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  • HOME | Isle of Sark

    A truly unique island destination. Nestled between England & France, Sark is known as the jewel of the Channel Islands. Car-free roads, quirky charm, stunning scenery & world renowned starry skies are just some of things that make Sark a one of a kind place to live and visit. DISCOVER MORE You have to see it to believe it The Isle of Sark boasts spectacular natural landscapes, complimented by charming historical architecture. DISCOVER NATURE HOLIDAY Inspiration Butterfly Spotting Sark boasts no less than 39 different species of butterflies! Next Wake up to Nature Discover accommodation in idyllic natural settings! Next Fresh Local Seafood From sea to plate, enjoy zero food miles seafood! Next OUR Event HIGHLIGHTS See More Creative Sark Market Craft Market in the Cider Barn, look out for the Banner. See More Creative Sark Come and join the unique workshops being held around the Island. See More Open Gardens Le Grand Dixart, and two other Gardens ,La Seigneurie & La Tour. LIFE ON Sark Do you wonder what it would be like to live on this beautiful island? Meet the locals, learn about our way of life and discover what makes Sark such a unique and wonderful place to live and work. MEET THE LOCALS QUESTIONS? Please browse our FAQs about Sark o r email the Visitor Officers. FAQs

  • EVENTS | Isle of Sark

    What's on Event List Browse all or filter by month AUG JUL JUN MAY NOV 01/05/24 Past and Present Past & Present photoes of Sark. May 1st -31st May 11/05/24 Book Launch Life Lives Beyond the Grave. tells the story behind the 111 German Servicemen. 17/05/24 Sark Yoga Retreat Unwind in Nature’s Embrace: Discover Serenity at our Sark Island Yoga Retreat 25/05/24 Creative Sark Market Craft Market in the Cider Barn, look out for the Banner. 29/05/24 Quiz Night Quiz Night,in aid of brining the Oddsocks to Sark! 01/06/24 Sark 10 Fun for all the Family! Come and enjoy the challenge, the fresh air and scenery. 05/06/24 National Theatre Live National Theatre Live presents Nye! one man's dream of the NHS. 07/06/24 Creative Sark. Creative Sark .Come and join the unique workshops being held around the Island. 08/06/24 Creative Sark Creative Sark .Come and join the unique workshops being held around the Island. 08/06/24 Open Garden Le Grand Dixart, and two other Gardens ,La Seigneurie & La Tour. will be opening. 09/06/24 Creative Sark Creative Sark .Come and join the unique workshops being held around the Island. 10/06/24 Creative Sark Creative Sark .Come and join the unique workshops being held around the Island. 11/06/24 Creative Sark Creative Sark .Come and join the unique workshops being held around the Island. 12/06/24 Creative Sark Creative Sark .Come and join the unique workshops being held around the Island. 13/06/24 Creative Sark Creative Sark .Come and join the unique workshops being held around the Island. 14/06/24 Creative Sark Creative Sark .Come and join the unique workshops being held around the Island. 15/06/24 Creative Sark Creative Sark .Come and join the unique workshops being held around the Island. 07/07/24 Carnival Sark Carnival, fun day, all welcome to have a Carnival day 20/07/24 Sark Sheep Racing With live music, sheep racing, food, drink, stalls and family friendly activities. 03/08/24 Folk'N Ale Have yourself some leisure. It's Folk'N Ale day, with Live Music. 04/08/24 Dog Show Family fun with dog competitions, pet tent, stalls, food and drinks and more! 10/08/24 OddSocks Julius Caesar as you've never seen it before. By the UK's best loved theatre company! 11/08/24 OddSocks Julius Caesar as you've never seen it before. By the UK's best loved theatre company! 25/08/24 Sark Sea Service Join the RNLI Lifeboat and the Flying Christine for the Sea Service! 26/08/24 Church Fete Family fun day with lots of games, activities, food and drink! 30/11/24 Creative Sark Market Christmas Market in the Cider Barn. Selling a variety of locally made art and gifts.

  • WALKING TRAILS | Isle of Sark

    Walking Trails around Sark The island is laced with many lovely walking trails that lead through woods, over headlands, down to bays and around quaint village lanes. Many routes can be easily joined together to walk the entire coastal circuit of Sark! Northeast Route East Route North Route Northwest Route Southwest Route West Route South Route Southeast Route YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... SHOPS AND ACTIVITIES FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

