Historic Channel Islands Hotels

Victor�s Refuge

The Island of Sark is a truly extraordinary one - the last feudal state in Europe (presided over by the Seigneur), three miles long, and completely free of cars. Little wonder, therefore, that is was described by poet Algernon Swinburne as a �small, sweet world of wave-encompassed wonder�

The Dixcart Bay is the oldest hotel on the island, its origins being that of a 16th-century feudal farm longhouse whose estate includes extensive medieval hand-terraced gardens, fields, cliff paths overlooking the sea, and the densely wooded Dixcart Valley leading down to the sheltered bay from which it takes its name.

The hotel claims to have hosted various royals, writers, artists and poets. Of these, however, the figure with the greatest connection is the French novelist, Victor Hugo who stayed several times between 1851 and 1859.

Forced into exile during the reign of Napoleon III, the author of famous works such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables (which he completed while living on nearby Guernsey) adored the Dixcart Bay.

Avoid the new... The following may not necessarily be linked to famous figures or events, but all offer accommodation in historic surroundings. Click on the links for further tariff and availability information.

Longueville Manor. JERSEY. A truly beautiful 13th century, five-star, hotel in St. Saviour. Expedia.co.uk | LateRooms

Old Government House Hotel. GUERNSEY. A landmark of St. Peter Port, the four-star Old Government House Hotel was formerly the residence of the Bailiwick�s Lieutenant Governor. Expedia.co.uk | LateRooms