staying on Sark - 9 Explore by Horse Power - 10 Explore by Pedal Power - 12 Explore on Foot - 14 Explore Sark by Sea - 16 Discover Beaches & Rockpools - 18 Island Hopping - 20 Sark Artists - 22 A Brief History of Sark - 23 Discover Wild Sark - 24 La Seigneurie House & Gardens - 26 The Dark Sky Island - 28 Romantic Sark - 29 Explore Little Sark - 30 Discover the Flavours of Sark - 32 Creative Sark - 37 50 Years of Sark Shipping - 38 Good for the Body & Soul - 40 What’s Happening in 2019 - 42 Accommodation Guide - 44
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Walking Distances from the Visitor Centre
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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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Sark Scale - 6cm = 0.5mile
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Guernsey 50mins Guernsey 50mins
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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, Longanair and FlyBe. There are flights to Jersey operated by Aerlingus, British Airways, Easy Jet, Eurowings, Flybe, Flyskywork, Loganair and Lufthansa.
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.
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 visitors’ mooring buoys (yellow) in Havre Gosselin and Grève de la Ville (payment by donation at the Visitor Centre), 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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Staying on Sark
Accommodation 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 the back of this guide or go to 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.
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 well in advance. Please contact the Visitor Centre for further information 01481 832345.
Cash Machines & Money
There are no cash machines on Sark but some of the shops offer cash back when you make a purchase. There is a branch of HSBC Bank and some NatWest banking services at the Post Office. The Post Office also operates a Bureau de Change.
Useful Numbers
Sark Constable (Emergency) 07781 101908 Sark Doctor’s Surgery 01481 832045
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Explore byHorsepower
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Tours of Sark by Horse & Carriage
On an island without cars, a tour by horse and carriage is the perfect way to get acquainted with Sark. The gentle pace allows the driver plenty of time to tell you a little of the island’s history and our unique way of life as they point out some of the most interesting sights, and your elevated seating position offers a great view over the walls and hedges. There are two tours on offer; a onehour tour taking in the north of Sark, or a two-hour tour that covers most of the main island usually including La Coupée, the beautiful natural causeway that connects Little Sark to the main island. Most tours stop at La Seigneurie Gardens and carriages from La Sablonnerie also include Little Sark in some of their tours.
All of the carriage rides begin and end at the Colinette, the crossroads between the top of Harbour Hill and the start of the Avenue. When you get off the tractor bus at the top of Harbour Hill, if you are not with a tour group ask any driver if they are available and let them know what sights you would particularly like to see. The prices vary depending on the tour and the carriages can take between two and ten passengers. You can pre-book a carriage ride by contacting the operators before you arrive and the drivers also offer private tours and night taxis by prior arrangement.
Sark Carriages
Danny Wakley Carriages
Michelle Perrée 01481 832027
Stopping at the new café,
Shenanigans www.sarkcarriages.co.uk
For more information visit the Sark Tourism website at www.sark.co.uk
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
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AVENUE CYCLE HIRE LARGEST SELECTION OF CYCLES ON THE ISLAND CHILD TRAILERS, TAGALONGS & CHILD SEATS FAMILY DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
01481 832102 avenue.cycle.hire@cwgsy.net www.avenuecyclessark.co.uk
Avenue Cycles The Avenue Sark, GY10 1SF 12 12
See Sark on a Bike
Explore by Pedal Power
Whether you are here for a day or staying for longer a bicycle is the quickest way to explore Sark. With a pair 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. You can walk your bike over the Coupée then get back on to explore Little Sark and there are plenty of parking areas to leave your wheels and explore the smaller paths on foot. There are three bike hire outlets on Sark
offering cycles to suit all ages including tag-alongs for small children and child trailers where babies and toddlers can ride in comfort while an adult supplies the pedal power. Helmets are included if you would like one, as are baskets, and you can even hire a bicycle made for two. Should you wish to bring your own bicycle to Sark please contact the relevant ferry company for more details. (Manche Iles Express Tel 01534 880756, Sark Shipping 01481 724059)
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Sark’s tranquil lanes and footpaths are perfect to explore on foot allowing you to discover the island’s beautiful coastline, woodlands and countryside. For those with more energy there are steep descents to beaches, pebbly bays and hidden coves to test those leg muscles. Whichever you choose, the scenery is stunning every step of the way and there are plenty of places to rest and simply admire the view. 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 where you can also download our self-guided walks and explore on your own. 14 14
Explore On Foot
The footpath to Harve Gosselin
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Explore Sark by Sea
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If you love the sea, then Sark is the place for you. There are bays with sparkly clear water just perfect for swimming and, being an island, there’s always somewhere that’s sheltered on breezy days. If you prefer something more adventurous there are kayaking and coasteering trips on offer that take you to parts of the island you never knew existed as well as some trips to the Gouliot Caves, part of Sark’s Ramsar site. If you prefer to explore the coast without getting wet then you’ll enjoy a trip around Sark with George Guille and his son Morgan aboard their boat, the Non Pareil, which was built on Sark and launched in 1982. When conditions allow the trip includes a visit to some of the island’s sea caves including the beautiful Moie du Mouton cave which the boat was designed to fit into almost right to the back. You will also see Sark’s fabulous rock formations, archways and secluded bathing spots as well as hearing about island life and its history. George and Morgan also share a passion for Sark’s wildlife and will show you the puffins, razorbills and guillemots that are here until mid July as well as the resident fulmars, oystercatchers, kestrels, buzzards and peregrine falcons. You might even encounter some of the bottlenose dolphins that occasionally play in the bow waves of the island’s boats, the perfect companions for a boat trip around Sark.
