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Original poster

Isles of Scilly - do's and dont's?

47 replies

YogaLite · 28/03/2023 11:14

Planning a trip with a friend who is organising getting there, what do we need to know whilst there? Will be staying in one of the hotels.

Do I need to worry much about dress code?
Any must do's and dont's whilst there?

OP posts:
Original poster
YogaLite · 28/03/2023 11:15

Apart from Tresco gardens & ice creams that is!

We will do island trips and walking (weather permitting).

Anything not to miss?

OP posts:
chitofftheshovel · 28/03/2023 11:16

Dress code?

Original poster
YogaLite · 28/03/2023 11:17

Judging by perceived exclusivity, I hope it's not all designer labels?? (don't t own any!)

OP posts:
multivac · 28/03/2023 11:18

Erm, there is no 'dress code'. Just don't refer to them as 'the Scilly Isles'. Which island are you staying on?

DobbyTheHouseElk · 28/03/2023 11:20

How long are you staying ?

chitofftheshovel · 28/03/2023 11:21

Ummm....not sure where you get exclusivity from??? Not a designer label type of place.

Mycatisaqueen · 28/03/2023 11:21

Have only been there once to see Tresco gardens, which were stunning. It was a daytrip from the mainland, so can't comment on accommodation.

If you're taking a boat there, and not great on boats (like me!) I would recommend seasickness pills for the outward journey. The Bristol Channel, English Channel and Atlantic all converge on that stretch of water, so it's not a smooth crossing, although, as the onboard crew assured us, it was much better on the way back.

multivac · 28/03/2023 11:21

I'm not sure where you think you're going... But during the holiday season, the Isles of Scilly are full of extremely ordinary families, couples and singles enjoying a beautiful, simple escape from their usual, hectic existence. You'll need good walking sandals, swimmers, and lots of layers against the inevitable wind.

Original poster
YogaLite · 28/03/2023 11:21

Staying a week, 1 night on St Martin's, rest on St Mary's

OP posts:
Original poster
YogaLite · 28/03/2023 11:24

My friend thinks is v upmarket I guess b/c expensive and tricky to get to unless u do helicopters Hmm

I am the more outdoorsy sort..

OP posts:
multivac · 28/03/2023 11:30

It is expensive to get to. But really not 'upmarket' in that way, apart from Tresco, which is our least favourite island (St Agnes and Brygher are our top choices - and do take a trip to one of the uninhabited islands, too - Samson is amazing). Crystal clear water, white sand, craggy rocks, practically no pollution on the smaller islands, as no cars allowed above essential transport.... it's heaven. You'll love it ♥️. Don't forget to find and visit the rope swing on St Mary's (ask a local!)

DobbyTheHouseElk · 28/03/2023 11:30

I don’t think it’s difficult to get to. Skybus flys in from many airports, plus the boat as well as helicopters.

Hope you aren’t going to be disappointed OP.

TreesAtSea · 28/03/2023 11:35

As PP said, it's not tricky to get to. Flights and ferries available. Went by ferry from Penzance to St Mary's as a day trip some years ago. Lovely and good-value crossing there and back.

multivac · 28/03/2023 11:37

Prices have risen considerably in recent years, for obvious reasons. For a UK holiday, getting there is expensive - we camp, and it's still as much as a week somewhere warm in a hotel. But worth every penny to us.

purser25 · 28/03/2023 11:38

Lovely place proper walking shoes. Be prepared to jump on and off boats. Can’t remember a lot of night life but the group we were with enjoyed the various very well done talks mainly on St Mary’s got the supper boat once to St Agnes I think it was. Lovely fresh fish served. We went to a place in old Town St Mary’s looked like a an old fashioned wooden shack but delicious fish. Closed quite early as do a lot of things. Some honesty boxes in the lanes where you can buy bulbs. I would say a bit yuppy but nice. Fish and chips on the beach from the van St Mary’s watch for the seagulls. Tresco very yuppy but worth a visit. We got the train to Penzance stayed overnight then the boat over. This was in August. Would like to return some time.

Silkierabbit · 28/03/2023 11:39

We went to Tresco by helicopter and flew back from St Mary’s on Skybus. Tresco was very beautiful especially the gardens with red squirrels. No dress code.

On St Martins there used to be swimming with seals. We canoed which was great, can do that from St Mary’s if based there. Nothing we didn’t like though boat over heard can be rough so we flew.

FictionalCharacter · 28/03/2023 11:50

It’s lovely there. Your friend is clueless, people flock there for holidays all the time. There are beautiful coastal walks and boat trips between islands are great as long as you don’t suffer from seasickness. I had to laugh at “dress code”, these are islands where people live and work, I’m imagining the lady at the checkout in the local Co-op dressed for a day at Ascot!

Carouselfish · 28/03/2023 11:51

St Agnes I believe it was...full of very long term campers who all turn in unison to at look at you when you arrive like something from The Wicker Man. So freaky we left on the next boat back to the main island and camped there instead.
Then there was the sailing lesson with the Aussie boy who had bleached his teeth himself so they were luminescent in patches.
I realise this isnt helpful, but they are my standout recollections...
Brew

Ihaventgottimeforthis · 28/03/2023 11:57

If you're staying in Karma on St Martin's then that is quite posh but I've stayed there wearing the same sports kit for three days running with never an eyebrow raised.
No don'ts for Scilly, apart from don't expect many mod cons or phone signal or maybe a choice of fresh food in co-op, definitely don't rush about.
Do explore as many off islands as you can, St Agnes and Bryher especially, do wear comfy walking shoes and do sit and relax with a pint outside the Turk's Head.
Do go swimming, don't expect it not to be surprisingly cold.
Don't be surprised at the lack of 'things to do'. Scilly IS the thing.

Original poster
YogaLite · 28/03/2023 11:58

Great, thank u for the rope swing recommendation and various other comments 🙂
It's part of my coastal walks plan, I hope my friend keeps up.

OP posts:
Ihaventgottimeforthis · 28/03/2023 12:09

Ooh for coastal walks then, check the tides and boats and try to do the St Agnes-Gugh round walk. You need to know when the sand bar between St Agnes and Gugh is exposed so you can get back.

Original poster
YogaLite · 28/03/2023 12:15

Definitely getting a Scilly dip, maybe not totally though 🙂

OP posts:
gogohmm · 28/03/2023 12:29

It's expensive because they are islands (increased transportation costs) and they are popular with tourists (supply and demand) not because they are exclusive in the posh sense. Outdoorsy I would describe the style, practical due to the typical weather for most of the year!

ReallyShouldBeDoingSomethingElse · 28/03/2023 12:43

The dress code when we went was waterproof coat and trousers, at least three pairs of shoes so that you have something to wear while the other two pairs dry out. Loved it though and hope to go back at some point.

We kayaked from Tresco to St Martin which was a nice little adventure.

Sensible shoes on day of travel to St Martin for getting on the little boat.

SeaToSki · 28/03/2023 12:47

DM and DF go every year. Take some cash as sometimes the credit card machines dont work in the local shops. Focus on clothes for being outdoors and jumping in and out of boats/walking with good waterproofs. Take stuff to read / do if you dont want to be outdoors on wet days. Have a lovely time. Its low key and very chilled