A Guide To The Isle Of Sark

Sark – the third smallest Channel Island – is a pocket-sized gem. And with nearby Guernsey and Jersey stealing a lot of the limelight, the isle is a slice of undiscovered paradise boasting stunning landscapes, a rich history, friendly locals, and much more. But things may be about to change. Best-selling author J. K. Rowling announced earlier this year that part of her upcoming novel, the eighth in the Cormoran Strike series, will be set on Sark. So now is the perfect time to visit the island, while it’s firmly under the radar for most travellers.

A Guide To The Isle Of Sark

Stocks Hotel (Ben Fiore Photography)

Where To Stay

Check into Stocks Sark Island Hotel & Restaurant for a taste of island luxury. Sark’s oldest property, the hotel boasts a long history of hospitality with roots going back to the late 19th century. Housed in a series of traditional stone buildings (the oldest a farmhouse dating back to the mid-18th century), the 23-bedroom hotel has a traditional and intimate feel. A gourmet restaurant, a bar and a stunning pool area can all be found onsite, the latter perfect for recovering after a day of discovering the island. Traditionally decorated, the elegant property and welcoming staff make you feel as though you are staying at a friend’s countryside retreat, and Stocks’ ambiance and home-away-from-home feel atmosphere make you wish you could stay just another night (or maybe two, or three). We loved the kindness and flexibility of the staff who went out of their way to make our stay extra special. When staying at the Stocks, don’t miss the traditional granite cider press in the garden and the mulberry tree by the pool, which is said to be the oldest in the Channel Islands.

BOOK IT: Double rooms at Stocks Hotel (Guernsey, Dixcart Ln, Valley GY10 1SD) start at £165 per night, based on two people sharing a Superior Double Room. Minimum two night stay. Book at stockshotel.com or call 01481 832001.

What To See & Do On Sark

La Coupee (Chris George Photography/Coast Media)

La Coupee

The Isle of Sark is divided into two regions, Big Sark and Little Sark, separated by a narrow natural causeway high above the sea called La Coupee; it’s one of the most famous sights on the island and makes for great pictures. And don’t let the sheer drops on both sides put you off: the land bridge is made safe by barriers on both sides. This wasn’t always the case and locals will tell you of schoolchildren crossing La Coupee on their hands and knees on days of strong winds before the safety barriers were added.

Grande Gréve

You’ll need to face a steep descent from La Coupee via 360 cliff-side steps to experience Grande Gréve, but it will be worth your endeavors. The bay is gorgeous with sensational sea vistas and a mighty sunset if you get there at the right time.

(Visit Guernsey/Chris George Photography/Coast Media)

Hire A Bike

Being car-free makes the island a haven of peace. But if you want to maximise your visit, get on two wheels. We hired ours from Avenue Cycles. You can choose from traditional or e-bikes. Child seats are available. avenuecyclessark.com

Sark Carriage Tour

There’s no better way to see Sark and learn about its history than hopping on a horse and carriage tour of the island. The wonderful Danielle from Sark Carriages was a sensational guide, serving up anecdotes and stories that brought the island’s life, past and present, to life. sarkcarriages.co.uk

Sark Seigneurie Gardens

La Seigneurie Gardens

Don’t miss a tour of what is considered one of the finest gardens in the Channel Islands. La Seigneurie House & Gardens (La Seigneurie, Sark GY10 1SF) are within the walls of a 17th-century manor, and the island’s climate means many plants thrive here, making it a must-see on Sark. If you’re travelling with the family, look out for the mini maze inside the garden: your little ones will love it. laseigneuriedesercq.uk

The Window In The Rock

This is another great place for a photo opportunity. A peaceful 25-minute walk (or six minutes by bike) from Stocks Sark Island Hotel & Restaurant, the Window in the Rock is a square hole cut into the cliff, which frames a sensational view of the island’s west coast.

Guided Donkey Walk

Discover another side of the island by embarking on a walk with Sue and Lucy and their donkeys Florence and Ruby. The adventure takes up to two hours and you’ll be treated to some stunning island vistas and interesting titbits about Sark. suedalyproductions.com

Sark Ferry

Boat Trip

Sark Boat Trips offers two-and-a-half hours excursions around the island. You’ll have a chance to explore the island’s bays and coves and spot some of the island’s marine life, including cormorants, guillemots, puffins and more. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot dolphins and seals. sarkboattrips.com

Dixcart Bay

A trip to Sark’s best-known bay, accessible via a peaceful walk through Dixcart Woods, is another must-do. We loved the pebble beach nestled by towering cliffs. It also tells you just how undiscovered Sark still is: despite being one of the most popular places on the island, we had the beach to ourselves.

Venus Pool

This natural rockpool on Little Sark might not be the easiest to access (you’ll have to follow the cairns while scrambling down the headland), but you’ll be pleased to have made the effort. Get there within two hours of low tide for the best experience.

Where To Eat

Stocks Restaurant

Open for dinner to residents and non-residents alike, the main dining room at Stocks Restaurant (Dixcart Ln, Valley GY10 1SD) is ideal for a romantic evening. Expect a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere in a plush oak-paneled room lit by candles. As for the food, you can look forward to tasty treats made from the island’s best produce. The kitchen works with local fishermen and farmers, and sources ingredients from the hotel’s permaculture garden, the island’s first.

Stocks Restaurant (Ben Fiore Photography)

Time & Tide

A warm bistro-style eatery on The Avenue (the island’s main street), head to Time & Tide (The Avenue GY10 1SB) for a chilled evening with homely food, livened up by the chatter of friendly locals. Time & Tide strives to source local food, including seafood, meat, and more.

Hathaways

Situated within the grounds of La Seigneurie Gardens, Hathaways (Rue de La Seigneurie GY10 1SF) is the perfect pit stop when visiting the island’s popular gardens. The menu featured crowd-pleasing dishes executed with care.

Hatters

Hatters (The Avenue GY9 0SD) is quirky Alice in Wonderland-themed bistro on The Avenue with a focus on local produce. The terrace tables are ideal for soaking up the sun at lunchtime.

Where To Shop

Caragh Chocolates

A must for everyone with a sweet tooth. A Sark institution, Caragh Chocolates (Sark GY10 1SD) has been around for over 20 years, making delicious choccies using the rich and delicious milk from the island’s cows. There’s also a café for a relaxing break on your way to Little Sark. caraghchocolates.com

Lorraine’s Pottery

A true local, Lorraine Nicolle was born on the island. Her studio, Lorraine’s Pottery (The Avenue Workshop, GY10 1SB, Guernsey) is conveniently located on the main street. Treat yourself to a hand-made souvenir from the island at this gorgeous shop. sarkpottery.co.uk

Sark Threads

This is another perfect opportunity to treat yourself to something special from the island. Amanda Vogan-Petrie’s weaving studio, Sark Threads (Sark GY10 1SE), is only a few minutes’ walk from Lorraine’s Pottery. There, you can find a selection of unique items such as shawls and scarves made from a variety of natural fibres. sarkthreads.com

How To Get To The Isle Of Sark

Hannah Giacardi travelled to Guernsey from Poole with Condor Ferries, which offers year-round ferries to Guernsey from Poole or Portsmouth from £30 per person, each way.

From Guernsey, ferries to Sark start at £19 per adult and £9 per child, each way, with Sark Shipping Company, which has a storage room to leave bags and explore Guernsey’s capital, St Peter Port, while waiting for the ferry.

Guernsey is also easily accessible by air from many UK airports. Saying this, sea travel will significantly decrease your carbon footprint, with the ferry journey generating only 5kg of CO2e per traveller for a roundtrip, compared to 289kg for plane travel.