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The Sensational Isles of Scilly

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You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
20242025
9 days From £2,195 £2,095 per person
4.4 stars(88 reviews)
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Relax and explore the azure waters, seaside towns and isolated beaches of the stunning Isles of Scilly

Save up to £100pp

Save up to £100pp on selected British Isles 2024 holidays, when you book by 2nd April 2024.

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Mobility Rating 2

2024 Tour code: SCS24

About the tour

Escape to the sensational Isles of Scilly. Although located just off the coast of Cornwall, these islands take you to a world of peacefulness and calm. Spend your days discovering the treasures of St Mary's, visiting the breathtaking Tresco Abbey Garden, and exploring the charming St Agnes and St Martin's.

With plenty of time to unwind and bask in the unspoiled beauty of the islands, take leisurely strolls along the sandy beaches, explore the history and admire the local artistry. This tranquil island retreat will leave you feeling revitalized and reinvigorated.

Unforgettable experiences

Picturesque Archipelago
Picturesque Archipelago
Unwind and delve into the heath-covered Isles of Scilly, a picturesque archipelago with crystal waters, white sandy beaches, and rugged landscapes - a tranquil escape from modern life.
Tresco Abbey Garden
Tresco Abbey Garden
Visit the exotic Tresco Abbey Garden, where the scented walkways beckon you to explore.
St Agnes and St Martin
St Agnes and St Martin
Discover the wonderful islands of St Agnes and St Martin’s, gazing at beautiful landscapes as you journey along stunning coastal paths.
St Mary
St Mary
Experience the rich history and charming ambience of St Mary's with a knowledgeable guide, who leads us through the island's Old Town on a captivating walking tour.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – The Night Riviera Sleeper to Penzance

Our holiday begins this evening as we meet in the First-Class lounge at London Paddington. After a welcome from our Tour Manager and saying hello to our group, we settle into the Night Riviera Sleeper train for our overnight journey to Penzance.

Day 2 – A scenic sail on the Penzance-St Mary's Ferry

After breakfast on the train this morning, we journey to the magnificent Isles of Scilly by ferry. Sailing past Cornwall's iconic coastline, you'll see wonderful views of the quaint villages and the Land's End peninsula.

We dock at St Mary's, the largest of the Isles of Scilly, and travel to our hotel where we spend the next seven nights. The rest of your day is at leisure before dinner this evening, giving you chance to start exploring our delightful surroundings.

You could get to know Hugh Town, with its independent shops, quaint churches, and friendly pubs, as well as the Isles of Scilly Museum. There are also three pretty beaches to discover - Porthcressa, Town Beach and Porthmellon Beach.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Discovering glorious St Mary's

Today we enjoy a full-day guided tour of St Mary's, wandering the small, yet breathtakingly beautiful island. Exploring the cobbled streets of the Old Town, a delightful part of the island which is a treasure trove of old-world charm, we pass quaint cottages and a mix of Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Along the way, we see the historic church where the beloved Sir Harold Wilson rests in peace, having spent many summers with his family on this very island. We also discover the fascinating story behind the unfinished fort of Harry's Walls and uncover the secrets of the Lower Moors nature trail.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Exploring the Tresco Abbey Garden, a botanical paradise

Travelling on a short boat ride this morning, we visit Tresco's famous Abbey Garden. The gardens were built in the 19th century around a ruined Benedictine Abbey and are filled with a stunning mix of sub-tropical plants. The warmer climate of the Scillies allows flowers from Brazil, Myanmar, South Africa, and New Zealand to flourish. Take some time to wander through winding paths among flowers of every colour.

Abbey Garden isn't limited to floral beauty, either. There's a wealth of other hidden gems to be found such as red squirrels, golden pheasants, magnificent sculptures, and the enchanting Valhalla Figurehead Museum - a collection of intricate and beautifully preserved ship figureheads, each with its own unique story and history.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Time at leisure

Today, enjoy some time to continue relaxing at your own pace. You could visit one of the Isles of Scilly's smaller islands, such as Bryher. Home to around 80 people, this little island gives you a local sense of Scilly. Unwind on the sandy beaches, explore rocky coves, or climb the small granite hills to discover fantastic views.

