Isles of Scilly

[IceniSky]

Looking here for next year. We like out of the way places, with nice views, beaches and cycling etc.

Any recommendations of islands, how you get around etc, or places to stay would be great. We like self catering.

Tresco.

It costs an absolute fortune but is idyllic if you get the right weather.

Another vote for Tresco - it's got busier over the years, but is paradise on earth (and will cost nearly as much as paradise in the Caribbean/Indian Ocean, unfortunately) - you can book cottages in a variety of sizes through the estate office website, arrange bikes to hire and even arrange for your food shopping to be delivered on arrival.

There would be us and a 7 year old. I'm thinking it isn't a wet weather place?

The quiet roads are perfect for cycling, even with young children. St Mary’s is a bit hilly in places but the promise of an ice cream or cream tea was sufficient incentive to power our dc up the steeper stretches. On such a small island you’re never far from a cafe to refuel in or a beach to cool off at. We brought our boys’ bikes over on the ferry from Penzance but hired bikes for the grown ups from St Mary’s Bike Hire which has a good range of cycles to choose from along with child seats, trailers and tag-ons. If you’d rather have four wheels than two, hiring a Golf buggy is great fun.
The Boatmen’s Association boats run every day from the quay at St Mary’s to St Martins, St Agnes, Bryher, Tresco and uninhabited Sampson. Queue up, buy a ticket and hop on board. The times change slightly depending on weather, tides and which island you’re visiting, but there’s usually two to three departures a day. Make sure you check where the boat picks up, as it’s not always the same spot.
The Sea Quest Glass Bottom Boat is a great day out – starting with a trip to the Eastern Isles to spot seals.
The islands have some of the best weather in the UK, but if you’re unlucky enough to get rain there’s an indoor soft play area called Kings of the Castle in Old Town on St Mary’s (and coffee and cake). A very popular option is to head down to Phoenix Craft Studios where, every weekday afternoon, workshops are put on giving you the opportunity to try all sorts, from stained glass painting and lino printing to jewellery making. The Isles of Scilly Museum on Church Street St. Mary’s is also good.