The Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, England, UK
Published in Woman's Weekly 21st August 2012
Published in Woman's Weekly 21st August 2012
The Isles of Scilly
Where are they?
The Isles of Scilly lie 28 miles southwest off Land’s End, Cornwall. There are more than 100 islands and islets, but only five are inhabited, St Mary’s (the largest), Tresco, St Martin’s, Byher and St Agnes. The whole region has been designated an Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) and are my favourite holiday destination in the UK.
Best time of year to go?
Warmed by the Gulf Stream the tourism season is long. Spring comes early to Scilly and the summer stays so late that there is little to spoil your enjoyment. Fields of daffodils and wild flowers cover the landscape by February while the beautiful white sandy beaches are the perfect adventure play ground for families during the summer holidays. By late summer and autumn, swimmers and divers take advantage of the warm sea temperature in the crystal clear waters where you stand a good chance of sharing your swim with a grey seal.
History
The islands have the highest concentration of prehistoric sites anywhere in Britain. The first permanent Scillonians arrived from Cornwall some 4,000 years ago and the remains of their settlements still survive. English Heritage has identified more than 300 as Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
Island life was harsh and to survive the Scillonians had to be resourceful. Tin mining, soda-ash production from the kelp on the beaches, fishing and becoming a ship’s pilot to steer boats through the rocks and shallows provided a means of income. Today, the waters around the islands are scattered with the wreck of ships whose captains failed to take heed of the advice and expertise of these pilots.
In modern times, tourism, small-scale fishing and flower farms provide the islanders with their main source of income and I always try to support the local growers by buying bunches of the home-grown scented Narcissi as Christmas presents for friends.
They can be ordered online or phone and delivered by Royal Mail.
Tel 01720 422666 or visit
http://www.islesofscillyflowers.com
Tel 01720 422169 or visit
http://www.scillyflowers.co.uk
What to see and do
Depending on the tides, it’s easy to island hop with frequent inter-island ferries. Timetable notices are everywhere and some skippers visit the larger hotel establishments at breakfast with their itineraries.
www.scillyboating.co.uk
Hikers should look out for the Walk Scilly Festival, held annually in early spring, featuring 40-guided walks suitable for all levels. The schedule of walks includes historical, painting inspirations and flora and fauna tours.
Tel 07799 706573 or visit
www.walkscilly.co.uk
Garden lovers should head straight to the famous Abbey Gardens at Tresco where over 20,000 sub-tropical and exotic plants from over 80 countries can be found around the ruins of a 12-century priory.
http://www.tresco.co.uk/what-to-do/abbey-garden/default.aspx
There are hundreds of birds all year round on the islands, but the most popular time is in October, when you can spot those that are migrating to warmer climes. Birdwatchers (including Bill Oddie) come to view this mass migration where rarities such as the Golden Oriole, Bee-eater and Eyebrowed Thrush (to name just a few) can be seen. Many small companies offer specialised bird watching tours and local information, including sightings can be found on the Isles of Scilly Bird Group website.
http://www.scilly-birding.co.uk
Gig-racing is the main sport of Scilly where local competitions take place between May and September. The six-oared boats were originally used for guiding ships safely through dangerous rock-strewn waters. The World pilot-gig Championship takes place during the first May Bank Holiday weekend when not a bed can be found on island.
You can take to the sea yourself in a variety of crafts from dinghies to kayaks at the Sailing Centre where experienced instructors offer tuition for all abilities.
Tel 01720 422060 or visit
http://www.sailingscilly.com
Land lovers may prefer the call of the traffic free roads where cycling and horse riding are popular activities.
There are now two options for bike hire: either collect a bike once you are here from St Mary's Bike Hire on the Strand (contact them on 07796 638506) or reserve a bike through 'Book a bike on Scilly' (01720 422786 or 07887 841033) and they will deliver it to your holiday accommodation for you for free.
St Mary’s Riding Centre is the only horse-riding establishment on the islands with well-mannered horses to suit all levels of riding ability.
Tel 01720 4234855 or visit
www.horsesonscilly.co.uk
For the less energetic there are also bus tours of St Mary's, including Island Rover (01720 422131, operates daily at 10.15 & 13.30) and the classic tour bus 'Katie bus'. These include commentaries about local history and places of interest. Bus tours leave from the strand in the centre of Hugh Town.
