Unique Retreats and Journeys
Island Hopping in the Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago around 30 miles off the south-western tip of England. Though numbering over 50 islands in total, only five are inhabited.
The total population of St Mary’s, Tresco, Bryher, St Martin’s, and St Agnes is just over 2,000, contributing to that special ‘step-back-in-time’ feeling and providing a taste of the timeless magic of childhood holidays. Amid wonderful scenery, younger children can explore rock pools and endless sandy beaches, while the older ones – and the adults – can hike nature trails, hire bikes, or ride horses along the shore.
Itinerary (Departing during 2023 & 2024)
Day 1:
Arrive at St Mary’s by ferry or a flight depending on your preference.
St Mary’s is the most inhabited island, possessing the Scillies’ only airport and major port, from where you can hire boats to explore all the islands – and, if you’re lucky, perhaps spot seals and puffins. Underneath the waves, divers can explore the area’s huge network of shipwrecks and marine life.
We recommend spending three nights on St Mary’s in the charming The Star Castle Hotel, built in 1593. This unique elevated Elizabethan castle is only a short walk into Hugh Town. Occupying magnificent views of the surrounding islands, this stunning family run property has something for everyone.
Days 2-3:
Activities are in abundance on the island! If you want to see the puffins they return to the islands between April and August.
Hugh Town is the capital, nestling between two sandy beaches, and is an interesting place to explore with its independent shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs. Why not hire a bike or a golf cart to explore the island, stopping wherever you fancy to visit an artist’s studio, or sit in a beach front café, admiring the view?
Additionally, with over 30 miles of nature trails and walks, St Mary’s offers the ideal island to explore on foot.
For a special meal we can highly recommend Juliet’s Garden, a fantastic restaurant with a terrace overlooking Hugh Town and the sea. This is a great place for dinner or finishing the day with a refreshing sundowner.
Days 4-5:
Take a ferry on to Bryher, the smallest of the inhabited islands.
Bryher offers sheer wild beauty one day, and calm tranquillity the next. Spend two nights in our favourite hotel on the island - Hell Bay Hotel.
The luxury Hell Bay Hotel has won many an award, and other eateries include the fabulously named Crab Shack and Fraggle Rock – a bar Jamie Oliver once hailed as one of Britain’s best boozers!
The film, When the Whales Came was filmed on the island, based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel. At certain times of the year, you can also walk between Tresco and Bryher. As the tide retreats to reveal a sandy pathway, a popup seafood and fizz festival helps islanders (and visitors) celebrate one of the most special experiences to be found anywhere in Britain.
Day 6-7:
Today you will take a ferry to St Martin’s.
At just two miles long, and boasting some of Britain’s finest beaches, St Martin’s is certainly worth a visit. Only 130 people live on St Martin’s, but the island has a diverse and enterprising community. Visitors can wander around a flower farm and vineyard, a locally inspired silver jewellery designer, a gallery showcasing local art, and a bakery offering artisan bread. A dive school on the island offers diving and snorkelling trips with seals.
We recommend The Karma St Martin’s resort that resembles a hamlet of stone cottages and is located just a stone’s throw from the beach.
Day 8:
We will transfer you to the port from where you will take a ferry back to St Mary’s and will continue your journey home.
Terms & Conditions
Payment Policy -
£150 deposit with the balance payable 12 weeks before the arrival.
Cancellation Policy -
loss of deposit if cancelled 12 weeks prior.
Included
Breakfast
7 nights accommodation based on two sharing
Ferries and transfers
A tree will be planted by our charity partners Trees for Cities for every participant
Not Included
Travel Insurance