The Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly is a small archipelago of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, off the Cornish coast in the West Country region of England (part of the United Kingdom) and is ideal for fishing, diving, walking, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, cycling, birdwatching, and chilling out. The Isles of Scilly were designated an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1975.There are 5 main inhabited islands (St Mary's, Tresco, Bryher, St Martin's and St Agnes) and a larger number of smaller, uninhabited islands (including the Western Rocks, the Norrad Rocks, Samson, Tean, St Helen's and the Eastern Isles). Throughout the summer months the Scillonian III operates between Penzance in Cornwall and St Mary's. Day Trips and Longer Stays are available. Timetable information, further details and online booking is available from the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company's website (islesofscilly-travel.co.uk). Skybus run a scheduled air service to the Isles of Scilly all year round. With flights from Land's End, Newquay, Exeter, Bristol and Southampton. The air route between Penzance and St Mary's has been serviced by helicopter since 1964 and is the world's longest running scheduled helicopter service. The Tresco service was subsequently inaugurated in 1983. The 20 min flight operates 6 days a week with regular flights throughout the day. Timetable and booking information is available from British International's website (islesofscillyhelicopter.com). Each island is serviced by an network of inter-island launches that run 7 days a week from 1 April through to the end of October each year. Apart from direct trips between the islands, circular sightseeing tours are also offered giving the opportunity to look at the extensive wildlife in and around the islands, particularly the large colonies of Atlantic seal and hundreds of sea bird species. One of the most popular trips is to see the puffins who arrive to nest in late April, leaving the Isles in early August. The boat service in the winter is governed more by wind and tide, but daily, direct trips still take place with the occasional circular journey when the weather is sufficiently benign. Visit the Isles of Scilly Museum in Hugh Town on the island of St. Mary's. On Tresco are the famous Abbey gardens. Lots of locally produced food and gifts are available. St Agnes wildflower honey, St Agnes ice Cream, St Agnes eggs, Scillonian soap, island beef, locally caught fish and shellfish, and the list goes on. Each of the islands has its own pub, though St. Mary's manages to support five, The Oldtown Inn. Porthcressa Inn, Bishop and Wolf, Atlantic Inn and The Mermaid. On the 'Off Islands' (as the other islands are refered to) you have the Sevenstones on St. Martin's, New Inn on Tresco, Fraggle Rock on Bryher and The Turks Head on St. Agnes.
The Isles of Scilly (28 miles South-West of Lands End) consist of more than a hundred islands, of which only five are inhabited. The whole of this beautiful archipelago is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a wealth of archaeological interest under the supervision of English Heritage. The main industries of the Islands are tourism, flower farming and fishing.
Passenger launch services operate between the main off-islands twice daily throughout the season and fishing trips can also be arranged with local boatmen. Apart from swimming and sailing, various other activities are open to visitors during their stay including horse riding, diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, tennis, squash, cycling and golfing - St. Mary's boasts a nine-hole golf course. Several hotels and a number of restaurants welcome visitors to the island and the museum offers an alternative for those whose interests lie in archaeology or natural history. The Islands are home to many artists and craftsmen and women with studios providing activities such as stained glass making, basket weaving and pottery as well as art galleries.
Tresco - visit the Abbey Gardens - a perennial Kew without the glass, shrugging off salt spray and Atlantic gales to host 20,000 exotic plants. The garden is home to species from 80 countries, ranging from Brazil to New Zealand and Burma to South Africa. Beautiful walks, stunning beaches, harbour, excellent pub and hotel and English Civil War defences.
St Martins - Rugged North coastline with rocky outcrops and sandy beaches, the South Coast has superb sandy beaches. Wander the length of the island, visit a flower farm and local craft shops. A stunning tranquil island with panoramic views over the other islands.
Bryher - The smallest community of the inhabited islands of the Scillies The West coast faces the full force of the Atlantic rollers with the aptly named Hell bay. A rugged island with a character of its own, cliff top walks and perhaps the best panoramic view on the islands can be experienced from the top of Watch Hill.
St Agnes - The most South-Westerly of the Islands, St Agnes is enchanting and tranquil, where the silence is disturbed only by birdsong and the murmur of the sea. Here you’ll find secluded sandy coves, weathered granite tors, a 17th-century lighthouse, and impressive views across the Western Rocks.
Travelling to the Isles of Scilly
The islands are easily accessed by helicopter or passenger boat from Penzance and fixed wing aircraft from Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Newquay and Lands End.
Travel Arrangements To Penzance: By train or car. The car may be left at Penzance Heliport, Lands End Airport or at the car park by the British Rail station and harbour.
Penzance to St. Mary's:
(a) By British International Helicopters Ltd. to St. Mary's Airport. The journey takes 20 minutes. It is advisable to book on the helicopter as early as possible - preferably when making a booking. Helicopter flight Bookings can be made through Penzance Heliport, (Penzance Heliport Tel: 01736 363871)
(b) By the scheduled Isles of Scilly Skybus service from Lands End, Newquay, Plymouth, Exeter, Bristol and Southampton Airports using fixed wing Otter and Islander aircraft. (Booking Office Tel: 0845 710 5555).
(c) By sea, on board the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company's vessel "Scillonian III". The voyage takes about two and a half hours. (Steamship Company Tel: 01736 362009 or 0845 710 5555) It is advisable to book on the ship during July and August. During the summer months the ship travels to and from Penzance and the Isles of Scilly daily, Monday to Saturday.
NOTES: (1) All helicopter, Skybus and Steamship Company bookings can be made through appointed travel agents. (2) Visitors should be prepared for interruptions in air travel due to bad weather or breakdown, resulting in an overnight stay in Penzance or an extra night on Scilly. (3) There are no air or sea services between Scilly and the mainland on Sundays.
