There is nowhere in Britain quite like the Isles of Scilly and this six-day trip will live long in the memory as you explore the best of this stunning archipelago.
You will visit the white sands beaches of St Agnes and the wild beauty of Bryher, be guided around the horticultural highlights of Tresco Abbey Garden (home to some 20,000 plants) and stroll along the timeless harbours of St Martins. You will experience the diverse widlife - with many of the species not anwayerhe else in the UK - including porpoises, dolphins, seals and myriad birdlife.
Who better to give you an understanding of the native wilidlife that Julian Branscombe, the head of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, who will join you for dinner and give a special talk. You will dine on the fresh, locally seafood, including dinner at the famed Hell Bay and acclaimed Cloudesley Shovell restaurants. Your will enjoy five supremely comfortable nights at The Atlantic hotel on the Isle of St Mary's - the perfect base for the perfect British break.
Please note this is a busy and full itinerary, so a good degree of mobility is required to get the most out of this trip, which involves lots of walking and getting in and out of boats.
Julian Branscombe joined the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust as the Chief Executive in 2021. Before joining the Trust, Julian worked at Penwith Landscape Partnership, Gwent Wildlife Trust, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, RSPB and an ecological consultancy sharing his expertise on countryside access, wildlife, archaeology and sustainable farming.
Also included: Boat transfers within the islands, return ferry from Penzance to St Mary's, all entrance fees, guided walking tour of St Agnes and services of a tour manager throughout
Additional information
Ferry times
22-27 April 2024
Departing Penzance 09.15
Returning from St Mary's 16.3027 April - 2 May 2024
Departing Penzance 09.15
Returning from St Mary's 17.0020 - 25 September 2024
Departing Penzance 09.15
Returning from St Mary's 16.30You may your own way to St Mary's if you prefer, please call for details. Supplements may apply.
Single supplement
£196 (April), £0 (single room - September ) or £819 (double room with single occupancy - September)
Accommodation
The Atlantic Inn, St Mary's (April)
Star Castle Hotel, St Mary's (September)*This information is indicative and subject to change*
Today you'll arrive at Penzance and meet your tour group at the departure terminal for the Scillonian ferry. Here you'll meet your expert tour manager who will greet you and assist you with check-in.
Once you arrive on St Mary's you'll make your way to The Atlantic in Hugh Town, your base for the next five nights. After check-in, take some time to explore the headland of Hugh Town, with its shops, cafés, galleries, restaurants and pubs. In the evening you'll have dinner in the restaurant.
Today you'll be exploring the lovely isle of St Martin's where you'll discover the island's ruggedly beautiful shoreline. Little St Martin's is just two miles long, but boasts some of the finest beaches in the British Isles.
Lunch at a local spot is included, afterwards you'll pay a visit to St Martin's Vineyard, a unique coastal vineyard and winery which is working towards organic production of white, red and rose wines.
Please note - dinner is not included today for the September departure.
Today you'll take the boat to beautiful Bryher where lunch has been arranged at the luxury Hell Bay Hotel. Bryher is an island of exciting contrasts. On one side you have the roaring Atlantic ocean and a rugged coastline, while on the other side you'll find tranquil waters and powder-soft beaches.
Hell Bay is on the Atlantic side, and from here you can watch as dramatic waves thunder into the bay. The restaurant at Hell Bay Hotel is one of the best rated in the Isles of Scilly. You'll tuck into award-winning dishes at the hotel bar which use the finest ingredients from the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall and the wider West Country.
This morning, following another hearty breakfast, you'll make your way to the jetty and hop on the ferry transfer to St Agnes, where you'll take a guided walk around the island's coastline.
There's plenty to see along St Agnes' coast, from rocky outcrops on its exposed west side to paradise beaches in its sheltered coves. There's a sandbar that links St Agnes with the tiny neighboring island of Gugh, where you'll find white sand and crystal-clear water.
You'll enjoy lunch at a local pub before taking a fascinating marine wildlife cruise, where you have a chance to spot some of the special animals and birds who call the Scillies home.
After breakfast you'll meet your tour manager and your guide for the day. You'll make your way to the jetty and take the boat transfer to Tresco where you'll visit the world famous Tresco Abbey Garden, home to a collection of some 20,000 plants from 80 countries.
The garden was established in the 19th century around the ruins of an old Benedictine Abbey and is now home to a fantastic variety of plants from all over the world, including Brazil, New Zealand and South Africa. The garden changes throughout the year as different species thrive. In spring, flowers bloom here weeks before they do on the mainland thanks to the Tresco's special sub-tropical climate. You'll have time for lunch (not included) in one of Tresco's fabulous local restaurants before heading back to St Mary's.
After your final breakfast at The Atlantic** (The Star Castle for the September departure) you'll enjoy some free time on St Mary's before taking the Scillonian ferry back to Penzance.
The Atlantic on the Isles of Scilly is set in the most stunning location with unrivalled harbour views. Expect pristine sandy beaches, turquoise seas, and an unrushed pace of life where everything feels more relaxed. Enjoy a break in one of the comfortable rooms and enjoy the charming restaurant and terrace with superb coastal views.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a double room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single room no supplement. Single supplement for double room £819. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL Limted).
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a double room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single room no supplement. Single supplement for double room £819. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL Limted).