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Velvet Swimm in
g Crab
nes Beadlet Anemo
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Dixcart Bay
Sea Urchin
Discover Sark’s Beaches & Rockpools 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.
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Channel Island Hopping
The Channel Islands are easy to get to from the British mainland and Europe and they all have a unique character, making each one an exciting new adventure. So why visit just one when you can see them all?
Guernsey
Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm form the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Guernsey is a great place to start your explorations. The island has a relaxed rural feel and sweeping sandy beaches. The harbour of St Peter Port is one of the prettiest in Europe, overlooked by grand Georgian buildings and decorated with spectacular floral displays. As the second largest of the Channel Islands there is plenty to explore.
Alderney
From Guernsey you can take a short flight with Aurigny to Alderney, the most northerly Channel Island. It’s famous for its beaches, historic forts and wildlife, including blonde hedgehogs and two spectacular gannet colonies. Its capital is St Anne, a pretty little town with cobbled streets.
Herm
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From Guernsey’s main harbour you can take the Trident ferry to Herm, the nearest and smallest of the four islands. The ferries run frequently every day and take only 20 minutes. Herm is well known for its white
sandy beaches and its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot.
Sark
Guernsey is also the perfect starting point for your trip to Sark with several ferries running daily by the Isle of Sark Shipping Company. The crossing takes just 50 minutes and there’s always the chance to spot dolphins, puffins or guillemots along the way. Once on the island you can take a horse and carriage tour or follow the pretty footpaths through wooded valleys and along the rugged coastline with stunning views of the other Channel Islands and France.
Jersey
From Sark it’s easy to travel on to Jersey with the Manche-Iles express ferry service, arriving in the capital of St Helier less than an hour later. Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands and is renowned for its great shops and restaurants, not to mention the amazing Elizabeth Castle, the underground German hospital and Gerald Durrell’s Jersey Zoo.
France
Once you’re on Jersey your adventure need not end because there are excellent links to the French ports of Granville, Carteret or St Malo with Manche-Iles or Condor Ferries.
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Sark Artists
Happy Valley, Sark, by Rosanne Guille MA (RCA)
For hundreds of years artists have been inspired by the beauty and tranquillity of Sark. In 1832 Turner sketched the stunning natural architecture of the Coupée and Sark’s cliffs and in 1859 the French poet and novelist, Victor Hugo, spent two weeks on the island. He was passionate about exploring Sark’s coastline and caves and was particularly enchanted by a large cave near Havre Gosselin that he named after his son, although these days it is known as the Victor Hugo cave. During this time Victor Hugo wrote copious notes for his novel, Toilers of the Sea, and it’s thought that much inspiration for the story came from Sark. Half a century after Victor Hugo’s visit the painter William Toplis arrived on Sark on holiday, fell in love with the island and spent the rest of his life here painting its rugged coastline in intricate detail. In the 1930s the artist and teacher Eric Drake established the Sark Group on the island, inspired by the artists’ colony at St Ives in Cornwall. The Group built a stylish two-storey
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studio and gallery at the west end of the Avenue that opened with its first exhibition in 1933. The building, with its elegant curved roof, is still in use today as the Gallery Stores and Post Office. One of the artists in the Group was the writer and illustrator Mervyn Peake who lived on Sark for several years with his wife, the painter Maeve Gilmore, and Peake’s quirky novel Mr Pye was set on Sark. Later in the 20th century Sark’s seascapes and countryside also inspired artists Ethel Cheeswright and Margaret Waller and today the island continues to provide inspiration for a new generation of artists, as seen in the work of Sarkees Rosanne Guille and Martin Remphry. Rosanne studied at the Royal College of Art and produces beautiful watercolours and charcoals of Sark’s landscapes and wildlife. Martin studied at Camberwell College and specialises in illustration work. He provided the wonderful images for our island hopping feature on the previous pages and our cover artwork.
