The Isles of Scilly 9761

The Isles of Scilly 9761

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

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BSIL

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

From: $3355

NB: Prices correct on 18-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Truly a sub-tropical paradise, this tiny corner of England has remained unpolluted, unspoilt and unchanged for decades. The Isles of Scilly have been described as ‘the most fortunate of all the islands around Britain’s coasts with clean seas and beaches, wonderful scenery, welcoming inhabitants, and temperate climates’. They lie just 28 miles from the Cornish coast yet bask in a balmy climate where spring comes early, autumn stays late and winter hardly exists at all.  

 

The wonderful Abbey Gardens on the island of Tresco are home to more than 3,000 species and magnificent vistas, colours and scents. There is certainly no other garden like this in the world. Even in winter there are 300 plants in flower in the Abbey Gardens and as each day lengthens more and more exotic flowers appear. In the spring you will see flowers here that are weeks ahead of those on the mainland, the perfect way to lift your spirits after a cold, dark winter. Autumn, too, is a stunning time to visit, with the beautiful golden, reds and ambers of the seasonal foliage against a backdrop of proteas, aloes and flowering camellias thrown in for good measure. We also enjoy Pelagic boat excursion to the Western Rocks and Bishop Rock Lighthouse with local bird expert Will Wagstaff. Other highlights include a visit to a local flower farm on the island of  St Martins where we have a guided tour,  a guided tour of a local farm Bryher followed by lunch at the 3AA Rosette restaurant of the Hell Bay hotel, the only restaurant of this caliber in the Scilly Isles.


Highlights

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

  • Explore the beautiful Isles of Scilly

  • Boat transfers between the islands

  • Guided tour with Mike Nelhams as tour manager

Itinerary

What's Included

  • Five nights’ dinner, bed and full breakfast at the St Mary’s Hall Hotel, St Mary’s in a standard room – upgrades available on request at a supplement

  • Two lunches

  • Return Skybus flight from Land’s End to St Mary’s (Exeter or Newquay flights available at a supplement)

  • Boat transfers between islands

  • All visits as outlined in the itinerary

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

  • Services of Mike Nelhams as tour manager

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 accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes five nights' dinner, bed, and full breakfast at the St Mary's Hall Hotel, St Mary's in a standard room. Upgrades are available on request at a supplement.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes five nights' dinner, bed, and full breakfast, as well as two lunches.

  • How will we travel between the islands during the tour?

    Boat transfers between islands are included in the tour package.

  • Is there a flight included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes a return Skybus flight from Land's End to St Mary's. Flights from Exeter or Newquay are available at a supplement.

  • Will there be any special presentations during the tour?

    Yes, there will be a presentation and Q&A session with Mike Nelhams of Abbey Gardens.

  • Who will be managing the tour?

    The tour will be managed by Mike Nelhams.

  • 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.

1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Monday

May 07, 2025 - May 12, 2025
$3355

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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