Sark: A Timeless And Dreamy British Island Getaway

There is an intrinsic curiosity about Sark arising from its relative unfamiliarity. As an island in the Bailiwick of Guernsey — the third most populated after Guernsey and Alderney. With its population of 600, it is hard enough to find anyone from the island. Perhaps its most recent celebrity comes from the London 2012 Olympic Games when Sark native Carl Hester won the Dressage event along with colleagues Laura Bechtolsheimer and Charlotte Dujardin.

As with all British gold medallists, the island’s only post box was repainted gold to commemorate the occasion.

The Island of Sark

Ask a random layperson to point to Sark on a map, and there is a good chance they would miss it. The island’s diminutive 2 square miles would probably be invisible on all maps except those zoomed into the Channel Islands themselves.

Sark has no airports, and so getting there requires a 35-50 minute ferry from nearby Guernsey or 70 minutes from Jersey, both of which are accessible by air or sea from the UK or France. No cars are permitted and it is best to be in decent physical condition as walking or cycling around the island will be required.

The closest thing to a taxi or public transportation is a horse-drawn carriage, and for delivery of bulky goods there is a tractor that loops the island delivering luggage or supplies from the port to guest accommodation or other local businesses.

Bicycles are permitted though, and is highly recommended to get around. For an easier time on your legs and to make the most of your time on the island, electric bikes are the recommended option.

Accommodation in Sark

La Moinerie Village

The Sark Estate manages two separate estates, each with their own charm. La Moinerie Village is a converted farm estate built upon the site of a former monastery.

Located on the west side of the island, La Moinerie Village offers double, twin and single rooms in the 18th Century farmhouse, or just around the corner there are lodges for roomier accommodation. Connected lodges are available for families or close friends.

Perhaps one of the greatest appeals of La Moinerie Village is the viewpoint just a few minutes walk further down and looking westwards for a spectacular panoramic view of Sark and its neighbouring islands.

Dixcart Hotel

The Dixcart Hotel, another of the Sark Estate’s properties, is situated about 20 minutes walk away from La Moinerie Village, towards the southeast of Greater Sark beside Dixcart Bay.

Things to do in Sark

If you are looking for an adventurous, thrill-seeking experience this island won’t be for you. Everything here is tranquil and serene. There is hardly any noise, with the exception of the aforementioned delivery tractors once per couple of hours, and the occasional moo of a nearby cow.

Perhaps the best activity is to walk a loop and enjoy the sound of waves crashing into the rugged gneiss cliffs that make up the geology of Sark. Maybe even a kayak if you want to explore the caverns.

As a designated Dark Sky island, Sark provides great viewing of the heavens if you are able to plan for a visit during a new moon.

Closing thoughts

Tranquil, leisurely, simple. These are probably the three words I would use to describe my visit to Sark. With the modern pace of life rushing by, this charming island is a nice place to sit back and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and detach yourself a little, without having to jet off to the other side of the world if you are located close to UK or France.

Nothing on this island is fancy — the locals and visitors love it that way.