Notes

Group Holiday in Southbourne Dorset ,Things to do in Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly are located less than thirty miles south west of Cornwall. Though they're an archipelago of around 150 islands and rocks, only five of the islands are inhabited. The Isles of Scilly are designated as an Area of Picture courtesy of Chris Bradley. Outstanding Natural Beauty with many areas also being Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Further, the coastal landscape has been apportioned Heritage Coast status. The Islands lie within the Gulf Stream and enjoy a mild sunny climate - warmer than the mainland - and with pure, clear air. They make a perfect holiday destination for those seeking a warm, quiet haven of beauty and tranquillity. There are white sandy beaches, sea birds, seals, porpoises and dolphins. Inland, there are quiet lanes, country walks and a profusion of flowers, for which the Islands are famous.

The Isles of Scilly tourist information centre located in Hugh Town on St. Mary's Island - are happy to supply a list of safe sandy beaches and coves, surrounding the islands. Information includes the best beaches for family fun, water sports such as windsurfing, rowing and kayaking. Visitors can enjoy sailing in hired dinghies, canoes and wayfarers. Fisherman can take a trip around the islands, catching the many species of fish to be found in the waters. Sailing courses are available, taken by experienced instructors, while it's also possible to charter a cruise with an experienced skipper to take you round the islands.

The centre also holds detailed information on diving excursions which cater for both novice and experienced divers. The seas around the islands are clear, clean and flooded with light. All the better as the waters boast one of the most impressive jewel anemone walls around Britain. If your interest is in wreck diving, you will be rewarded by both ancient and modern shipwrecks in this water.

St. Mary's is the largest island and makes a perfect holiday destination. The Scillonian ferry brings visitors from the mainland. Visitors can then continue their journey from the quay via an inter-island launch, should the goal be to explore the other islands. St. Mary's is easy to get around and walkers and cyclists will find nature trails, coastal paths, rocky headlands and woodlands. The Isles of Scilly Museum in Hugh Town is worth a visit, to learn about the history of these beautiful islands.Tresco Abbey Gardens

Tresco is the second largest in the archipelago, famous for its Abbey and the luxuriant sub-tropical gardens - where you will find plants and flowers from exotic climes around the world. Tresco offers good walking country and fine beaches.

Bryher is the smallest and wildest of the inhabited islands. Flowers grow in fields and hedgerows and birds use Bryher as a resting place on their migration. An island of contrasts, on the north western side the appropriately named Hell Bay catches the full force of the Atlantic. Conversely, in the south Rushy Bay cove is a haven of peace and tranquillity with a fine beach.

St. Agnes is the most south-westerly community in the British Isles. This is a quiet, beautiful island where fishing and flower growing are the main occupations. Visitors seeking a quiet holiday will delight in its stress free atmosphere. Paths around the coast can be explored and the flora and fauna of the island appreciated.

St. Martin's is the most easterly of the Scilly Isles and boasts fine white sandy beaches. The island has a diving school and arts and craft galleries which offer sketching, painting and paper making courses. Visitors can take a guided tour of St Martin's Vineyard and taste the local wine. Alternatively, you could visit the postal flower company at Churchtown Farm to view the packing sheds and order gifts of local flowers.