  • HISTORY | Isle of Sark

    Our History & Heritage Sark, as we know it today, was settled in 1565 by Helier DeCarteret from Jersey. Helier was granted a charter by Queen Elizabeth I to colonise the island and defend it against pirates and French invasion. Helier brought forty men to live on Sark and the island was divided into 40 tenements that are still present today. Helier became the island's first Seigneur and feudal ruler. Sark remained the last feudal state in Europe until 2008 when the island became a democracy. During WWII Sark was occupied, along with the other Channel Islands. The German soldiers arrived in 1940 and stayed until the island was liberated on 10th May, 1945, the day after Guernsey and two days after Europe was liberated. For nearly 5 years the locals and German soldiers lived side by side on this tiny island. Today, we think of Sark as being a mix of English, Norman French and Channel Island cultures. This fusion is evident in the island's traditional dishes, clothing, pastimes and perhaps most notably in Sark's Patois language, Sercquaise. Almost all of the island's house, street and landmark names are written in Sercquaise, albeit pronounced in an Anglicised accent. In this way and many others Sark is a juxtaposition of old and new, tradition & modernity, isolation & freedom. Historical Buildings & Sites From the Megalithic Dolmen to the modern Sark Henge, discover places of historical interest dating back throughout the centuries. DISCOVER Sark & the WW2 Occupation Sark was occupied for five years during the War, under the seigneurship of Dame Sybil, who insisted that the Germans respect the residents. DISCOVER Seigneurs & Feudal Rule Since 1565 Sark was ruled by a Seigneur (French for Lord). The island was the last feudal state in Europe, becoming a democracy in 2008. DISCOVER Archaeology on Sark For several years archaeologists from Oxford University, led by Sir Barry Cunliffe, have been unearthing Sark’s fascinating ancient history. DISCOVER Monks, Pirates & Folklore It is said that St. Magloire came to Sark and built a monastery, only for it to be destroyed by Vikings and the island taken over by pirates! DISCOVER Art & Language From Turner to Toplis, Sark has long been a muse for artists and more recently for linguists working to preserve our endangered patois, Sercquaise! DISCOVER YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... NATURAL ATTRACTIONS WAR-TIME EXHIBITION HERITAGE ROOM

