The Isles of Scilly
Back last June we booked a holiday to the Isles of Scilly just off the Cornish Coast for May 2021. We are not usually that well organised but many holiday makers have discovered the beauty of the Isles and book year after year, taking a dog with us too, reduces the availability of self catering properties so it is one way to secure a place!
We took the Scillonian Ferry to travel the 28 miles to the islands. As we stood on the quay at Penzance the wind was almost taking us off our feet so you can imagine that the journey wasn't a pleasant experience, I am not a good sailor at the best of times! I'm glad I had my eyes shut most of the 4 hour journey, although later in the day we saw a video and images of our trip I'm glad I was on firm ground when I saw it!
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| The ferry in calmer conditions! |
We thought the Isles of Sicily were beautiful they reminded us of the Channel Islands and also what Cornwall looked like in the 1970's, while the granite outcrops reminded me us of Dartmoor. There are few cars, a few local shops and one supermarket that with Covid restrictions often had a queue extending along the street. The Isles of Scilly are made up of 51 islands but only 5 are inhabited. We stayed on the main island St Mary's on a converted flower farm. The islands have a milder climate than the mainland and flower farming is the second biggest industry after tourism although this has declined in recent years with increased competition from overseas.
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| We were surprised to spot a lone daffodil still in flower on one of the islands. |
Weather and tide permitting it is easy to take our boat to neighbouring islands all of them have a distinct character but they all have sub tropical flowers, clear and turquoise sea and and sparkling white sands.
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| St Martin's |
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| Tropical plants |
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| Tavi enjoying a paddle |
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| Tresco |
It was wonderful to see so much wildlife and wild flowers, thrushes seem to be as common as blackbirds are over here and could even be seen looking for crumbs under café tables.
It was fantastic to capture a red squirrel on Tresco, although they were native to the British Isles they are no longer common having being displaced by the larger Native American squirrel from 1870 onwards and are now only found on some of the islands and remoter parts of Scotland.
Despite the boat journey and mixed weather we really enjoyed our holiday and the change of scene and would love to return for another visit here sometime. Has anyone else ever visited these wonderful islands?
Sarah
It is somewhere we have always wanted to go - your photos are lovely Sarah and how lucky to capture the red squirrel - the whole area looks stunning and so much blue in the sea and sky.
ReplyDeleteThe whitest sand I’ve ever seen. It looks so unusual to me, being accustomed to our red sand.
ReplyDeleteThese photos are a feast for the eyes. Gorgeous!
The sand was amazing we couldn't capture it on the camera it sparkled like jewels due to the granite particles. Our kitchen worktop made of granite does the same, it now reminds me of those amazing beaches!
DeleteWhat a lovely place to visit despite the boat journey which is notorious. One of these days I would love to revisit. We went for a day trip when I was five and staying with my uncle near Penzance. We visited Tresco. My memories are vague but I do remember the sea crossing. Your photos are beautiful Sarah especially the squirrel. B x
ReplyDeleteOh my, that looks like a hell of a crossing. I have sent the clip to my eldest who is planning a trip there! I visited years ago, but I went by helicopter. It really is wonderful there isn't it, and your photos are beautiful. Glad you had a good time once you were there! What did Tavi make of the crossing?! CJ xx
ReplyDeleteTavi was a good sailor as was my husband! We were amazed how many dogs were on the boat. With such good walks everyone was also taking their dogs on holiday! The aircraft looked tiny and can be affected by high winds and fog. One of the footpaths past the end of the runway with warning lights if a plane was due !
DeleteLooks so nice. I would be in my element seeing all the wild flowers and I love the coast. Not a good sailor either, so that would put me off a bit! Lovely pic of a red squirrel. Don't worry we do have them in a few more places than you thought. There are some in Cumbria, Yorkshire and even at Formby in Lancashire. But they are quite rare.
ReplyDeleteThat's good that the red squirrels are more common than I thought
DeleteYes , it is a wonderful paradise there ....oh ! ...but that journey over in the boat..groan !
ReplyDeleteOh Sarah, we have wanted to go there for so many years. We almost...booked a trip when we were in Mousehole two years ago. Bcause we do not drive at all in the UK so many things are just not available to us! Just yesterday we were looking at the Isles again. I can't believe Christopher Woodward, the Director of the Garden Museum, swam that distance as a fund raiser! Well, now that daughter is living in Manchester I suppose there is a better chance we might get there. We hope for very extended visits once all these restrictions are really and truly lifted. Thanks for the travel journal!
ReplyDeleteHope you get over there sometime soon.
DeleteAmazing photos! Looks very beautiful! The tropical plants are beyond my imagination.
ReplyDeleteYes they were amazing to see especially growing alongside some of the footpaths.
DeleteKind weather, it looks like the Caribbean. And some familiar South African plants in your photos.
ReplyDeleteMany of the plants I saw I immediately recognised from images of plants that you have featured on your blog. It was amazing how many tropical plants there were some just growing wild.
DeleteWe first visited the Isles of Scilly many years ago in the 70's on a day trip whilst holidaying in Cornwall. The boat trip over was quite rough. We went another year for a holiday but went over on the helicopter. Then a few years later we went again with our twin daughters, they were three years old.
ReplyDeleteWe really loved the islands and enjoyed all the island hopping on the boats. Its so quite and peaceful there and everyone was so friendly.
Fascinating Sarah. Sorry the trip over was so awful, its nicknamed the Sickonian for a good reason. We once spent a holiday there but travelled by helicopter when it was still running. We enjoyed the holiday and the different islands, especially St Martins.
ReplyDeleteI would so love to go, but we are all tied to school holidays and I'm guessing it gets very crowded so I guess I'll wait until I can go out of peak season. The flowers and wildlife and beaches though.. ohhh.
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