A Brief History of 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 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, the northern-most tip of the island. 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 and the forty original plots of land that the island was divided into, called Tenements, still exist. Sark Henge, seen below, 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, and our current Seigneur offers tours of the house. The German Occupation left few physical remains, compared to the huge fortifications and sea walls on the other Channel Islands, but the terrible impact 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.
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Discover Wild Sark Although Sark is one of the smallest Channel Islands, the lack of any extensive built areas here means that there’s much more space for wildlife and its compact size makes it easy to move around the island to discover it. Spring brings the first natural treasures as the early wildflowers start to bloom. The hedgerows are brightened by celandines, primroses and violets as early as February and are followed by frothy swathes of wild garlic a month later. From mid April the bluebells add their haze of intense purple-blue to the natural pallet. They thrive on Sark, both in wooded areas, such as the Harbour Hill and Dixcart Wood, and on the cliff tops. One of the best places to enjoy them is the Gouliot Headland, Sark’s Ramsar site. This is
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Sand crocus
also a great place to spot the tiny sand crocus, one of the rarest plants in the British Isles, which open their petals on sunny days in April. As the weather warms a host of other wildflowers bloom and to celebrate this natural abundance the last week of April to the first week of May have been designated as Wildflower Fortnight with a series of guided walks led by local experts. Spring also brings the arrival of Sark’s puffins, guillemots and razorbills that spend most of the year way out at sea and return to land only to breed. All three breed on L’Etac, an islet just south of Little Sark and guillemots and razorbills also use a couple of other sites around the island. The largest guillemot colony in the Channel Islands is on one of Les Autelets, dramatic rock stacks close to Sark’s west coast. From the footpath above Port du Moulin you can get a lovely sight of this colony and these guillemots, as well as the puffins
and razorbills, can be seen on the round the island boat trips. Each pair of these three species lays just a single egg and once the chick is old enough to fend for itself, usually by the middle of July, both the chick and its parents leave land and head back out to open water. Great green bush-cricket
Puffin
If you arrive on Sark too late in the summer to see the puffins, razorbills and guillemots there are still plenty of other birds to enjoy. Oystercatchers and fulmars live here all year round as do several pairs of kestrels, buzzards and peregrine falcons and the spring and autumn offer the chance to spot interesting migrants. Insect lovers won’t be disappointed on Sark either. With the wealth of wildflowers and low levels of cultivation, bugs, butterflies and moths abound. Among our most special butterflies are the silver-studded blue (seen at the bottom left of this page) and the large tortoiseshell, both species that are now extremely rare on the British mainland. Our most spectacular insect is probably the great green bush-cricket, the male of which produces a magical churring sound on late summer nights as he calls for a mate.
The most magical wildlife on Sark are the bottle-nose dolphins that can be seen anywhere around the coast and occasionally accompany the ferries that ply between Sark and Guernsey. Their appearances are erratic. Sometimes they are seen for several days running then disappear for a week or two but whenever they do appear they bring a smile to the face of all that see them. Bottle-nose dolphin
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Explore La Seigneurie House & Gardens La Seigneurie has been the home of Sark’s Seigneurs and Dames for almost two hundred years and the house itself dates back to 1675. Over the centuries it has evolved with each successive Seigneur adding extensions, towers and ornamentations to create the enchanting building we see today. In 2016 Major Christopher Beaumont became Sark’s 23rd Seigneur and decided to open
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the house to the public for the first time. He personally leads most of the tours which allow a chance to explore this intriguing house and learn about the fascinating history of Sark and its Seigneurs. The tours take place on selected days and numbers are limited so booking in advance is essential. For more information email housetours@ laseigneuriedesercq.uk
The house is surrounded by extensive gardens and woodland including one of the finest walled gardens in Europe. The high granite wall provides shelter for many plants and shrubs from much warmer climes, such as the Australian bottlebrush and New Zealand tea tree, and there are extensive rose gardens and a Victorian glass house. 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 cafÊ and bistro, Hathaways, named after Sibyl Hathaway, the Dame of Sark until 1974. It’s the perfect place to end your exploration of these
enchanting gardens. There is also a civil wedding venue in a beautiful old building called the Chapel, the perfect place for a fairytale wedding with use of the gardens for the photographs and a marquee available for receptions. 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 the Sark Visitor Centre on 01481 832345. Tours can be arranged for groups on other days if requested in advance.)