  • THINGS TO DO | Isle of Sark

    Things to do Boating Boating for pleasure is a popular pastime for many locals and a favourite activity amongst visitors. Sark from the sea takes on a whole new form and there are many caves and creeks to explore that are not accessible by land. Boating also offers the best opportunity to spot marine animals such as dolphins, seals or puffins. Kayaking Book a kayaking excursion and weave your way around the island's 40 plus miles of unspoilt coastline, discovering hidden gems along the way. ​ Ka yaking is also one of the best ways to get up close and personal with Sark's marine life, in particular the many sea birds that can be found here. Coasteering If a bit of adventure is what you crave, coasteering could be the activity for you. Experience Sark like never before by scrambling, swimming and jumping along the coastline. ​ Local guides will assist you as you explore cave systems and creeks not accessible by land and have fun jumping and bobbing in the surf. ​ Excursions can be as high energy as you make them and tailored to suit different ages and abilities. Swimming & Snorke l ling Swimming is a big part of island life here, including wild swimming, which involves year round dips! The water may be cold but islanders swear by its invigorating and revitalising qualities. ​ Swimming spots around the island are endless, from shallow sandy bays to deep water creeks. Browse our beach guide for more detailed information. ​ The abundance of sea life and variety of colourful seaweeds makes snorkelling a great activity too. Fishing Fishing is another popular pastime for locals and visitors alike. In general, you can take your rod anywhere along the shoreline and try your luck! ​ P opular locations include Creux and Maseline harbours after ferry hours , L'Epercquerie and Havre Gosselin. Bespoke fishing trips can also be booked with some of the charter boats. Rockpooling Crabs, Shrimp and Starfish are just some of the fantastic creatures that can be found in the hundreds of rock and teddy pools that appear at low tide. ​ Bring a net and bucket to while away the hours admiring the beautiful flora and fauna that are normally deep underwater. ​ An informative leaflet about rockpooling is available from the Visitor Centre. Walking Sark is truly a walkers paradise. The endless trails, cliff paths and lanes take you to all corners of the island and allow you to create circuits that suit yo ur own ability. Panoramic sea views included! From brisk morning walks with a flask of coffee to active hikes with picnic lunches, leisurely sunset strolls for bat-spotting at twilight and late night stargazing outings, walking on Sark is a 24/7 favourite activity! Cycling Cycling is synonymous with life on Sark. For locals it is their daily mode of transport and for visitors it is an opportunity to enjoy the freedom of cycling on car-free, pollution-free roads . ​ Whether it's for pure enjoyment, exercise or to see more of Sark in a sho rter time, cycling is a must do activity for all ages visiting the island. Running Sark's car-free roads and many scenic trails and paths makes running a very attractive activity. ​ The main roads and lanes around the island are mostly flat and great for an easy jog, whilst the trails and paths include inclines and varying terra i ns for a more challenging run. ​ For some companionship along the way, the Sark Running Club meets regularly and is open to all. Clay Pigeon Shooting Whether you are looking to try out clay pigeon shooting for the first time or are a seasoned pro, shooting on Sark is a unique experience as not many ranges are located in such beautiful surroundings! Clay pigeon shooting is an exciting activity to try on your own or as something a bit different for groups and corporate days. Yoga With its peaceful atmosphere, relaxed pace of life and unspoilt natural landscape, Sark lends itself to the practices of Yoga and other well-being activities. ​ There are regular yoga classes throughout the year, both indoors and outdoors when the weather is fine, a s well as workshops and retreats upon occasion. Bird Watching Bird watching, along with butterfly and bat-spotting, can be enjoyed almost anywhere on the island whilst exploring or partaking in other activities. ​ Many different species can be spotted at different times of the year, making this a year-round activity. ​ Rare or interesting bird sightings are often logged on the dedicated Facebook page Sark Bird Sightings . Star Gazing Star gazing on Sark is a very unique and special activity. Many people who live among street lights wi ll have never seen the Milky Way or have experienced the wonder of true darkness with millions upon millions of stars overhead. You do not need a telescope to see the constellations, the planets or the craters on the moon. Just let your eyes adjust to the darkness or use regular binoculars. Make it extra special and visit the Sark Observatory. Guided Donkey Walks Meet Ruby and Florence, Sark's resident donkeys and enjoy a guided walk with these two lovely and charming four-legged ladies. ​ Walks can be short or long and can include a picnic lunch stop upon request. This activity is great for families or anyone who loves animals. Follow the Militia Trail Sark’s militia began in 1565 when Queen Elizabeth I granted Helier De Carteret the fief of Sark, upon condition that he swore loyalty to the English Crown and protected the island against foreign invaders. Helier set up the Quarantaine of his forty sub-tenants; who had to maintain a musket to defend the island. ​ Using an informative leaflet from the Visitor Centre, follow the Militia Trail and discover the remnants of Sark's defence fortifications dotted around the island. Follow the QR Code Trail The QR code trail is a series of small plaques at places of interest for historical information on the go! ​ Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone and read about the location whilst you explore it . ​ There are 20 QR codes in total, all clearly positioned and easily accessible. Guided & Self-Guided Walks Choose from a selection of self-guided walking routes that cover most of the island and cater to varying abilities. Check out the suggested routes here . ​ Upon occasion there are also guided walks taking place, including W ildflower walks in Spring and Occupation walks in the footsteps of commandos. ​ Visit our Events page to see what's on. Geocaching Geocaching is a treasure hunting game using GPS coordinates to hide and seek containers with other participants in the activity. ​ There are many geocaches hidden around Sark and the game can easily be played as you go around exploring the island. Learn how to play here . ​ This is a great activity for families as children can learn about reading coordinates whilst having fun! Sark Rocks Sark Rocks is a fun and free island-wide game of hide and seek with beautifully painted rocks. ​ As you explore the island, keep an eye out for these colourful creations and re-hide them in a different spot for the next person. See more here . ​ It is a great game to play with children on outings and anyone can add to the game with their own painted rocks too. Gift Shopping Sark has an abundance of skilled bakers, creators and all kinds of makers conjuring up a varied selection of locally made gifts and treats. ​ From home-made jams, chutneys, cakes and liquors, to knitted and hand-woven apparel, art, books, photography, jewellery and much more. ​ Most items can be found in the handful of shops in and around the Avenue. Or contact Creative Sark . Savour Sark Why not experience Sark through your taste buds by doing a crawl of the island's eateries and watering holes, savouring the many delicious eats on offer. ​ Most eateries use local produce wherever possible and this means a lot of fresh and seasonal fruit, veg, meat and seafood. It doesn't get fresher than zero food miles! ​ Visit our Food & Drink Facebook page for the latest offers and updates from Sark eateries. Arts & Crafts Workshops Throughout the year visitors may partake in classes and workshops on a whole host of activities. ​ From chocolate making to hand-weaving, pottery and watercolour painting, the selection is varied. ​ For a comprehensive list of workshops and what's on at different times of the year, contact Creative Sark . Sports Fantastic sports facilities can be found at the Island Hall and Community Centre. There is an indoor sports hall, snooker table, table tennis room and a full sized sports field outside. ​ Visitors are welcome to use these facilities year round, some incur small charges to rent the space. Find out more here . ​ For information on sporting clubs, events and activities visit the Sark Sports Club website. Archery Fun for all ages, archery is a great activity for small to medium sized groups. ​ Whether it's for skilled practice, a competitive game or just some social fun, pretending to be Robin Hood for a day is easy in a place like Sark! ​ YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... SHOPS AND ACTIVITIES FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

