The Isle of Sark has a wealth of archaeological treasures beneath the surface and each year the island welcomes teams of renowned archaeologists who unearth relics from Sark's ancient history. Archaeology on Sark What lies beneath Since 2004, Sark has been privileged to have Sir Barry Cunliff and his team of archaeologists from Oxford University visit the island every year to carry out digs in various locations of historical interest. These digs have unearthed some very fascinating treasures and sparked much intrigue surrounding Sark's ancient history. In addition to bronze axes and Roman and Celtic coins, found by amateur metal detectorists, Barry's team discovered Gaulish coins, ornaments, stone tools, and pottery at the site now believed to be the location of the celebrated 'Sark Hoard', silver and coins from the 1st century BC, said to have been found in 1719. Following these amazing Bronze age discoveries, the archaeological team turned their attention to the Stone Age megaliths in Little Sark and other locations. Magnetometry revealed footprints of lost burial stones and Stone age terraces. The presence of earthenware, beads of green Sark serpentine and a stone axe made of dark dolerite, suggests that these sacred sites were occupied for many centuries. To view these amazing artefacts and more visit the Heritage Room . YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... HISTORICAL SITES AND BUILDINGS SEIGNEURS AND FEUDAL RULE MONKS, PIRATES AND FOLKLORE

The Isle of Sark is a very unique place to live and work. There's truly nowhere else quite like it. Here's some video insight into our way of life but the best way to get to know Sark is to visit! Sark Island Life Sark is a very unique place to live and work. Truly a world of its own. Below are some insights into our way of life but the best way to get to know Sark is to visit! Read More Meet the Locals Sark Life Videos Sark Life Videos Play Video Play Video 00:33 Getting to Sark The ferry journey from Guernsey is part of the excitement when travelling to Sark. You'll never forget the moment those tall green cliffs appear before you. Play Video Play Video 00:29 Sark Life Sark Life is being outdoors; picnics, walks, swims, quality time with loved ones. We make our own fun, enjoy our surroundings & appreciate Sark's quirks! Play Video Play Video 02:14 Gouliot Caves On a sunny day in June, a group of local friends explore the Gouliot Cave system at low tide. There's so much to discover within these tranquil hidden chambers. Play Video Play Video 00:30 King of the Roads Car-free cycling is fun, freeing and a feel-good activity for all the family. For the locals it is a way of life, for visitors a welcome change. Truth is, no one misses cars! Play Video Play Video 00:50 Boat Tour School's out for the day, the children have come down to Creux Harbour for an afternoon swim and they're just in time for a quick bout tour with Morgan. Play Video Play Video 00:34 Sark Sirens An intrepid group of sea swimmers called the Sark Sirens head out for a dip in Port Gorey, where once existed a makeshift harbour for the Little Sark Silver Mines. Play Video Play Video 00:51 Dixcart Valley An unfiltered moment of tranquility and calm, capturing the sights and sounds of beautiful Dixcart valley through sun dappled leaves and sun beams. Play Video Play Video 00:45 Liberation 80th In 2025 Sark celebrated 80 years since its Liberation. Island-wide celebrations included a cavalcade, street picnic, Sercquaise singing and a Royal visit! Play Video Play Video 01:00 Christmas 2025 Christmas on Sark is as wholesome as it gets. There's no gaudy commercialisation, just community togetherness, cheerful gatherings and plenty of festive spirit! 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

The Isle of Sark is a nature lover's paradise. Brimming with untouched natural beauty, scenic views at every turn and an abundance of wildlife, visitors can truly reconnect with nature. Natur e on Sark Beauty a plenty, breathtaking views at every turn, rare flora and fauna found in few other other places; Sark is a nature lovers paradise. Without crowds or pollution you really can slow down and smell the roses! Natural Attractions Wildlife Our Coast Flora Climate Dark Skies YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... GUIDE TO BAYS AND BEACHES SELF GUIDED WALKS GUIDED WILD FLOWER WALKS

The Isle of Sark has a rich and colourful history and a unique French-Anglo heritage that is still alive and thriving today. 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

The Isle of Sark welcomes visiting boats to use any of its harbours for drop off and pick-ups and to use the visitor moorings at one of two locations in the East and West of the island. 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 £25 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 £25 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 the instructions to enter your payment amount. Moorings cost £25 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

