Summary
Discovering Tropical Islands in the UK
The Isles of Scilly are a relatively undiscovered and possibly a hidden treasure within the UK. Located approximately 30 miles away from Great Britain, these islands are embraced by a tropical ambiance that is rarely experienced in London.
Indeed, these islands present a tropical paradise ideal for exploration from the UK.
Choosing Suitable Accommodation
Nights 1-6: For the initial six evenings, consider residing in a charming cottage on Tresco Island. This locale is conveniently reached via a short boat transfer of approximately 30 minutes from the airport and heliport.
Tresco Island offers a variety of picturesque cottages, located along the scenic winding roads, trackways, and beaches that traverse this stunning island. We opted for the charming ‘Thatch’ cottage, which is merely a five-minute walk from the harbor.
As vehicular traffic is prohibited on the island, upon arrival, you can borrow a bicycle to conveniently cycle to your cottage.
The considerate staff at Tresco will assist in transporting your luggage (and you, should your sea legs need assistance).
Your 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring the Isles
Day 1:
Consider traveling by train, bus, or private vehicle to Exeter Airport. As we left from London, we will discuss our rail journey (although a horse-and-carriage ride sounds extraordinary):
- 1235: Depart by train from London Paddington to Exeter St David’s via the First Great Western Train to Penzance.
- 1503: Upon arrival at Exeter St David’s, take a taxi transfer (ranging from £25-£40) or a bus (£5-10) to Exeter Airport.
- 1530: Check-in at Exeter Airport for a Skybus flight to the Isles of Scilly.
- 1630: Depart from Exeter via Skybus flight to the Isles of Scilly.
- 1730: Upon landing on St Mary’s Island, board the Tresco Shuttle from Isles of Scilly Airport to St Mary’s Quay for your boat transfer to Tresco Island (arranged through your accommodation booking).
- 1800: Reach Tresco Island and transfer to your charming cottage.
Day 2:
0900: Awaken and take a leisurely stroll to the local food store to gather a variety of breakfast supplies.
1030: Embark on a day trip to Bryher Island. Utilize the ‘Firethorn’ boat service provided by Tresco Boat Services. Please note that boat schedules may vary due to tidal shifts and weather conditions, usually departing around 10:30 am.
1130: Once arrived on Bryher Island, embark on a 15-minute walk to Bennett’s Boatyard for kayaking rentals. This experience is especially enjoyable given the calm and shallow waters surrounding the island.
1430: By early afternoon, you may feel quite hungry. Stroll for 30 minutes to the island’s endpoint and enjoy freshly-prepared fish at Fraggle Rock Bar and Cafe.
1500: After relishing a delightful meal at Fraggle Rock, explore the island, taking in both the pristine sandy beaches on one side and the dramatic rocky coastline on the other. Covering just 1.5 miles in length and 0.5 miles in width, you can leisurely spend hours discovering the awe-inspiring views.
Visit Hell Bay Hotel, Bryher Shop showcasing local crafts, Island Fish Ltd, and indulge in delectable freshly made fudge from Veronica Farm Fudge, available at various roadside honesty stalls.
1800: Return journey by boat back to Tresco Island.
Day 3:
1000: Following breakfast, dedicate the day to exploring the charming allure of Tresco Island. As a privately owned island, Tresco delivers excellent accommodation, diverse dining options, and an award-winning spa.
1200: Proceed to the most significant attraction on the island, Tresco Abbey Gardens. Home to a collection of 20,000 plants from 80 different countries, these gardens beautifully illustrate the uniqueness and richness of these islands.
These plants thrive thanks to the special microclimate present around the Isles of Scilly, allowing them to flourish in the Abbey’s splendid gardens.
1600: Cycle across the rugged northern coastline of the island and explore the untouched landscape of Tresco Island. While cycling, you will have the opportunity to visit various historical landmarks, including Cromwell’s Castle, King Charles Castle, and Blockhouse, all before deciding upon your evening dining location!
1930: Reserve a table at The Ruin Beach Cafe to enjoy a delectable homemade meal, renowned for their high-quality steaks prepared on the island.
Day 4:
1000: Following breakfast, embark on the Firethorn vessel (departing from the harbour) to venture towards St. Agnes. The boat typically departs around 1100 hours from Tresco Island’s harbor.
1130: After your arrival at St. Agnes, enjoy a stroll to explore the entire island. St. Agnes features a vibrant community with working farms, and this creative spirit is evident in its independently owned shops and cafes.
This is the southernmost community in Britain, making it essential to discover the diverse cottages, pubs, and cafes gracing this picturesque island.
Explore Troytown Farm & Dairy, Coastguards Cafe, Covean Cottage, and the Turk’s Head Inn.
