The Summer holidays are upon us and there's no better place to create magical and unforgettable memories with the kids than here on Sark, your very own fairytale island. Here’s 5 places to eat or drink as a family, each with something to entertain the little ones. The Little Snack Shack, Little Sark. This casual kiosk offering a wide range of snacks, from light bites to ice-creams and alcoholic drinks, has all the ingredients for the most relaxed family time. There's comfy seating, lawn games, play equipment and plenty of space for children to frolic and play whilst you kick back with an Aperol Spritz and soak in the incredible panoramic sea view. The Little Snack Shack, Little Sark Hathaway's L'Express, at La Seigneurie. The newest addition to La Seigneurie, this kiosk offers coffees, cakes, light bites and alcoholic drinks to enjoy under the dappled light of the trees. There's also picnic tables, play equipment and table tennis available. Hathaway's L'Express, at La Seigneurie Buddy's, the Avenue. This café restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating in the Avenue Green, a grassy park with tree swings and a play boat for little pirate adventures. Tasty food and a happy atmosphere is the vibe. Buddy's, in the Avenue Bel Air Inn, top of Harbour Hill. This well-established Sark cornerstone offers traditional pub vibes with a pool table inside and a children's play area outside in the garden, complete with a sunken boat. As well as drinks they offer bar snacks and pizzas. Bel Air Inn, top of Harbour Hill Road Caragh Chocolates Cafe . Decadent hot chocolates with all the trimmings, shelves of home-baked treats and a chocolate shop fit for a Queen - it's no surprise the children love it here. Outside there is comfy seating and big green spaces to run and play, including a trampoline and a pool! For us adults, get yourself a shot of something 'special' in your hot chocolate (no-one is driving after all) then just sit back and take in the sea views. Bliss! Caragh Chocs, en-route to La Coupee

A Guide to Sark’s Wildflower Wonders in Spring Stepping onto Sark feels like entering a living botanical garden. With no cars to disturb the soil and a temperate maritime climate, the island is a sanctuary for over 160 species of wildflowers. Whether you're a seasoned botanist or just looking for a scenic stroll, these walks offer some of the most vibrant Spring floral displays in the British Isles. 1. Blankets of Bluebells In late March and into April, the shaded woodlands of Dixcart Valley , Happy Valley, Port du Moulin Woods and the aptly named Bluebell Woods become a sea of deep indigo, with blankets of bluebells as far as the eye can see. What to see: Look for native Bluebells, the larger Spanish Bluebell and Primroses covering the fern-lined banks. You'll also find plenty of the white Three-cornered Leek (known locally as wild garlic and often used to make pesto), which gives the air a savory, fresh scent. Where to look: Follow the gentle trail that runs from Stocks Hotel through Dixcart valley towards Dixcart Bay. About halfway along, at Petit Dixcart House, take the left hand trail up through the woods leading back towards the Avenue. 2. Rare & Rugged The undulating headlands that border the island are wild and untouched from development. They are sanctuaries for plants and animals that thrive in such protected and undisturbed areas. Gouliot Headland, a RAMSAR-designated site, is particularly famous for its rare flora and dramatic cliff-top views. What to see: Keep your eyes peeled for the thumbnail-sized Sand Crocus, a rare treasure found in few other places in the British Isles. You may also spot the Changing Forget-Me-Not, which shifts from yellow to blue as it matures. Vibrant Foxgloves frame the views of fields sprinkled with dainty white Field Daisies and soft yellow primroses. Where to look: Start near Beauregard duck pond and follow the trail toward the headland. There are various paths to explore, leading down toward the westernmost rocky outcrop or up and over the dips and troughs of the headland's top fields. 3. Coastal Explosions of Colour: In Spring, the open fields and headlands of areas such as L’Epercquerie and Hog's Back offer a "riot of color" against the backdrop of ocean hues and neighboring island silhouettes. What to see: Headlands ablaze with bright yellow Gorse (which famously smells like coconut), pure white Blackthorn looking almost snow-like and the pinkest of pink Sea Thrift. By early Summer, Sea Campion, Foxgloves and large Ox-eye Daisies take over the clifftops. Where to look: Begin at Derrible Headland and take the path leading south towards Hog's Back. Take in the panoramic views and fragrant aromas of Spring by the sea before looping back towards the Avenue area. 4. Giant Wonders: Where will they be next? What to see: Each year the towering Giant Echium, which can reach over 8 feet tall, blooms in unlikely places across the island. It can be found anywhere, along the roads or coastal paths, in gardens or green spaces. Keep your eyes open, although you can’t miss them! Where to look: Anywhere and everywhere, the Echiums spring up in different locations year on year so it’s a always a surprise. Pictured here in Stock's Permaculture Garden. When to Visit for Wildflower Wonders; Spring (March–May): Peak season for Bluebells, Primroses and Gorse. The Wildflower Fortnight typically begins in late April. Early Summer (June & July): Best for Foxgloves, Oxeye Daisies, and Echiums. For more detailed walking routes visit: sark.co.uk/walking-trails Or contact the Visitor Centre for information about guided wildflower walks.

