S TAY AT HOME Isles of Scilly
Hidden coves, sunset boat rides and fish fresh from the ocean await on these frozen-in-time islands off the coast of Cornwall Words: Sara Crossley
Why go Although just 28 miles from Cornwall’s Land’s End, this secluded archipelago of more than 200 islands — of which only five are inhabited — looks and feels wholly different from the rest of the British Isles. In fact, if you were to ask people from the UK if they’ve visited the Isles of Scilly, the answer, surprisingly, would often be no. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has
a timeless quality that has drawn travellers for generations — even remaining a firm favourite for the royals. Heaths fringed with rugged coastal paths, pristine stretches of white sandy beaches and turquoise seas make for thriving wildlife habitats, and keen birders will likely be rewarded with sightings of rare citrine wagtails, red-rumped swallows and black kites. Each of the islands are unique and worth visiting
but Tresco, the second-largest, is the top choice for those seeking a luxury experience. Privately owned by the Dorrien-Smith family, it’s home to one of the UK’s most flourishing subtropical gardens, as well as high-end accommodation and beachfront dining. Although just two-and-a-half miles by one mile in size, the island has an incredibly varied landscape, combining wild beauty with a sense of exclusivity. From Cornwall, visitors can reach Tresco by boat, plane or helicopter and enjoy this car-free paradise on foot or bike.
What to do Tresco is an excellent base for exploring the rest of the Isles of Scilly. With companies like Scilly Yacht Charters offering private skippered yacht charters, visitors can create bespoke itineraries to make the most of the azure waters and neighbouring islands. Lunches onboard can be personalised, featuring freshly caught lobster and crab or island-reared beef. For a particularly memorable experience, consider booking an overnight star sail, where you
60
NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.COM/TRAVEL
can watch a spectacular sunset across the Atlantic and see a star-filled sky completely free from artificial light pollution. Tresco Abbey Garden is a highlight of the
island. Created in the 1830s by Augustus Smith, a passionate horticulturist, the garden began with his introduction of plants from across the globe, particularly from the Mediterranean and subtropical regions. Thanks to Tresco’s unique climate, these rare species have flourished, and today the gardens are home to more than 20,000 plants. Book a guided tour or simply explore the gardens at your own pace, allowing at least two hours to fully appreciate the grounds. The island’s bays, coves and deserted coastline
make an ideal setting for watersports, while keeping an eye out for local marine life. Grey seals are plentiful in these waters, popping up playfully around boats. The Tresco Sailing Centre has standup paddleboards, kayaks and small motorboats for rent, or for those keen to sail across the open waters, the centre also offers beginner sessions and complete courses, allowing you to navigate Scilly’s seas.
Where to eat Cuisine on the islands is very much shaped by the sea. For any stay, feasting on fresh seafood is an integral part of your trip, and can be done without leaving the comfort of your accommodation. Father-and-son duo Mike and Mark Pender cast their nets daily off the coast of Bryher and deliver lobster, crab and other seafood directly to travellers on Tresco. The Penders also supply The Crab Shack on Bryher — a cosy barn with rustic wooden tables — the perfect spot to refuel after a coastal walk. On Tresco, The Ruin Beach Cafe is open
throughout the day. This beachside restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, serving quality Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including
IMAGES: AWL IMAGES; JAMES DARLING PHOTOGRAPHY; TOM MATTHEWS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180 |
Page 181 |
Page 182 |
Page 183 |
Page 184 |
Page 185 |
Page 186 |
Page 187 |
Page 188 |
Page 189 |
Page 190 |
Page 191 |
Page 192 |
Page 193 |
Page 194 |
Page 195 |
Page 196 |
Page 197 |
Page 198 |
Page 199 |
Page 200 |
Page 201 |
Page 202 |
Page 203 |
Page 204 |
Page 205 |
Page 206 |
Page 207 |
Page 208 |
Page 209 |
Page 210 |
Page 211 |
Page 212 |
Page 213 |
Page 214 |
Page 215 |
Page 216 |
Page 217 |
Page 218 |
Page 219 |
Page 220 |
Page 221 |
Page 222 |
Page 223 |
Page 224 |
Page 225 |
Page 226 |
Page 227 |
Page 228 |
Page 229 |
Page 230 |
Page 231 |
Page 232 |
Page 233 |
Page 234 |
Page 235 |
Page 236 |
Page 237 |
Page 238 |
Page 239 |
Page 240 |
Page 241 |
Page 242 |
Page 243 |
Page 244 |
Page 245 |
Page 246 |
Page 247 |
Page 248 |
Page 249 |
Page 250 |
Page 251 |
Page 252
