Why the Channel Islands?
Outdoor life is a big reason to visit the islands and the beautiful landscape can’t fail to bring in happy smiles. But a little bit of indoor heaven goes a long way to creating more joy and the self-governing British Crown Dependency of Sark has it in abundance. Car free means as soon as leaving the boat, it’s on foot, bike, tractor of by horse and carriage to get around.
Visitors lucky enough to stay at the grand old lady, The Stocks Hotel, have their luggage delivered from boat to bedroom, ready to enjoy some fabulous hospitality. The 23 luxurious rooms can cater for families and dogs and are spread through the main historic farmhouse, the Dower cottage and a renovated hayloft. Originally owned by Harry Stock, the hotel was commandeered by German officers during the war, before being rescued by the Armorgie family in 1979.
Despite being sold and undergoing a major refit in 2009, Paul Armorgie remains a director today, firmly keeping the old-fashioned service alive. Modern meets traditional décor wise, with impeccably kept grounds, a swimming pool and delicious meals and drinks in the main oak panelled dining room, wood beamed Smugglers Bar, with the largest whisky collection in The Channel Islands, delicious Sark cider and a poolside bistro and bar. A nice touch is the welcome home-made biscuits and sloe gin, plus treats from the neighbouring Caragh Chocolates.
From running clubs to yoga sessions, the hotel also has a permaculture garden which provides all the vegetables and cut flowers for the Stocks and guided tours are a must. Foraging trips to the nearby Dixcart Bay and nearby woodland, under the guidance of John Wright from the famous River Cottage restaurant, are popular, as are yoga weekends.
In Guernsey, The Peninsula Hotel on the picturesque headland of Rousse, with beautiful views over Grand Havre Bay and Port Grat beach, is a great base, with modern facilities and a seaside style décor and restaurant.
With a large outdoor pool and just yards from the beach, the hotel is an ideal base to embrace the wellness of swimming, walking and surfing. The horseshoe shaped bay of Port Grat is a great place for families to enjoy quality time in a safe haven.
Stocks Hotel in sark, The Channel Islands
What to see and doÂ
The deserted sands at La Coupée beach in Sark are matched by the gorgeous La Seigneurie House and Gardens, Creux Harbour and The Avenue, where bikes or horses and carriages can be hired and where the main shops and cafes are. There’s also an art studio and close by the tourist information, heritage centre, prison and archaeology room inside a renovated cider barn.
The natural beauty and friendliness of the 562 residents which makes Sark such a draw. From the Venus rock pool to enjoying the island’s dark skies status or visiting The Henge, a stone circle, hidden along the clifftops, built in 2015 to make the 450-year anniversary since Queen Elizabeth I granted the Fief of Sark to Helier De Carteret in 1565, it’s a truly special place.
A 45 minute journey across The English Channel leads to the equally impressive island of Guernsey, which is full of narrow streets, stunning architecture, museums and outdoor swimming.
The Channel Islands were the only part of the UK to be occupied by the Germans in World War II and were liberated on May 9th Celebrations have been in earnest this year for the 80th anniversary.
In Guernsey, walking tours and tourist information apps lead the way to the most historically significant wartime locations , including The German Underground Hospital, the largest structural reminder of the occupation and a maze of tunnels which covers more than 6,950 square feet. It’s a concrete labyrinth built under a low hill in the countryside.
The La Valette Underground Military Museum is where the Germans stored fuel for their military boats and today full of memorabilia. Cornet Castle proudly protects the island perched on the harbour and close by are the La Vallette Bathing pools, four coastal Victorian swimming spots which have been upgraded for today’s users.
But there’s so much more to Guernsey than its history, it’s such a pretty island and a fun way of seeing the main sights of its capital, St Peter Port, is via Victor The Petit Train, driven by Andy Furniss, who entertains as he drives!
A short rib ride in the channel gives the opportunity to see the wealth of wildlife, from seals to puffins and the neighbouring islands of Herm and Lihou and back on dry land, Hauteville House, the lavish former home of French writer, Victor Hugo and Guernsey’s art museum, currently showing two excellent exhibitions featuring war stories and Guernsey milk and butter, are just two of the many gems to visit.
Where to eat
Both Sark and Guernsey are rich in restaurants which cater for all the family, from tea gardens to bistros to more upmarket venues such as Hugo’s Bar and Bistro which specialises in locally caught fish and sublime cocktails to the popular Otto Italian Kitchen in Guernsey, inspired by childhood memories of Naples.
Creux Harbour, in Sark, The Channel Islands
Venus rock pool, in Sark
How to get there
Aurigny operates year-round direct flights from the mainland to Guernsey – Blue Islands offers multiple flights to Guernsey per day from Jersey and Southampton, plus daily flights from Edinburgh, via Southampton –
Sark Shipping Company Ltd offer multiple daily journeys through the summer to Sark and have fare offers.
Tourist information
For more information visit the friendly tourist information in Sark and Guernsey
