Experience is everything…
What ignites your love of travel? Here at Isles of Scilly Travel, we’re firm believers in the power of experiences.
We also believe that you don’t need to travel far to expand your horizons. Sometimes the best experiences aren’t that far from home.
Imagine a short break which was a true escape from everyday life doused with a touch of adventure. One where you could push yourself outside of your comfort zone and learn new things. A trip where you could connect with people and nature, while experiencing true freedom.
Let us introduce you to the magical Isles of Scilly, which offer all of this – and so much more.
Lying just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, the islands are easily close enough to visit for a short stay, as thousands of people do each year.
These tropical, sand-fringed islands are the most south-westerly point of the UK, beautifully wild and unspoilt.
There are five inhabited islands, each unique with its own magic. You could be forgiven for thinking you had flown long haul rather than a short journey from the mainland.
There’s no mass-market tourism here; this is what local looks like. It’s as authentic as travel gets.
But as remote as the islands are, there are no shortage of experiences on offer. As far as activities are concerned, these small islands really pack a punch.
Do you like to immerse yourself in your destination? Then try the quintessential – possibly all-time favourite – activity of island-hopping. Just jump on board an iconic inter-island boat from St Mary’s Quay and head off to the off-island communities, where you’ll be welcomed with the emptiest of beaches, swathes of coastal paths, the freshest local seafood, tiny honesty stalls, pubs with views to-die-for, watersports in the clearest of clear seas and so much more.
Or do you prefer hands-on experiences? How about snorkelling with Scilly’s resident seals? Or making your own island gin? Perhaps you fancy trotting across the white sands of Pelistry Bay on horseback? Or joining a wildlife spotting boat trip?
You could explore the coastline by paddleboard or kayak, try coasteering or join a wild swimming excursion. Then there’s family-friendly rock pool safaris or perhaps the favourite pastime, beachcombing.
If water-based activities aren’t your thing, you could explore by pedal power or golf buggy, or play golf at the UK’s most southerly golf course, with 360-degree island views in every direction.
How about activities that ignite the senses? Scilly is home to not one, but two vineyards where you can tour the vines, raise a glass and even enjoy a lobster lunch. If something stronger is more your tipple, you could make your own island gin, or tour the first and only rum distillery on the islands.
Then there’s the food. Scilly takes pride in its fresh local produce – and so it should. We’re talking food metres, not miles, when it comes to how far the ingredients have travelled here. Whether it’s a celebration meal, or picnic on the beach, the islands have much to offer every taste.
If it’s nature you’re after, Scilly is a true natural playground with mile upon mile of coast path, inland trails and, of course, beaches where yours could be the only footprints in the sand. The world-famous Abbey Gardens on Tresco live up to the hype, a sanctuary for 2,000 exotic plants.
Perhaps it’s a focus on personal wellbeing you’re after? There’s wild yoga or guided trail running, Thai massage and art classes.
Why not engage in an island way of life? You could visit the weekly farmers’ market or meet up with island residents for a guided swim? Then there’s the many island makers, whose galleries and workshops are the highlight of a visit for so many.
For a special occasion, you could go all-out with a yacht charter, complete with decadent picnic, to explore the archipelago at your own pace.
All of these experiences, and many more, can be enjoyed in just one day in one of the most beautiful and unspoilt parts of the world.
Let us take you to paradise in 2024. Whatever your travel needs, we’ve got you covered – flying with our very own airline Skybus or sailing past the Cornish coastline on board our iconic passenger ferry, Scillonian III.
So, for the perfect introduction to these spectacular islands, why not consider an escape to the Isles of Scilly?