www.laseigneuriegardens.com Tel 01481 832208
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The World’s First Dark Sky Island
In 2011 Sark was designated as the world’s first Dark Sky Island by the International Dark Sky Association due to the island’s lack of light pollution. On a clear night over seven thousand stars are visible with the naked eye and the pale glow of the Milky Way stretches from one horizon to another. To experience this spectacular natural display, time your visit for when there is little or no full moon, and don’t
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forget to bring your torch because once the sun sets Sark really is very dark. 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. For a closer view of the moon, galaxies and planets you can visit Sark’s observatory. Call the Sark Visitor Centre on 01481 832345 to find out how to book a stargazing session.
Romantic Sark With a choice of venues for your service and reception, stunning scenery for photographs and the added bonus of horse drawn transport, Sark is a wonderful wedding destination. With a change in the law a few years ago you now need only three days residency on the island to be married here and there are two resident wedding photographers, a hairdresser and beautician on the island to supply all you need for your big day.
CHURCH WEDDINGS
There are two churches offering religious ceremonies, St Peter’s Church and Sark’s Methodist Chapel. The Reverend Karen Le Mouton is only too happy to guide you through the arrangements that need to be made for your wedding ceremony in either church. (Tel 01481 832040 Email karenlemouton@gmail.com)
CIVIL CEREMONIES
There are several venues for civil
ceremonies on Sark. The Assembly Room is a lovely old stone building near the centre of the island where Sark’s government meets and the court is held. Stocks and La Sablonnerie Hotels are able to host civil wedding ceremonies as well as receptions in their beautiful grounds and buildings. Both also have their own horsedrawn carriages. The Island Hall is also a civil wedding venue and offers receptions inside the main hall or outside in a marquee. The beautiful old building at La Seigneurie known as the Chapel is also a wedding venue and caters for weddings with up to forty guests. Couples are able to have their photographs taken within the Seigneurie Gardens and there is a marquee by the main house for receptions. For any civil ceremony on Sark you will need to contact the island’s Greffier, Trevor Hamon, to obtain a licence and fulfil the other legal requirements. (Tel 01481 832012 Email greffier@gov.sark.gg)
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The illusive Venus Pool
ney Silver mine chim
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Explore Little Sark The southern end of the island is called Little Sark and is connected by a dramatic isthmus of rock called La Coupée, seen below. This ridge is three metres across, just wide enough for a tractor or a horse and carriage, and is 80 metres (262 feet) above the sea. Once you cross this beautiful natural feature there are miles of tiny lanes and footpaths to explore with stunning views of the rugged coastline with its inlets, caves and coves. La Fontaine Bay, named after a spring located nearby, is particularly well known for its views and is a lovely spot for swimming. Another magical feature is Venus Pool, a pool deep enough to swim in that is uncovered about two hours either side of low water. It’s a challenge to find and only for the sure-footed but it’s a natural treasure that’s well worth seeking out.
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 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. Little Sark is also the site of 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 and tea garden, for a cream tea or lobster lunch in the beautiful setting of their gardens.
Megalithic dolm en
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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
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
AJ’s Restaurant & Tea Garden The Avenue, Sark
Open daily for breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas, evening meals & take aways. Home-made cakes, Sark crab & lobster & local ale.
Tel 01481 832580
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
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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 caught by the island’s tiny fleet as are diver-caught scallops. Meat eaters are in for a treat too with delicious pork, beef and lamb raised on the island. Eggs are also produced on Sark with home-raised hen and
duck eggs featuring in many a Sark breakfast and you will see them for sale outside several houses. Beekeeping 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.. 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.
