Promoting the Tourist Experience Scilly Isles for Nature lovers Not always we have enough time to relax and forget about problems, sometimes it is necessary to escape and quietly explore yourself. Just 28 miles from Cornwall Peninsula and you will find yourself on peaceful beaches of uninhabited islands. We suggest you to start a journey to another world – a simpler, kinder, and more innocent place to be. You can take a boat trip and witness many of these rugged and wild outcrops from the water, marvelling at the abundant bird life, colonies of seals and stunning seascapes along the way. The Isles of Scilly is the UK’s largest archipelago. With only five inhabited islands, 140 or so more provide a safe haven for wildlife and seabirds. Some are frequented by day boats, others never visited by man at all. It means that you can spend 4 peaceful days on your own, travelling by boat to uninhabited islands and coming back in evening to homelike hotel for nice and tasty local dinner with glass of wine.
Important information about the destination: Currency – GB Pound Country – England Area 16.37 km2 (6.32 sq. mi) (323rd) Region- South West Ceremonial county- Cornwall Population
2,280 (as of mid-2014 est. · 326th)
Density
139 /km2 (360 /sq. mi)
Ethnic groups- 97.3% White British 2.4% Other White 0.3% Mixed
How to get to Scilly Isles: It is very small but popular destination that is why you have to plan your trip long time ahead. Contact your local travel agency for help and any further information By boat The passenger ferry MV Scillonian III runs from Penzance to Hugh Town on St Mary's and the crossing takes about two hours and 40 minutes. This service runs from March to the end of October. It leaves
Penzance in the early morning and returns late afternoon/evening. It is possible to take a day trip (with four hours onshore, longer on some days when there is a double sailing). Open returns are £95 with day trips from £25 — at off peak times check for vouchers in The Cornishman newspaper. Hugh Town on St. Mary's, the main centre of the Isles of Scilly
By plane Fixed wing planes operated by Skybus fly from Land's End, Newquay, Exeter, Bristol and Southampton to St. Mary's Airport, priced from around £125. Flights to and from Newquay normally connect with the Ryanair and Airsouthwest services to and from London Stansted/Gatwick.
By helicopter The helicopter service, which was terminated in November 2012 connected Penzance Heliport with St. Mary's Airport from 1964 to 2012 and was the world's longest running scheduled helicopter service. The Tresco service was subsequently inaugurated in 1983.
Where to go St Mary's - from Hugh Town the outcrop of land to the west contains an eight-pointed star castle known as the Garrison, while the main bulk of the island to the east contains a coastal path. Old Town is the other “major” settlement on St. Mary’s, closer to the airport and with its own beautiful beach, nature reserve, Old Town Church where Sir Harold Wilson is buried, children’s soft play zone, shop, pub and cafés. Up country, away from the relative hustle and bustle, St. Mary’s is an easy going safe haven of hidden treasures. The coastline features large stretches of deserted white sandy beaches, dramatic rocky coves, stunning seascapes, amazing archaeological sites, beautiful walks and scenery along miles of coastal and country paths and nature trails St Agnes - a very hospitable island, stepping ashore you are faced with the island's only pub, the Turk's Head. The two main features to see are the lighthouse, built in 1680, and the
connected island of Gugh which is accessible across a sandbar at low tide. The sandbar provides a lovely clean beach. Bryher - walk across the island to Hell Bay to see the Atlantic waves crashing in and for a hot chocolate at the Hell Bay Hotel, then back along the eastern shore where you can see Hangman Island, allegedly a gallows site in the English civil war. Pounded by Atlantic waves on one side, yet blessed with calm sandy beaches on the other, Bryher is an island of dramatic contrast - the perfect place to enjoy a taste of untamed Scilly. Around 80 people are lucky enough to call it home. The entire island is criss-crossed by tracks and dotted with stalls selling fresh produce including farm eggs, local vegetables, freshly-landed seafood and mouthwatering island fudge. The Bryher shop, the chandlery, artists' studios and the boatyards where you can hire boats and kayaks all combine to enrich the simple pleasures that make up Bryher. Tresco - is the second largest of the islands and a subtropical gem. It is the only one of the islands to be privately-owned; walk a circuit round the southern part of the island culminating at the Abbey Gardens. This island has a little bit of everything – from dramatic rocky outcrops, bronze age burial sites and romantic castle ruins, to secluded sandy beaches and, of course, the world famous Tresco Abbey Garden which was established in the 1830s by Augustus Smith. The rugged north of the island is a great place to walk and explore, while in the centre of the island, there are bird hides to seek out around Tresco’s freshwater pools. You can hire bikes to travel around, or if you are feeling active, borrow a boat, windsurf or kayak from Tresco Sailing Club. The island is also excellent for beachcombing or simply relaxing on a beach - there’s no finer spot to chill than the sugar-fine white sand of Pentle and Apple tree Bays.
