Sark – The World’s First Dark Sky Island

Travel to Guernsey

Make your way to Guernsey – we would usually suggest flying from Gatwick with Aurigny Air. On arrival in Guernsey, you’ll be met by either a taxi or a coach for the transfer to your hotel (depending on number of people travelling).

We can arrange flights to/from Guernsey from London or a variety of other UK departure points – please contact us for details and prices.

Travel is also possible by sea from Poole (Dorset – Southern England) with Condor Ferries.

Check in to your hotel, and the remainder of the day will be at your leisure.

Guernsey Island Tour

After breakfast enjoy a full day Island tour with your own driver/guide. Your tour will include the pretty town of St Peter Port, The Little Chapel, La Vallette Underground Military Museum, Sausmarez Manor and Fort Grey & the Shipwreck Museum. Take a stroll to Castle Cornet, once cut off by the tide it now provides a spectacular backdrop to the town. St Peter Port’s centrepiece is its beautiful church, which is believed to be the closest church to a pub in the British Isles.

There will be a convenient stop for lunch during the day (not included) and plenty of chance to take photos during the day. At the end of the day you will be taken back to your hotel, and the rest of the day and evening will be at your leisure.

Sark with Two-Hour Carriage Ride

Breakfast in the hotel, and check out.

We would suggest taking smaller bag with you and leaving your main luggage with the concierge, ready for your return in two days time.

There will be a transfer from your hotel to the ferry terminal, for the 45 minute crossing to the Island of Sark.

A trip to Sark is a must for anyone visiting Guernsey. The Island’s natural beauty is its best asset and from its Jurassic cliffs to its secluded bays and unparalleled views, there is a lot to see.

The Island is home to some 500 inhabitants and is around 3 miles long and 1.5 miles across. There are a handful of shops, a couple of pubs and tea rooms.

There are no cars on Sark, so the best way to see the island is by horse and carriage on a two-hour tour of the island. Which is included, whilst in the meantime your luggage will be taken directly to the hotel.

At the end of the carriage ride, there will be chance to take lunch in Stocks Hotel before checking in.

At leisure this afternoon to relax in the grounds of your hotel, if the weather is nice there is a delightful outdoor pool, or simply explore on foot.

Dinner will be served in the hotel this evening – and you can then experience this “Dark Sky Island” – the first in the world.

Sark – The Worlds first Dark Sky Island

After breakfast in the hotel, there is an option to hire bicycles for you to explore the Island – with no cars on the Island, you will find that this is the perfect way to get around and experience Island Life. Alternatively there are lots of optional extras available, including a tour of the Permaculture Gardens at the Stocks Hotel, with a guided tour of the Organic Kitchen and cut flower gardens, Foraging tour of the Island with a local guide, followed by a cooking demo and special dinner menu, a guided walking tour of the Island, and the chance to visit La Seigneurie House & Gardens the home of Sark’s Seigneurs and Dames for almost 200 years.

The House is open for very limited visits usually personally escorted by Christoper Beaumont, Sark’s 23rd Seigneur. The House is surrounded by extensive gardens including one of the finest walled gardens in Europe. Guided walks with one of the gardeners can be arranged. A cafe / bistro has been opened named Hathaways, after Sybil Hathaway – the Dame of Sark until 1974.

You will take dinner in the hotel this evening, and as the sun goes down, you will experience the “Dark Sky”.

In 2011, the International Dark Sky Association designated Sark as their first Dark Sky Island due to the lack of light pollution. On a clear night, over 7000 stars are visible with the naked eye and the pale glow of the Milky Way stretches from one horizon to the other, and when there is little or no full moon, this will give you the best effects.

Full Moon nights though hold there own beauty and walking by moonlight is one of the many magical experiences to be had on Sark.

You can also arrange a visit to Sark’s observatory for a closer view of the moon, galaxies and planets.

Sark to Guernsey

Breakfast in the hotel, and then it’s a gentle 20 minute stroll to the harbour (carriage transport can be arranged) for your mid morning ferry crossing back to Guernsey (or stay the day and return to Guernsey in the afternoon).

On arrival back at St Peter Port, there will be a private transfer to your hotel, the remainder of your day is at leisure.

If you fancy some independent exploration, there is an excellent network of local buses – all departing from the Town terminal by the harbour in St Peter Port, and with a fare of £1 for any journey of any distance you can make the most of your time.

Depart Guernsey or extend your stay

You may have some free time for some last minute purchases, before the transfer to the airport.

Alternatively you may wish to extend your stay on Guernsey, or travel to Jersey for another visit, in which case, we can arrange a transfer to the port for the crossing to the island of Jersey.

Please contact us for details of how to extend your stay.