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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 CafĂŠ Breakfast 9 - 11.00, Lunch 11.30 - 2.30, Afternoon teas until 4pm Tea, coffee & cakes, delicious homemade soup, toasties, fresh Sark crab & sandwiches
Evening meals Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Friday nights, fish & chips both eat in or take away
Corporate events & BBQs catered for WiFi
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The Maple Bar Open Monday to Saturday until 10pm
Tel 01481 832666 info@sarkislandhall.co.uk
La Société Sercquaise SARK HERITAGE ROOM at the Visitor Centre
Library, archives & records, history, exhibitions & displays, family history, archaeology & natural history. Also exhibitions & events during the summer in the Cider Barn on the other side of the lane. Open weekdays 11am to 1pm, Free entry
Sark Post Office & Gallery Stores
Sark Souvenirs & Postcards E Gifts Stationery E Fishing Tackle Soft Drinks E Sweets & Ice-creams Hardware E Housewares Mobile phone sales & top ups Bureau de change NatWest banking services
Open Monday to Saturday (& Sundays in Summer) Tel 01481 832078
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.
01481 832052 info@bel-air.gg www.facebook.com/belairsark
Tel 01481 832600
Email home.deliveries@monplaisirstores.sark.gg
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Inspired by Sark Vitreous enamel & fine silver jewellery made on Sark by Sue Daly, for sale at Sark Glass Take Two on the Avenue To contact Sue - Tel 01481 832175 Email suedalysark@icloud.com
Sark Life the magazine for
people who love sark
Available quarterly on Sark & Guernsey or subscribe online to have it delivered
www.smallislandpublishing.sark.gg
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Creative Sark
Sark has a thriving creative scene with all kinds of knitters, stitchers, spinners and makers at work year round. The island also has a resident potter and three silversmiths, some of whom you can see at work in their various studios. Many of these crafts people sell their work through Coumme-Nous, Sark’s arts co-operative that has a shop and exhibition area. We also have our own award-winning chocolatier on Sark, Caragh Couldridge, who creates a delicious range of hand-made chocolates in her chocolate kitchen near the Coupée where you can see her at work and buy her confectionary. If you would like to try your hand at something creative while you’re on
Sark there are pottery classes on offer at Lorraine’s Pottery in the Avenue and watercolour artist Rosanne Guille offers one-to-one outdoor painting lessons. The Sark Tapestry Weaving Project always welcomes visitors with a chance to try your hand at weaving and help with a stunning three-piece tapestry (seen below) that was begun two years ago featuring the island’s coastline. To celebrate the island’s creativity there is a new event for this year, Creative Sark, a fortnight-long celebration of local arts and crafts that runs from the 1st to the 15th June. For more details visit www.sark.co.uk
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Fifty Years of Service
For most visitors to Sark their first real taste of island life is the sea crossing from Guernsey but for those of us who live here the service offered by the Isle of Sark Shipping Company means so much more. Not only is it our link to Guernsey with its shops, medical facilities and airport but it also brings our supplies. Everything from letters and parcels to food, furniture, fuel and building materials; it’s all loaded up, shipped over and taken up Harbour Hill by tractor and trailer to be delivered. This connection is bolstered by the fact that the Isle of Sark Shipping Company is owned by the island, the only shipping company in the British Isles that belongs to those it serves and which receives no outside subsidies. The service began in Victorian times when increasing wealth and the expansion of the railways opened up the new business of tourism. The first ships were paddle steamers that ran excursions from Jersey and Guernsey during the summer. On high water they could moor in Creux Harbour but at other times anchored outside and the passengers were ferried ashore in
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smaller boats. Steamers replaced the paddle ships and there was no shortage of shipping companies willing to take on the lucrative summer trade between Sark and Guernsey but the government of Sark, Chief Pleas, was concerned about the lack of a reliable winter service. In 1949 they took the bold move of issuing a single licence for the route, in effect making it a monopoly. This protected the busy summer trade from competition for just one company in return for a reasonable service for islanders through the winter. On 1st October 1969 the Isle of Sark Shipping Company took over the service and in 2004 sole ownership was acquired by the island. Today they employ a staff of 22 including skippers, engineers and those who staff the office in Guernsey and Sark. They carry around 5,000 tonnes of cargo a year and over 51,000 return passengers to Sark. Most importantly for the people who live here they service the island year round and, in all but the most extreme weather, the tough little blue boats ply between Guernsey and Sark, the island’s lifeline service.