  • Historical Buildings & Sites | Isle of Sark

    Historical Bu ildings & Sites Creux Harbour T he original entrance to the bay was blasted through the rock in 1588 and still remains today. The main entrance, along with the protective harbour wall, was not built until 1866. Creux Harbour allowed easy access to Jersey which was important in the 16th century as Sark's first Seigneur originated from St Ouen in Jersey. ​ Today the harbour is mainly used by local fishermen & visiting boats. It is also a much loved swimming spot at high tide in the big natural pool. La Coupee La Coupee is an Isthmus of sedimentary rock connecting Big Sark & Little Sark. Until 1900 there were no railings and on windy days the school children would crawl over on their hands and knees. ​ During the Occupation the residents of Little Sark were sent to live on Big Sark so that the land could be planted with potatoes. People were allowed to return each day only to attend the crops and animals. ​ Following Sark's Liberation the captured German Prisoners of War were order ed to rebuild La Coupee, erecting the concr ete supports and handrails that we s ee today. The reconstruction took around 6 months. ​ La Seigneurie House La Seigneurie house dates from 1675 and has been home to two of Sark’s three Seigneurial families: the Le Pelleys (from 1730) and the Collings (from 1852), the latter being ancestors of the current Seigneur. ​ Over the centuries and under the whims of successive Seigneurs, La Seigneurie e volved into the house we see today. The result is a building of great character, with at least two ways to most rooms and no less than sixteen flights of stairs, excluding those to the tower! ​ Beside the residence there are two stone outbuildings, one of which is called the Chapel, and a dovecot erected by Dame Le Pelley in 1733 to house her pigeons. The Watchtower is Victorian, erected to allow for signalling between Sark and Guernsey. Le Manoir Helier DeCarteret found the ruins of this property when he landed on Sark in 1563. He rebuilt the house and carved his coat of arms into the stone, establishing Le Manoir as the original Seigneurie. Le Manoir remained as residence of the Seigneur until 1730 when Su san Le Pelley became Dame. Susan chose to remain in her residence at Le Perronerie, within the grounds of what is today La Seigneurie, and gifted Le Manoir to the Minister. It continued to be used as a vicarage until the 1930's when it was purchased as a private residence. Mantlet Half Tower Fro m the time of Helier DeCarteret in 1565 until 1880, Sark had its own militia. The militia consisted of ordinary citizens who were obliged to enrol for military duty on behalf of the English Crown. The Mantlet Half Tower was built around 1800 as a shelter for the person who set out the targets during shooting practice on L'Epercquerie Common. The shooters stood where the bike park is today, about 400m from the Manlet. ​ In the late 1990s the tower was struck by lightening and badly damaged but has since been rebuilt. Window in the Rock In 1853 Rev. William T. Collings became Seigneur of Sark, h is mother, Marie, having only been Seigneur for less than a year before her death. ​ Collings was keen o n improving the welfare of the community and sought to encourage the newly developed industry of tourism. To this end he had a window cut into the cliff, framing the view of Port Du Moulin Bay Arch and Les Autlets. By the 1870s, Sark had around 5k visitors a year. The Prison The original Sark Prison stood near to where St. Peter's Church is today. Over time it became dilapidated and by 1832 the Arsenal was being used as an interim prison, despite being entirely unfit for purpose. The little barrel-roofed two-celled prison we know today was eventually built in 1856 and is one of the world’s smallest prisons still in use. Judicial powers granted to Sark in 1583 allow a prisoner to be held for a maximum of two days. If the crime is severe enough to warrant further punishment the offender will be sent to Guernsey prison. Visitor Centre & Heritage Room The Visitor Centre was originally built as a Girls' School in 1841 by Seigneur Ernest Le Pelley . It was part of a project, envisaged by his brother, Pierre Le Pelley lll and Rev Cachemaille, whereby surplus money being generated by the new silver mining venture would be used to benefit Sark’s community. When foundations were dug it was discovered that this was in fact the site of the Island’s first cemetery. The Girls' School eventually became the co-ed Infant & Junior School until 2005 when the new school opened and it was turned into the Tourism Centre & Societe Sercquaise Heritage Room. Chief Pleas Building The Chief Pleas building was originally the B oys' School and later became the co-ed Senior School. Today the building houses Sark's court room and Parliament, Chief Pleas, which sat f or the first time in 1579, consisting of the Seigneur and the Tenants. Until the 1920s only the Tenants and the Seigneur had a seat in Chief Pleas. Residents appealed to the Lieutenant Governor in Guernsey and finally in 1954 12 People’s