Having lived in Devon for almost 2 years, I thought it was about time to venture further afield and explore the Isles of Scilly. The Isles of Scilly are an Archipelago off the Cornish Coast in the South West of England. So, if you're looking for a tropical haven in the UK, I recommend taking a visit here!
There are 5 inhabited islands, these include: St Mary's, St Martins, St Agnes, Tresco and Bryher.
Travelling to the Isles of Scilly
There are a couple of different options to connect you to the Isles of Scilly.
Fly (SkyBus)- You can fly to the Isles of Scilly from Land's End, Newquay and Exeter Airport. It's about a 20 minute Journey if you're travelling from Land's End (£90.50 single Journey) or 60 minutes if you're travelling from Exeter (£170.75 Single Journey).
Sail (Scillonian III)- You can take the Scillonian passenger ferry across from Penzance Harbour to St Mary's, Isles of Scilly. If you're lucky like us you'll be able to see some wild dolphins on the way.
Fly and Sail- You can even have the option to experience both flying and sailing.
Helicopter- You can fly from the Penzance Heliport to either Tresco or St Mary's (£122.50 single Journey).
You can check out more options by exploring the Isles of Scilly Travel web page here: https://www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk/ or https://penzancehelicopters.co.uk/
We chose to sail across to the Isles of Scilly as it was the cheapest option, however I would recommend to those who feel sea sick easily to perhaps consider flying instead. It can be quite choppy on the waters, however it was a stunning view on the way back of the Cornish Coast.
Top tip: If you do feel sea sick easily, I recommend sitting on the upper decks and looking out towards the horizon.
Travelling between the islands:
Whichever island you do decide to stay on, you can hop onto a boat to the island you are staying on or every day 'island hop' between islands. All the islands are really close together- only a 15-20 minute journey- so it's really easy to explore a new island each day.
The notice boards down by the quayside are updated with the times and you can usually buy tickets on the day 45 minutes before the boat is scheduled to depart. For example the ticket office opens at 9:30-10:15, then the first boat to depart is at 10:15.
Ticket Cost- £10 return journey per person
Usually, they also run an evening boat to one of the other islands, so you can enjoy dinner at one of the local pubs.
Accommodation:
They are plenty of places to stay on the Isles of Scilly, from BnB's, Hotels, Camping, Glamping and Self Catered Accommodation.
We decided to stay on St Mary's as this was our first time to the Isles of Scilly. St Mary's is one of the largest inhabited islands with the most facilities. It's incredibly easy to get from one island to another if you do decide to stay on St Mary's or a different island.
Garrison Holidays- Camping and Self Catered. This campsite was wonderfully clean with all the essentials needed. They were so accommodating as we extended our stay by an extra night and were thrilled we were staying longer. Furthermore, the reception also has a little shop where you can buy any bits which you might have forgotten, from your morning breakfast to gas canisters if needed!
Price: £27.30 per night for 2 people.
Time from Quayside: 9 minute walk
You can find all the accommodation available on each of the islands here: https://www.visitislesofscilly.com/accommodation
Things to do:
There are so many things which you can get involved in, so I've listed a few top favourites:
1. Snorkel with Seals (St Martins)- The Isles of Scilly has a wealth of wildlife and one not so stranger to these islands are seals. You can get up close with these seals. There are regular trips from St Martins with the company 'Scilly Seal Snorkelling'. An experience not to forget. http://www.scillysealsnorkelling.com/
2. St Martins Vineyard and Winery- Fancy yourself as a wine connoisseur? Well, why not take a tour of St Martine Vineyard whilst visiting the island. The climate of these islands makes it the perfect conditions to make English wine. You can book to take a tour of the Vineyard and even try the wine at the end. https://www.stmartinsvineyard.co.uk/
3. Tresco Abbey Gardens- These garden are home to more than 20,000 plants from over 80 different countries flourishing just off the coast of Cornwall. This garden is home to plant's across the Mediterranean climate zone Entry Fee: £15
4. Cromwell's Castle (Tresco)- Cromwell's Castle is an artillery tower overlooking New Grimsby habour on the island of Tresco. This round tower was built after the conquest of the Royalist Scillies in 1651 and is one of the few surviving Cromwellian Fortifications in Britain. Once you've discovered this castle you can then complete a circular walk to King Charles Castle and the Old Block House. Entry Fee: Free
5. Stargaze (Any island)- With no light pollution, the Isles of Scilly has one of the most impressive night skies. So why not sit outside as the sun goes down and watch for the stars to come out.