The Isle of Sark has famously been home to Monks, Pirates, Witches and Pouqueleyes. Discover the folklore stories surrounding these real and fabled characters. Monks, Pirates & Folklore Saints & Sinners Sark's patron saint, St. Magloire, is said to have been gifted half of the island for miraculously curing a fatally ill Celtic Chieftain. Magloire retired to Sark in 565AD and, along with 60 fellow monks, built a monastery in the woods above Port Du Moulin bay. The monks' ancient well is still visible today near La Moinerie Hotel. One of the most well-known stories about St. Magloire is how he rescued of a group of children who were playing in an abandoned wreck on the beach below the monastery when a sudden violent storm swept them out to sea. At the sound of their cries Magloire appeared and guided the boat back to safety before vanishing. The children were found the next morning by bemused fisherman. Legend has it that St. Magloire led the monks in defending Sark from many Viking attacks but that eventually the monastery was destroyed during a raid led by the infamous Viking Chieftain, Jarl Hastein. For some 200 years afterwards the island remained uninhabited, a haven for pirates and wreckers, who with false lights would lure ships onto the surrounding rocks and plunder them. Legend of the Coffin Sark's own version of the Trojan Horse story has been around for centuries, since Sir Walter Raleigh wrote about it in his History of the World . It tells of how a group of merchants, tired of being attacked by the troublesome pirates in Sark, planned a clever ambush. As the story goes, the merchants sailed to Sark and called out to the pirate sentries that their captain had died at sea. They requested to bury him in the sacred grounds of St. Magloire's chapel and offered a handsome reward. The pirates agreed, on condition that the men landed unarmed. The merchants rowed ashore with only the coffin and hauled it up the steep cliff to the chapel, where they were allowed to hold a brief service in private. Once inside the chapel, the merchants broke open the coffin, which was full of swords and longbows, and burst out of the building slaughtering everyone in sight. The only survivor was an old woman who was baking bread at the time of the attack. Quickly grabbing a loaf, she ran to the Coupee, climbed down the Jersey side and hid in the Convache Chasm where she lived on her half-baked loaf until she was rescued by a Guernsey fisherman. Witches, Pouquelayes and Folklore Sark has long been revered as a place of magical and supernatural occurrences. Witchcraft was no exception. In the 1600s several accused witches were sent to the stake in Guernsey, including no less than five members of the Nicole family from Little Sark. A firm belief in the dark art was prevalent on the island well into the 1900s, evidenced by the many houses built with 'witches' seats'. These protruding stones protected the home by offering visiting witches a place to rest and ensuring that they didn't fall down your chimney! Up until the 1900s most islanders also believed in Pouquelayes, the sometimes helpful and often petulant Channel Island pixies who lived in the caves.Setting them apart from the others, the Sark Pouquelayes had detachable heads and enjoyed smoking pipes when not causing mischief! Still today, the island attracts many alternative thinkers and practitioners from all walks of life. Traditional customs are still practiced within the community, including 'veilles', a tradition dating back to the middle ages where islanders gather in one building to pass the long winter night by knitting, crafting, singing and storytelling beside the fire. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... HISTORICAL SITES AND BUILDINGS SEIGNEURS AND FEUDAL RULE SARK ARCHAEOLOGY

Sark Tree Trail Discover the history behind some of Sark's most beloved trees. Follow the trail to visit the trees around the island whilst exploring off the beaten path.

The Isle of Sark sits high and majestic like a fairytale castle rising up out of the sea. Below the plateau lies over 40 miles of untouched coastline, ever-changing with the ebb and flow of one of the world's largest tidal ranges. Our Coast Below the plateau Sark being a plateau island, to reach the shore one must be prepared for a bit of an expedition. Most of the beaches involve a combination of winding paths and sometimes steep steps that must be approached with caution and care. The reward is the luxury of crowdless, litter-free pristine bays with seldom more than a handful of people on them. It's a price worth paying, trust us! From big sandy bays to pebbly coves, enchanting rock pools & turquoise creeks, Sark's beaches and bays are varied & unique. The water is clear and clean and wonderful for sea swimming. Indeed, many islanders swear by year round cold water swimming for health and well-being. Large Tidal Ranges The Channel Islands have some of the largest tidal ranges in the world. On a Spring tide the difference between low and high tide can be as much as 10m, compared to only 2-5m experienced by English coasts. This expansive tidal range exposes a whole new world on the shores of Sark every six hours. Rocky outcrops become large sandy bays, small sea caves become enormous walk through chambers and natural pools appear and disappear as if by magic. No two beach excursions will be the same! Enchanting as the tides are, they can also be dangerous, cutting people off from beach access steps or gushing through caves with currents of up to 10 knots. All visitors are advised to check tide times and familiarise themselves with local information before venturing down to a bay or swimming. TIDE TIMES Just the right spot Having assessed the tide, the next step in picking the best beach to visit on any given day is to check the weather, in particular the wind direction. One of the most fortunate things about living on a small island is that you can always go to a bay on the lee side and escape the prevailing wind. Sark has bays and swimming spots that encircle the whole island, so there is always a sheltered spot to be found. Use our Beach Guide to help you! BEACH GUIDE YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... DARK SKY ISLAND & OBSERVATORY SARK ISLAND FLORA OUR ISLAND WILDLIFE

