FAQs about Sark Browse our FAQs below. Can't find the answer you're looking for? Contact Us. FAQ Is there a hospital on Sark? No. Sark has a Doctor and Medical Centre for minor surgery services only. In cases of emergency patients are transfered to the nearest hospital in Guernsey. Is Sark part of the NHS? No, Sark is not part of the NHS. However, as of January 2023 the Bailiwick has a Reciprocal Health Arrangement with the UK, allowing necessary healthcare to be provided to UK residents visiting the Bailiwick and vice versa. I have restricted mobility, can I still visit Sark? There are several aspects of travel to and around Sark that visitors with restricted mobility must take into consideration. - Getting on and off the ferry; The Harbour in Sark does not have a ramp, only stairs. If a visitor requires assistance to get on or off the ferry, climb the stairs or walk the short distance from the stairs to the Tractor Bus, this assistance must be pre-arranged through the Visitor Centre at least one week prior to arrival and will incur a charge. - Mobility Scooters; A limited number of mobility scooters are available to pre-book for visitors with a certified medical condition requiring the use of a scooter. There are only 3 scooters available and the application takes time to process so advanced booking is essential. Please contact the Visitor Centre for more information. - Road Surfacing; Sark has no paved roads and visitors must consider this before travel. What happens if I have a medical emergency? In the case of a medical emergency 999 should be called. Depending on the nature of the emergency, the appropriate Sark Emergency Service will be dispatched. This may include Emergency First Responders, Ambulance, the Sark Doctor, Fire Brigade or Constables. If emergency travel to Guernsey is required, St. John's marine ambulance or the RNLI Lifeboat will be called. Who do I contact with a police matter? In an emergency please call 999. For any non-emergency police matter please contact the Constable's Office. T: +44 (0) 1481 832 533 E: constable@sarkgov.co.uk Information can also be found on the Sark Government website or the Sark Police Facebook page. W: sarkgov.co.uk FB: facebook.com/sarkpolice/ Does Sark have an airport? No. Sark does not have an airport. The island can only be reached by boat. Can I travel direct to Sark from outside the Channel Islands? No, unless you are travelling on a private vessel. To reach Sark you must travel via Guernsey or Jersey. Are there Covid 19 travel restrictions in place for Sark? No. At the time of publishing this information there are no Covid 19 related travel restrictions in place. It is advisable to check the Guernsey States and Sark Gov websites before you travel for further information relating to Covid and travel. Can I travel to Sark on a private boat? Yes. Private boats may drop-off and pick-up using any of the island's harbours or they may moor up using the visitor moorings located at Havre Gosselin and Greve de la Ville. Visitor moorings cost £15 per day, or part thereof, payable at the Visitor Centre. Please be aware that Sark does not have a marina. How do I withdraw money on Sark? Sark has an HSBC Bank branch where you can withdraw money. There are no ATMs on Sark. The Sark Post Office offers NatWest banking services and Bureau de Change. Food Stop grocery store offer Cash Back for transactions over £5. Can I pay by card for services on Sark? Yes. Most establishments take card payments, except for the Tractor Bus service up and down Harbour Hill and the Horse and Carriage tours, which only take cash. It is advisable to check that card payments are accepted before making a purchase. Can I use Euros on Sark? No. Euros are not accepted on Sark. The Island currency is the British Pound (GBP). There is a Bureau de Change at the Sark Post Office. Does Amazon deliver to Sark? Yes. Most Amazon orders are deliverable to Sark, although next day delivery does not apply.

