Summary
Short description
The Isles of Scilly share a common atmosphere, perspective, and pace of life, but each island has its own unique charms
Highlights
- Enjoy a unique perspective of some of Cornwall's most iconic coastline on your ferry crossing
- Explore beaches, shopping, countryside paths and coastal trials on St Mary's
- Soak up the sunsets at New Grimsby or the tropical wonderland of Abbey Garden on Tresco
- Join a wildlife spotting cruise for a chance to see seals and puffins and the amazing varied coastlines
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Beach | History & culture | Short break
The Scilly Isles are made up of many islands. Only five are inhabited, but they all have their own unique charm and character. Beautifully unspoilt and with very little traffic the outdoor life is there for all ages to enjoy. Delight in the inviting climate, outstanding natural history, empty white sandy beaches, turquoise seas, nature trails and ever-changing views. The islands are perfect for couples, singles and families alike.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Penzance to St Mary's
This morning depart from Penzance for your ferry crossing to the Isles of Scilly. Scillonian III's arrival at St. Mary’s sees the quayside bustling with local boatmen, ready to carry visitors to the ‘off islands’ – Tresco, St. Martin’s, St. Agnes and Bryher.
St Mary's is the most inhabited island, and from where you can hire boats to explore all the islands and if you're lucky perhaps spot seals and puffins. Hugh Town is the capital, sitting between two sandy beaches, and is an interesting place to explore the independent shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs. Additionally with over 30 miles of trails, St Mary's is the ideal island to explore on foot. Your accommodation for two nights is just a five minute walk from the quayside, and a two minute walk to the beautiful Porthcressa Beach.
Accommodation: St Mary's Hall Hotel, St Mary's (Superior)
Day
2
St Mary's
The only difficult thing about a stay on St. Martin’s is deciding which beach you’ll visit All around the island, you’ll find white, sandy coves that slope gently into crystal-clear water. It’s a tantalising choice. But world-class beaches are by no means the only reason to visit this laid back, welcoming island. You’ll also find great local food, artisan bread, the islands’ famous flower farm and its own winery -and, for a truly once-in-a lifetime memory, the chance to go snorkelling surrounded by playful Atlantic Grey seals.
Accommodation: St Mary's Hall Hotel, St Mary's (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
3-4
Tresco
Each island has its own boating company that can ferry you around, this morning catch the Tresco boat to the island of Tresco. A privately-owned island, and that sense of exclusivity extends to the sophisticated cafes, art gallery and spa. But for many visitors, Tresco is best defined by the Abbey Garden: its world-renowned, 19th century garden and home to some 20,000 sub-tropical plants. Take time to explore beaches, panoramas and secluded spots. Pentle Bay is especially peaceful, the rugged north-east coast boasts historic forts named for both sides of the English Civil War, and the view from New Grimsby as the setting sun dips behind Bryher has inspired any number of paintings, and this is where your accommodation for your two night stay is located.
Accommodation: The New Inn, Tresco (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
5
Tresco to St Mary's to Penzance
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
5-day tailor-made holiday
from £1,150 pp
Superior
Apr / Oct
from £1,150 pp.
May - Sep
from £1,440 pp.
Includes
- Penzance to St Mary's Island return foot-passenger ferry crossing with Scillonian Ferries
- 2nts accommodation at St Mary's Hall Hotel, Hugh Town on a BB basis
- 2nts accommodation at The New Inn, Tresco on a BB basis
Due to the ferry departure times, and arrival times back into Penzance, depending on where you are travelling from, Wexas can arrange pre and post accommodation in Penzance for you, there is also an option to fly to the Isles of Scilly from Exeter airport - please ask your Wexas consultant for details
Inter island boat links and transfers (if required) are paid locally, there are a full range of wildlife and sightseeing trips available daily generally departing mid morning, and a smaller number in the afternoon, these can be determined by tides and weather conditions, so we recommend that you book locally, but outlined below are a number of options
Eastern Isles
A one and a half hour cruise around this idyllic group of a dozen uninhabited islands nestling in the Eastern corner of Scilly, the most popular circular trip. The Eastern Isles are one of the best places for viewing the Atlantic Grey Seals as well as offering a wonderful variety of seabirds. This trip lands at St. Martins.
Bishop and Western Rocks
The longest trip and takes about two hours. You will visit Annet, the bird sanctuary to look for Puffins (from April until lat July) and then cruise on through the Western Rocks, visiting shipwreck sites and viewing the seals. The climax to the trip is the visit to the Bishop Rock Lighthouse, the most South Westerly point in Britain. Take the opportunity to do this trip early in your holiday as adverse weather can stop us doing it for many days at a time. This trip is done in the mornings and lands at St. Agnes.
Annet
Annet is a bird sancturary, closed for landing throughout the year because of the large number of breeding seabirds. The main attractions of Annet are the Puffins, but you can also expect to see a wide variety of other seabirds. The trip lasts about one and a quarter hours and can be combined with a visit to St. Agnes. The trip is done in the afternoons and in the mornings when conditions are not good enough for the Bishop Rock trip and will only be done until late July.
The Norrard Rocks
The Norrard Rocks are a group of rugged rocks and islands, located to the North and West of Samson and Bryher. They include Mincarlo, Scilly Rock and Maiden Bower, to name but a few. This one and a half hour trip is an excellent opportunity to see both seals and seabirds (including Puffins until late July) in one relatively short trip. Lands at Tresco or Bryher.
Round Island Lighthouse
This one and a half hour trip takes in Round Island with it's lighthouse, Tean, St. Helens and all the other little rocks and islands that are located in the area between Tresco and St. Martins. This is an area that is rich in history. You will also visit Men-A-Vaur, an imposing rock that is home to many seabirds. Puffins are often seen here up until late July. Lands at Tresco, Bryher or St. Martins (the islands landed on depend on weather and tides).
Around St. Mary's
This is an easy way to see the coast of St. Mary's! In any case, you get a completely different perspective from the sea. As you go around you will see all of the points of interest. If the tide permits you will go in and out of the various bays. The trip takes about one and a quarter hours and lands at St. Agnes or Tresco (depending on which way round you go).
Seabird Special
This is not to be missed by anyone with an interest in birds. On this two hour trip you will visit many of the rocks and islands where the various seabirds nest and roost, looking for as many different types of sea and shore birds as possible. A comprehensive commentary is given by wildlife expert Will Wagstaff. The trip is run once a week, usually on Sundays as near to high tide as possible. When run in the morning you can land on Tresco or Bryher afterwards.
A Cruise in the Past
Sit back on the boat and enjoy looking at and hearing about many of the sites of historical and archaeological interest which give an insight into Scilly's fascinating past. An expert commentary is given by Katharine Sawyer. The route will vary so as to make best use of the tide and weather conditions. We try to run this trip once a week, so watch the blackboards on St. Mary's for details.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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