Embrace the quiet beauty of Sark in the off-season. We have bid farewell to summer, and the excitement of October half-term has now faded. It’s time for Sark to rest, allowing residents to enjoy the fruits of their labour throughout the visitor season. Why not join us? A visit to the island in the off-season months has more to offer than you may think, including spectacular sunrises and sunsets at a sociable hour! Quiet is the new loud November marks the beginning of the “off-season” for Sark. This is a time for quietness, a chance to shift down a gear or two, and generally relax into a slower rhythm for the rest of winter. Yes, that’s right! We consider summer to be fast-paced, by Sark standards anyway! The jolly sounds of summer have been replaced with nature’s song. You can hear with clarity the wind rustling through the trees, crashing waves, crunching leaves underfoot and pebbles rattling along the shore, all creating a soothing soundtrack. The headlands and cliff paths transform into a canvas of bold earthy colours, beautifully contrasted against a steely blue sea. November sets the scene for the months ahead, and it is certainly one of quiet beauty. Local Events to Experience From November into Spring, you’ll find more local events taking place. These gatherings are organised not for profit or exposure, but to embrace, support, and celebrate the local community. It’s a chance for those who have worked long and hard throughout the season to let their hair down and have some fun. And boy, do we Sark folk know how to have fun! It all starts with Bonfire Night, a wholesome and heartwarming affair (quite literally) that culminates in a very impressive firework display for a little place like Sark! Islanders gather in the dark, with the glow of the fire and the light from children’s sparklers illuminating the scene just enough, but not too much. It’s rustic, raw, and jolly—everything you need for a Sark crowd pleaser. The Famous Sark Jumble Sales Then begin the famous Sark jumble sales that run throughout the winter and into Spring. These sales serve multiple purposes within the community. They raise money for local charities whilst offering absolute bargains and promoting the reuse or repurposing of second-hand items. Yet, the humble jumble sale is more than that on Sark. It’s an opportunity for the whole community, spanning all generations, to gather, interact, and show support for various fundraising causes that are so vital to the island. More Off-Season Events Other off-season events include celebration galas, annual club dinners, fun days for the elderly, indoor activities for children, coffee mornings, Sunday carveries, star-gazing nights, and traditional veilles. Unique to Sark and the island’s heritage, a veille is an evening of community togetherness. The idea is to while away the dark evening hours by sharing a drink, food, or activity around the fire. You can sing, knit, play an instrument, recite a poem or story, sit back and sketch, or simply enjoy the company of others. All are welcome. Your Off-Season Adventure Awaits! For anyone interested in seeing a different side to Sark and experiencing the rugged beauty of the island’s landscape outside of summer, these are the months! The weather can be wild, powerful and energising. It can also be quiet, tranquil and evocative. Whichever way the wind blows, Sark in the off-season is a perfect haven for those seeking solitude, calm and a unique escape. You’ll find genuine charm in the community events, and a sense of raw, unfiltered connection to nature that is hard to find elsewhere.

