Notes from the Isles of Scilly

We drove to Exeter and boarded the Skybus (with 12 other passengers and a black Labrador) to St. Mary's. We were collected and taken to the Star Castle Hotel where we sat on the sunny ramparts for a light lunch and bottle of delicious Champagne, courtesy of our very special travel consultant.

After quickly unpacking, we ventured down into Hughtown to explore. A very gentle town with its own small selection of galleries, shops, pubs, beaches and quay.

So many choices, for what is a must in Scilly, boat trips. We decided to visit Tresco (an enjoyable 20 minute sail) as we definitely wanted to spend time in the magnificent Abbey Gardens, which did not disappoint. We were then able to walk around the rest of the island before sailing back later in the day.

Our next decision was how to get to know our island of St. Mary's a little better. Hire a golf buggy, sadly not as we did not bring our driving licences! Cycling, it's many years since we ventured on the roads with bikes so maybe not. A round island bus tour, day trippers off the Scillonian have just beaten us to it, full up! Ok let's walk the coastal path, there is a breeze today, ideal conditions. We discovered several amazing pre bronze age burial sites, approximately 4000 years old. Fascinating. Went into local craft shops and galleries, the whole time we were very close to the sea and we easily came across several cafe/restaurant/tea shops to revive us with delightful choices. Always a pleasure, a quick drink before dinner on our way back to the hotel. Another day happily spent.

Next, a trip to the more southern island of St. Agnes. Time stands still. They have the smallest school in British Isles, a church with beautiful stained glass, the bumpiest cricket pitch and a camp site right on the water's edge. We took a 2 hour boat trip to Annet to spot sea birds, a huge variation, which included many delightful puffins and even Peregrine Falcons.

Gig racing is a very popular sport here, for the very fit, and we were lucky enough to see a Friday night race from St. Mary's to St. Agnes.

A very special day, on the rare low tide, we were able to walk across from Tresco to Bryher. Tractors transport barbeques, picnic tables, flags and stalls which are set up on the sand bar for a real festival atmosphere. A prosecco and gin bar, lobster and crab stall, paella and live music. Within an hour everything and every person had retreated back to one island or the other, as if nothing has happened. Quite a magical experience.

Our trip to St. Martin's was a very relaxed day, walking around the cliff path to the famous daymark, visiting Polreath cafe for delicious refreshment in their delightful garden, wandering into a gallery and jewellers and enjoying a paddle in the very shallow waters before, at the end of the day, sailing back to St. Mary's.

On a cooler, wetter day the museum is well worth time spent, crammed full of historic information, artefacts and multiple shipwreck stories.

Altogether, the Isles of Scilly are beautiful and unique. A most enjoyable destination for very laid back exploration.

Time to leave, off to St. Mary's tiny airport and amazingly greeted at check in, 'You must be Stephen and Lynda'. A very different feel to Heathrow!