For children
With comparatively little traffic, it’s hard to imagine a more idyllic spot for children of all ages to explore – Scilly is one giant amusement park offering the very best in sailing and windsurfing tuition. Older children can explore the many nature trails by bike or on foot, safe in the knowledge they can’t get lost. Independent teenagers may prefer to take a boat trip to the uninhabited island of Samson and live like Robinson Crusoe for a day - although a picnic lunch would be handy as there are no amenities.
Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo (author of the War Horse) has carried his readers away to countless places but none of them has quite the magic of his favourite spot; the Isles of Scilly and his book Why the Whales Came featured Samson.
Good places to eat
Food wise, you can't go wrong with the abundant fresh seafood. Mouth-watering local crab and lobster abound on most restaurants menus and the local produce market on St Mary’s is worth a detour.
You can have fabulous fish and chips at places like the Fraggle Rock Bar Café (01720 422222) on Bryher, or Adam’s Fish & Chips on St Martin’s, where they serve island caught fish with potatoes grown on the family farm. Celebrities who enjoy visiting.
The roll call of celebrity holidaymakers includes Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jude Law, Jenny Agutter, Rolf Harris, Jane Horrocks and Bill Bryson. The former Prime Minister, Harold Wilson so loved the islands that he chose the Old Town Church cemetery in St Mary’s as his final resting place.
The islands are really the stars and have attracted a flurry of media attention. The recent BBC2 series, An Island Parish charting the lives of the Scilonian people was a huge hit as was the BBC1’s Three Men in More Than One Boat, featuring Griff Rhys Jones, Rory McGrath and Dara O’Briain. ITV1 hit back with a series called Islands of Britain, presented by Martin Clunes, who could also be heard making a guest appearance on the Radio Scilly’s take on The Archers in the weekly soap opera The Islanders.
Scilly Facts
The Isles are leased by the Crown; the medieval rent was paid in puffins!
In 1651 the Netherlands declared war on Scilly, the last bastion of Royalism during the English Civil War. Though no shots were ever fired, the war lasted 335 years. One of the longest wars in world history ended with the signing of a peace treaty between the Netherlands and Scilly in 1986!
1860: Alfred Lord Tennyson, poet laureate, visited Tregarthen’s Hotel on St Mary’s where he allegedly composed Enoch Arden
If you don’t want to upset the locals, never refer to the Islands as the “Scillies” or “Scilly Isles”. It’s the Isles of Scilly, the Fortunate Islands or just Scilly.
How to get there
There are three choices – helicopter, light aircraft or passenger ship, but early booking is essential during the summer season and there are no flight or ferry services on Sundays.
BY AIR
You can fly direct to the Isles of Scilly from a number of UK departure points.
British International Helicopters runs a regular helicopter service from Penzance although plans are afoot to relocate to Newquay airport.
Call 01736 363871, or visit
www.islesofscillyhelicopter.com
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group runs Skybus, a fixed wing light aircraft that offers scheduled flights all year round to St Mary’s from Land’s End and Newquay or during the main (spring/summer/autumn) season from Exeter, Southampton or Bristol.
Call 0845 7105555, or visit
www.ios-travel.co.uk
By Sea
Sail from Penzance in Cornwall on the passenger ferry, Scillonian III. The three-hour trip runs six days a week March-October and seven days a week.
For further information, special offers, day trips and longer stays, visit
www.ios-travel.co.uk
Many cruise ship companies now include the Isles of Scilly on their itineraries.
Blue Water Holidays offer a British Isles Discovery Cruise.
Call 01756 706500, or visit
www.cruisingholidays.co.uk
Or try the cruise website
www.cruise.co.uk
Freephone 0800 4086200
Arriving by land
You can drive or take the train/coach to any of the connecting air or sea departure points.
Call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50, or visit
www.nationalrail.co.uk
National Express operates a scheduled coach service throughout the UK.
Call 08717 818178, or visit
http://www.nationalexpress.com
Accommodation
Accommodation ranges from 5* hotels, B&B’s, half board Guest Houses, self catering to some of the most picturesque campsites in the UK but be warned. Advanced booking is essential, especially in the high season as places are limited. The Scilly Tourism website has plenty of information and search facilities.
http://www.simplyscilly.co.uk/site/accommodation
Fact box
Chris travelled from London to Penzance by train with First Great Western.
Tel: 08457 000
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
He stayed at The Star Castle Hotel, St Mary's.
www.star-castle.co.uk
01720 422317 / 423342
For further information contact the Isles of Scilly Tourism Office on
01720 424042
Where are they?
