Sark

Sark (Sercq; Sercquiais: Sèr or Cerq) is one of the small Channel Islands of Guernsey. Sark is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which in turn is a dependency of the British Crown. It has a population of 600 and an area of 2.1 square miles (5.44 km²). It is the world's first Dark Sky Island.

Travel to Sark

Sark from the air - geograph.ci - 373 - Sark from the air

There is no airport on Sark, but there is one on Guernsey . Visitors to Sark have to either use a ferry or have access to a sailing boat.

By ferry

Sark ferry arrival - Sark ferry arrival

Sark can be visited by a 45 minutes ferry ride from Saint Peter Port in Guernsey. There are usually two or more sailings in each direction per day, while in the height of summer this rises to as much as five sailings each way. Expect to pay around £28 return per adult (standard fare during summer). The services are run by Isle of Sark Shipping.

Summer ferries from St. Helier on Jersey (£40.50 day return per adult) and Granville (Normandy)|Granville and Carteret in France (€58.50 return per adult, boats stop in St. Helier but you don't have to get off) also operate by Manche Iles Express].

Sailing

There are public yellow buoy moorings at Havre Gosselin on the west coast and at La Grève de la Ville bay on the east coast, and also anchorages in various bays around the Island. Creux Harbour has toilet facilities and has space for a few boats which are able to dry out, but Maseline Harbour has no visitors' moorings and neither does Les Laches, outside the Creux Harbour. Maseline Harbour jetty is in constant use by ferries, and so it is not feasible to remain alongside it.

Get Around

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Sark does not allow motor vehicles, apart from agricultural tractors, but as it's only around three square miles in size walking around isn't so exhausting. Harbour hill is quite steep, so it may be worth paying the £1 fare to take a "toastrack" (one of two specially constructed passenger trailers towed by one of the 31 ubiquitous tractors) up. If your baggage is labelled (including hotel name) and the hotels and ferry companies organise a "carter" (their dedicated driver of a tractor and trailer) to deliver your bags on arrival and departure.

The other means of transport available are horse-drawn vans. They usually depart from the top of Harbour Hill. They cost about £20 for an hour's drive around Sark, or £15 for a single trip to Little Sark. Prices are per person. The driver will also act as tour guide, and some will speak French.

There are also a couple of cycle-hire shops on Sark. You may want to book before you arrive on the island, particularly in the summer. Also, cycling is illegal on La Coupée and down Harbour Hill. Finally, horses always have right of way on Sark, be careful as they can be surprisingly quiet, even when drawing a cart, so you may not hear it arrive. Also and the driver's control of a horse is not absolute.

A to B Cycles, @, +44 1481 832844. Situated on Mermaid lane. Wide range of cycles, reasonable prices and friendly service. Discounts for advance bookings.
Avenue Cycle Hire, @, +44 1481 832102. Situated on the Avenue. Cycles from £7 a day. Tandems from £18 a day. Cheaper for longer periods.
Sark Cycles, +44 7781 454375. Top of Harbour Hill.

Finally, some hotels and guest houses have cycles to hire or lend to their guests.

Sark Halal Travel Guide

Guernsey-CIA WFB Map - the Bailwick of Guernsey

Politics in Sark

Sark is part of the Bailwick of Guernsey and, as such, is not a part of the UK, although it relies on it for defence and foreign relations. It participates in the Common Travel Area but not the EU. Some things differ from the UK (banknotes, stamps, immigration requirements). Sark has its own laws and legislature (Chief Pleas or les chefs plaids).

Sark is often said to be Europe's last remaining feudal fiefdom. This was true and the Seigneur is still lord of the manor and the Duke of Normandy's personal liegeman, but thanks to incessant, insistent and expensive litigation by the Barclay twins and the final sitting of the last Tenement Owners and Deputies attending a Feudal Chief Pleas was in October 2008. (The first sitting of the democratically elected Conseillers of Chief Pleas was in January 2009.)

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Local Language in Sark

Sark has its own dialect of the Norman language, Sarkese, Sercquiais or Sark-French (Lé Sèrtchais in the original), which is closely related to the language of Jersey, Jèrriais. In training though and the visitor will only encounter it in place names. French is also relatively widely spoken. For historical reasons, French was until very recently the language used for legal matters, and still is sometimes used in official matters, as the Bailwick still follows some aspects of Norman law.

