Visit the islands of Tresco, St Agnes, St Martin's and Bryher
for six glorious days of scenic walks, guided excursions, and
wildlife explorations.
A guided visit to Tresco Abbey Gardens, a renowned sub-tropical
garden, is bound to be a highlight of the trip, as is a dinner and
talk with Julian Branscombe, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly
Wildlife Trust. There's plenty more to look forward to in this
exceptional trip, including visiting an organic vineyard on St
Martin's, taking a wildlife cruise to spot birds and sealife, and
feasting on the award-winning fare at some of the Scilly Isles'
most cherished restaurants.
"I wanted to say how much we enjoyed our holiday in the Scillies. It was all planned so well. The hotel was excellent along with the food everywhere we went. Thank you all."
- October 2022 Guest
Please be advised that you will need to pre-book and pre-select most of your meals before your departure due to group size.
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.
For more island adventures, escape to the wilds of rural Scotland on our trip to the Outer Hebrides.
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.
September 2024 and 2025 departures: Five nights' accommodation at The Atlantic Inn St Mary's, with dinner and breakfast daily included
September 2024 and 2025 departures: Five nights' accommodation at Star Castle St Mary's with three dinners and breakfast daily included
September 2024 departures only: Dinner and talk with Mike Nelhams, curator of Tresco Abbey Garden
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
20 - 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
From £210
Accommodation
The Atlantic Inn, St Mary's
Star Castle Hotel, St Mary's*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 (April 2024 departures) or Star Castle (September 2024 departures) and begin to explore your surroundings. In the evening you'll have dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Today you'll take a boat transfer and explore 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, and 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.
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 tuck into 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 in Tresco (not included) before heading back to St Mary's.
After your final breakfast at your hotel you'll enjoy some free time on St Mary's before taking the Scillonian ferry back to Penzance.
Nestled in bustling Hugh Town, this is a brilliant base for exploring the diversity of island life, close to a host of traditional pubs, restaurants, shops, galleries and artist's studios, as well as a sandy tidal beach, working harbour and a fascinating museum. You can visit the off-islands along with day trips, including wildlife safaris, shark spotting and seal spotting from the quay.
The Atlantic sits at the heart of the bustling Hugh Town on St Mary's with spectacular harbourside views and close proximately to the quay.
By plane: Skybus flights to St Mary's from Newquay (30 minutes), Exeter (1 hour) or Lands End (15 minutes). The hotel is a 5-minute drive from the airport. Book the Skybus.
By boat: the Scillionian III Passenger Ferry departs from Penzance (2 hours 45 minutes). The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the terminal.
Formerly three separate cottages, this maritime-style building was converted into a hotel and opened in 1801. Comfortable and informal, this cosy harbourside bolthole maximizes its sea views and boasts heritage features such as crooked, angular rooms, original granite walls, and an inglenook fireplace. An ancient boat mast runs the length of the pub's ceiling, adding to its charming character.
The attentive and friendly staff at The Atlantic offer helpful tips for planning your day. Enjoy the waterfront views and relax with a beverage or dine at one of the hotel's comfortable spaces: the Waterside restaurant and terrace, the bar and lounge area, or the snug. All offer stunning views of the harbour and beyond.
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Terrace
- Beachfront
- Pet-friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
All bedrooms are decorated in a neutral palette with a nod to the surroundings, with snug seating areas, coastal-inspired art and spectacular views of the harbour and coastline and those without coastal views overlook the cobbled high street of Hugh Town - bedrooms offer welcoming spaces to kick back and relax.
Room types: Classic Room, Sea View Room, Superior Room
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with rain shower, Orla Kiely toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi
Tuck into a wide selection of freshly prepared dishes served throughout the day, including a daily-changing specials board. The menus highlight local produce and naturally feature a lot of fresh fish and waking up slow with an Atlantic Scillonian breakfast out on the terrace is a treat.
The Atlantic: pub and terrace, harbour views. Classics and modern cuisine, including scampi, steamed mussels and west country burger. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
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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. Price shown includes discount. Single supplement applies. 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. Price shown includes discount. Single supplement applies. 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 supplement applies. 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).