Family Friendly Fun Big fun for little ones Sark is a wonderful destination for children who love the outdoors and for families who want to enjoy quality time whilst being active in nature. ​ The island's car-free roads are perfect for young riders to practice their cycling skills and for older kids to enjoy a safe environment for exploring. ​ With beautiful flora and friendly animals all about, every outing becomes an adventure in itself and a magical memory for you and your children. Family friendly activities Using double sit-on kayaks adults can accompany children on exciting kayaking excursions to explore the coastline and spot marine wildlife. Kayaking Visit Site Children of a certain age can participate in coasteering excursions if accompanied by an adult. This exciting activity is a great way to boost confidence in the sea. Coasteering Visit Site Conveniently located next to the Sanctuary Centre and Mon Plaisir store, Sark playground offers a variety of play equipment, picnic tables and benches. Sark Playground Visit Site As well as meeting the cows and watching live milking visitors to the Dairy can also enjoy fresh milk and choose from the dozens of milkshake flavours. Dairy Milkshakes Read More This free and interactive island wide game is a great add-on to any outing. Simply spot the hidden painted rocks and re-hide them for the next person. Sark Rocks Visit Site Sark has several hidden geocaches and it is a great free activity to teach children about reading coordinates whilst treasure hunting and exploring the island. Geocaching Visit Site Sark Island Hall and Community Centre offers a large sports hall, table-tennis room and snooker table. As well as a sports field, cafe and ice-cream parlour. Island Hall Visit Site The upstairs rooms in the Sanctuary Centre offer free indoor activities for children such as arts and crafts, pool table and small cinema screenings. Sanctuary Centre Visit Site Within La Seigneurie Gardens, this full sized maze contains a sundial, totem pole and stone castle with flag, if you can ever find your way through it! Seigneurie Maze Visit Site Sark has two main ducks ponds, one at La Seigneurie complete with a bridge and mini island. The other is Beauregard Pond where children go to sail their toy boats. Duck Ponds See Map Sark has two outdoor pools, one at Stocks Hotel (for use by hotel residents only) and one at Caragh Chocolates Cafe that can be used for a small fee. Pool Fun Read More Archery is a great activity for families or other small groups and can be arranged as a competitive sporting activity or just for some fun. Archery Visit Site Guided Donkey walks with Ruby and Florence is a fun activity for animal loving little ones. Other self-guided animal walks include visiting the lambs, pigs, goats and horses in various fields around the island. Animal Walks Read More There couldn't be a better place for children to practice their cycling skills than an island without any cars! Older kids will also love the freedom of cycling around with some independence. Cycling Read More YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... SHOPS AND ACTIVITIES GUIDE TO BAYS AND BEACHES OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

S ark & 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

< Back Grand Dixcart Cottage Bedrooms 2 Sleeps 6 Self Catering About This pretty little stone cottage has been renovated to a high standard and provides modern luxury self catering. It is situated close to Stocks Hotel and guests can enjoy all the hotel’s facilities. It sleeps up to 6 people (plus a baby) with a super king double/twin beds in one room (plus a cot), a small box room containing bunk beds and a sofabed in the sitting room. There is a modern shower room, flat screen TV with Free Sat, free Wi-Fi, lots of family games, a DVD player with a huge range of DVDs, a washing machine and outside drying. The kitchen is fully equipped with a gas cooker, fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle and ample pots, pans and crockery etc. The cottage is fully heated and available all year round, with a log burner in the sitting room making it a cosy retreat for winter. Terms per week: £900.00 to £975.00 Contact helen@horse.gg +44 (0) 1481 832 943 Visit Website Location

Art & Language An island muse Sark has long been associated with artists, crafters, eccentrics and bohemians throughout the centuries. From William Turner, who's sketch of La Coupee from circa 1832 now hangs in the Tate, to the many present day artists, writers and photographers who visit the island to be inspired, Sark has been home and muse to many celebrated creative minds. Some of the islands most notable artistic connections include; William Arthur Toplis who visited Sark in 1833 and was so captivated by the island that he never left, producing a wealth of extraordinary paintings and sketches. Victor Hugo, who famously stayed at Dixcart Hotel during his exile in the 1850s, described the island as “a sort of fairy castle, full of wonders” and found here his inspiration for Toilers of the Sea . In later years, Mervyn Peake, renowned novelist, poet and artist, joined the rather bohemian Sark Art Group in the 1930s and spent many formative years living on Sark. So great was his love for Sark that he later returned to live with his young family in the 1950s. ​ In 2011 Sark was the location for the Artists for Nature Foundation 20th Anniversary Project. This saw a group of well renowned writers, artists, musicians and film-makers travel to the island with the aim of recording its beauty and diversity at a time when its way of life and its flora and fauna were under intense pressure of rapid change. "Buon jur! Cume ci'k t 'e?" 'Hello, how are you?' Sercquiais, also known as Sark French, Sertchais, ‘Sark patois’ or Sarkese, is a dialect of Norman French, originally derived from Jèrriais, as modern day Sark was settled & populated by Jersey families in 1565 and influenced by Guernésiais through proximity to the island of Guernsey. There exists very few written examples of Sercquaise, although the earliest recorded is an interesting one; the Parable of the Sower from the Gospel of Matthew , written by linguist Prince Louis Lucien Bonaparte , who visited Sark in 1862 to transcribe samples of insular language varieties. Today, Sercquiais is only spoken by a handful of older generation residents, although it remains ever present in the names of Sark's houses, streets & landmarks. Linguist Martin Neudörfl is currently working with Sark residents and Sark School to help us preserve our endangered language. L isten to Sark School Sing about St. Magloire in Sercquaise. Sark School Sercquaise 00:00 / 02:09 YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... HISTORICAL SITES AND BUILDINGS SARK AND THE WAR YEARS MEET THE SARK LOCALS