Do not forget to walk along the coastline, taking in views towards the Western Rocks, and stop by Beady Pool to search for beads from a shipwreck that occurred in the 17th century, which washed ashore.
1700: Return by boat directly to Tresco Island and prepare a delightful dinner in your cottage.
Day 5:
1000: After breakfast, embark on your thrilling sea safari adventure managed by Island Sea Safaris.
This expedition will bring you up close and personal with the diverse wildlife surrounding the islands, including puffins, seals, and possibly dolphins!
1600: Return to Tresco Island to explore the various Honesty Boxes located throughout the island, where you might find some wonderful treasures.
2000: Unwind by watching the sunset from the tranquility of the white sandy beaches located on the southern shore of the island.
Day 6:
1000: After breakfast, consider participating in a Scilly Seal Snorkelling expedition or kite sailing, a fantastic opportunity to interact closely with these remarkable creatures.
1130: Scilly Seal Snorkelling will pick up participants from Old Grimsby, Tresco, and will allow ample time to explore St Martin’s Island.
The island is adorned with striking white sandy beaches and a dynamic community, making it a wonderful place to spend a few hours.
Be sure to visit the Island Bakery, North Farm Gallery, Churchtown Farm (known for Scilly Flowers), Fay Page Jewellery, and St Martin’s Vineyard. Additionally, experience the Karma St Martin’s Hotel and the Sevenstones Inn. Do not miss the chance to walk along the ‘backbone’ of the island leading to the Daymark, erected in 1683.
1800: After dinner, transfer directly from your Tresco Island cottage to St. Mary’s by boat. Your departure will be confirmed the evening prior.
This marks the conclusion of your stay on Tresco Island.
Day 7:
1000: Your final hours in the Isles of Scilly have arrived.
1130: After breakfast, enjoy a renowned apple strudel at The Isles of Scilly Country Guesthouse. Utilize your remaining hours to traverse St Mary’s, the largest island within the archipelago. You might opt to rent a bicycle or even a delightful golf buggy for a fun ride across the island.
For those inclined to take a guided experience, local taxi services also offer one-hour expeditions. Additionally, the Island Rover bus tours offer comprehensive commentary while halting at selected scenic viewpoints suitable for photography. These tours last approximately 70 minutes, departing from Holgate’s Green at 10:15 and 13:30 from Monday to Friday, and at 10:15 on Saturdays.
1400: While on St Mary’s, consider visiting the Isles of Scilly Museum, where you can acquire insights into the archipelago’s rich history and its remarkable past.
1700: Dine at one of the exquisite restaurants available on St. Mary’s:
Recommended Restaurants on St. Mary’s
Spero’s Beach Café & Restaurant, Porthmellon – 01720 422521; www.speros.co.uk
Juliet’s Garden Restaurant and Bar, Porthloo – 01720 422228; www.julietsgardenrestaurant.co.uk
Tregarthen’s Hotel, Garrison Hill – 01720 422540; www.tregarthens-hotel.co.uk
The Atlantic Inn, Hugh Street – 01720 422323; atlanticinn@staustellbrewery.co.uk
The Farm Deli, Hugh Street – 01720 422734
The Mermaid Inn, The Bank (just before the entrance to St Mary’s Quay) – 01720 422701; www.mermaidscilly.co.uk
The Bishop & Wolf Inn, Hugh Street – 01720 422771;
The Atlantic Inn, Hugh Street – 01720 422323; atlanticinn@staustellbrewery.co.uk
The Farm Deli, Hugh Street – 01720 422734
The Mermaid Inn, The Bank (just before the entrance to St Mary’s Quay) – 01720 422701; www.mermaidscilly.co.uk
The Bishop & Wolf Inn, Hugh Street – 01720 422771; www.staustellbrewery.co.uk/pub/st-marys/bishop–wolf
Kaffeehaus Salbei (at Isles of Scilly Country Guesthouse, daytimes only), High Lanes – 01720 422440; www.scillyguesthouse.co.uk/contact-and-location/kaffeehaus
The Tanglewood Kitchen Company, Hugh Street – 01720 422454; www.tanglewoodkitchen.co.uk
1900: Skybus Shuttle will collect you from Isles of Scilly Country Guesthouse to Isles of Scilly Airport.
2000: Return Skybus flight to Exeter.
2200: Direct train from Exeter St David’s to London Paddington.
Key Information Regarding Departing the Isles of Scilly
It is essential to note that all flights to and from the Isles of Scilly are subject to weather conditions, which may lead to delays.
In the event of cancellations, transfer options to the Scillonian III may be available, providing a journey by sea between Penzance and Scilly; however, this service operates once a day in each direction. If adverse weather is anticipated, it is advisable to reconsider your travel plans.
