During a month in which we're celebrating journeys, how about one to the UK's most idyllic group of islands?
The Isles of Scilly, a cluster of settlements off the Southwestern tip of Cornwall, might just be one of the UK’s most beautiful destinations thanks to its snow-white beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical gardens. So beautiful in fact that it could easily be mistaken for the Seychelles, but is fortunately much closer to home— and still largely remains a precious secret for those in the know.
Having booked the Skybus (a small, 19-seater plane and one of three modes of transport over to the islands) with Isles of Scilly Travel, we set off from my cottage to Lands End Airport. As we journeyed down the hill towards it, we were treated to the most spectacular sunrise: dusky pink morning rays setting the hillside heather alight. We soon boarded the petite plane and headed for the sky and, in just 15 short minutes, found ourselves suspended above the Maldivian-like islands beneath, before landing on St Mary’s and taking a brief shuttle into the centre, Hugh Town.
Photo courtesy of Isles of Scilly Travel.
St Mary’s is the island’s mainland, with a population of around 1,800, and is home to several shops, pubs, tearooms, historic sites and cottages, with multiple walking trails and beaches. A glorious morning, we headed off on the circular loop from the harbour to Porthcressa beach, taking in the heritage sights of the Garrison en route. We flocked straight to Porthcressa’s beachside restaurant Dibble & Grub for elevenses, treating ourselves to Bruce Bogtrotter-worthy chocolate gateaux, and soaking up the sunshine on the shoreline.
Boats await in St Mary's harbour to whisk visitors off to the other main islands: Tresco, St Martins, Bryher, and St Agnes, separated by passages of azure Atlantic Ocean. Each island has its own distinct offering, so it's worth doing your research before visiting: whether it's lobster and champagne lunches you're seeking, or action-packed adventures through the wilderness. We enjoyed a serene journey over to Tresco thanks to the balmy late-summer day providing glassy sea conditions. The boat moored into New Grimsby, revealing that distinctive aquamarine water and sparkling sand that this isle and its truly breathtaking beaches—from Pentle Bay to Green Porth—are so renowned for.
The remainder of our idyllic day on the Scilly Isles was spent swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, wandering past pretty, buttercup blue-windowed cottages, and enjoying delicious Mediterranean fare of white risotto and woodfired pizza at the beachfront Ruin Beach Café. Overlooking the picturesque Raven’s Porth, this is perhaps one of the best spots for an al fresco seaside lunch in all the land. Feeling sunkissed, sea-salty, and satisfied, we headed back to St Mary’s Airport before sadly waving the Scillies goodbye and returning home to Cornwall on the Skybus.
A day trip to the Isles of Scilly might just be one of my favourite things I’ve done all year, and is a truly unique experience to take advantage of when visiting Cornwall. For those staying in nearby Mousehole or Newlyn, the Scillonian is a scenic ferry that can be booked from Penzance harbour and for visitors exploring more or West or North Cornwall, the Skybus plane can be boarded from either Lands End or Newquay airports.
Where to stay in West Cornwall
For couples: The Crafter's Hut is an idyllic cabin in the postcard-perfect village of Mousehole, with everything lovebirds would need for a romantic stay in Cornwall's wild west, including a luxury Swedish woodfired tub and panoramic views towards St Michael's Mount.
For families: Nevada in the small hamlet of Drift outside of trendy Newlyn is the perfect spot for families looking to embrace a slice of rural Cornish living. Overlooking the peaceful Drift reservoir, when not daytripping to the Scillies, guests can enjoy adrenaline-fuelled days on the water.
For larger groups: The Fish Store in Mousehole offers an alternative to the cosy fisherman's cottages this part of Cornwall is renowned for; a stylish waterfront retreat accommodating up to ten guests, so all the troops can come along too.
Where to stay in North Cornwall
For couples: Firefly is a sleeps-two woodcutter's lodge in a rural hamlet just outside of Newquay. Well suited to all seasons, it flaunts a cosy open fire for colder eves, and sliding doors to encourage indoor-outdoor living during the warmer months.
For families: The Hatch is a chic beach bolthole in Crantock, just a short walk from the village's golden dunes. With five bedrooms, many of which can be made into twins, a trip with granny and grandpa and all the cousins too is surely in store.
For larger groups: Talisman is a showstopping architectural coastal home overlooking Mawgan Porth beach, just a short drive from Newquay airport. With state-of-the-art spa facilities and breathtaking sea views, this is a place to impress your guests—all 13 of them.
A special thank you to Isles of Scilly Travel for the transport.
