Herm, with Sark in the background
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Herm, with Sark in the background

© Creative Commons / SidStephen

Sark & Herm Travel Guide

Key Facts
Area

Sark: 5.5 sq km (2.1 sq miles). Herm: 2 sq km (0.8 sq miles).

Population

Sark: 492 (2015). Herm: 79 (2015, includes the island of Jethou).

Population density

Sark: 89.5 per sq km. Herm: 39.5 per sq km.

Government

Sark: Self-governing depency of the British Crown. Herm: Dependency of Guernsey.

Head of state

HM King Charles II since 2022, represented locally by Lieutenant Governor Richard Cripwell since 2022.

Electricity

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs with three square pins are used.

Life moves at an altogether slower pace on Sark and Herm. Floating off the coast of northern France, these lesser-known Channel Islands are amongst the last car-free islands in Europe – the only way to explore their secluded bays and wind-bitten headlands is by bike or on foot. How quaint.

Though not part of France or the United Kingdom, Sark and Herm are officially classed as British Crown Dependencies and offer a chance to escape the trials and tribulations of life in mainland Europe.

There’s plenty to keep visitors occupied. Indulge your taste buds with a gastronomic tour of the islands, sampling local produce at restaurants such as La Sablonnerie, Stocks Hotel and the Ship Inn Brasserie.

Nature lovers are also well catered for. Climb down the rocky steps at La Grande Greve and explore one of the most stunning sandy bays in the Channel Islands or take your binoculars to Little Sark and scout for puffins and oystercatchers.

Unspoiled by rampant development, Sark and Herm are almost entirely devoted to tourism and have long been popular day-tip destinations for those staying on the larger Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey.

Despite their fledgling adventure tourism industry, which is focussed on coasteering and kayaking, Sark and Herm are essentially destinations based around peace, quiet and relaxation.

If your idea of a great time is a quiet country ramble followed by an afternoon on the beach, a cream tea and then a fantastic evening meal, these tranquil islands are the place for you.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.