Brecqhou Island gardens open to the public

THE private island of Brecqhou has been opened to the general public for day trips from Sark.

Visitors can tour the private gardens, vineyards and chapel of Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, who bought the tiny Channel Island in 1995.

Brecqhou day boat trips are complimentary for all hotel guests booking through any of the four luxury hotels in the Sark Island Hotels group (www.sarkislandhotels.com).

The hotels include the Aval du Creux, Hotel Petit Champ, La Moinerie Hotel and the Dixcart Bay Hotel, which is set to open in May 2012.

Brecqhou is also open to anyone coming to Sark for the day, or staying in other hotels and guesthouses on the Isle of Sark.

Kevin Delaney, managing director of Sark Estate Management, said the opening of Brecqhou to the general public adds a unique destination for holidaymakers in the Channel Islands.

"Brecqhou is a special place to visit for anyone coming to the Channel Islands," he said. "Over the past 16 years around 190,000 trees, shrubs and flowers have been planted on Brecqhou and the landscaped gardens have developed and matured into an idyllic haven for 2,000 species."

Boat trips to Brecqhou can be booked through the Sark Island Hotels office, which is located at the top of Harbour Hill in Sark, or by visiting www.sarkislandhotels.com, or calling +44 (0)1481 832832.

The opening of Brecqhou provides a new destination for the tourism industries of both the Channels Islands and Normandy in France – a move that has been warmly welcomed by French and UK tourism delegates who visited Brecqhou during a recent trip to the Isle of Sark.

Jean-Luc Boussard, the Mayor of Barneville Carteret, said: "Within 10 minutes of arriving on Sark we felt part of your family. We were impressed by your vineyards, the hotels and your hospitality – it's a magnificent result.

"Sark is entering the 21st century and I'm sure will succeed – we are honoured to help and participate with you."

Ends

Notes to editors

Sark is accessed by ferry from Guernsey through the Isle of Sark Shipping Company. There are flights to Guernsey from most UK major airports.

Day trips by private charter boat to Brecqhou will be offered free to hotel guests booking their accommodation with Sark Island Hotels

Prices for all other passengers taking a return boat trip to Brecqhou Island from Sark to be announced in the near future

Sark Estate Management owns and operates Sark Island Hotels

Hotels in the Sark Island Hotels portfolio are:

Aval du Creux offers an outstanding hotel experience with heated outdoor pool and ideally located for shopping in The Avenue

La Moinerie is a beautifully restored old Sark farm on the site of a medieval monastery. La Moinerie is located close to the newly discovered West Side Walks, vineyards and stunning coastal views

Hotel Petit Champ is a quaint 10-bedroom hotel with a pool and was recently awarded 2 AA Rosettes for its consistent delivery of outstanding food and hospitality

Dixcart Bay Hotel is Sark's oldest hotel and ideally situated close to Sark's new vineyards and a woodland walk to the beach. Classically restored to its former glory, the Dixcart is a one-time favourite of French writer Victor Hugo. It reopens in May 2012 and is now taking bookings for weddings, vineyard tours, weekend island breaks as well as corporate entertainment.

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