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There are many ways to experience this island of infinite variety - by carriage, bicycle, or on foot. The coastal scenery is spectacular with numerous bays and headlands to admire. Sark is a ramblers paradise, and there are far more coastal walks and bays than there are days to explore them. Whatever a visitor's interest, many return year after year to continue the experience of peace and tranquillity that Sark offers. An experience unique in today's world. There are regular events throughout the year, aimed at both islanders and visitors alike.
Natural Beauty
Sark is one of the few remaining unspolit Islands in the Western world - with no cars and virtually no pollution. The well-known botanist and broadcaster, Professor David Bellamy, said that his recent trip to Sark was 'like stepping back in time'. Professor Bellamy is the Patron of Sark's annual Wild Flower Fortnight event which takes place each May.
Venus Pool
Venus Pool was given its name by the Victorian artist, William Toplis. At low tide, this circular pool contains almost 20 feet of deep, translucent water for bathing or lazing in the sun, on the surrounding rocks. It is completely covered by the sea at high tide.
Above Venus Pool is the site of the old Sark silver mines which were built in the 1830s. It was from the next bay (Port Gorey) that the ore was loaded onto ships Despite employing up to 80 Sarkese and numerous Cornish miners, the mining operation was short-lived as the yield was small. The crumbling remains of the chimneys and buildings still remain.
La Seigneurie
The home of the Seigneurs of Sark since 1730, La Seigneurie was built on the site of the sixth century monastery of St. Magloire. The present house has been altered and extended over the years with a large Victorian watch-tower erected in order that signalling could take place between the island and Guernsey. The formal, Royal Horticultural Society recognised gardens are amongst the finest in the Channel Islands.
Prior to 1730, the Seigneurie was at Le Manoir, the house of the first Seigneur, Helier de Carteret. When the owner of La Perronerie, Mrs Suzanne Le Pelley, purchased the Fief of Sark she preferred to remain in her own home rather than move to Le Manoir. Thus La Perronerie became La Seigneurie and has remained the home of the Seigneurs to the present day. The current Seigneur, Michael Beaumont, inherited the Island from his Grandmother on her death in 1974.
The house was built around 1675 and has been altered and added to many times over the years. The big drawing room and tower were added in 1854 by the present Seigneur's great great grandfather, the Reverend W. T. Collings. The house is not open to the public as it remains the permanent family residence. The gardens however are open daily and remain one of Sark's most popular attractions.
Prison
This windowless stone prison, built in 1856, contains two small cells and is still in use today, usually for individuals who have over-indulged in liquid refreshment. Prisoners are kept here for a maximum of two nights. Longer prison sentences imposed by the Sark Seneschal's Court are served in Guernsey prison at Sark's expense.
Harbours
The old harbour, said to be one of the world's smallest, is only used by passenger ferries when weather conditions cause landing difficulties at Maseline. It is very picturesque, enclosing a small beach and reached by two tunnels cut through the reddish-brown cliffs. It is mainly used today, by the local fishermen, and visiting yachtsmen. The highly popular Sark Water Carnival is held here in high season.