Sark Yoga
Tai Chi Weekend
(end of April)
Feldenkrais Weekend
(end of June)
Sark is the perfect place to calm the mind and find ease in the body. Come and join in during your holiday. Mats available. Mixed ability flow classes and qigong weekly. See Sark Yoga FB for class times. Private and bespoke classes available to book
Contact Caragh on Sark Yoga or at the chocolate kitchen
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Sark, Good for the Body & Soul Even at the height of the summer season there is always a piece of Sark that you can claim as your own, a secluded spot where you can relax, unwind and still your mind as you watch the sun set. To help wash away the stresses of normal daily life, enjoy a therapeutic massage from Stocks Hotel’s resident holistic health practitioner. The treatments include aromatherapy and Reiki sessions as well as the use of hot stones from the island’s beaches and can help calm, energise and relieve anxiety. Harmonise body and soul by joining a class or two with Sark’s Yoga Group. Visitors are always welcome to take part and there are classes to
40 40
suit all levels with outdoor sessions when the weather allows. The Group practices different types of yoga from the sedate and calming Tai Chi to the more vigorous Power Yoga as well as mindfulness classes. For those who find peace of mind with a more aerobic form of exercise (and an excuse to eat more carbs!) why not run the beautiful lanes and coastal footpaths with Sark Running Group? So 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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Images Rosalie La Trobe-Bateman & © NikeUK/Stocks Hotel
What’s Happening in 2019 Sark Triathlon
Chi Running Weekend
A challenging race of swimming, running & cycling around Sark 13th April
Learn how the principles of t’ai chi help running 12th to 14th April
Wildflower Fortnight
Scarecrow Trail
Guided walks to discover Sark’s wildflowers 22nd April to 6th May
Creative Sark
This year’s theme is celebrating fifty years of Sark Shipping 24th to 31st May
Sark Ten
A fortnight-long celebration of local arts & crafts 1st to 15th June
With races & a walk around the coast to suit all ages & abilities 29th June
Sark Folk Festival
Sheep Racing & Carnival
Three days of live music, great food & family entertainment 5th to 7th July
A weekend of fun & games for all the family 26th & 27th July
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Sark Summer Festival A weekend of live music, great food & family events 9th to 11th August
Pop Up Lantern Trail Starlight lantern parades popping up throughout the summer
Opera Sark World class opera in the stunning surroundings of Sark Between 2nd to 10th Sept
Halloween at La Seigneurie Spooky fun for the whole family at La Seigneurie 31st October
Oddsocks
Outdoor Theatre at La Seigneurie A Midsummer Night’s Dream 19th & 20th August
Build-a-Boat Race Fun for all the family in Creux Harbour 7th & 8th Sept
Autumn Walking Week
7 days of guided walks to explore Sark on foot 23rd to 30th Sept
For full details of these & other events on Sark this year visit
www.sark.co.uk
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Staying on Sark 17 21 4
9 11
22
24
2
7 25 18
5
15
20 12
19 23 26
6 16 3
8 14
27
13
10
1
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.
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1
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
Hilary & David’s
20
5
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 45
24
La Vaurocque
Porquoi Pas
Guest house & self catering Scandinavian-style log cabin
Standard & superior self catering accommodation in a warm & peaceful atmosphere
The Old Forge Self catering Traditional granite cottage
Both by Caragh Chocolates with great sea views & heated pool. Email saca@cwgsy.net Tel 01481 832414 or 07781 132260 10
12
La Vaurocque was one of the original forty properties settled by Helier de Carteret in 1565. Our cottages sleep two to six people & are fully equipped to a high standard including multi-channel TV & wifi.
Tel 07781 132060 or 07781 100130 Email bookings@sarkholidays.com www.sarkholidays.com
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www.closajaonsark.com Tel 07911 710976 Email info@closajaonsark.com
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Beau Vista II
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
4
Clos Princess Bed & Breakfast
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
7
Le Vieux Clos
Licensed guest house & restaurant
Centrally situated, a comfortable friendly & wellequipped guest house with secluded garden. We provide a splendid breakfast complete with homemade bread & preserves. Evening meals using local produce wherever possible are available most nights - booking essential.