Deputies were elected. Sark remained the last feudal state in existence in Europe until 2008 when the Island changed its constitution to form a new democracy. The Mill Until the 20th century Sark’s economy was based on agriculture and a reli able mill was essential to sustain the original settlers. In 1571 Helier DeCarteret built this windmill, carving his coat of arms on the north lintel to signify the Seigneur’s right to a monopoly over the milling of grain. This may be the earliest date on a vernacular building in the Channel Islands. The Mill sits on Sark’s highest ground, at 110m above sea level where the wind blows freely. It has survived well, despite a fire in 1797 by locals protesting the Seigneur’s monopoly and decapitation by the German forces in 1940 to make a lookout platform. Restoration began in 1951 and was led by the artist Arthur Bradbury. Further restoration in the late 90s was needed to save the mill from further dilapidation. L'Eperquerie L'Eper querie Common was used by the Monks on Sark between the 6th and 14th centuries to dry fish and conger eels on wooden stakes. The old Norman French word for stake was ‘perques’, thus giving the area the name it still bears today. L'Eperquerie Landing was the main port until Creux Harbour was opened in 1588. The Landing was vulnerable to invasion from the French and as such the headland was fortified. Remains of the fort walls, square bastion, archway and guardhouse still remain. ​ At the time of the Occupation a family of 10 is said to have been living in the old guardhouse, La Garde. The Silver Mine Ruins ​ In 1834 Seigneur Pierre Le Pelley lll granted a 21 year mining concession for Sark. Mining began in 1835, mostly at Port Gorey where four shafts were sunk and a railway and jetty built. A rich seam of silver was struck but it was very narrow and did not last long. In 1839 Pierre drowned at sea and his brother Ernest took over as Seigneur. A brief period of prosperity followed but there was an ever-present need for more money and new pumps to prevent flooding. In 1845 a gallery ceiling collapsed and seawater flooded in, drowning ten miners. Legend has it that on the same day a ship loaded with Sark Silver was wrecked off the coast of Guernsey and all cargo lost. The ill-fated enterprise then came to an end, as did 120 years of Le Pelley Seigneurship when the family lost the Fiefdom of Sark as a result of the mining debts. St. Peter's Church ​ During the Napoleonic Wars, popular hostility and the rise of Methodism had undermined the authority of the Seigneur and his Mi nisters. A Sark Parish Church was conceived as a means of re-establishing the authority of Anglicanism in Sark. The Church was built in 1820 on what was once the site of a wooden tower housing the ‘Island Bell’, which now hangs at the Chief Pleas building. Funding came partly from the 40 Tenemant landowners who subscribed to the family pews, still in existence today. ​ Seigneur Reverend W. T. Collings had a keen interest in contemporary Gothic architecture and in 1877 he re-designed the east end with an ornate chancel and clock tower. The pulpit was installed in 1883 in memory of Reverend J.L.V. Cachemaille. Pilcher Monument On a stormy October evening in 1868 Agnew Giffard, his brother Walter, Russell Renouf, Dr. Gatehouse and J.G. Pilcher all set off for Guernsey from Havre Gosselin. They were warned it was too dangerous but tragically they did not take heed. The wreck of the gig was found seven miles from Dielette on the Normandy coast. Agnew's body came ashore in Havre Gosselin, Walter’s body was found in a small cave at the L'Eperquerie, Russell’s body was found in the Gouliot caves and two months later Pilcher’s body came ashore at Niton, Isle of Wight. The Doctor’s body was never found. The granite monument above Havre Gosselin was erected by Pilcher’s widow with an inscription warning others of the mighty power of the sea. Little Sark Dolmen The Little Sark Dolmen is a magnificent Megalithic stone structure over 3,000 years old, thought to be a sort of burial chamber. ​ More recent thinking suggests that dolmen sites were part of religious centres, brin g ing together scattered farms or settlements as a clan or family. Owing to the many burial sites found on Sark it is thought that the island as a whole was once a place of significant religious importance. Methodist Chapel ​ Sark's first Methodist Chapel was built in 1796 at La Ville Roussel. The working people of Sark had turned to the Methodists for moral leadership as they had become discontented with the feudal system and the Seigneural hold over the Church. However, by the 1920s the then owner of La Ville Roussel wished for the Chapel to be moved to a different location as the loud singing on a Sunday morning was too disruptive. ​ With permission from the English Crown, the land owner gifted a plot at the opposite end of the Island to the Methodists. In 1926 the Chapel was moved just under a mile to where it sits today. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... SARK ARCHAEOLOGY ART AND LANGUAGE MONKS, PIRATES AND FOLKLORE

