Am I mad to consider the sleeper, ferry and then camping in the Scillies?

[SmallWhiteWine]

Has anyone done this with children? Any tips would be much appreciated! I would need to massively reduce the amount of 'stuff' to cope with the travel. Just the thought of it makes me go cold (but the adventure of it all is super appealing!!)

Ooh, yes, there were a few threads last year, and a few mners do this regularly.
Will try and remember who... (though the threads were def in camping)

Thank you Although my friends are talking me out of it

This was the thread I was thinking of... I think biblio and fennel are people who have been...

We went camping in the Scillies last year, by ferry with kids. My sister came on the train with her kids. It is quite easy, people at the quay just put all your bags into big containers and in the Scillies you are met by campsite tractors which take your stuff to the campsites.
Other people, the regulars, took all sorts of things, kayaks and bikes and kitchen sinks.
It was fun. Much less hassle than we'd thought.

Do it (and wave at me across the camp site when you get there :) )

It is the GREATEST place with kids. We did it last year (although we cheated, drove with a trailer and just stuck the trailer on the ferry). Little Unexpected had the time of her life so we're back again this August. Can't wait!

I work on Scilly for a few years and go back regularly and I would highly recommend it. The campsite on St Agnes is right by the beach and the island has a great pub but there is not so much to do if it rains, on St Mary's you have more options if the weather is not so good. The sleeper is exciting for kids, the ferry though can be a sick machine so prepare for that. Of course if it rains any camping holiday can be miserable but if you are in Scilly you will have a lovely time regardless

I was there in June - not camping, but did check out the camp sites to see which would be best for a future trip.

Troytown on St Agnes has fantastic views out to the Bishop Rock Lighthouse, but very exposed. There were several bell tents - you can hire one from the campsite.

St Martins is right down by the beach. Not my favourite island (I get fed up with the long road from Higher Town to the other side). Has Adams fish and chip restaurant for eveing meals. The Sevenstones pub was still open when I was there (very run down). It's now in receivership but hopefully it'll be back in business next year.

Bryher campsite is in the middle of the island. Very peaceful. I think this would be my first choice. (Love Popplestone beach).

St Mary's campsite is up on the Garrison so quite a hill to climb to get in and out of Hugh Town. Great views from the top.

I adore the Scillies - there is so much to do. During the week we went to 2 evening quizes, 2 lectures, sailed out to the Bishop's Rock Lighthouse, circumnavigated Bryher, St Agnes and St Martins (legs are still aching from all the walking!).

Next year it I shall find a quiet beach and leave the wine chilling in the sea.