Customer Q&A: Wonders and Wildlife of the Isles of Scilly
Customer feedback is really important to us and first-hand reviews are invaluable in ensuring each trip is a success and runs smoothly year after year. Every guest is sent a feedback form after their return and we also ask guests for further insights on our trips.
Our Isles of Scilly tour is always popular and the perfect introduction for new visitors. This island-hopping adventure includes glorious garden visits, the opportunity for wildlife spotting and of course, the company of our experts. New dates have just been released and if you're yet to experience the wonders for yourself, find out more in our latest customer Q&A. Thank you to Katy for sharing more on the tour.
Have you ever been on a tour with an expert before?
I've been on a walking tour and an expedition cruise with knowledgeable guides before.
I've long wanted to visit the Isles of Scilly but, as I'm often a solo traveller, it all seemed a bit complicated, so the chance to have everything organised for me was a very attractive proposition. The added bonus of Mike Nelhams, who I'd heard talk about the Abbey Gardens on more than one occasion, was a draw. Before booking, I didn't know Julian Branscombe, but was intrigued to find out.
What difference did it make having Mike and Julian on the tour with you?
Mike was with us for the morning at Tresco Abbey Garden and then gave a talk at our hotel in the evening. His knowledge of the gardens is second to none; the insights he gave and stories he told were fascinating. We would never have learnt so much without him. As well as being so knowledgeable and experienced, he was delightfully articulate, enthusiastic, relaxed and charming.
Julian also gave a talk at the hotel after dinner one evening. He was extremely interesting and it was fascinating to hear about the work of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust and, again, he provided insights into the natural world of the Isles, which we wouldn't otherwise have discovered. Both experts added welcome depth to our discovery of Scilly.
I'd also like to mention Vicki, who accompanied us to Tresco and St Agnes, as well as on the marine wildlife cruise - and who was an expert in bird monitoring and conservation - and Neil who guided us on walks around Bryher and St Martin's. As well as taking us round the islands, they shared with us huge amounts of information about the islands, the people who live there and the ways things work in a relatively isolated community. Viv, our tour manager, was also very knowledgeable about the islands and was a fantastic person to look after the group. All three were incredibly friendly and enthusiastic about sharing their love of the islands.
How did you find the experience of travelling with others as part of a group?
I tend to travel solo more often than not and I was the only person travelling solo in this group of 17, which I wasn't expecting. However, the group size was perfect and the other members were lovely people; independent, curious, well-travelled and friendly. Couples tend to stick together, so being the odd one out might have been tricky but it wasn't. The schedule was quite full-on and busy and Viv was brilliant at chatting with and including all of us.
What were the top 3 highlights from your experience?
- Walking around the islands: enjoying the peace, the slow pace, the views and discovering the uniqueness of each island. There was more walking on offer than I anticipated, which, for me, was very welcome
- Learning about the Tresco Abbey Garden from Mike Nelhams
- On the last day, with six hours to spare after checking out of the hotel and checking in for the ferry, I went on a solo walk along the coastal path from Hugh Town, passing by Harry's Wall, Halangy Down Ancient Village, Innisidgen entrance graves and Watermill Cove I then walked back across the island for lunch at Juliet's Garden, before heading back to Hugh Town. No one told us about this walk or these specific ancient sites in any detail and it was done on my own initiative. It was a beautiful day, with wonderful views of the other islands, hardly any people around, fascinating history and lunch overlooking the sea and harbour
What would you say to someone thinking of booking a similar trip?
Go for it! It's a very special trip to a unique group of islands and well organised. Discover your laid-back mojo and be prepared to go with the flow! This trip was amazingly good value, considering the inclusions: the ferry, all boat trips, hotel, dinners, several lunches, entrance fees, guides and experts.
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