The Isles of Scilly 9761

The Isles of Scilly 9761

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6 Days From

$3355

The Isles of Scilly 9761

6 Days Starting in Land's End, United Kingdom and ending in St Mary's, United Kingdom

Visiting: St Mary's, Tresco, St Martins, Bryher, Scilly Isles

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BSIL

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

From: $3355

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey to the Isles of Scilly with our special interest tour, "The Isles of Scilly 9761." Begin your adventure with a convenient Skybus flight from Land's End to St Mary's, where you'll enjoy a five-night stay at the charming St Mary's Hall Hotel. Delight in daily dinners and breakfasts, with room upgrades available for added comfort. Explore the stunning islands with included boat transfers, visiting Tresco's renowned Abbey Gardens and the Valhalla collection. Experience a pelagic boat excursion to the Western Rocks, guided by bird expert Will Wagstaff, and discover the unique flora at Scilly Flowers Farm on St Martins. On Bryher, tour Hillside Farm with owner Graham Eggins and savor local produce. Conclude your memorable trip with a return flight to Land's End, with options for extended stays and rail travel available upon request.

Highlights

  • Explore the stunning Abbey Gardens on Tresco, featuring a unique collection of ship's figureheads.

  • Enjoy a pelagic boat excursion to the Western Rocks and Bishop Rock Lighthouse, a haven for birdwatchers.

  • Visit Scilly Flowers Farm on St Martins, known for pioneering flower delivery by post.

  • Discover Hillside Farm on Bryher, offering fresh produce and home-grown chilli products.

  • Experience the natural beauty and ancient castles of Tresco at your leisure.

  • Join a guided tour with bird expert Will Wagstaff to spot puffins, razorbills, and more.

  • Relax and explore the charming island of St Agnes during your free time.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: St Mary's

Accommodation Name: St Mary's Hall Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Travel independently to Penzance – Overnight accommodation and rail travel from mainline stations can be arranged at a supplement on request, please contact us for assistance. We will meet at Land’s End airport in time for your flight to the Scillies, which only takes 15 minutes. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the St Mary’s Hall Hotel. After being shown to your room you are free to relax and enjoy your surroundings or take a stroll before that well-earned drink in the bar.  Dinner will be served in the evening after which we will have a special talk from our tour manager Mike Nelhams, Curator of the Abbey Gardens. This will be followed by a Q&A session with Mike, an opportunity to find out about growing tender sub-tropical plants such as those found in the Abbey Gardens.

Day 2

Location: Tresco

Accommodation Name: St Mary's Hall Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning we take a boat over to the island of Tresco and have a guided tour of the Abbey Gardens. There will also be an opportunity to view the Valhalla collection of ship’s figureheads, a legacy of the days when shipwrecks were all too common on these rocky shores.
This afternoon you are then free to explore Tresco at your leisure – the ancient castles, beautiful beaches and headland walks. You are also free to return to the Abbey Gardens should you wish. At an agreed time we will re-assemble and take the boat back to St Mary’s and return to our hotel.

Day 3

Location: St Mary's

Accommodation Name: St Mary's Hall Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast today we head out for a Pelagic boat excursion to the Western Rocks and Bishop Rock Lighthouse (weather permitting). We will be joined by bird expert Will Wagstaff as we explore this mecca for birdwatchers in search of Manx shearwaters, puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and storm petrels. We will stop in St Agnes for some free time for lunch (not included) before we return to the sea and head back to St Mary’s.

Day 4

Location: St Martins

Accommodation Name: St Mary's Hall Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we depart for St Martins. On arrival we make our way to Scilly Flowers Farm for a guided tour. Here we learn about this small family run farm that was among the first to pioneer sending flowers by first class post. Over 30 years later the small farm is thriving and now sends over 100,000 beautiful boxes to doorsteps throughout the UK every year. After our tour we have lunch at the Karma Hotel before there is some free to explore at your leisure. At an agreed time, we will meet and return by boat to St Mary’s.

Day 5

Location: Bryher

Accommodation Name: St Mary's Hall Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today after breakfast, we depart for Bryher. Here we will be joined by Graham Eggins, owner of Hillside Farm for a guided tour. The farm is a working mixed farm situated to the southern end of Bryher. In spring and summer, the farm sells vegetables, salad crops, soft fruit, cut flowers and
free-range eggs.  All produce is fresh and available to guests and islanders to purchase. The farm is also home to a small herd of North Devon cattle as conservation grazers, adding to the farm’s biodiversity. The farm also runs Scilly Chilli supplying islanders and visitors with tasty handmade chilli products using their own home-grown chillies. We have a lunch organised at the Hell Bay Hotel before the afternoon is free to explore the rest of this tiny island at your leisure. At an agreed time, we will meet and return by boat to St Mary’s.