6.Go to the beach- Well it's not hard to find a beach being surrounded by so many beautiful islands. However, our favourite beaches of the trip ended up being Pentle Bay (by the old blockhouse) and Perpitch. In fact Perpitch on St Martins ended up being our favourite as we saw seals pop their heads out of the water curiously looking towards us on the shore. This was also a very secluded and private beach, so perfect for that peaceful getaway.
7.Try a new water sport- The best thing being surround by water is it gives you an opportunity to try out or enhance a new skill. You can rent out Kayaks, Paddleboards or why not get windsurfing or sailing lesson? https://www.sailingscilly.com/
Places to eat:
1. The Seven Stones Inn (St Martins)
Opening times: 11:00-15:00 / 17:00-23:00
This ended up being one of our favourite places which we ate at. You can get a perfect view at the top of the hill looking out over the beautiful St Martin beaches. Inside this pub reminds me of a fairy tale cottage. I'd recommend the pie or the sausage and mash!
2. Adams Fish and Chips (St Martins)
Opening times: 18:00-20:30 (closed Friday and Monday)
You may have heard about the famous Adams Fish and Chips but if not I'd recommend catching up on the Devon and Cornwall series on Channel 4. Adam who owns this place goes out daily to catch fresh fish which is then served up to tourists and locals in the evening from 6pm. The potatoes are even from the family back garden. Everything is home grown and freshly caught, so perhaps one of the best fish and chips you will try, especially knowing it's all locally sourced.
3.Little Arthur Farm (St Martins)
Opening times: 10:30-16:00 (at the moment they are opening from 12:00)
Little Arthur Farm can be found when you first arrive onto St Martins, if you take a right and follow the path round and follow the signs. This farm is beautifully situated where you can look out over the harbour and pick up a fresh crab sandwich.
4. Juliet's Garden (St Mary's)
Opening times: 10:00-17:00
With some of the best views of the harbour of St Marys and looking out towards Samson, this is a lovely place to sit for a cream tea or order a delicious fresh salad for lunch. On your way out, you can even pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables from the little shop.
5.The Turks Head (St Agnes)
The Turks Head on St Agnes is the UK's most south westerly placed pub. Situated near the quay it has idyllic sea and island views from the garden Terrace. You can get the evening supper boat out to The Turks Head, we even managed to meet some of the locals and got handed the Sad Scilly Rock! The evening supper boat leaves St Marys at 18:00 and returns back at 21:00, enough time to get some dinner and drinks.
6.Ruin Beach Cafe (Tresco)
Opening times: 08:30-22:00
The Ruin Beach Cafe was an ideal stop along the circular walk around Tresco to either grab a light bite/ cup of tea and an ice cream. You'll see little pots of Troytown Farm ice cream being sold across all of the island. It's locally produced on St Agnes and is delicious!
7.The New Inn (Tresco)
The New Inn was a perfect place to stop and grab a quick bite to eat. I'd recommend the dirty fries which included crab and melted cheese. This place tends to get very busy, so I'd ring up in advance so that you're able to sit outside and get beautiful views of the harbour.
8. The Mermaid Inn (St Marys)
Opening times: 11:00-00:00
As soon as you get off the boat at the Quay and walk into town, you will not miss The Mermaid Inn on your left. This is a great place to get a beer or wine if your looking to carry on the night into the late hours. It's decorated with old military memorabilia, giving this place some real character. However, if you're looking for food, you can head into the back where you're greeted with a blue airy dining room, beautifully decorated. If you really want to push the boat out, you can even try the locally caught lobster.
So if you're looking for your next UK staycation, why not give the Isles of Scilly a thought?
@beau.travels