What to see in Sark

La Coupée - La Coupée

La Coupée 49.420556, -2.366111 between Little Sark and Big Sark - Cross the narrow isthmus to Little Sark across a high concrete causeway only {{feet|9 wide with steep cliffs and a long drop on each side! Until the road was rebuilt, widened and handrails installed by German POWs after the Second World War, many horses were too scared to cross from Little Sark to Great Sark.

La Seigneurie - GY10 1SF 49.43778, -2.3625 North-west of the island ☎ +44 1481 832208 | Opening Hours: Easter-1 Nov Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00 £4/adult, £1.50/child Ma Seigneurie Seigneurie - Sark Home of the Seigneur of Sark since 1730. The house is not open to the public, but you can visit its formal gardens.

Disused Silver Mines Mittle Sark 49.410829, -2.375359
The Window in the Rock 49.438008, -2.368755 North-west of the island A man-made hole in the rock from which to admire the beautiful scenery.

Natural attractions - Check the Sark#Do|Do section for various natural attractions

The sky at night - In 2011, Sark became the first Dark Sky Island as recognised by the International Dark-sky Association (IDA). The absence of street-lighting and cars means that there is very little light pollution, making this on of the best places to Astronomy|see stars, and the Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon.

Best things to do in Sark

Sark Folk Festival 2013 20 - Sark Folk Festival

Walk - Enjoy the rugged scenery and soak up the unique atmosphere of this car-free island.

Cycle - A charming alternative to walking; see the Get around section for more details.

Horse vans - usually departing from the top of Harbour Hill Around £20 per person See the Get around section for more details.

Caves - Sark is famous for its caves accessible at low tide. The Boutique Caves are at the north end of the island and the Gouliot Caves on the west coast. Caution should be exercised by checking the high-tide times, and preferably travelling with an experienced guide (particularly for the Gouliot Caves).

Explore Sark's coastline - Sark's beautiful rugged coastline encompasses beautiful moors at the north end of the island (L'Eperquerie), natural pools (at L'Eperquerie, or the Venus Pool on Little Sark), beaches (such as La Grande Grêve, although do consider wind direction), bays (Derrible and Dixcart), and natural curiosities (La Coupée, a high narrow causeway linking Little and Big Sark; the Window in the Rock on Sark's north-west coast).

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Sark

The currency of Sark is the Guernsey pound, although UK and Jersey pounds are also accepted. There are no ATM on the islands, and only two banks, with rather short opening times (they usually are open Monday to Friday 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-15:00), only one of which (HSBC, at the end of the Avenue) can give money to non-clients (Natwest can only help Natwest International clients, not Natwest clients from the UK). Most hotels, and restaurants card terminals, and a couple of the grocery stores on the Avenue can do cashback up to £50.

When leaving the Bailwick of Guernsey (i.e. if you are travelling to Jersey or France), you may purchase duty-free, usually sold on board ship.

Halal Restaurants in Sark

Café

Hathaways - Ma Seigneurie gardens 49.438122, -2.361852 ☎ +44 1481 832209 | Opening Hours: 09:30 to 22:30

Afternoon tea

Caragh Chocolates & Tea Garden 49.423332, -2.36509 on the road to Little Sark ☎ +44 1481 832703
La Sablonnerie Hotel | Little Sark ☎ +44 1481 832061 +44 1481 832408

Sue's Tea Garden and B&B 49.4291, -2.36518 west of the island ☎ +44 1481 832107

The Window in the Rock, Sark - geograph.ci - 44 - The window in the rock was cut on the instructions of a Victorian cleric to give a view of Saignie Bay to the north

They are a few cafes and two pubs on the islands. The pubs are not allowed to open on Sundays and alcohol can only be served in cafes on Sundays with purchase of a meal.

Sark now has a smoking ban in pubs, restaurants; it is still legal to smoke in shops, offices, workshops, and places of worship, although many of these places voluntarily enforce smoking bans as well.