Keen birders will need no introduction to the Isles of Scilly. This is the Mecca of birding in Great Britain and probably the whole of Europe. The islands are ideally positioned to be the point of landfall for many scarce migrant species in spring and especially in autumn. Each October, many hundreds of expert birders from Britain and further afield converge on the islands. The slightly less keen will still find plenty to interest them in the summer months as the islands host several important seabird colonies. Things to do Golf and horse riding If you love a round of golf on a course of breath-taking beauty, then you'll be very much at home on Scilly. On St. Mary's you’ll find England’s most south-westerly golf club with sensational sea views across the harbour and out towards Bishop Rock in the distance that have the ability to distract all but the most conscientious golfers (!). It's open all year to members and nonmembers and afterwards, you can relax in the fully-licensed and friendly clubhouse. The course length is 5,942 yards with a par of 73... 18 hole competitions means playing the nine holes from 18 tees. Likewise, here on Scilly you can indulge in some extra special horse-riding. The fully licensed and BHS approved riding centre is located on St Mary's, minutes from Pelistry beach. Whatever your standard, join organised treks (hosted by instructors) along coastal bridleways, country lanes, farm tracks and white sandy beaches. All the horses are quiet and very well-mannered to ensure you enjoy a ride to remember! There are opportunities for children and adults of all ages and abilities. T. 01720 422692 iosgolfclub@gmail.com , www.islesofscillygolfclub.co.uk Tours and excursions Swim holidays Yoga retreats 07748 102844. info@adventurescilly.co.uk , www.adventurescilly.co.uk
Walking and cycling There are more than 30 miles of nature trails and walks on St. Mary’s alone, while all the off islands offer fantastic opportunities to walk their length and breadth. And there are plenty of inviting pit stops never too far away (on the inhabited islands at least!) so that you can enjoy a coffee, leisurely lunch, cream tea, or all three as you go on your way. Cycle around St Mary's in just a few hours and take in the stunning views from every point of the island.
We will drop off and pick up cycles from your accommodation FREE OF CHARGE to save you time, so sit back and enjoy your holiday on the Isles of Scilly with BOOK A BIKE. Coming for a day trip? We can deliver to the airport or the quay. Hire and delivery also available to the off islands on request (St Martin's, St Agnes, Tresco and Bryher). St Mary's, TR21 0NS 01720 422661 enquiries@bookabikeonscilly.co.uk , www.bookabikeonscilly.co.uk Come and see a working vineyard in action. Enjoy an informative tour and sample our unique selection of fine wines - or simply pop by the visitor centre/shop at your leisure. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (11.00am - 4.00pm) by appointment or when the gate is open! St Martin's, Isles of Scilly, T. 01720 423418. graham@stmartinsvineyard.co.uk , www.stmartinsvineyard.co.uk
Diving Scilly is blessed with clear water, abundant wildlife and more than 900 shipwrecks, both ancient and modern, making it one of the finest diving sites in the UK if not the world. For many, the chance to dive with seals and discover a wealth of sea life makes for an unforgettable experience. Snorkelling It’s possible to get very close and personal with Scilly’s seals on a snorkelling trip.
Fishing From on-shore fishing to organised boat trips out to sea, there is a wealth of fishing all year round, although the season from May to October is considered the best. A number of boatmen will take you out on organised trips or on private jaunts, or simply head out to some on shore rocks. There are plenty of places on the islands where you can buy all your tackle. Sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and more If you are looking for a real buzz on the water, try your hand at a host of water sports, from sailing and kayaking to windsurfing and kite-surfing. There are opportunities on all the islands catering to all ages and abilities, and all equipment can be hired. Sea swimming There are a number of organised sea swims throughout the season, culmating in September's Scilly Sea Swim Challenge - swimming between all the islands in just one day. Gig Rowing Islanders still carry on the traditions of the past by racing pilot gigs (six-person rowing boats, plus cox) in the waters off Scilly. The ladies race on Wednesday evenings; the men on Friday evenings throughout the summer months. It makes a great spectator sport, as tripper boats follow the action. Boat hire For more sedate activities on the water, why not hire a small motor boat, sailing boat or kayak and explore the magical coves and tranquil beaches at your own pace? Boat trips Regular boat trips run throughout the season from April to November. Visit the uninhabited islands, watch birdlife, tour the Bishop Rock lighthouse and even see underwater life through a glass-bottomed boat or on-board a RIB safari. St Mary's, TR21 0PT 07748 102844 info@adventurescilly.co.uk, www.adventurescilly.co.uk Food and drinks From divine locally-produced ice cream to tender island beef; from luxurious, freshly-caught lobsters
and crab to squidgy tatty cake, from farm-grown veg to the islands’ own wine and beer, local Scillonian fare will get your taste buds tingling. Food is an island passion, celebrated as much as possible, but
always at the annual Tresco & Bryher Food Festival. To help you decide on where you'd like to go, why not download our Little Scilly Food Guide?
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jun/06/isles-of-scilly-holiday-guide https://www.visitislesofscilly.com/islands/island-highlights/beaches-coastline http://wikitravel.org/en/Isles_of_Scilly https://www.visitislesofscilly.com/things-to-do/horse-riding-golf https://www.visitislesofscilly.com/things-to-do/tours-excursions/st-marys/adventure-scilly https://www.visitislesofscilly.com/things-to-do/walking-cycling/st-marys/book-bike-scilly https://www.visitislesofscilly.com/things-to-do/water-activities https://www.visitislesofscilly.com/things-to-do/food-drink