Let’s talk about the big advantages of smaller destinations and why little places such as Sark can offer larger than life experiences to rival any holiday resort. We’ve all seen the brochures: sprawling mega-resorts with ten swimming pools, a dozen themed restaurants, and enough neon lights to power a small city. While these "resort towns" offer convenience, they often lack the one thing most of us are actually searching for: a soul. If you’re craving a trip that leaves you feeling recharged rather than just "entertained," it’s time to look toward small island destinations, and where better to cast your gaze than Sark! Here is why going small is the biggest travel upgrade you can make; Authentic Cultural Immersion In a big resort town, you’re often stuck in a "tourist bubble" where the only locals you meet are behind a front desk. Sark offers a front-row seat to real life, and a very unique one at that. From the moment you step off the ferry every face you meet is an island 'character' with a story to tell and everything you see is part of Sark life. Nothing here is "just for show". Community Vibe:  On Sark, you aren't just a room number; you're a guest in our community. You may easily find yourself going for a morning run with the locals, getting to know families at the playground or sharing a coffee on a bench with a local out for their morning dog walk. When spending time in a small place, faces quickly become familiar and you can't put a price on making new friends. Tradition over Trends:  Small islands like Sark are able to preserve deeply rooted cultural and community traditions in a way that resorts simply cannot replicate. The activities and experiences available to visitors are far from tourism constructs, they form part of our daily lives and our identity. We are proud to share our way of life with others! 2. The Luxury of Less The abundance of everything in resorts can often feel suffocating. There’s too many people, too much noise, traffic, pollution - you name it! Small islands like ours trade the crowds for a sense of exclusive tranquility. Sark even goes one step further with it’s total absence of cars and all that goes with them. There’s a real sense of being totally removed here from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. In today’s busy world, that’s a rare commodity and true luxury. Quietness:  Instead of fighting for a poolside lounger at 7am, you can enjoy a sunrise on a headland overlooking the sea where you will likely be the only person. Stroll down to any bay and have the beach pretty much to yourself. Find a secluded spot in a field of wildflowers and read a book in peace. Your mind and body will thank you for turning down the volume. Escapism:  'Getting away from it all' is arguably the greatest escape and finding a place free of noise, pollution, traffic, crowds is an even greater challenge. Sark can offer that escapism better than anywhere. By day the island is a breath of fresh sea air and an orchestra of the sounds of nature. By night, the lack of light pollution allows visitors to experience the well-being benefits of true darkness, as well as spectacular starry skies. 3. A Smaller Ecological Footprint Big resorts have massive energy demands and can create significant environmental strain. Small-scale tourism is a more sustainable choice for the conscientious traveler. This is especially true of Sark, as local establishments pay close attention to water and energy consumption, engage in Eco-friendly practices as much as possible and genuinely care for the environment around them. What's more, every eatery, accommodation and business is run by local residents who rely on tourism in the summer months to see them through the winter. By choosing to holiday on Sark you are fully supporting the community as a whole and helping to ensure that the island can continue to maintain its unique charm and way of life. 5. The Adventure of "Island Freedom" When the island is small, everything is within reach. You don't need a shuttle bus to get from your room to the beach. It’s not an hour’s drive for an excursion or activity. This proximity allows for unplanned detours - a lazy breakfast in the Harbour Cafe can easily turn into a spontaneous boat trip. It also allows for rediscovery - the same pebbly beach you swam at yesterday at high tide is also an expansive sandy bay at low tide! Only when we allow ourselves to revisit the same location do we truly get to know that place and all its secrets. Are you ready for less chaos and more calm? A holiday with a soul and experiences that are genuine and meaningful? The Isle of Sark awaits you with open arms. ⛴️🇨🇶🌅

Check out these short and sweet mini walking routes, perfect for blowing away the cobwebs, a quick outing in between showers or to walk off a hearty lunch! All day trip friendly too. Hogsback & Back - Start and end on Rue des Laches, following the Hogsback signposts and returning via the cliff path to Derrible Headland. L'Epercquerie Loop - Start and end at the top of L'Epercquerie Common, taking the left hand path towards down to the Cannon look-out and back up the central path. Cliff Path to La Coupée - Start and end at the top of Dixcart Lane, taking the cliff path along to La Coupée and returning via the main Rue de la Coupée road. Gallop around Gouliot - Start and end just before Beauregard Duck pond, following the trail towards Port á la Jument and returning via the top field of Gouliot headland. Round Rondellerie - Start and end at the crossroads near the Dairy, heading westward towards Gusty's field and returning via the cobblestone road of La Moinerie Hotel.

