ISLES OF SCILLY
wanderlust.co.uk September 2019 107TOPTIP
Ifyou’revisiting
theislandsin
winterit’sworth
takingawalk
throughthe ields
ofStMartin’stosee
farmerspicking
scentednarcissi
(abeautifulyellow
lowernottobe
confusedwith
daodils).1
Snorkel with seals
Enjoy face to in encounters
with friendly Atlantic grey seals.
October is probably the best
time to jump in as there are
newborn pups to spot and the
water still holds the summer’s
warmth. (scillydiving.com)2
Visit artists’ studios
The isles have a well deserved
reputation for arts and crafts.
Visit some of the many studios to
meet the artists and ind the best
possible memento to take home.
Oriel Hicks of stained-glass fame
is found at the Phoenix Studios
just outside Hugh Town.3
Go birdwatching
Upwards of 400 dierent
species have been recorded on
the islands, more than any othersingle site in Europe. Spring and
autumn are best for migratory
birds, with October particularly
good for inding rare birds, but at
anytime of year there will be
plenty to see. Seabirds include
important colonies of breeding
puins, Manx shearwater,
guillemots and European storm
petrel. Watch out for gannets
ishing; their plummets into the
sea are breathtaking.4
Ride a beach
St Mary’s Riding Centre
(horsesonscilly.co.uk) oersrides across the beaches,
moorland and along farm tracks.
You might even get to take your
steed into the sea. All levels of
experience are catered for at
this well-regarded stables.5
Walk the islands
Walking is the natural, and
sometimes only, way to explore
the islands. Visit during one of
the dedicated walking weekends
to really discover the best of the
islands’ landscape.6
Walk between
the islands
Twice a year, the tides are low
enough that you can walk
between Tresco and Bryher.
A pop up festival appears on
the sands with food stalls, bars,
live music and entertainment.7
Muse the museums
The Isles of Scilly Museum on
Church Street, St Mary’s, doesn’t
look much from the outside but
inside there’s a fascinating
insight into the history and
heritage of the islands including
the infamous shipwrecks.
Bryher has a tiny museum
inside a traditional red phone
box featuring the making of the
1989 ilm When the Whales
Came, set and shot on the island.8
Rediscover your
childhood
Rock pooling, beachcombing
and splashing in the sea are
some of the carefree pleasures
you can enjoy. If feeling more
energetic, kayaking and
stand-up paddleboarding are
easily arranged.8 things to do
Planningguides
UnitedKingdomTravelGuide
Archivearticle
‘AshortbreakinTresco’
(issue146)
‘EscapetotheIslesofScilly’
(issue127)Visitwww.wanderlust.co.uk/199Moreonline
(take your own towel). Rates
start at £26pppn for a dorm bed,
£35pn for single rooms and
£68pn for a twin room. The hostel
has its own popular cafe, and
holds lobster nights on Friday
evenings in season.
Chill out in the uber-stylish
suites in the top-rated Hell Bay
Hotel, Bryher. Room rates start at
£95pppn (hellbay.co.uk).
For a range of places to stay
including B&Bs, campsites and self
catering accommodation visit
http://www.visitislesofscilly.com.
Food & drink
Superb local produce is just one of
the attractions here. However, do
note that options and menus for
eating out can vary by season and
by what night of the week you eat.
Juliet’s Garden, St Mary’s,
has great views across to Hugh
Town and holds a dedicated
seafood night on Thursdays
(julietsgardenrestaurant.co.uk).
Ruin Beach Café, Tresco, oers
delicious pizzas, sharing boards
and local produce in a gorgeous
beachside setting.Coastguards Café, St Agnes,
makes a terriic lunch spot with
beautiful far-reaching coastal views.
Island Fish, Bryher, is a superior
ish shop. On Thursday evenings, in
season, they have takeaway paella,
and on Sundays takeaway lobster
(islandish.co.uk).
Hell Bay Hotel, (hellbay.co.uk) has
an excellent restaurant as well as its
seasonal Crab Shack, which oers
crab, scallops and mussels.
Scilly Food Boxes provide
the perfect solution for people
in self-catering accommodation
(scillyfoodboxes.co.uk).Further information
http://www.visitislesofscilly.com