DETAILED ITINERARY

This tour starts and ends in St. Mary’s, so you will need to make your way to the Isles of Scilly, although we will be happy to make these arrangements for you. The most popular way of reaching St Mary’s is by a 15 minute helicopter flight from Penzance, but be aware that your luggage will be limited to 20kg per person in one soft bag with no rigid frame, although it may have wheels and a handle (maximum size 70 x 39 x 31 cm). Hand luggage is limited to one small item up to 3 kg (30 x 15 x 15 cm).

Alternatively you can take the passenger-only Scillonian ferry from Penzance from March to October. This trip takes 2 hours 45 minutes, but be aware that the sea can sometimes be rough. Light aircraft flights also connect St Mary’s with Land’s End (15 min), Newquay (30 min) and Exeter (1 hour) every day except Sunday.

Day 1: Arrive in St Mary’s

After arriving on St Mary’s Island, we take a short orientation walk through Hugh Town. This delightful town is nestled between two sandy beaches and is an interesting place to explore with its independent shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs. In the evening enjoy a superb included dinner at one of the island’s best restaurants.

Spring is a great time for botanists, as the islands have plants from all over the world as well as some rare native species.

Autumn is a great time to look for wildlife, as the islands are famous for the variety of migrant birds that visit at this time of year. If the weather is from the west, there is a chance of some American species; if from the east, they could originate from Scandinavia. Warblers, chats, flycatchers and many other birds can be seen flitting about the hedgerows, with a variety of waders on the pools and beaches. You will also see a wide variety of butterflies and even the occasional dragonfly as they head south.

Day 2: Explore Tresco Island

This morning we take the short ferry ride across to the privately-owned island of Tresco and spend the morning exploring its inland pools and farm tracks looking for wildlife. Look out for wildfowl dabbling in the pools and pipits bouncing amongst the gorse, or even a merlin darting overhead.

After a leisurely lunch at the cafe, take a guided walk of one of the island’s most loved sites, Tresco Abbey Gardens – often referred to as “Perennial Kew without the glass”. This is a flora lover’s paradise and its sub-tropical gardens, built in the 19th century around the remains of a Benedictine Abbey, offer sheltered tree glades and sunny terraces with views out over the crystal blue waters. Keep an eye out for the stunningly attractive resident golden pheasants. After returning to St Mary’s, enjoy dinner in the hotel’s delightful restaurant.

Day 3: Seabird Boat Trip

This morning a special treat awaits, as we embark on a special boat trip, a two-hour cruise in search of sea bird colonies. With over 450 different species of seabirds, waders and migrants you can hope to catch sight of razorbills, guillemots, gannets, shearwaters and, with any luck, the iconic puffin (only possible on the spring tour).

The cruise will also give you a good insight into just how numerous the islands are, as we weave amongst rocky outcrops and larger uninhabited islands.

Day 4: Explore Bryher Island

Today we spend the full day exploring the contrasting landscapes on Bryher, the smallest of the inhabited islands. From rugged granite shorelines to calm, glassy blue bays, we walk along the coastline trails in search of birds, insects and flowers.

With luck we might catch a distant glimpse of a seal breaking the waves, or a yellow wagtail bobbing across the grass. With a bit of searching on hands and knees, we may even find the famous dwarf pansy. Our lunch stop today is at the award-winning Hell Bay Hotel.

Day 5: Eastern Isles Boat Trip + St Martin’s Island

We depart this morning on the Eastern Isles boat trip in search of colonies of Atlantic grey seals and a variety of seabirds.

We also land on the island of St Martin’s, the archipelago’s northernmost island boasting some of the finest sand beaches in the world.

Day 6: Return Home

Today take the ferry or make your way to the airport for your flight home. Extra nights on the Isles of Scilly can be arranged on request.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a half board basis. All specified excursions are included, but flights or ferry to St Mary’s are extra and will be quoted separately. Hotel transfers must be paid locally (about £7 pp each way). Car parking on the UK mainland can be organised on request.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Photographic ID is essential for travel (e.g. driving licence or passport).