As sultry Summer evenings transition into crisp Autumn mornings, so do the hedgerow offerings change their hues. Apples of all shapes and sizes fill the hedge boxes along Sark's quaint lanes and the headlands burst with blackberries, sloes and rosehips. Tis truly the season for long walks, berry picking and the sweet aroma of jam and syrup bubbling in the kitchen! Here's 4 Sark pantry recipes for enjoying and preserving these seasonal delights. Sark Blackberry Jam - the easiest recipe! You will need: Sark blackberries, caster sugar (same weight sugar as you have blackberries) and juice from 1 freshly squeezed lemon. Add your rinsed and de-stalked blackberries and sugar to a saucepan and use a potato masher to squash them together. Add the lemon juice and mix together with a wooden spoon. Leave overnight to soak. After 24 hours, give the blackberry mixture a good stir. Turn on the heat to medium and bring to the boil, stirring every few minutes. Boil gently for 25-30 mins, continue stirring every few minutes. During that time, sterilise and prepare your jam jars. Once boiled for 25-30 mins, turn off and leave to cool in the pan for 20 mins. Spoon into your jars and leave the lids off while the jam cools completely. Wipe the jars and write your labels with dates. Store in a cool dry place. Sark Blackberry, Apple and Ginger Crumble You will need: cooking apples (plenty to be found in hedge boxes or ‘free to take’ crates!), freshly picked blackberries, fresh ginger and a crumble topping. Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees. Peel, core and roughly chop your cooking apples, enough to almost fill your (oven safe) crumble dish. De-stalk and rinse your blackberries. Layer your chopped apples and blackberries in your dish, almost up to the top. Sprinkle in grated fresh ginger (as much or as little as you like). Cover the dish with tin foil and cook for 20 mins. While that's cooking, make a crumble topping. (There are lots of different crumble variations to choose from - if using a basic crumble recipe, consider jazzing it up by adding granola and a decent pinch of ground nutmeg!) After 20 mins, turn the oven down to 160 degrees. Remove the tin foil and let the dish sit for 5 mins out of the oven. Now add your crumble topping and return to the oven for another 15 mins, or until the topping is golden brown. Set aside to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with cream, custard or mascarpone. Sark Sloe Gin - best enjoyed with a cheeseboard beside a cosy fire! You will need 500ml gin (any kind will do!), 500g freshly picked Sark sloes (washed and de-stalked), caster sugar and a 1litre glass bottle - a previously emptied gin bottle will do the trick nicely. Ensure your bottle is clean, then pop the sloes into it one by one, giving them a gentle squeeze between your finger and thumb as you do so to break their skin. (Alternatively, you can score them with a cocktail stick or freeze them beforehand so the expansion splits their skins). Pour caster sugar into the bottle, giving it a little shake to move the granules down. Stop when the sugar covers the sloes. Pour in your gin (or vodka) up to the top of your bottle. Give it a good shake to dissolve the sugar - this will take a few goes so do it a couple of times over 20 mins. Once fully dissolved, label the bottle with the date. Every day for a month the bottle will need a good shake; tip or rotate to mix up the slows, sugar and gin. After a month, this process only needs to happen once a week and in the 3rd month probably every couple of weeks. From month 4 just let it sit in a cool dark place and do its thing! Leave it for as long as you are able (6 months minimum) before giving it a taste test. If it burns and the gin/vodka is too strong then add a little more sugar (you should have some space in the top of the bottle) and tip, shake and rotate. Leave it longer. Repeat this process until you’re happy with the taste. 2-3 years is the ideal time, checking on it and taste testing every few months after the initial 4. Sark Rosehip Syrup - jam packed with Vintamin C Pick and prepare the rosehips by removing the stems and rinsing with cold water. Cut off the ends and half any harder ones. The soft ones can stay whole. Mash the rosehips using a blender or food processor to pulse and break them apart. Pulse them a few times until they are mashed but not completely pureed. Macerate overnight by placing the mashed rosehips in a large saucepan and pouring in boiling water. Place the lid on the saucepan and let sit overnight. The next day, bring the mixture to the boil then simmer for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve lined with a few layers of cheesecloth, removing any seeds or hairs. Sweeten the syrup by adding your choice of honey, brown sugar, stevia or other. Gently warm the syrup until the sugar is completely dissolved. Finally, pour the syrup into sterilized bottles and seal well. Use within 6 months and keep refrigerate once opened. Enjoy drizzled over almost anything, add a splash into cocktails and teas or turn the syrup into a spreadable jelly by adding gelatine.

What makes Sark the ultimate wellness destination? From the moment you gaze upon Sark's verdant cliffs rising out of the sea there is a sense that you have arrived somewhere special. Perhaps it is the relative isolation of this little island, that feeling of 'getting away from it all', or the natural beauty that can be, quite literally, stunning. Perhaps it is something deeper. Historical findings on the island indicate that Sark has long been a religious and spiritual centre, possessing a 'magical' quality that drew people here over the centuries. Whether supernatural or geophysical, this unexplained sentiment is still very much felt today by residents and visitors alike, who return to the island year on year. More scientifically, Sark offers very clear health benefits to those who visit and live here. The lack of cars and therefore the increase in physical exercise is in at number one, evidenced by Sark's remarkably fit and active population who make the climb up Grande Grève's 365 steps look like a stroll through the park. A close second is the lack of noise, air and light pollution, all of which are proven to contribute immensely to one's overall well-being. The majority of activities available on Sark encourage this active, outdoor lifestyle too. Whether enjoyed independently or guided by locals, visitors can improve their wellness through swimming, walking, running, cycling, kayaking, coasteering, caving, paddle boarding, yoga, reiki, massage, breath-work, sound healing... The list goes on. Yet, what makes Sark the ultimate wellness destination, what sets it apart from other places around the globe that can offer similar experiences? The answer is simple. It is the fact that, whether you are a spiritual person or not, whether you appreciate nature or not, whether you place value on healthy living or not, these practices are intrinsically woven into the Sark way of life. Without even trying your body, mind and soul will absorb the undeniable benefits that come from walking instead of driving, being surrounded by nature and beauty, breathing in fresh, sea air and from a slower, more peaceful pace of life. The only conscious decision you actually have to make to reap these benefits is the booking of your ticket to come here.

