Seigneurs & Feudal Rule Europe's last Feudal state Sark's own model of feudalism was unique and notably different from that of Medieval feudalism in other parts of the continent at that time. ​ Unlike Lords elsewhere, the Seigneur did not have serfs serving him, nor were his Tenants poor peasants. The Tenants of Sark were land owning farmers, heirs of the 40 prominent families that Helier DeCarteret brought over from Jersey in 1565 to colonise and defend the island on behalf of the Crown. ​ When the Fief changed hands and was bought by a wealthy Guernsey family, ties with Jersey began to diminish and many ancestors of the original Jersey families decided to leave Sark. Industrial shifts occurring in Europe saw prosperity come to Guernsey and Jersey but Sark's lack of a decent harbour, amongst other things, meant that Sark did not prosper in the same way. ​ The agricultural community of Sark began to suffer and anti-feudal sentiments echoing those of Revolutionists elsewhere were wide-spread. From the late 1700's the people of Sark protested the rights and powers of the Seigneur and, due to the unique make-up of the political system on Sark, were relatively successful. ​ As for how Sark came to be the last feudal state in Europe, one could say that the the island's small and insular existence created a feudal microcosm, whereby the unique system was able to resolve matters more effectively. The disparities between rich and poor, powerful and powerless, were less than in larger places and perhaps this helped to keep full blown revolution at bay. ​ Sark moved to a system of democracy in 2008, not because the feudal system was broken but because Chief Pleas wished to bring Sark in line with the rest of the world and abide by human rights and other laws to better serve the community. To learn more about Sark's current government visit the Chief Pleas website. CHIEF PLEAS John Carteret 2nd 1715 - 1720 William Thomas Collings 1853 - 1882 Dame Sybil Hathaway 1927 - 1974 Michael Beaumont 1974 - 2016 Seigneural Timeline Helier DeCarteret 1565-1578 Hellier, Seigneur of Saint Ouen in Jersey, came to Sark in 1563, intent on re-cultivating the island and ridding it of pirates. He was rewarded by being granted the fief in 1565 by Elizabeth I . YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... HISTORICAL SITES AND BUILDINGS SARK AND THE WAR YEARS MEET THE SARK LOCALS

< 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

CONTACT U s Use the form below to contact the Visitor Centre directly. Or browse our FAQs . CONTACT US First Name Last Name Email Phone Message Submit Thanks for submitting! ​ ADDRESS Visitor Centre ​ The Avenue Sark Channel Islands GY10 1SA ​ ​ E: office@sark.co.uk ​ T: +44 (0) 1481 832 345 OPENING HOURS October to March Mon - Sat 9am - 1pm April and May Mon - Fri 9am - 2:30pm Sat 9am - 1pm June to September Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm Sat 9am - 1pm ​ Closed all Sundays

< 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

Beach Guide Creux Harbour Creux is the ultimate natural swimming pool. With a small pebbly beach on one side and a quaint cobbled quay on the other, Sark's 'Old Harbour' is a wonderfully picturesque swimming spot. The harbour wall makes for sheltered swimming on most days. From half tide the pool begins to fill up and the slip way offers access to the water. Creux is also a popular fishing spot. Throw your line in over the wall and spend time watching the boats go by and spotting dolphins by Les Burons. Derrible Bay With a fairly steep decent and rocky scramble , Derrible is not the easiest of bays to reach but it is one of the most beautiful and well worth the effort. At low tide the crystal clear waters meet with an expanse of gorgeous golden sand. One could easily mistake this bay for a tropical island! Explore the beach caves and the large open creux. High tide also offers wonderful swimming right off the rocky platform at the bottom of the cliff steps. Dixcart Bay Dixcart is Sark's most