Your island adventure begins by air or by sea, and we go to great lengths to make sure that the journey feels part of the island experience.
Sailing from Penzance on Scillonian III is a wonderful introduction to your coastal holiday. The kids can stretch their legs on the deck and you can enjoy sprawling seascapes. It’s well worth keeping a close eye on the waves, as the ferry is occasionally joined by dolphins. Flying by Skybus is the fastest way to reach the islands; with daily departures from Exeter, Newquay and Land’s End Airports. You’ll gaze out over golden sands as you soar above the Cornish mainland and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the islands as you arrive into St Mary’s.
October half term is often a welcomed break for families after the first school term after summer. The Isles of Scilly’s unique location near the golf stream makes them much warmer than the mainland and there’s still lots of things to see and do on the islands.
Explore the wilderness with the kids, wondering down nature trails, cycle over 30 miles of tracks, marvel at the wildlife, hire kayaks and paddle to hidden coves and deserted beaches. Brush up on the local history at the museum – it’s packed with artefacts from wrecks and much more; or try your hand at art and crafts at the Phoenix Craft Studio.
And that’s just the island of St. Mary’s, discover the ‘off-islands’ and experience the thrill of island hopping. There are daily departures from St. Mary’s quay to St. Agnes, St. Martins, Bryher and Tresco; look out for special trips to the uninhabited islands and wildlife tours. On St. Agnes you’ll find medieval history in ancient stone stacks and circular mazes or stroll across to Gugh- an island joined to St. Agnes by a sandbar and only reachable at low tide. St Martin’s is home to the most idyllic beaches and the iconic white and red Daymark, perfect for a day’s exploring. For world famous gardens and sophistication, Tresco is your next stop. (kids go free to the Abbey Gardens) There are a collection of 30 ships figureheads all rescued from wrecks around the islands that’ll amaze the children. 
Hop over to Bryher and explore the elusively titled Hell Bay to the west of the island, a once notorious spot for shipwrecks and the setting for Michael Morpurgo’s famous novel ‘Why the Whales Came’. For more information on things to see and do this October Half Term head over to Visit Isles of Scilly.
Enjoy a mid-Autumn family break before the excitement and rush of Christmas kicks in. Your family adventure begins in the air or by sea, and whether you soar over the turquoise waters or sail through them, the journey over to Scilly is the perfect way to start your break. There are regular flights departing from Land’s End (15 minutes’ journey time), Newquay (30 minutes’ journey time) or Exeter (60 minutes’ journey time) or you can sail on the Scillonian III passenger ferry from Penzance to Scilly in under 3 hours.