Experience Sark life as the locals do with these regular clubs and activities welcoming visitors. Running Club A dedicated group of locals who run together regularly throughout the year along some of the most scenic routes you will ever find! The group has a mix of ability levels and they are very accommodating to visitors who wish to join in. Visit their Facebook page . Sark Yoga Sark Yoga sessions are held regularly throughout the year with qualified and experienced teachers for a small fee per class. There are different classes to suit different ability levels and visitors are very welcome to join a group or drop in to any classes. Sark Sirens A group of sea swimmers who regularly come together to swim at Sark's various bathing spots. The Sirens swim all year round and visitors are very welcome to join them for outings and sometimes tea and cake afterwards! The Visitor Centre can put you in touch. Jam Night Every Wednesday the Old Hall hosts an Open Mic Jam Night. Sark's resident band, aptly named the Jam Knights, get the party started with crowd pleasing renditions of classic songs and encourage any willing onlookers to get involved! Sark Astronomy Society Sastros offer stargazing tours and telescope sessions at the Dachinger Observatory throughout the year, for a minimum donation to the Society. You can also pay for annual membership and join the team in their various dark-sky activities. Youth Football Club Run by two local dads, this friendly footie club is open to visiting children aged 5 and up for a small fee. Check out the Sark Sports Club website for contact details or simply drop in at the Millennium Field just before 10am on Saturday mornings. Cricket Club The Club is made up of core resident players and some seasonal workers with an enthusiasm for the game. Visitors are very welcome to join in as temporary members for matches or just to take part in training on Tuesdays at 5:30pm on the Millennium Field. HIT Class Community HIT classes take place every Thursday at 6pm, either on the Millennium field or inside the Island Hall depending on the weather, and are regularly attended by residents and visitors alike. Drop in for a small fee and feel the burn! Sark Rocks! This fun and free island game is played by both local and visiting families. It involves the hiding and seeking of pretty painted rocks all over the island. Creating your own painted rocks to add to the game is encouraged. Check out their Facebook page .

Tips for where best to spot our furry, four-legged residents. From friendly goats to cute as pie lambs, sharing our island with these loveable creatures is a valued aspect of Sark life. Free-roaming around L'Eperquerie , these friendly goats love a good head scratch and a handful of blackberries! Sheep can be found in many fields around the island but perhaps the most scenic is at Gouliot Headland . From about February to April there are lambs a plenty in many fields, the youngest can often be found here . Sark has many ponies and carriage horses around, this white beauty and his friend live beside the Playground ! Golden Guernsey cows and calves graze in several fields surrounding the Sark Dairy, such as this one here . Head into Dixcart Valley via the path from Rue de les Laches and see if you can spot, or hear, the donkeys. Cycle or walk the circuit around the pig fields on the headland West of La Moinerie. Look out for big mumma! Beauregard duck pond is a nice stop enroute to Pilcher Monument, Havre Gosselin and Gouliot Headland. Rheas on a local farm up North with the best sea view! Spot them on the way for a dip at Banquette landing.

Pilcher Monument - With several benches and picnic tables upon which to place your sundowner G&T, this iconic landmark offers panoramic sea views stretching all the way from Little Sark to Brecqhou with Herm and Guernsey beyond. Pilcher Monument Gouliot Headland - At the top of the North end field of Gouliot Headland there are two benches and a flat grassy area in between, ideal for a sunset picnic with plenty of space for children to frolic and play too. Watch the sun melt into Herm and Guernsey beyond. Gouliot Headland Gusty's - This secluded circular field sits above La Moinerie and offers panoramic sea views stretching from Brecqhou to the North of Sark, as well as Herm and Guernsey. A wooden deck with several picnic benches make this a great spot for group gatherings. Gusty's field Bench above Port du Moulin - If a private spot hidden away from the world is more your thing then this secret bench is for you. Situated about halfway along a dead-end trail circling the headland above Port du Moulin bay, this bench is perfect for two and a flask. Above Port du Moulin bay L'Epercquerie West - With a bench and a grassy nook, this spot offers fantastic sunset views over Herm and Guernsey, with the added bonus of watching the warm colours reflect on Les Autlets, the magnificent rock formations at this end of the island. L'Epercquerie West