popular bay, so you may find as many as 10 other people on the beach in the height of Summer! It is no wonder as the swimming is wonderful at any tide. The walk down is easy and pleasant, through Dixcart woods. On the beach you will find a mix of pebbles, sand, rock pools and caves to explore. Of all the bays, Dixcart has the best anchorage and is great for visiting boats looking to come ashore. Rouge Terrier Rouge Terrier consists of a landing rock and ladder into the sea, offering good fishing and deep water swimming from half to high tide. This East facing spot is best visited in the morning. At low water the adjoining islet of Moie de La Brenière can be visited with a short scramble from the landing. Be sure to avoid entering any flowing currents between the is let and the landing. Venus Pool This enchanting deep water pool may be difficult to find but it is truly awe inspiring. In fact, the elusive nature of Venus Pool is indeed part of its charm. The window of time to enjoy the pool is 2hrs either side of low tide and a scramble is required to do so. Follow the series of discreet pebble cairns to guide you down the headland. The journey is an adventure in itself and plunging into the vividly coloured water upon arrival is simply irresistible! Port Gorey After wandering down through the remnants of the old Silver Mines you arrive at Port Gorey and one cannot help but imagine what this lovely swimming spot might have looked like in the 19th century as a fully functioning port to the busy mine above. Come at half to high tide for a splendid dip using the ladder or dive right into the dazzling turquoise creek. A fun game is to spot the death defying Little Sark goat s that teeter precariously on the headland! Adonis Pool Adonis is a large, deep rock pool situated at the bottom of the south west facing headland in Little Sark, accessible two hours either side of low tide. The pool's beautifully coloured water is the reward for the steep decent down the cliff and the leap of faith over a ravine as the last hurdle! ​ Adonis is perhaps not for the faint hearted but a fantastic scramble for the intrepid explorer. Fontaine Creek This bay has a small rocky beach and a long winding creek, lovely for swimming at high tide. Other creeks and pools will reveal themselves as the tide drops. Climb up onto the rocks that shelter the beach to take in the view and choose your desired swimming spot. Growing along the bank above Fontaine are wild Hops, previously used in local Sark ale! Rub them between your fingers to release the hoppy aroma. Grande Gréve Whatever the tide, whatever the weather, Sark's majestic 'great bay' will not disappoint. This beach is worth all of the 360 steps down from La Coupée. Children will spend hours building dams in the sand and paddling in the rock pools. The water is often crystal clear and the swimming is glorious. Enjoy spectacular sunsets from the beach or from the headland above as a reward for the hike back up! Havre Gosselin This small Westward harbour offers easy access to the water with ste ps leading down from a small landing. If you're feeling adventurous swim across to Fregondee bay, not easily accessible by land. In the late afternoon the sun goes off the harbour but the adjacent creeks are easily reached and are bathed in sunlight. Enjoy fantastic swimming right off the rocks into the beautifully coloured deep water. Take a fishing line or a snorkel to discover the abundant sea life in and around the creeks. Port à la Jument This bay requires a bit of rock scrambling but the views and swimming are altogether superb. On a high tide you will find a perfect sunbathing and swimming platform atop a very large boulder. Whilst a Spring low tide will reveal a secluded sandy bay around the corner, which you will undoubtedly have all to yourself! The high, angled cliffs are very striking, as are the silhouettes they make against a setting sun. Port du Moulin ​ There is plenty to see and do here, depending on the tide. From half to high