The Isles of Scilly lie 28 miles southwest off Land’s End, Cornwall. There are more than 100 islands and islets, but only five are inhabited, St Mary’s (the largest), Tresco, St Martin’s, Byher and St Agnes. The whole region has been designated an Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) and are my favourite holiday destination in the UK.
Best time of year to go?
Warmed by the Gulf Stream the tourism season is long. Spring comes early to Scilly and the summer stays so late that there is little to spoil your enjoyment. Fields of daffodils and wild flowers cover the landscape by February while the beautiful white sandy beaches are the perfect adventure play ground for families during the summer holidays. By late summer and autumn, swimmers and divers take advantage of the warm sea temperature in the crystal clear waters where you stand a good chance of sharing your swim with a grey seal.
History
The islands have the highest concentration of prehistoric sites anywhere in Britain. The first permanent Scillonians arrived from Cornwall some 4,000 years ago and the remains of their settlements still survive. English Heritage has identified more than 300 as Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
Island life was harsh and to survive the Scillonians had to be resourceful. Tin mining, soda-ash production from the kelp on the beaches, fishing and becoming a ship’s pilot to steer boats through the rocks and shallows provided a means of income. Today, the waters around the islands are scattered with the wreck of ships whose captains failed to take heed of the advice and expertise of these pilots.
In modern times, tourism, small-scale fishing and flower farms provide the islanders with their main source of income and I always try to support the local growers by buying bunches of the home-grown scented Narcissi as Christmas presents for friends.
They can be ordered online or phone and delivered by Royal Mail.
Tel 01720 422666 or visit
http://www.islesofscillyflowers.com
Tel 01720 422169 or visit
http://www.scillyflowers.co.uk
What to see and do
Depending on the tides, it’s easy to island hop with frequent inter-island ferries. Timetable notices are everywhere and some skippers visit the larger hotel establishments at breakfast with their itineraries.
www.scillyboating.co.uk
Hikers should look out for the Walk Scilly Festival, held annually in early spring, featuring 40-guided walks suitable for all levels. The schedule of walks includes historical, painting inspirations and flora and fauna tours.
Tel 07799 706573 or visit
www.walkscilly.co.uk
Garden lovers should head straight to the famous Abbey Gardens at Tresco where over 20,000 sub-tropical and exotic plants from over 80 countries can be found around the ruins of a 12-century priory.
http://www.tresco.co.uk/what-to-do/abbey-garden/default.aspx
There are hundreds of birds all year round on the islands, but the most popular time is in October, when you can spot those that are migrating to warmer climes. Birdwatchers (including Bill Oddie) come to view this mass migration where rarities such as the Golden Oriole, Bee-eater and Eyebrowed Thrush (to name just a few) can be seen. Many small companies offer specialised bird watching tours and local information, including sightings can be found on the Isles of Scilly Bird Group website.
http://www.scilly-birding.co.uk
Gig-racing is the main sport of Scilly where local competitions take place between May and September. The six-oared boats were originally used for guiding ships safely through dangerous rock-strewn waters. The World pilot-gig Championship takes place during the first May Bank Holiday weekend when not a bed can be found on island.
You can take to the sea yourself in a variety of crafts from dinghies to kayaks at the Sailing Centre where experienced instructors offer tuition for all abilities.
Tel 01720 422060 or visit
http://www.sailingscilly.com
Land lovers may prefer the call of the traffic free roads where cycling and horse riding are popular activities.
There are now two options for bike hire: either collect a bike once you are here from St Mary's Bike Hire on the Strand (contact them on 07796 638506) or reserve a bike through 'Book a bike on Scilly' (01720 422786 or 07887 841033) and they will deliver it to your holiday accommodation for you for free.
St Mary’s Riding Centre is the only horse-riding establishment on the islands with well-mannered horses to suit all levels of riding ability.
Tel 01720 4234855 or visit
www.horsesonscilly.co.uk
For the less energetic there are also bus tours of St Mary's, including Island Rover (01720 422131, operates daily at 10.15 & 13.30) and the classic tour bus 'Katie bus'. These include commentaries about local history and places of interest. Bus tours leave from the strand in the centre of Hugh Town.