  • Southwest Route | Isle of Sark

    Southwest Route Starts at Visitor Centre Ends at Visitor Centre Highlights are Historical Sites, and Pilcher Monument. The Route A leisurely stroll with 'monumental' view s! Begin your walk at the Visitor Centre. Follow the main road westward, past the historical buildings of Le Manoir and the Mill . At Vaurocque crossroad go straight through and continue walking, passing Beauregard duck pond . After the pond, follow the road to the left and then to the right after the stone cottage. Follow the road to Pilcher Monument for a rest stop at the picnic tables and to take in the magnificent views. Head back along the same road, this time following the path to the right of the stone cottage. Just past the cottage, turn right and follow the trail southward through fields with sea views. ​ ​ Where the trail meets the main road cross over and go straight down Dixcart Lane , taking a left at Stocks Hotel and passing the Smugglers Bar. Head up through the meadows back to the Visitor Centre. Distance 3 km Incline Fair Approx. Time 1 hour

  • ISLAND LIFE | Isle of Sark

    Island Life Meet the Locals Sark is a very unique place to live and work, as these locals who all wear many hats will confirm! Here's the low down on island life and all its quirks from those who know it best. Speaker of Chief Pleas Paul I moved to Sark with my family in 1979 when we purchased Stocks Hotel. My wife Jane and I married here at St Peter’s Church and with our 3 children spent many happy years in Sark running the hotel. As well as working at Stocks, I served as Sark Vingtenier and then Constable before standing for election as a Deputy of Chief Pleas in 1999. I remained a Deputy in the old, semi-feudal assembly of Chief Pleas for 9 years. In 2008, I stood in Sark’s first ever democratic elections and served as a Conseiller in the new assembly for 4 years. In 2017 I was elected to the role of Deputy Speaker of Chief Pleas before being elected to the senior position of Speaker from February 2023. All of these jobs and roles have allowed me to be an active member of the community that I care about. Head Teacher Michelle I was lucky enough to take the post of Head of Sark School in September 2022. Being from Guernsey, I have been visiting Sark since childhood and always loved the beauty and community of the island. When the post of Head came up I couldn’t resist applying. ​ Working on the island is an opportunity not to be missed! The seasons and nature play such a massive role in life here, from the dark skies to the animals and flowers on your doorstep. Our small school is like a family. Our pupils are kind, caring and above all happy. The environment is our learning space and what a beautiful one it is! ​ However, working in a small school means you play many roles. Nowhere else would I sit on the local parliament and have a say on policy. The school staff take on all the roles of an academic team, from leading subjects to locking up at the end of the day. It is always a varied day and never a dull moment. ​ Being the only school on Sark means that we also play a very integral and active role in the wider community and local events. This year we have hosted jumble sales, danced around the maypole and helped run a Liberation Day Street party, to name but a few! ​ It is a pleasure to be part of this community and to be trusted with the education of the next generation of Sarkees. Chocolatier Caragh My husband and I came to Sark in 1989 and instantly fell in love with Island life. Being near the sea and part of a community is such a privilege. I was always impressed with the quality of the dairy products so, although trained and working as a nurse, I decided to try making delicious chocolates with Sark cream. It took three years of trial and error but that was 30 years ago and we are still going from strength to strength! Along the way, we had five children. I was a founding member and active participant of Sark Playschool for almost 20 years. Later I trained as a yoga teacher and have taught yoga for the last eight years including enrichment classes at Sark School. ​ When we lost our Dairy in 2019, I joined the Dairy Trust to help fund and build our new dairy. I have also served on Children's Panel, as Constable, First Responder and managed care teams. ​ Not all the hats are work! I swim with the Sark Sea Sirens all winter, run with the Running Club and have a great book club group. Life is never dull here and raising a family was a joy. Constable Budgie Originally from Ireland, I lived and worked in England and Guernsey before moving to Sark with my wife in 2001 to take on the Bel Air Pub. In the early years I joined the volunteer Ambulance crew as I felt this was an essential service and something I could do for “my” island. I later joined the island's government, Chief Pleas, for a couple of years and left the pub life behind to start up an activities company called Adventure Sark, which I am still involved with today. Now I am in the role of Constable and as well as my Sark Police work I also look after an estate which involves building and garden maintenance. This makes life a real balancing act, especially in the Summer but during the winter it is easier and that’s when we do all our police training. Sark is a great place to live and work and explore. People always say "good morning", "hello" and "how are you". It has a real community feeling which I’m sure you won’t find in many places these days. Fireman Kevin Now which ‘hat’ shall I wear today? There goes the pager, so that’s decided it for me! ​ Variety is supposedly the ‘spice of life’. I love all my different jobs. Fire Chief, Prevot (Court Officer), church organist and choir master are the part time jobs, then my day jobs of agriculture, landscape work with diggers, road repairs, crushing stone, machinery repairs, fibreglass repairs of literally anything from tractor mudguards to boats to flat roofs. Even each individual job has variety, take the Fire Service, all the emergencies are different. One thing's for sure, I’ve never been bored! First Responder Sam I grew up on Sark and despite studying and working elsewhere it has always been home. Now I live here with my wife and children. My day job is running a building company but like many Sark residents I wear several hats, including Lead Member of the Island's Emergency Response Team. Myself and the other trained volunteers attend call-outs day and night, using an electric bike to transport the medical kit and be first on the scene for patients in emergency anywhere on the island. I've held many volunteer community positions over the years, including Constable, Conseiller and Sea Fisheries Officer, but being a First Responder and being able to help people when they need it the most feels like the best way for me to give back to my community. Interested in moving to Sark? Visit Sark Government or Sark Estate Agent Sark is a very unique place to live and work, as these locals who all wear many hats will confirm! Here's the low down on Sark Island life and all its quirks from those who know it best. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... SHOPS AND ACTIVITIES FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