The Isle of Sark boasts an abundance of wildlife, both on land and under the water. From birds of prey to hedgehogs, dolphins, seals and rare types of marine life, Sark and its waters are home to many amazing species. 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

The Isle of Sark has a very relaxed and unique way of life. The locals residents often wear many hats and occupy essential volunteer roles to support the community. Community Charities Sark is heavily supported by local charities that raise funds for community groups and projects. Below are just some of the many charities and NPOs run by dedicated local volunteers. Friends of Sark School Enriching the educational experience of Sark School children by fundraising for items & experiences. Read More Emergency Services First Responders and Fire & Rescue provide reliable life-saving assistance in emergency situations. Read More Sark Carnival Committee Hosting events, such as Sheep Racing, to raise money for the Professor Saint Medical Fund. Read More Sark Sports Club Supporting local clubs and providing sporting opportunities for all ages within the community. Read More Creative Sark Group Showcasing & supporting all that is creative and inspirational about life and work on Sark. Read More Sark Art Gallery & Museum Displaying Sark's art heritage, contemporary artists and running artistic activities & workshops. Read More La Société Sercquaise Founded in 1975 to study, preserve and enhance Sark's cultural heritage and natural environment. Read More Sark Astronomy Society Promoting Sark's Dark Sky status by encouraging stargazing & using the observatory to educate. Read More Sark Playground Project Providing and maintaining public playground facilities for the children of Sark and visitors. Read More To see all Sark Charties & NPOs visit: Sark Government Information 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

The Isle of Sark was occupied by German forces during WW2, with commando operations taking place on the island that changed the course of the war significantly. Sark & The War Years Occupation & Liberation Sark was occupied, along with the other Channel Islands, during WWII. The German soldiers arrived on 3rd July, 1940 and remained on the island for nearly 5 years. During that time Dame Sybil, the island's Seigneur, famously kept the soldiers in check and protected her subjects by using her greatest strengths to her advantage: feudal etiquette and good old fashioned class. “You do not appear to be in the least afraid,” one officer said. Without hesitation, Dame Sibyl replied, “Is there any reason why I should be afraid of German officers?” Having a leader who spoke German, as well as French and English, was another great advantage for the people of Sark. Dame Sybil was able to communicate and negotiate better treatment for local residents and convinced the majority of them to stay on Sark during the occupation. This proved to be a saving grace for the island, as mass evacuations on other islands devastated their communities. “I am not promising you that it will be easy,” she told them. “We may be hungry but we will always have our cattle and crops, our gardens, a few pigs, our sheep and rabbits.” Whilst Europe was liberated on 8th May 1945 & Guernsey the following day, Sark was not liberated until 10th May. As Channel Island members of Liberation Route Europe , there are vectors to follow, where you can walk in the footsteps of the allied forces who arrived to liberate the island. “Would you mind being left for a few days, or would you prefer to go to Guernsey with me?”, asked Lieutenant Colonel K. Allen. “As I have been left for nearly five years,” she said, “I can stand a few more days.”, replied Dame Sybil. READ MORE Listen to accounts of the Commando R aids that changed the course of history during WW2. Read by Reg Guille Operation Hardtack 7 00:00 / 01:04 Basalt 00:00 / 05:01 YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... HISTORICAL SITES AND BUILDINGS SEIGNEURS AND FEUDALISM MEET THE SARK LOCALS

The Isle of Sark welcomes visiting boats to use any of its harbours for drop off and pick-ups and to use the visitor moorings at one of two locations in the East and West of the island. Visitor Moorings Visitor Moorings at Havre Gosselin and Greve de la Ville are marked by yellow buoys. Moorings cost £25 per 24hrs, or part thereof. To pay for your visitor mooring please use the QR code or pay in person at the Visitor Centre. Planning a visit by private boat? Get in touch with the Sark Harbourmaster for further information. CONTACT