Pubs

Mermaid Tavern 49.433529, -2.351911 ☎ +44 1481 832022
Bel Air Inn 49.431555, -2.351772 ☎ +44 1481 832052

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Sark

Sark - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Sark, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sark. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Sark and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Sark. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Sark. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSark: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Sark.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Sark: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Sark, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Sark.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Sark, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Sark, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Sark and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Sark, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Sark, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Sark without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sark is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Sark.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Sark is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Sark, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Sark Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

The Sark Tourist Office provides full listings of all accommodation options on Sark, and its Guide lists all services provided by all the places (available from the Tourist Office in person or through their website).

Hotels

Boats on shore at Dixcart Bay, Sark - geograph.ci - 70 - Boats on shore at Dixcart Bay in 1968

Aval du Creux Hotel | Harbour Hill ☎ +44 1481 832036 +44 1481 832368£77-90 per person B&B, £102-115 per person half-board At the top of Harbour Hill, Aval du Creux has 26 rooms, gardens and has a swimming pool.

Dixcart Hotel | Dixcart Lane ☎ +44 1481 832015 +44 1481 832164£60-90 per person B&B, £90-120 per person half-board Sark's oldest hotel on the south of Big Sark, Dixcart was once a favourite haunt of Victor Hugo. It has 18 rooms, and boasts extensive gardens and orchards reaching all the way to Dixcart bay.

Hotel Petit Champ | west coast of the island ☎ +44 1481 832046 +44 1481 832469£55-77 per person B&B, £75-97 per person half-board Hotel Petit Champ has 10 rooms with sea views, gardens, swimming pool, and lies in a secluded spot on Sark's west coast.

La Moinerie Hotel | next to La Seigneurie, on the north-west of the island ☎ +44 1481 832089 +44 1481 832459£60-90 per person B&B, £85-115 per person half-board Hotel La Moinerie has 5 rooms, gardens, and was recently refurbished.

La Sablonnerie | Little Sark ☎ +44 1481 832061 +44 1481 832408£30-90 per person B&B, £48-135 per person half-board This famous 22-room hotel on Little Sark boasts gardens and croquet lawn, and its own horses and carriages.

Stocks Hotel | opposite Dixcart Hotel in the south of Big Sark ☎ +44 1481 832001 +44 1481 832130£87.50-125 per person B&B, £107.50-145 per person half-board A 16th-century farm, this 43-room hotel presents itself on its rustic-chic charm and informal luxury. Set in a wooded valley in the south of Big Sark, it boasts heated pool, children's pool, spa swimming pool, restaurant.

Guesthouses

Beau Sejour - Opposite La Seigneurie, on the west of the island ☎ +44 1481 832034 - £40-70 per person

Self catering

Camping Places

La Valette - next to the lighthouse on the east coast ☎ +44 1481 832202 - £7.50 per adult, £4 per child With panoramic views of the Grève de la Ville bay towards Alderney and France, this large open site offers a modern purpose-built toilet and shower block offering heated pay showers, cubicle washrooms with shaver points and a dishwashing sink. You can also hire pre-erected tents. Open 1 April-31 October.

Pomme de Chien | ☎ +44 1481 832316 - £7.50 per adult, £5 per child This large family-run campsite has free toilets and showers, and rents fully equipped tents. Open all year round.

Stay Safe

The emergency ambulance on Sark - The horse drawn emergency ambulance As may be expected and the crime rate on Sark is very low (the island only has two civilian, non-uniformed "police officers" who get no formal training or pay and rotate each year).

There are no particular health issues either, but private travel insurance should be purchased. Like the rest of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Sark has no reciprocal agreements with the British National Health Service (NHS) or any other nations's health service. Any medical treatment must and therefore, be paid in full.

Dr John Stevenson is the island's GP. Night-time evacuations by helicopter are done from the Millennium Field at Clos a Jaon on Sark and Closette Field at Duval Farm on Little Sark.

News & References Sark

Travel Next

If you are reliant on public transport, you may only go back to Guernsey (and Jersey in the summer). If you have your own boat, you could also go to Alderney, Herm and Lower Normandy in France. You can also reach these destinations from Guernsey; however, in terms of public transport, Sark is pretty much the end of the line.

Note that the nearby island of Brecqhou is off-limits as it is the private property of the Barclay twins, British billionaires who own The Spectator and The Telegraph.