  • Wildlife | Isle of Sark

    Wildlife on Sark Birds of Prey Visitors are often surprised to learn that we have several species of predatory birds living on and around Sark. Kestrels, Peregrines and Buzzards can often be seen swirling and swooping majestically above the meadows and bays. Harder to spot but equally as impressive to watch are the Barn O wls that reside in the woods, barns and other secretive places on the island. Sea Birds There is an abundance of sea birds that can be seen all along the cliffs, bays and rocky outlets around the island. These include Gulls, Fulmars, Guillemots, Gannets, Oystercatchers and the much loved Puffins. ​ Puffin season begins in late March and they can be spotted up until early July when they migrate on. ​ Boat trips and kayaking excursions offer the best opportunity to see these birds in action. Marine Animals There are some animals that always spark excitement when spotted and the large r marine animals found in Sark waters definitely have that effect. ​ Dolphins, Seals, Porpoises, Minky and Pilot Whales, Basking Sharks, Tuna and Sunfish are just some of the amazing creatures that live in Sark waters. ​ If you are lucky enough to sight one of these animals it will surely be a memory to last a lifetime! Small Mammals Cute but not necessarily cuddly, Sark is home to many small creatures such as Rabbits, Hedgehogs, Mice, Shrews, Rats and Bats . ​ Hedgehogs are not endemic to the island but were in fact introduced in the 1980s. ​ Sark has recently been taking part in the Bailiwick Bat Survey to help record numbers and raise awareness of our fury nocturnal friends! Butterflies & Insects Here on Sark we boast no less than 39 different species of butterflies, including the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and the Large Tortoiseshell. ​ It is beautiful to see these winged creatures adding splashes of colour to the foliage as you walk along trails and paths in Spring and Summer. ​ There has also been several specialist studies of the island's bees, wasps and beetles. Marine Life Sark boats a truly fascinating mixture of underwater species and a high level of marine biodiversity. ​ S ome of the sea creatures that live here, such as the Anemone Prawn and Black-face Blenny, are rarely seen around the coast of the British mainland. Other creatures, such as the Ormer, a large mollusc similar to an Abalone, is found only around the Channel Islands and the adjacent coast of France. Farm Animals As you wander around Sark, down lanes, through fields and over headlands you will be sure to encounter some of our resident farm animals. ​ Grazing Sheep, frolicking Lambs in spring, and happy munching Cows and Horses with stunning coastal backdrops are quintessential Sark scenes. ​ Golden Guernsey Goats can also be seen teetering precariously on the sides of cliffs whilst the Donkeys are often heard before they're seen! YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... GUIDE TO BAYS AND BEACHES SELF GUIDED WALKS SARK ISLAND FLORA

  • SEE & DO | Isle of Sark

    See & Do There is something for everyone on Sark. From leisurely strolls and carriage rides to thrilling adventure activities, explore the island at your own pace! What to See & Do From coasteering and boat trips to hand-weaving and chocolate making, there are activities to suit all energies and interests. Here's our comprehensive list of things to do on Sark, come rain or shine! Things to do Read More Sark has several unique attractions, from the impressive walled gardens of La Seigneurie to the island's community Dairy. Browse our list of attractions to visit during your stay. Attractions Read More From big sandy bays to pebbly coves, enchanting rock pools & turquoise creeks, Sark's beaches are as varied as they are beautiful. Here's our insider guide to all things swimming and beaching on Sark. Beach Guide Read More The island is covered in scenic walking trails that can be enjoyed entirely at your own pace. Here we have put together a selection of suggested routes of varying lengths and difficulty to suit all abilities. Walking Trails Read More Whether you are after a traditional cream tea, an alfresco lunch or a dinner made with local produce, there are many great eateries to suit all budgets. Browse our list for a taste of what's on offer. Eat & Drink Read More With so many makers, bakers and creators on Sark you can find a varied selection of locally made gifts and produce. Here is a selection of shops and activities available on the island. Shops & Activities Read More Sark holds events throughout the year but the main festivities take place between May and November, with highlights such as Sheep Racing Weekend and the Harbour Carnival happening in Summer. Events Read More Big fun for little ones! Sark has so much to offer children of all ages, with a host of outdoor activities on land and at sea to choose from. Just the freedom of cycling on car-free roads is a draw for many. Family Fun Read More Do you dream of an idyllic destination wedding in a unique location with stunning panoramic sea views at every turn? Sark may be the place you've been looking for! Here's our wedding inspo. Weddings Read More