Contact Sally Hutchins Tel 01481 832341 or 07781 453709 Email vieuxclos@cwgsy.net www.levieuxclos.co.uk
Sue’s Bed & Breakfast
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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 07911 764246 Email sarkboattrips@gmail.com www.sarkboattrips.com
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17
L’Ecluse
Secluded cottages nestled in a large, private, sheltered garden surrounded by woodland
Four well-equipped self catering cottages sleeping two to five people, all with private patios & 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 £850 for 5 guests & includes luggage transfers from the harbour & breakfast pack. Contact Mary Teer on 01481 832468 for further details 48
Clos de Saignie & Clos de L’Ecluse Wing
13
Le Vallon d’Or Self-catering, sleeps four
Peaceful, comfortable & secluded self catering both with stunning sea views & all you need for a perfect stay on Sark. Sleeps 8 & 2. 17 Email willabel@cwgsy.net Tel 01481 832440
19
The Garden Apartment
The Cottage
Comfortable accommodation at a sensible price Situated a short walk from the Avenue yet in a peaceful and relaxing setting, nestled in an idyllic rural valley. The property lies close to the village and is convenient for Dixcart and Derrible bays. A self-contained two-bedroom apartment with sitting room, kitchen/ dining room, bathroom, garden & barbeque. Linen & free wifi provided. Telephone Lynda Higgins 01481 832653 Email le_vallon_dor@cwgsy.net
The Loft Apartment
Port es Saies & Dower Cottage 22
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
22
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
La Carriére
Comfortable & secluded self catering cottage for 3. South facing with superb views overlooking a valley to the distant sea
21
j.baker@cwgsy.net www.baker.sark.gg Tel 01481 832002
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1
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
3
Clos De Vaul Creux
Guest House, Restaurant & Tea Garden
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
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18
Coin de Grive
23
La Grande Remise
Accommodation in four double rooms with two bathrooms. Located near the village & Dixcart Bay with stunning views. Contact Ian Willis Tel 07943029103 Email williscambridge@yahoo.co.uk
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
Pomme de Chien Self Catering
Camping on Sark
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Situated just above Dixcart Valley & Bay. Sleeps 4. Great location with lovely views.
www.pommedechien.com
Tel 07781 403355 Email rangjill@hotmail.com
15
Clos a Jaon
For the adventurous traveller camping out under the fabulous starry skies is the perfect way to enjoy your stay on Sark. The island has three campsites all with modern shower and toilet facilities and plenty of space for children to run around, a great way of spending time on Sark for families and other visitors who enjoy the great outdoors. (Camping on Sark is ony allowed on designated camp sites.)
Luxury Glamping Site
Fully-equipped luxury bell tents including electricity, fridge & heater
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Pomme de Chien Camping & Glamping site
Each tent sleeps 6 to 8 Laundrette & BBQ area on site Contact Vanessa Clarke Tel 07911 710976 www.closajaonsark.com Email info@closajaonsark.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
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1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Hotels
Accommodation Directory Numbers relate to the location map on page 44
La Sablonnerie
Email reservations@sablonneriesark.com
Stocks Hotel
Email reception@stockshotel.com
Guest Houses Clos Princess
www.closprincess.sark.gg
H & D’s Clos de Ménage Country House david.curtis@cwgsy.net
La Marguerite
suzette@sercq.com
Le Vieux Clos
www.levieuxclos.co.uk
Notre Desir
Petit Beauregard
www.petitbeauregard.com saca@cwgsy.net
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Type
12 Beau Vista II www.beau-vista.com
Bungalow
14 Chez Nous
Bungalow
info@closajaonsark.com