West Route Starts at Visitor Centre Ends at Visitor Centre Highlights are Historical sites and Gouliot Headland (RAMSAR) . The Route Spectacular views & fascinating history! Begin your walk at the Visitor Centre . Head west along the main road, passing the historical sites of Le Manoir and the Mill. Go straight through the Vaurocque crossroad , passing Beauregard duck pond , and take a right at the fork. Follow the trail out to Gouliot Headland . Through the gate, veer left and head down to the end of the headland. Walk back up through the valley and follow the trail to the left. Enjoy a rest stop at the first bench or at the second bench further along. At the second bench, head through the metal gate. Follow this trail through the field and another gate, passing the trail down to Port a La Jument bay. Continue along the path around and up to the main road, coming out opposite the cemetery of the Methodist Chapel . Walk along Rue des Sermons passing the Playground and Millennium Sports Field . Turn right at Clos A Jaon crossroad , passing the historical buildings of Chief Pleas and St. Peter’s Church , to end back at the Visitor Centre . ​ *Warning: This walking route runs near to a cliff edge at some points. Distance 3.6 km Incline Fair Approx. Time 1 hour 15 min

Natural Attractions Gouliot Headland RAMSAR The Headland gained it's RAMSAR status in 2007 and is recognised worldwide for its unique animal and plant life, particularly in the Gouliot Caves, which boast a colourful patchwork of marine life including sponges, anemones and corals. ​ The headland above the caves is a blanket of bluebells and primroses in Spring and lush green ferns in Summer. Botanists may also spot white bluebells and the rare sand crocus. Walking on the headland is a delight. Whether it ' s picnicking on a bench, watching the sunset over the panoramic sea view or saying hello to the resident sheep and goats that graze the area. Venus Pool ​ Venus Pool is a natural sea pool tucked away under a rocky bluff in Little Sark. This somewhat enigmatic emerald pool only appears 2 hours before and after low tide, before it is engulfed by the sea once more. ​ The water is very clear, displaying the wonderful array of colourful seaweeds lining its walls and the hues of light and dark rocks along the bottom. ​ Venus Pool is a delightful bathing spot, with panora mic sea views and large flat rocks surrounding it for a much needed post swim sunbathe and picnic. ​ Dixcart Valley An oasis at the heart of the island, Dixcart Valley is a lush woodland with tall trees, fern covered banks and a babbling stream that meets the sea at Dixcart Bay. ​ In Spring the Valley is blanketed in bluebells and white wild garlic. Under the Summer sun, the walk through the Valley offers cool and refreshing shade, with gorgeously dappled sunlight through the trees. ​ There are several trails that run through Dixcart Valley, leading north and south along the coast as well as down to Dixcart bay itself. The walk is gentle and offers the Islan d's easiest beach access. L'Eperquerie This area at the very north of the island encompasses several different natural attractions. At the top you will find L'Eper querie Common, a large open headland with spectacular panoramic sea views across to Herm, Guernsey and even Alderney. ​ At the end of the Common stand the Manlet Half Tower and Buddhist Rock Carving, whilst below lies L'Eperquerie Beach and Pool, Les Fontaines Bay. ​ Various trails circle around and through this area, with several benches dotted along the way to take in the many magnificent views. Port Du Moulin Woods These ancient woods below La Seigneurie are both beautiful and historically interesting, as they housed the site of the island's medieval monastery. ​ The trail, lined with colourful wild flowers, gently zigzags through the woods, alongside the babbling stream that appears as a small waterfall above Port du Moulin Bay. ​ The woodland trail also leads to Window in the Rock and the lookout perched atop Tintageu bluff. Happy Valley Happy Valley is tucked away in the West of the island, with a single entry and exit path leading off from the road to Pilcher Monument. ​ The Valley sits above Port es Sais, a sandy bay only accessible by boat. Shingle from the beach used to be winched up the cliff and the old machi nery still sits like a time warp at the bottom of the valley. ​ Happy Valley owes its name to the many happy hours spent by locals here who use the smooth sloping valley sides for yak sledding. Bluebell Woods Named after the beautiful displays of bluebells to be found here each year, this stretch of woods spans all along the north side of Harbour Hill. ​ The trails through the woods lead into open fields and meadows with lovely panoramic sea views towards France and beyond that into the quaint back lanes of the village area. Hog's Back Hog's Back, named after the shape of the headland as seen from the sea, cradles Dixcart Bay on one side and Derrible Bay on the other, with fantastic views of both from the cannon perch. ​ During the second world war, commando troops famously scaled the Hog's Back headland in a raid that changed the course of history. Today, a memorial plaque stands poignantly on the cliff edge. ​ In Autumn the path to Hog's Back offers great blackberry and sloe picking for home made gin! La Coupée and Little Sark This striking isthmus of land connecting Big and Little Sark is probably the island's most famed attraction. With steep steps leading down to Grande Greve Bay on one side and a sheer drop on the other, the crossing and the views are truly breathtaking. ​ Having crossed La Coupée into Little Sark the road winds its way down to the south facing headlands. There are many caves, creeks and pools along Little Sark's stretch of coastline, as well as land based attractions such as the Dolmen and Silver Mines ruins. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... DARK SKY ISLAND & OBSERVATORY SELF-GUIDED WALKS OUR ISLAND WILDLIFE