  • TRAVEL BY SEA | Isle of Sark

    Ferry Travel Travel to Sark by ferry, direct from Guernsey and Jersey. Reach Guernsey and Jersey by ferry, direct from the UK or France. Guernsey to Sark Isle of Sark Shipping This regular passenger ferry service is the easiest way to reach Sark. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. In peak season, April to October, there are several sailings a day between Guernsey and Sark. In Winter, a reduced service runs daily boats Monday to Saturday and on some Sundays. Ferries depart from the Inter Island Quay at St Peter Port Harbour. Tickets can be booked online via their website, by telephone or from the Sark Shipping Office in Guernsey. ​ Please note: Luggage allowance on all sailings is 1 bag per person (15 kilos) plus hand luggage. Read more > ​ sarkshipping.gg / +44 (0) 1481 724 059 Jersey to Sark Manche Iles Express Manche Iles Express operate passenger services from Granville and Carteret in Normandy to Sark via Jersey. The journey from Jersey to Sark takes approximately 80 minutes . The service runs several times a week from April to September and tickets can be booked online or by telephone. Ferries depart from the port of St. Helier in Jersey. Please note that photographic ID is now compulsory for inter-island travel. ​ manche-iles.com / +33 (0) 825 131 050 Jersey to Sark Island s Unlimited Islands Unlimited are a new inter-island ferry service for 2024, offering day trips and multi-day stays in Guernsey, Jersey and Sark. In addition to foot passenger only sailings there are a number of package trips available, which include transport and activities on Sark. ​ The journey from Jersey to Sark takes approximately 80mins. Tickets can be booked online via their website. ​ Please note that photographic ID is now compulsory for inter-island travel. ​ islands-unlimited.com UK & France to Guernsey & Jersey Condor Ferries Condor Ferries operate a regular passenger and vehicle service to Guernsey and Jersey from Poole and Portsmouth in the UK and from St. Malo and Cherbourg in France. ​ The high speed ferries, Liberation & Voyager, run from Poole whilst the conventional Clipper ship runs from Portsmouth. ​ Journey times vary depending which ferry and route you choose. Tickets can be booked online via their website. ​ Please note that photographic ID is now compulsory for inter-island travel. ​ condorferries.co.uk / +44 (0) 345 609 1024 Charter Boats Charter boats offer private transfer between the Channel Islands and sometimes France. Here are a few local charter boat services. Water Taxi CI Sea Quest Water taxi service based out of Jersey connecting all the Channel Islands. Accommodating up to 12 passengers and operating all year round. +44 (0) 7700 806 552 Visit Site Alderney Ferry Services Causeway Explorer Established in 2022, this family business provides a lifeline regular ferry service and special charters for passengers between the islands of Alderney and Guernsey. +44 (0) 7781 119 796 Visit Site Jersey Seafaries RIB Charters Largest RIB operator in the Channel Islands. We run regular RIB boat trips, tours and charters around Jersey's magnificent coastline and offshore islands. +44 (0) 7829 772 222 Visit Site Buzz White Access Challenger Guernsey's most celebrated premier boat charter & maritime services since 1992. Offering tours, trips, charters and also boat parties for up to 12 people. +44 (0) 7781 147 477 Visit Site Ray Lowe Te Aroha Sark Skipper Ray has 30 years’ experience of inter-island, France and UK boating. Sark's only private charter boat is fully licensed to carry up to 12 passengers. +44 (0) 7781 149 696 Visit Site YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... INTERACTIVE ISLAND MAP SEE & DO AROUND SARK ISLAND HOPPING FROM SARK

  • VISITING BOATS | Isle of Sark

    Visiting Boats With visitor moorings at two locations, Sark welcomes many visiting yachts and motor boats each year. Experiencing the island from the water is a delight. Here's some information to help you prepare. Visitor Moorings at Havre Gosselin Visitor moorings are available in Havre Gosselin on the west coast of the Island. They are marked with yellow buoys and operate on a first come first served basis. A fee of £20 per 24hrs, or part thereof, is payable at the Visitor Centre or through the Sum Up QR code below. ​ Havre Gosselin has landing steps and a ladder for low tide. From Pilcher Monument at the top of the headland it is approx. a 15min walk to the Avenue. The moorings are substantial and are checked annually but visitors use them at their own risk. Visitor Moorings at Gréve de la Ville Visitor moorings are available in Gréve de la Ville on the East coast of the Island. They are marked with yellow buoys and operate on a first come first served basis. A fee of £20 per 24hrs, or part thereof, is payable at the Visitor Centre or through the Sum Up QR code below. ​ Gréve de la Ville has landing steps and beach access at low tide. The path leads to the outskirts of the village and from there is only a 5min walk to the Avenue. The moorings are substantial and are checked annually but visitors use them at their own risk. Pay for your visit or mooring here. Scan the Sum Up QR code and follow instructions to enter your payment amount. Moorings cost £20 per 24hrs, or part thereof. Maseline Harbour Maseline is a commercial harbour, also used for emergency evacuation. Visiting boats are welcome to use Maseline to drop-off or pick-up passengers but only when the jetty is not being used by commercial or emergency vessels. For safety and practical reasons, boats may not tie up or stay alongside the jetty at any time, day or night. Moorings in Maseline are all private but Visitor Moorings can be found around the corner in Gréve de la Ville. Creux Harbour Creux is a working harbour, primarily used by fishing boats and sometimes for commercial or emergency vessels. As such, visiting boats are welcome to moor against the wall but must leave the steps and slip way clear at all times. ​ Creux is a drying harbour. If you are leaving your boat unattended at any time please contact the Harbourmaster. There is no charge to use the toilets at Creux but the showers incur a small charge. Both are located through the tunnel. The Harbour Café is open most days in the S ummer. The moorings outside Creux are all private. Planning to visit Sark by private boat? Get in touch with the Sark Harbourmaster for further information. CONTACT YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... TRAVELLING TO SARK BY SEA SEE & DO AROUND SARK ISLAND HOPPING FROM SARK

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