15 Clos a Jaon - La Grange info@closajaonsark.com
£70 to £140
£105 to £175
Bungalow House
£48 to £165
B & B pppn from/to
07781 430136
£65 to £85 £45 to £65
832266
£50
£78 to £195
Number accommodated
14 7
£40 to £65
2-10
832341
£45 to £55
14
832940
£75
10
£50
7
07781 462545
07781 132260
10 Pourquoi Pas
room@mrhesters.com
832001
832061
832205
zoe_adams@yahoo.co.uk
13 Bungalow Bill
Half board pppn from/to
832527
www.closdevaulcreux.co.uk
Self Catering
B & B pppn from/to
Tel +44 (0) 1481
Clos de Vaul Creux
11 Sue’s B and B sueguille@hotmail.com
Tel +44 (0) 1481
832107
£48 to £50 £70 to £100
8 4
11
Tel +44 (0) 1481
Weekly rate from/to
Number accommodated
07781 161010 07911 710976
£2,030
6
0777 358440
07911 710976
£350 to £420
£1,127 to £2,415 £1,407 to £3,017
3 6 8
Self Catering
15 Clos a Jaon - Le Grand info@closajaonsark.com
15 Clos a Jaon - Le Friquet info@closajaonsark.com
15 Clos a Jaon - Le Petit info@closajaonsark.com
16 Clos de Chanterelle room@mrhesters.com
17 Clos de L’Ecluse Wing willabel@cwgsy.net
17 Clos de Saignie
willabel@cwgsy.net
18 Coin de Grive
williscambridge@yahoo.co.uk
16 Clos d’Iris
room@mrhesters.com
19 Clos de la Tour - Garden Apt. www.closdelatour.gg
19 Clos de la Tour - Loft Apartment www.closdelatour.gg
19 Clos de la Tour - The Cottage 5
www.closdelatour.gg
H&D’s Clos de Ménage Country House david.curtis@cwgsy.net
20 H&D’s Le Hurel Studio Apartment lehurelsark@live.co.uk
20 H&D’s Le Hurel Farm Cottage david.curtis@cwgsy.net
21 Dower Cottage
baker.sark@cwgsy.net
17 L’Ecluse
Tel 01481 832468
22 La Carrière
j.baker@cwgsy.net
23 La Grande Remise
sarkseahorse@gmail.com
Type
House House House House Wing
House
Cottage House
Apartment Apartment Cottage House
Studio apartment Cottage
Cottage
4 Cottages Cottage
Bungalow
Dogs accommodated by prior arrangement
Tel +44 (0) 1481
Weekly rate from/to
Number accommodated
07911 710976 07911 710976
£1,127 to £2,415
10
832440
£1750 £495
6
07911 710976
07781 161010
£1,204 to £2,611
£721 to £1,610
6 4 2
832440
£600 to £2,000
07781 161010 07781 132216 07781 132216 07781 132216 07781 462545 07911 718999 07781 462545
£3850
14
£630 to £770
2
07943 029103
832112 832468 832002
07781 128629
£800 to £1,600 £630 to £1,176 £630 to £1,176
8 8 4 4
£900 to £1,800
2-10
£560 to £1,120
2-6
£250 to £450 £575 to £710
1-2 4
£495 to £850
16
£520 to £695
4
£400 to £505
3
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8
Self Catering La Valette
zoe_adams@yahoo.co.uk
24 La Vaurocque
www.sarkholidays.com
13 Le Vallon d’Or
le_vallon_dor@cwgsy.net
25 Mr Hesters 9
room@mrhesters.com
Petit Beauregard
(breakfast by arrangement)
info@petitbeauregard.com
22 Port es Saies
baker.sark@cwgsy.net
10 Pourquoi Pas
Type
Tel +44 (0) 1481
Weekly rate from/to
Number accommodated
9 Cottages
07781 100130
£500 to £1,500
2-6
07781 161010
£2,800
6
House
16 Vine Cottage
room@mrhesters.com
Campsites
£550 to £750
6
2-4
£600 to £800
2/4 per unit
Chalet
07781 132260
£1,960
11
House
07781 132260
£270 to £360 per night
6-8
832112
Cottage
07781 403355
House
www.pommedechien.com
£900
832940
2 flats/ cottage
26 Pomme de Chien saca@cwgsy.net
07781 100574
Cottage & Apartment
saca@cwgsy.net
10 The Old Forge
832205
Farmhouse
Cottage
27 La Valette Campsite lavalette@cwgsy.net
07781 161010
£495 to £610 £450 to £850 £1,540
4 4 4
Tel +44 (0) 1481
Adults per night
Children per night
07781 403355
£9
£5
26 Pomme de Chien & Glamping Pods www.pommedechien.com
15 Clos a Jaon Luxury Glamping Site info@closajaonsark.com
Sark Visitor Centre
832066
07911 710976
£10
£5
£80 per tent per day (Each tent sleeps 6 to 8)
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
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Discover Sark is published by Sark Tourism. Contact details as above & at www.sark.co.uk Cover artwork by Martin Remphry Design & photography by Sue Daly
Discover the heart of Sark...
Discover Stocks Hotel!
Stay at Stocks and enjoy the finest traditions of island hospitality accompanied by luxurious creature comforts.
~
Open all day, every day for
morning coffees, “dip & dine� poolside lunches, afternoon cream teas & delicious evening meals.
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