For children
With comparatively little traffic, it’s hard to imagine a more idyllic spot for children of all ages to explore – Scilly is one giant amusement park offering the very best in sailing and windsurfing tuition. Older children can explore the many nature trails by bike or on foot, safe in the knowledge they can’t get lost. Independent teenagers may prefer to take a boat trip to the uninhabited island of Samson and live like Robinson Crusoe for a day - although a picnic lunch would be handy as there are no amenities.
Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo (author of the War Horse) has carried his readers away to countless places but none of them has quite the magic of his favourite spot; the Isles of Scilly and his book Why the Whales Came featured Samson.
Good places to eat
Food wise, you can't go wrong with the abundant fresh seafood. Mouth-watering local crab and lobster abound on most restaurants menus and the local produce market on St Mary’s is worth a detour.
You can have fabulous fish and chips at places like the Fraggle Rock Bar Café (01720 422222) on Bryher, or Adam’s Fish & Chips on St Martin’s, where they serve island caught fish with potatoes grown on the family farm. Celebrities who enjoy visiting.
The roll call of celebrity holidaymakers includes Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jude Law, Jenny Agutter, Rolf Harris, Jane Horrocks and Bill Bryson. The former Prime Minister, Harold Wilson so loved the islands that he chose the Old Town Church cemetery in St Mary’s as his final resting place.
The islands are really the stars and have attracted a flurry of media attention. The recent BBC2 series, An Island Parish charting the lives of the Scilonian people was a huge hit as was the BBC1’s Three Men in More Than One Boat, featuring Griff Rhys Jones, Rory McGrath and Dara O’Briain. ITV1 hit back with a series called Islands of Britain, presented by Martin Clunes, who could also be heard making a guest appearance on the Radio Scilly’s take on The Archers in the weekly soap opera The Islanders.
Scilly Facts
The Isles are leased by the Crown; the medieval rent was paid in puffins!
In 1651 the Netherlands declared war on Scilly, the last bastion of Royalism during the English Civil War. Though no shots were ever fired, the war lasted 335 years. One of the longest wars in world history ended with the signing of a peace treaty between the Netherlands and Scilly in 1986!
1860: Alfred Lord Tennyson, poet laureate, visited Tregarthen’s Hotel on St Mary’s where he allegedly composed Enoch Arden
If you don’t want to upset the locals, never refer to the Islands as the “Scillies” or “Scilly Isles”. It’s the Isles of Scilly, the Fortunate Islands or just Scilly.
How to get there
There are three choices – helicopter, light aircraft or passenger ship, but early booking is essential during the summer season and there are no flight or ferry services on Sundays.
BY AIR
You can fly direct to the Isles of Scilly from a number of UK departure points.
British International Helicopters runs a regular helicopter service from Penzance although plans are afoot to relocate to Newquay airport.
Call 01736 363871, or visit
www.islesofscillyhelicopter.com
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group runs Skybus, a fixed wing light aircraft that offers scheduled flights all year round to St Mary’s from Land’s End and Newquay or during the main (spring/summer/autumn) season from Exeter, Southampton or Bristol.
Call 0845 7105555, or visit
www.ios-travel.co.uk
By Sea
Sail from Penzance in Cornwall on the passenger ferry, Scillonian III. The three-hour trip runs six days a week March-October and seven days a week.
For further information, special offers, day trips and longer stays, visit
www.ios-travel.co.uk
Many cruise ship companies now include the Isles of Scilly on their itineraries.
Blue Water Holidays offer a British Isles Discovery Cruise.
Call 01756 706500, or visit
www.cruisingholidays.co.uk
Or try the cruise website
www.cruise.co.uk
Freephone 0800 4086200
Arriving by land
You can drive or take the train/coach to any of the connecting air or sea departure points.
Call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50, or visit
www.nationalrail.co.uk
National Express operates a scheduled coach service throughout the UK.
Call 08717 818178, or visit
http://www.nationalexpress.com
Accommodation
Accommodation ranges from 5* hotels, B&B’s, half board Guest Houses, self catering to some of the most picturesque campsites in the UK but be warned. Advanced booking is essential, especially in the high season as places are limited. The Scilly Tourism website has plenty of information and search facilities.
http://www.simplyscilly.co.uk/site/accommodation
Fact box
Chris travelled from London to Penzance by train with First Great Western.
Tel: 08457 000
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
He stayed at The Star Castle Hotel, St Mary's.
www.star-castle.co.uk
01720 422317 / 423342
For further information contact the Isles of Scilly Tourism Office on
01720 424042