Day 6

Location: Scilly Isles

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today it is time to say goodbye to the Scilly Isles as we transfer to the airport for our return flight to Land’s End Airport. Our tour will conclude here – overnight accommodation, extended stays in the Scilles and rail travel to mainline stations can be arranged at a supplement on request – please contact us for assistance.

What's Included

  • Five nights’ dinner, bed and full breakfast at the St Mary’s Hall Hotel, St Mary’s in a standard room

    Enjoy a comfortable stay with dinner, bed, and full breakfast included. Room upgrades are available upon request for an additional supplement.

  • Two lunches

    Two lunches are included during the tour.

  • Return Skybus flight from Land’s End to St Mary’s

    Travel conveniently with return Skybus flights from Land’s End to St Mary’s. Flights from Exeter or Newquay are available at a supplement.

  • Boat transfers between islands

    Boat transfers between islands are included for seamless island exploration.

  • All visits as outlined in the itinerary

    All visits and activities as outlined in the itinerary are included.

  • Presentation and Q&A session with Mike Nelhams of Abbey Gardens

    Enjoy a presentation and Q&A session with Mike Nelhams, Curator of the Abbey Gardens.

  • Services of Mike Nelhams as tour manager

    The services of Mike Nelhams as the tour manager are included.

What's Not Included

  • Independent travel to Penzance

    Travel independently to Penzance.

    Overnight accommodation and rail travel from mainline stations can be arranged at a supplement.

  • Lunch on Day 3

    Lunch on Day 3 is not included.

  • Overnight accommodation, extended stays, and rail travel after the tour

    Overnight accommodation, extended stays in the Scillies, and rail travel to mainline stations after the tour can be arranged at a supplement.

Mode of Transport

Travel conveniently with return Skybus flights from Land's End to St Mary's, with options for flights from Exeter or Newquay at a supplement. Boat transfers between islands are also included for seamless island exploration.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay at the St Mary's Hall Hotel on St Mary's, with five nights' dinner, bed, and full breakfast in a standard room. Room upgrades are available upon request for an additional supplement.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes return Skybus flights from Land's End to St Mary's, with options for flights from Exeter or Newquay at a supplement. Boat transfers between islands are also included.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation is provided at the St Mary's Hall Hotel on St Mary's, with five nights' dinner, bed, and full breakfast in a standard room. Room upgrades are available upon request for an additional supplement.

  • Who will be the tour manager for this trip?

    The tour manager for this trip will be Mike Nelhams, who is also the Curator of the Abbey Gardens.

  • Is there an opportunity to learn about local flora during the tour?

    Yes, there is a presentation and Q&A session with Mike Nelhams of Abbey Gardens, where you can learn about growing tender sub-tropical plants.

  • Will there be any guided tours included in the itinerary?

    Yes, there will be a guided tour of the Abbey Gardens on Tresco and a guided tour of Scilly Flowers Farm on St Martins. Additionally, there will be a guided tour of Hillside Farm on Bryher.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes five nights' dinner, bed, and full breakfast at the St Mary's Hall Hotel, as well as two lunches.

  • What activities are planned for birdwatching enthusiasts?

    A Pelagic boat excursion to the Western Rocks and Bishop Rock Lighthouse is planned, where bird expert Will Wagstaff will join the group to explore and search for various bird species such as Manx shearwaters, puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes, and storm petrels.

  • Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?

    You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.

  • What facilities do your coaches have?

    Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.

  • Do I have to go on the included excursions?

    Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.

  • Is there time to relax?

    Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.

  • Do I need to be an expert?

    Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.

  • How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?

    You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?

    There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.

  • Where are your departure points?

    UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .

  • What about the company that will be kept?

    For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.

  • What is a Brightwater Holiday?

    Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.

  • Why is there a single supplement?

    Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.

  • How much are your optional excursions?

    Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.

  • Can I pre-book my coach seats?

    Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.

  • How to get there? Easy!

    With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
David MacLennan (Google Reviewer)  

Noted a comment on taking...

23-Aug-2023

Noted a comment on taking coaches on A814 by a local person who didn't know the facts: When the A82 was blocked and the POLICE divert you onto that road you do as instructed not what a you know are tight roads but they only way to your destination as intructed by officials. We know this route is not suitable for large vehicles but the driver does as instructed by someone in authority.

Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

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Wednesday - Monday

May 07, 2025 - May 12, 2025
$3355
Prices last published on 31-Oct-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.

    At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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