If you prefer to stay in St Mary's, there's plenty to experience. Meander around the shops, churches, cafés, galleries, restaurants, and pubs in Hugh Town or relax on one of the lovely beaches.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – The wild beauty of St Agnes

This morning we sail to St Agnes, the most south-westerly island. Unspoilt beaches and wild landscapes are on offer while next door, the uninhabited island of Annet is a dedicated bird sanctuary. Rare sea birds like European storm petrels and Manx shearwaters make their home here.

If you're looking for a touch of culture, you could stop off at the Pot Buoys Gallery. Showcasing the work of artists across the Scilly Isles, you'll find pieces inspired by local scenery. There are some charming cafés and pubs to visit too.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Exploring serene St Martin’s

Today, we explore another incredible island, sailing to St Martin's. Here your day can be as busy as you want it to be, with plenty of activities or peaceful places to sit and soak up the scenery. Take a refreshing swim in the crystal blue sea, or simply stroll along the luscious sands.

St Martin's also has a great arts and crafts scene, with independent shops and galleries for you to browse. If you're feeling peckish, then a local lobster supper, delicious cream tea or simple pasty are all on offer.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Time at leisure

Today marks our final day in stunning St Mary's, and it's a day for you to enjoy as you please. Before we return to our daily routine, take some time to unwind in the peaceful surroundings where nature flourishes and time seems to slow down. With plenty of space to do as much or as little as you like, the pace of life here is much gentler.

Enjoy a final leisurely stroll along one of the island's picturesque beaches, such as Porthcressa or Old Town Bay. You could also take a boat trip around the island to spot some of the fascinating marine life that calls this area home, including seals and dolphins. This serene island offers endless possibilities.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – Homeward bound

We say goodbye to St Mary's this morning as we board a flight to Lands' End. Here, we enjoy lunch at the Cape Cornwall Club restaurant. Perched on a rugged cliff overlooking the wild Atlantic, the Cape Cornwall restaurant is a hidden gem. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with rustic wooden furnishings and breathtaking views of the sea, cliffs, and sky.

After a wonderful lunch experience, it's time to board our train home. Arriving in London, our holiday comes to an end and we say goodbye to new friends and fellow travellers.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch

Additional information

Please Note

Please note: we have an 8 day departure on 12/06 which travels home on day 8 and has one less free day.

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

St Mary’s Hall Hotel, St Mary’s

St Mary’s Hall Hotel, St Mary’s

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The Atlantic Inn

The Atlantic Inn, St Mary's

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Train

Riviera Sleeper Train

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Reviews

4.4 stars4.4 / 5 · 88 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (44)
  2. 4 stars
    (33)
  3. 3 stars
    (10)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Helen Mallett

5 stars

Submitted 06 Oct 2023

This was such a well organised, we'll thought out trip. The travel was fun, the hotel perfect in every way, our tour guide was helpful without being intrusive and the excursions allowed you to do your own thing or go with the guided group. Everything combined to make this a perfect, relaxing getaway. Strongly recommended.

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S Collyer

5 stars

Submitted 06 Oct 2023

Awesome!!!

Collected by Trustpilot

Joan Joyce

5 stars

Submitted 06 Oct 2023

Tour arrangements flexed to take advantage of the best weather. Fantastic tour manager in Kevin. LOTS of walking in this tour, not recommended if you find that difficult. We had a brilliant time.

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L Mountbatten

5 stars

Submitted 06 Oct 2023

Great experience

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Val Oliver

5 stars

Submitted 05 Oct 2023

Very well organised tour, lovely hotel and the food was amazing. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful No complaints at all.

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Mr R K Todd

5 stars

Submitted 01 Oct 2023

A good holiday in an interesting place

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