tide the swimming is second to none. As you swim, spot the curious cairns atop the inaccessible bluff. On a low tide you can scramble through the arch towards Saignie bay and explore the old shipwreck or venture through the south-side gap for a scramble round to Pegane bay. Watch the sun melt into Guernsey on Summer eves. L'Eperquerie Beach and Pool ​ L'Eperquerie landing, so called as it was the original landing spot for boats, is a small pebbly beach lovely for swimming at half to high tide. In Summer you will often see the Sark ferry passing by and can enjoy the waves from its wake as they ripple towards the shore. Adjacent to the beach is a semi man-made natural pool, which is wonderful for children at hal f to low tide for paddling, fishing or sailing toy boats! Les Fontaines Les Fontaines, aro und the corner from L'Epercquerie beach, is a magical spot with smooth rounded boulders, perfect for lounging on and sparkly green water that twinkles and shimmers. Bring a snorkel and explore the north side arch and the small secluded cove to the east. ​ The path leading up from the bay is very pretty, with a perfectly situated bench to rest and enjoy the view. Gréve de la Ville For an early morning high tide swim you would be hard pressed to find a better spot. Northeast facing, this little gem of a bay, within close proximity to the village, is bathed in sunlight until around midday. ​ Visitor moorings can be found here and there are wide steps for easy dinghy access. High water here is often clear, showcasing the lovely coloured pebbles below. In Spring, the path leading down to this bay is strewn with beautiful wild flowers as well as wild hops growing up the cliff side. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... SHOPS AND ACTIVITIES FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

< Back La Petite Valette Bedrooms 3 Sleeps 6 Self Catering About La Petite Valette. Relax in a home away from home by booking into a self-catering property where you have flexibility to cook for yourself, in the comfort of your own private residence. This modern cottage is situated on the east coast of Sark part way up Sark’s Harbour Hill in a prime location with local amenities only a short walk away. This recently refurbished property is furnished to a high standard throughout and sits within a small woodland, boasting three large bedrooms – two with en-suite bathrooms, a large lounge with a traditional log burner, a spacious modern kitchen and a dedicated home office. La Petite Valette can accommodate a total of 6 guests. Terms per night with a minimum 3-night stay: £250.00 to £360.00 per night Contact info@thesarkestate.com +44 (0) 1481 832 089 Visit Website Location

< Back Le Vallon d'Or Cottage Bedrooms 1 Sleeps 3 Self Catering About Le Vallon D’or Cottage is situated a short walk from The Avenue, nestled in an idyllic rural valley with distant sea views across to France from the top of the meadow. The cottage has recently been refurbished and provides comfortable accommodation with sitting room, kitchen, dining room, bedroom and en-suite with shower, wash hand basin and W.C. and has its own private garden. Linen, bath towels, free Wi-fi and complimentary welcome pack (tea, coffee, milk, and cereals) is provided. Both units have TV and central heating. Situation Le Vallon Or provides an ideal base for a peaceful & relaxing holiday. Award winning conservation area. The property lies close to the village and is convenient for Dixcart and Derrible Bays. Sleeps 2-3 in a self-contained one-bedroom cottage. Terms per week: from £700 to £900 Terms per day: from £100 to £135 Contact le_vallon_dor@cwgsy.net +44 (0) 1481 832 653 Visit Website Location

