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Cornwall LivingIssue #151

Escape To The Islands

Experience an Isles of Scilly day trip with Isles of Scilly Travel.

With white sand beaches that are less crowded than mainland Cornwall, crystal clear water, with an ambiance unlike anywhere else, the Isles of Scilly is an archipelago that you must visit, even if just for a day. Officially recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Isles of Scilly is a place that feels further away than it really is, with the journey taking as little as 20 minutes from Land’s End via Skybus, or 2 hours 45 minutes to reach by the Scillonian III passenger ferry from Penzance. With its proximity to Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly is the perfect location for a trip to truly treasure.

Jump aboard
Travelling on the Scillonian III passenger ferry is a great way to start your island adventure. In 2024 Scillonian III’s ferry route was announced as the most diverse route for wildlife spotting in the UK for the second year in a row by charity ORCA. Finding an outdoor seat and arming yourself with a handy pair of binoculars offers fantastic opportunities for dolphin spotting, and there can be whale, puffin, and other wildlife sightings too. Alongside the interesting bird and marine life spotting opportunities, sailing into the islands via Scillonian offers an unforgettable introduction. Seeing the islands by sea, passing the stretches of sand and spotting iconic Isles of Scilly landmarks is a truly exciting part of a day trip to the Isles of Scilly.

Islands from the sky
Why not try Isles of Scilly Travel’s ‘Fly+Sail’ day trip package where you can experience two different ways of travelling across the Atlantic. By flying into the islands from Land’s End you can see them from above and enjoy ‘real flying’, watching the pilots at work in the Skybus cockpit. You will reach St Mary’s in less than 20 minutes, giving you up to an extra two-and-a-half hours on the islands; plenty of time to explore an off-island, take to the waters, or discover St Mary’s by foot or pedal. Then enjoy the views and make the most of the wildlife-spotting opportunities on Scillonian III as you make your way home. You can also visit for a day, by Skybus, year-round from Land’s End, to enjoy both a view of the islands from above and to make the most of a day on
the islands.

Island life in a day
The Isles of Scilly have all you need for an island adventure. With kayaks and stand-up paddle boards available to hire on every island, a variety of beaches that stretch out to secluded coves hidden off the beaten track, and art studios set in idyllic huts that you can visit as you wander… life on the islands is different to mainland Cornwall. The islands offer plenty of opportunities for doing something different. Whether that be learning more about wine on a vineyard tour, getting out in the water for a swim or paddle or trying new foods – there is something for everyone.

Dog-friendly day trips
The islands are famously dog friendly – and so are the Scillonian III and Land’s End Skybus routes – so there is no need to leave your four-legged friend at home. From beaches and coast paths that are perfect for exploring with your dog, to watersports centres which supply dog life-jackets, the Isles of Scilly are suitable for all, furry friends included.

A family day out
Create memories that the whole family will remember – from finding starfish on a rockpool safari, exploring the island on bike or in a golf buggy, or having a picnic on the beach in a place unlike anywhere else.

A foodie experience
From al-fresco dining where you can enjoy the taste of deliciously fresh and locally-caught seafood to enjoying ice cream made fresh from the island’s own cow’s milk, food on the islands is local, fresh and always served with a friendly smile.

No matter what it is that you do, with the Isles of Scilly based just 28 miles from the coast of Cornwall, there are a myriad of things to do and places to explore that are just wating to be discovered.

 

ISLES OF SCILLY TRAVEL
sales@islesofscilly-travel.co.uk
01736 334220
www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk