Active You visited the Scilly Isles over Christmas and, quite simply, we thought it was the most enchanting place we’d ever visited in the British Isles. The people were friendly, the temperature absurdly mild and the landscape? Sensational.
The word Scilly is a derivation from the German word ‘sellig’ meaning ‘holy’ or ‘blessed’ and once you arrive on the islands you’ll understand why. The plane flight was quick, 15 minutes, and the security ‘charming’ – no metal detectors, no queues, no ID – just helpful staff who couldn’t do enough to make our journey as comfortable as possible. Active You had a bottle of wine with us and when we asked if we should put it in our luggage the reply was simply, “put it on your lap me’ ansome.” We’ll drink to that! The passengers in front of us were two dogs, little daschunds.
Located 30 miles off the south-western tip of the Cornish peninsula, the archipelago is an archaeologist and history buff’s paradise. Ancient sites, monuments, and remnants of a bygone era are scattered all over the Isles of Scilly.
Tresco is the second largest island in the archipelago. It gives you the opportunity to bask in the splendour of medieval castles, explore Bronze Age burial chambers, and peer inside crumbling Second World War defences. Experiencing Tresco also brings with it the olde world charm of smugglers and pirates who once made the island their haven and the local pub even has its own locally produced brew, “Scuppered”. At 4.5% we were.
With a Gulf Stream-induced climate (the daffodils were in flower on 31st December) and longer daylight hours than the UK average, Tresco is a great getaway if you want to savour nature's beauty amidst the unique atmosphere of the Isles, redolent of a colourful maritime past.
The tides and the weather are the critical deciding factors for around-Tresco boat trips which are a must-do. Just in case the rough seas do not permit, you can also spend your time inland and go on a bird-watching spree, play golf or even go horse riding. Our favourite? Hiring a golf buggy (there are no cars on Tresco) and travelling around like Tiger Woods. Or maybe not if the latest revelations are true.
On Tresco there are beach-front houses, elegant hotels, and cosy cottages for your stay and later this year the island’s main hotel will be fully revamped to include an indoor pool. Archaeology and history holiday packages include return travel by helicopter, boat trips, accommodation, breakfast and dinner, guided tours, and holiday insurance as well. One word of advice – carry comfortable boots (or walking shoes), sun protection, waterproof trousers and a jacket, PLUS a pair of binoculars for your trip.
We can’t recommend the islands highly enough, not least because the 2,000 inhabitants welcome strangers with open arms. Finally if you need a flight to Newquay in Cornwall, where you then catch a Scilly Isles flight connection, don’t forget to visit CheapFlights.
And take those sea sickness pills with you in case you go by boat from Penzance!
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