Where to Stay Browse all or filter by accommodation type B&B / Guest House Camping & Glamping Hotel Self Catering A list of all Sark Accommodation Permit Holders can be found here. Permit Holders Chez_Nous_front.jpg Chez_Nous_lounge.png image9.png Chez_Nous_front.jpg 1/7 Self Catering Chez Nous Refurbished bungalow in central location with lovely outdoor courtyard. Bedrooms 3 Sleeps 6 Read more Helen 3.jpg 1/7 Self Catering Chill-Inn Homestay A large house available as a whole or as shared homestay accommodation. Bedrooms 5 Sleeps 16 Read more Le-Petit.jpg La-Grand-lounge-2.jpg Le Friquet 17_web.jpg Le-Petit.jpg 1/7 Self Catering Clos A Jaon Luxury accommodation in 4 spacious properties, all in a central location. Bedrooms 15 Sleeps 28 Read more image2.jpeg image1.jpeg image3.jpeg image2.jpeg 1/5 Camping & Glamping Clos A Jaon Glamping Luxury glamping offering a comfortable & stylish base for exploring the island. Bedrooms 8 Sleeps 48 Read more image4_2.jpg image3_2.jpg image1_1.jpg image4_2.jpg 1/4 B&B / Guest House Clos Princess Centrally located bed and breakfast with lovely garden and conservatory. Bedrooms 3 Sleeps 5 Read more MADAME IRIS_web.JPG P9150013_web.JPG P9150103_web.JPG MADAME IRIS_web.JPG 1/6 Self Catering Clos d'Iris A 'Mr. Hester's' Property. Just a stone’s throw from the Avenue. Bedrooms 7 Sleeps 14 Read more MR-CHANTERELLE-2-2.jpg -5809690822075197268_IMG_4393_web.jpg 4361207215668470050_IMG_4380_web.jpg MR-CHANTERELLE-2-2.jpg 1/7 Self Catering Clos de Chanterelle A 'Mr. Hester's' Property. Just a stone’s throw from the Avenue. Bedrooms 3 Sleeps 6 Read more Dixcart.jpg IIMG 4105.jpg IMG_4069.JPG Dixcart.jpg 1/7 Hotel Dixcart Terrace Luxury Hotel above Dixcart Valley with on-site bistro and cocktail bar. Bedrooms 10 Sleeps 20 Read more Elsies-front-garden.jpg Double-bed.jpg IMG_0013.jpg Elsies-front-garden.jpg 1/6 B&B / Guest House Dunromin A comfortable, centrally located Guest House with peaceful garden. Bedrooms 1 Sleeps 2 Read more Grand Dixcart outside.JPG Grand Dixcart double bedroom.JPG Grand DIxcart bedroom.JPG Grand Dixcart outside.JPG 1/4 B&B / Guest House Grand Dixcart B&B Bed and breakfast in an original Sark farmhouse with exquisite gardens. Bedrooms 6 Sleeps 14 Read more SC1.jpg SC_new_2.jpg SC2.jpg SC1.jpg 1/6 Self Catering Grand Dixcart Cottage Tastefully renovated stone cottage with use of Stocks Hotel facilities. Bedrooms 2 Sleeps 6 Read more 10.jpeg 15_web.jpeg 25_web.jpeg 10.jpeg 1/7 Self Catering La Chasse Marette A newly refurbished home, conveniently located with wonderful outdoor space. Bedrooms 3 Sleeps 6 Read more photo_lamarguerite1.jpg photo_lamarguerite1.jpg 1/1 B&B / Guest House La Marguerite Guest house in traditional Sark cottage, right in the heart of the island. Bedrooms 4 Sleeps 8 Read more Moinerie Exterior - Sark - Barclay - Ben Fiore Photography-6.jpg Moinerie Exterior - Sark - Barclay - Ben Fiore Photography-4.jpg Room Grande Greve Moinerie - Sark - Barclay - Ben Fiore Photography-4.jpg Moinerie Exterior - Sark - Barclay - Ben Fiore Photography-6.jpg 1/7 Hotel La Moinerie Village Luxury Hotel situated above Port du Moulin woods, with on-site bar. Bedrooms 14 Sleeps 44 Read more La Petit Vallete - Sark - Barclay - Ben Fiore Photography-29_web.jpg La Petit Vallete - Sark - Barclay - Ben Fiore Photography-6_web.jpg La Petit Vallete - Sark - Barclay - Ben Fiore Photography-23_web.jpg La Petit Vallete - Sark - Barclay - Ben Fiore Photography-29_web.jpg 1/7 Self Catering La Petite Valette Spacious home refurbished to a high standard, set within a pretty woodland. Bedrooms 3 Sleeps 6 Read more IMG_0769_web.jpeg IMG_0777_web.jpeg LaRue4_web.jpg IMG_0769_web.jpeg 1/7 Self Catering La Rue Centrally located spacious house with cottage style garden and patio area. Bedrooms 3 Sleeps 4 Read more IMG_3095_web.jpg IMG_3097_web.jpg IMG_3102_web.jpg IMG_3095_web.jpg 1/5 Self Catering La Valette A traditional Sark farm house in a sheltered valley on the East coast. Bedrooms 3 Sleeps 6 Read more IMG_3083_web.jpg IMG_3074_web.jpg IMG_2595_web.JPG IMG_3083_web.jpg 1/6 Camping & Glamping La Valette Campsite Located on the east coast with unrivalled views of the coastline and across to France Bedrooms 7 Sleeps 50 Read more La Vaurocque unit.jpg Kitchen 3 2020.jpg Bathroom 2020.jpg La Vaurocque unit.jpg 1/5 Self Catering La Vaurocque