< Back Vine Cottage Bedrooms 2 Sleeps 4 Self Catering About Cosy (I'm bigger than I look!) Self-Catering Accommodation . . . a stone’s throw from The Avenue. Maximum Occupancy 4 ADULTS - 2 CHILDREN - 1 INFANT Two Bedrooms 1 King Bedroom 1 King Bedroom Shower-Room 2 Child Beds | 1 Cot – Available upon request Kitchen and Dining Area Large lounge, perfect for a night of family games or TV Patio Garden with Garden Furniture FINISHING TOUCHES . . . Plasma TV - DVD - Wi-Fi Larder Fridge - Microwave Dishwasher – washing machine High Chair - Available upon request RELAX… Your very own 'home from home' cosy cottage Family friendly and perfect for couples sharing Short stroll to the Shops, Restaurants and Inns Contact room@mrhesters.com +44 (0) 7781 161 010 Visit Website Location

North Route Starts at L'Epercquerie Common Ends at L'Epercquerie Common Highlights are Manlet Tower, Buddhist Carving & Sea Views The Route Panoramic sea views the whole way! Begin your walk at L’Epercquerie Common . Leave your bikes, if you have any, at the wooden fence and take the left hand path that leads around the west side of the headland. Follow this path all the way out to the Mantlet Half Tower or slightly further to the Buddhist Rock Carving . Head back, taking the left hand fork in the path below the cannon. Walk along the old stone wall until you reach an opening with another cannon, bench and large tree. Have a rest stop here and take in the view of L'Epercquerie Beach and Pool below. Follow the path leading up and ar ound the large tree. Turn left at the top of this path and follow the trail back up the middle of the valley and back to your bikes. ​ *Warning: This walking route runs near to a cliff edge at some points. Distance 2.5 km Incline Fair/Moderate Approx. Time 45 min

Interactive Map Get your bearings with our interactive map of Sark's historical & natural attractions. Including all the beaches, eateries and some shops and services. Click on a pin to see what it shows.

< Home Pilcher Monument A warning to seafarers. 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.

< Back La Valette Campsite Bedrooms 7 Sleeps 50 Camping & Glamping About The campsite is to the north of the property and offers unrivalled views of the island’s coastline and across to France. At night it is the perfect place to lie on the grass to admire the various constellations and appreciate that in Sark there is no pollution to mar the view of the stars in the sky. Spot the Plough, the great Bear and the other stars usually only seen at the Planetarium.It is a family campsite where children and adults alike can enjoy the wide-open site to play games and enjoy the freedom that we, here, take for granted!We have a purpose-built toilet and shower block offering heated pay showers, cubicle washrooms with shaver points and a dishwashing sink. We also have a charging facility to charge your mobile phones. You can also hire one of our pods. Everything is provided for home-from-home comfort, all you need bring are sleeping bags and lighting. COCOON PODS FOR HIRE - PODS - FULLY EQUIPPED Including:- Airbeds, table & chairs, Crockery, cutlery, pots & pans,Water carrier and camping stove (including gas) SITE FEE: £12.00 per adult per night £6.00 per child per night (12 & under) 4 PERSON COCOON POD £52.00 per night, £286.00 per week 3 PERSON COCOON POD £39.00 per night, £214.50 per week SITE FEE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE HIRE COST OF THE POD Contact lavalette@cwgsy.net +44 (0) 1481 832 066 Visit Website Location