Experience: Scilly by helicopter

GIVE IT A WHIRL WITH PENZANCE HELICOPTERS

What if you could escape to an isolated group of subtropical islands complete with white sandy beaches, palm trees, historic ancient monuments and abundant wildlife? And what if those islands were just a short 15-minute flight away?

The beautiful Isles of Scilly lie 28 miles off the Cornish coast, but a trip to their shores can really feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are five inhabited islands to explore, each with their own personality and attractions, and many more ‘off islands’ that are home to colonies of puffins and seals as well as thousands of migratory sea birds.

Whether you enjoy coastal walking, historic castles, art galleries or ancient archaeology all that the Scillies have to offer is within surprisingly easy reach. And there’s nothing quite like your first sight of the islands from above, whether you are arriving for a day trip or planning a longer stay.

The Penzance helicopter is an amazing introduction to the islands and a real adventure in itself. Leaving Penzance, passengers are treated to magnificent views of Mount's Bay and the Land’s End peninsula; then, out at sea, as you skim over the waves, the lonely Wolf Rock Lighthouse appears in the distance.

But the real highlight, of course, is when the Scillies come into view. Surrounded by shimmering turquoise waters, fringed with pristine white sandy beaches, from the air the islands are simply beautiful, whatever the season.

The first helicopter flights to the islands began nearly 60 years ago in 1964, quickly becoming not only a vital link to the mainland for the Scilly people but also an exciting and convenient way for visitors to reach the archipelago. That tradition continues today from the purpose-built heliport at Longrock. The short flight time means day-trippers have the whole day to explore.

There’s even time for island-hopping - from the lively quay at Hugh Town on St Mary’s, a flotilla of boats is ready to take passengers to the 'off-islands' or on wildlife-watching adventures, returning in time for late afternoon flights back to the mainland.

St Mary’s is the largest island, but is still only three miles across at its widest point, so very manageable, especially if you hire a bike or one of the island’s golf-buggies. It is here that you will find most of the islands’ shops, the museum and tempting restaurants and cafés, but there are also plenty of interesting sites to squeeze into your itinerary too, from flower farms to prehistoric monuments. stunning natural beauty and important breeding populations of sea birds, it’s a wildlife lover’s paradise. The island’s own gin distillery and farm-made ice cream are pretty compelling reasons to visit too.

St Martin’s is one of the quieter islands. Visitors can enjoy stunning coastal walking, take in the island's vineyard or rum distillery, eat at the tiny bakery or do some star-gazing from the UK’s most southerly observatory.

Alternatively, fly into Tresco, the private island owned by the Dorrien-Smith family; here you’ll discover the famous Abbey Gardens, just bursting with exotic plants, and some of Scilly’s finest beaches. To really make the most of your time on the archipelago, consider flying into one island and out of the other, so you can see as much as possible without the worry of missing your flight.

With so much to offer the traveller all year round, the mildest climate in the UK and last-minute day trip return tickets available, it’s well worth jumping on a helicopter and discovering this little paradise for yourself. l For further information, call 01736 780828 or visit www.penzancehelicopters.co.uk