Things to see and do Sercq (Sark)

The only way to reach the peninsula of Little Sark, it is to pass by the Coupée, a rocky ridge which dominates the sea on both sides and can give the vertigo. The crossing is impressive. It links the two Sark islands by a cement road. This 90 m long road, lined with railings, was built by German prisoners of war. The road replaces an old narrow and particularly dangerous path where even horses refused to venture! Small pleasant beaches border the cliff, at low tide. Caves, covered with anemones, offer their marine treasures.

Coming from the Grand Sark, by descending a series of steps (not easy), one can reach just below the small beach of the Grande Grève creek, on the west side. South of the Coupée, one reaches Adonis Pool, a pond located in front of the islet called Moie de la Bretagne, and visible 2 hours before and after low tide. The sea rises very quickly here: do not underestimate the duration of the journey.

You have to cross a kind of deep ravine to reach the hole whose clear waters are 2 m deep. You can also pass by the shafts of the old silver mine, at Port Gorey, and, quite to the south, go to Venus Pool, an extraordinary rocky pool almost as deep (6 m) as it is wide (10 m diameter). You can swim there at low tide (2 hours before and after too). The flat rocks surrounding it allow to dry off and to sunbathe. Offshore, at 500 m, the Etac rock stands up to the waves.

A visit to the charming feudal island of Sark is all about bays, beaches and coves. There are plenty of them here, and some are quite easy to get to. They're ideal for fishing enthusiasts (don't forget to pack your fishing gear before you leave!) and for wilderness lovers in all seasons.

Banquette Landing

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This cove is a little difficult to access. At the end of Banquette Landing is a flat rock from which you can fish from mid-tide to high tide.

Derrible Bay

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Numerous steps lead up to the sandy beach of Derrible Bay. A beach we recommend when the tide is high.

Dixcart Bay. A short, easy, shady walk through the valley serves as a warm-up before joining the steps down to the pleasant beach of Dixcart Bay, where a swim break is well deserved.

L'Eperquerie and Fontaine Bay. The access path to this cove offers a splendid view. At the bottom of the path, you'll find rocks where you can try your hand at fishing.

Gouliot Passage. Gouliot Passage offers two easy-to-access platforms at high tide.

La Grande Grève. The Grande Grève steps lead down to a sandy beach. On the left, in the seaweed, you'll find perch at low tide. Greens can also be caught here.

Grève de la Ville

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Access to this beautiful beach is a little steep. At the bottom is a pebble beach where you can fish for wrasse in abundance and conger eels after dark.

Les Laches. It's a tough walk (and slippery if it rains) to get here. A good place to find worms (for fishermen, that is).

Little Sark. Access to the sea is quite difficult and steep at Little Sark. The easiest access is Port Gorey beach, near the old gold mines.

Le Manoir. Just beyond the prison, this was the first residence of the lords of Sark. An ordinary, utilitarian (for its time) granite building.

Maseline Bay. Maseline Bay is home to many species. After the rocks, a stretch of sand runs parallel to the harbour wall. A great place to sunbathe on sunny summer days!

The splendid trip lasts about 2h30 (two departures per day, usually around 11am and 2pm depending on the weather) and this locally built fishing boat (with a capacity of 12 people) is really the ideal way to explore the bays, coves and secret caves of the island of Sark. You can also take the opportunity to admire the seabirds that roam the area such as puffins, guillemots, razorbacks, cormorants, etc. The lucky ones will also be able to see dolphins or seals.

This is an original activity not to be missed during a visit to Sark! Sark Carriage Tours offers you to go back in time in a carriage and visit the island, rocked by the soft sounds of the carriage. But not only that! The stories told by the coachman will add a magical touch to this unique experience. The horses have a good temperament and everything should go smoothly for a really nice family outing. At sunset or in the moonlight, the experience is even more magical.

A small building that is a must see! The Sark prison, built in 1856 at the end of The Avenue, has two small cells of about 5^m2, which are usually empty. But in a serious case, anyone who has broken the law can be locked up for 48 hours. The constable and his assistant, the "vingtenier", have the power of incarceration. After 48 hours, the prisoner is either released or transferred to Guernsey. It is notably known as the smallest prison in the world still in operation.

The Seigneurie, whose main building was constructed in 1675 by Jean Le Gros, father of Suzanne, wife of Nicholas Pelley, is located about 500 meters from the main street of the island of Sark. It was built on the site of the priory of Saint Magloire, a monastery dating from the 6th century. The oldest parts of the building are believed to be over 450 years old. Now the residence of the Lords of Sark, the Seigniory was mainly embellished by John Allaire, the lord of the island, who enlarged it by adding the watchtower, a square tower intended to serve as a semaphore to send messages to Guernsey. The public is not allowed to visit the Seigniory itself, but anyone can walk around the property and observe in the large garden, surrounded by granite walls protecting it from storms and frosts, the many plantations of exotic shrubs that the Lady and her grandson introduced to the island and the many rare plants that adorn it throughout. The Channel Islands do not experience frost, so the plants grow in the ground. We will also see the dovecote built to shelter the lords' pigeons. It is without doubt one of the most beautiful green spaces of the Anglo-Norman archipelago. A magnificent walk in perspective! Not to be missed during a trip to the island. Guided tours are often offered on Wednesdays in high season. Ask for more information!

The island's parish church was built in 1820. Tapestries on the walls depict the island's history. The cushions on the pews, representing the coats of arms of the island's families, were embroidered by the local women. The stained glass windows depict various saints. Among them is Saint Magloire, who came from Dol-de-Bretagne in 565 to establish a monastery on Sark. The monastery housed up to sixty monks, who ran a school for the children of the Breton nobility. The Vikings destroyed the monastery and killed the monks in the 9th^century .

The official tourist office of the island of Sark is just a five minute walk from the tractor (arriving from the port). Here you will find everything you need to know about Sark: brochures in French and useful information on how to get around, how to organize your guided tours, how to plan your boat trips, how to book your accommodation, how to find out about upcoming events and how to get personal advice.