The Isles of Scilly are a little slice of the past in a freshly spruced up present. Lying just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, the archipelago of over 140 islands is a traffic-lite, child friendly haven. Kirstie Pelling from the Family Adventure Project gives you ten reasons why you should take the family this summer…
1 Golf carts
It’s not often I recommend a destination based on its golf carts. But the reconditioned buggies are an essential way of getting around Isles of Scilly. Take a drivers licence with you to the Scilly Cart Co in Porthmellon and you can rent a two, four or six person cart for the day. Electric power will get you around all the sights of the main island of St Mary’s, stopping off at Juliet’s in Porthlow, Tolman Cafe or the quirky Bavarian Kaffeehaus for coffee and lunch.
2 Abbey Garden, Tresco
You can rent a golf cart from the harbour at Tresco to take you up to Abbey Garden; a sub tropical garden paradise with 20,000 species of plants. Or you can take a stroll there through woody lanes and along the bay. The gardens are the combined work of nature, history, expert gardeners and designers. Take care not to trip over a peacock in the rush to get a picture of the topiary, sculptures and flaming bushes. Under 16’s go free.
3 Fortifications on St Mary’s
You’ll need to go on foot to explore the fortifications on St Mary’s. The star shaped Star Castle Hotel is at the centre of a system around the west side of St Mary’s known as the Garrison. This English Heritage site is one of the most historic and impressive coastal defence systems in England. Check out the little on-site museum and then take a walk around the walls. There are great views of the bay; especially at sunset.
4 Beaches
The beaches are one of the main draws of the islands and unlike the coast of Cornwall, you’ll often get them to yourself. Take yourself off on one of the passenger boats with a picnic. Ask the locals where you will find a deserted beach and pretend you are shipwrecked with the kids for a day.
5 Boats
Even better, hire your own rowing boat. Bennett Boat Yard can provide all the gear and a little bit of advice for a day sailing the islands. You can stop off at Samson, the largest uninhabited island. You can pop over to Bryher, where Michael Morpurgo writes much of his work. Or quietly explore the peace of St Agnes.
6 Beach art
You won’t need a boat to comb the tideline for treasure. The tide at St Mary’s Minack Beach throws all the ingredients for a mosaic onto the shore. If you have budget, then the artists at Pheonix Craft Studios, led by stained glass expert Oriel Hicks, provide materials and teaching in beach and sea inspired art including stained glass roundels, silk painting and jewellery.
7 Beach riding
If you prefer to get active on the beach St Mary’s Riding Centre will take you out trekking. Depending on your level of experience you can walk trot or canter with your family over the hills and down to the sea for a dunk. (the horse not you!)
8 Gig racing
The women and men of St Mary’s know every inch of the coastline due to years of gig racing. If you visit in May you can watch the world championships of a sport that developed out of pilot boats rushing to get the contract to lead the big ships into tight bays. Outside of this time you can watch the gig racers practice. It’s a joy to see them in action.
9 Treasure hunting
Tregarthen’s Hotel do a great treasure hunt that you can do in a golf buggy, a bike or on foot. This hotel also makes a great base to stay, with the food being a main draw. Its history is entwined with that of the island with a trophy cabinet to prove it.
10 Biking
If ever there was a place to bike then this is it. Tourist cars are not allowed on the islands, so you’ll find plenty of traffic free roads. St Mary’s Bike Hire will drop and collect bikes for all the family to wherever you are based. The only thing you have to do is pedal. And enjoy!