Centrally located holiday cottages on large property with lots of green space. Bedrooms 6 Sleeps 15 Read more entrance.jpg apt3.jpg garden4.jpg entrance.jpg 1/7 Self Catering Le Hurel Apartment Studio apartment within larger stone farm cottage on the East coast. Bedrooms 1 Sleeps 2 Read more IMG_LVD_2.jpg Main_Bedroom.jpg IMG_LVD_10_bluebells.jpg IMG_LVD_2.jpg 1/7 Self Catering Le Vallon d'Or Comfortable apartment nestled in an idyllic valley with distant sea views. Bedrooms 2 Sleeps 4 Read more Cottage outside.jpg Cottage kitchen new.jpg Cottage kitchen sink new.jpg Cottage outside.jpg 1/7 Self Catering Le Vallon d'Or Cottage Comfortable cottage nestled in an idyllic valley with distant sea views. Bedrooms 1 Sleeps 3 Read more Front_House_med.jpg Lounge_and_Kitchenette.jpg Bathroom_med.jpg Front_House_med.jpg 1/7 Self Catering Les Ronche Open plan apartment with sun-trap courtyard in central location. Bedrooms 1 Sleeps 2 Read more Hesters-1.jpg Mr Hesters SC (3)_web.JPG MR HESTERS-SARK - JAN 2015.png Hesters-1.jpg 1/7 Self Catering Mr. Hester's Mr. Hester's Flagship property. Just a short stroll from Dixcart Woods. Bedrooms 3 Sleeps 6 Read more photo_notredesir1.jpg photo_notredesir1.jpg 1/1 B&B / Guest House Notre Desir Home from home in pretty secluded valley, known for its hearty breakfast. Bedrooms 2 Sleeps 4 Read more Pods Inside Pods pomme-Toilets.jpg Pods 1/7 Camping & Glamping Pomme de Chien A peaceful campsite with beautiful views and flat recreational areas. Bedrooms 2 Sleeps 50 Read more Sea Mist 1.jpg John-2-scaled.jpg John-3.jpg Sea Mist 1.jpg 1/3 B&B / Guest House Sea Mist Wooden lodge located on the East coast with superb sea views. Bedrooms 1 Sleeps 2 Read more IMG-20190716-WA0014.jpg IMG-20190716-WA0015-Copy.jpg IMG-20190716-WA0013.jpg IMG-20190716-WA0014.jpg 1/7 Self Catering Seaview A 300 year old cottage providing a homely retreat with character and charm. Bedrooms 3 Sleeps 6 Read more Stable_cottage.jpg Farmyard_at_Stable_Cottage.jpg kitchen_garden_.jpg Stable_cottage.jpg 1/7 Self Catering Stable Cottage Cosy cottage on secluded property with sheltered garden and farmyard. Bedrooms 1 Sleeps 2 Read more Ben Fiore Photography - Stocks Hotel HQ (32 of 214).jpg Ben-Fiore-Photography-Stocks-Hotel-after-dark-FB-LQ-81-of-214.jpg Ben-Fiore-Photography-Stocks-Hotel-front-FB-LQ-8-of-214.jpg Ben Fiore Photography - Stocks Hotel HQ (32 of 214).jpg 1/7 Hotel Stocks Hotel Offering the finest traditions of island hospitality. Bedrooms 23 Sleeps 58 Read more Sues-B-and-B.jpg _web2._IMG_2738.jpg _web6._IMG_2764.jpg Sues-B-and-B.jpg 1/6 B&B / Guest House Sue's B&B The perfect base to explore the island, with an award winning garden. Bedrooms 4 Sleeps 7 Read more 1.jpeg 2.jpeg 14.jpeg 1.jpeg 1/10 Self Catering Sunset Valley House A big, bold and beautiful self-catering house on the west coast of Sark. Bedrooms 4 Sleeps 11 Read more 1.jpg 2.jpg 7.jpg 1.jpg 1/7 B&B / Guest House The Hideaway Centrally located luxury accommodation. Also available as Self Catering. Bedrooms 5 Sleeps 14 Read more IMG_0465.jpg 2.jpg 6.jpg IMG_0465.jpg 1/7 Self Catering The Hideaway Centrally located luxury accommodation. Also available as B&B. Bedrooms 5 Sleeps 14 Read more The Old Forge 2023.jpg The Old Forg 8.jpg The old Forge (3).jpg The Old Forge 2023.jpg 1/5 B&B / Guest House The Old Forge Cottage with sea views and use of pool. Also available as Self Catering Bedrooms 3 Sleeps 10 Read more The Old Forge 2023.jpg The Old Forg 8.jpg The old Forge (3).jpg The Old Forge 2023.jpg 1/4 Self Catering The Old Forge Cottage with sea views and use of pool. Also available as Guest House. Bedrooms 3 Sleeps 10 Read more Wing_1.jpg Wing_2.jpg Wing_6.jpg Wing_1.jpg 1/6 Self Catering The Wing Light and spacious accommodation with stunning sea views. Bedrooms 1 Sleeps 2 Read more Hester-V.C..jpg 7516741456_IMG_0347.jpg 7516741456_IMG_0405.jpg Hester-V.C..jpg 1/7 Self Catering Vine Cottage A 'Mr. Hester's' Property. Just a stone’s throw from The Avenue. Bedrooms 2 Sleeps 4 Read more