Isles of Scilly - how do you get accommodation?

[fragiles]

We have done a few day trips over to the Isles of Scilly as are often in Penwith.

We are looking to do a week self catering next year, probably on St Mary’s. There’s a great website with all sorts of accommodation options but absolutely everything is sold out, so I assume there must be a certain date when things are released.

Any tips?

Book two years in advance ?

With difficulty! Most agencies will release dates 11 months in advance. We have been there several times now for week-long stays. What you will find is that most accommodations will offer the same week the following year to those staying this year, so current holidaymakers get first dibs. If they don't take it then it's up for grabs but you have to be lightening quick. I always said it's a bit like being on a hamster wheel - once you're on it, it's great, but once you come off it it's really hard to get back on! The agencies will hold waiting lists so get yourselves on those and contact accommodations directly and ask to be wait listed. You'll then be alerted by the agencies of available places and dates and you really do have to get back to them quickly so secure it. Good luck, it is absolutely worth persevering, it's such a beautiful place!

There’s a facebook group ‘Isles of Scilly Late Availability Accommodation’ which is worth checking, and cancellations etc are regularly updated there

Look at sylina.co.uk or Mincarlo

As above.

We had a fortnight in St Mary's in, I think, 2009. At the time we were restricted to school holidays so obviously the busiest time and we started looking in January. We had almost given up when we struck lucky as someone had cancelled.

It seems people often book a year ahead. Indeed, once we got home we were immediately contacted to see if we wanted to book again for the same week next year.

Basically be prepared to book well in advance. Worth it though. It's a lovely place.