Think soft, white, powdery beaches, clear turquoise waters, exotic gardens, vineyards, art studios and honesty boxes, and you wonder where this is? Perhaps few people know that the beautiful Isles of Scilly are an idyllic slice of Cornwall, an archipelago located 30 miles west of the mainland.
The heath is full of different insects, there are endangered birds nesting on the rocky beaches, and even grey seals lazily crawl out of the water at night to play with each other or sunbathe on the rocky islets. Of the more than 100 islands, only 5 of which are inhabited, each has its own unique character. St Mary is a cosmopolitan city with a large number of hotels, restaurants and shops. Tresco is very family-friendly, rugged Bryher is quiet and welcoming, Little St Martin has a general sense of calm, and even quieter St Agnes has arguably the best camping in the country, with views of the countryside that feel like a world away.
If you only have a few days to visit the Isles of Scilly, it’s best to choose St Mary as your base. The largest inhabited island, ferry, plane and helicopter terminals can all be found here. If you’re pressed for time, taking a flight may be your best and most convenient option.
St. Mary’s is the most cosmopolitan of the Isles of Scilly towns, with plenty of great boutiques and local crafts for sale. There’s also a good choice of accommodation. Star Castle has a grand feel (rooms from £259), while St. Mary’s Hall is in the heart of Hugh Town. If you’re looking for a nice stay with a more local feel, you can also try the cheap and cheerful Mincarlo B&B if you’re on a budget.
Once you’ve established your target base, explore the beautiful island. Everything is within walking distance, but if you’re short on time and stamina, take the Scilly Trolley and hire a golf cart for the day. With the keys in hand, you can tour the Scilly Spirit Distillery, explore the ancient Bronze Age portal graves in the north of the island, laze around on one of the many beaches, or wander the grounds of Star Castle.
Stop along the way to sample local delicacies. For example, enjoy a delicious lunch at Juliet’s Garden Restaurant, where you can admire the view, while Dibble & Grub serves surprisingly tasty snacks on the seafront. You could easily spend a weekend on St Mary’s, but any visit to the Isles of Scilly is really about island hopping.
