and Romano-British settlements, and Bronze Age burial tombs at Innisidgen. It’s possible to drive, walk or cycle to all of them in a day. Active types can also enjoy 30 miles of nature trails, or horse riding along unspoilt coastline. Rather more hedonistic are the tasting sessions offered at Holy Vale, Britain’s most southerly vineyard. Stay: The Scillies’ grandest place to stay? That’ll be the eight-pronged Star Castle, set beside Hugh Town and originally built as a fortress to deter the Spanish Armada. There are a few rooms in the atmospheric castle itself and spacious garden quarters in grounds across the moat, plus two high-end restaurants.
TRESCO
Home to the isles’ biggest single attraction, Abbey Garden, posh and privately-owned Tresco has a manicured vibe and self-catering
accommodation ideal for families. There are no cars – people stroll, cycle or drive golf buggies – and
three excellent dining venues, including the convivial New Inn. See: Warm Gulf Stream air enables Abbey Garden to grow subtropical plants and succulents from 80 exotic countries. Rehabilitated red squirrels scamper about too, and there’s a small gallery of figureheads rescued from shipwrecks. Farther south are vast white-sand beaches, while Tresco’s wilder northern end boasts walkable moorland and the ruins of two 17th-century castles. The harbour is a starting point for gig races. Stay: A feast of whites and wicker furniture, Tresco’s luxurious self- catering or B&B options are divided across the two villages, Old and New Grimsby. As well as good dining, the New Inn offers simple, affordable accommodation.
SELLING TIPS
St Mary’s: “There are lots of dog-friendly accommodation options on St Mary’s,” says Beverley Scarr, short-haul general manager at Premier Holidays. “Some beaches are open to dogs year-round and pooches can even travel with their owners on the Skybus from Land’s End or Newquay.”
Tresco: “Families love Tresco and its safe beaches,” says Rachael Kellard, Prestige Holidays’ product manager for its Closer to Home programme. “Tresco’s self-catering Sea Garden Cottages have a resort feel and are great for family groups thanks to an on-site swimming pool, hot tub and sauna, gym, tennis and sailing school.”
Bryher: “Autumn is a fantastic season to visit. October brings some incredible sunsets and days are mostly still warm,” says Beverley Scarr of Premier Holidays.
46 23 MAY 2019
travelweekly.co.uk
BRYHER The wildest of the inhabited Scillies, Bryher is ringed by a thrilling coast path that bounces past sandy beaches and, along the wild west shore, jagged, frothy Atlantic coves into which breakers crash relentlessly. And yet here is where you’ll find the islands’ classiest hotel-restaurant, Hell Bay, plus the fun Crab Shack and a friendly main village set along leafy lanes. It’s possible to walk across to Tresco during spring tides, with Low Tide Festivals sometimes held on the exposed sandbar. See: Bryher is particularly good for spring wildflowers, autumnal blackberries and October birdwatching. Kayaks can be rented from Bennett’s Boatyard, while
THIS PAGE: Abbey Garden, Tresco; puffin; walkers in St Mary’s FACING PAGE: Hugh Town, St Mary’s
PICTURES: Chris Ogilvie; Isles of Scilly Tourist Board/Phil Nicholls, Susan Cox;
adjbrown.com; Steven Burbidge
Top tip
Book early. The Isles of Scilly get lots of repeat bookings, so availability can be limited even eight to 10 months in advance
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