Scilly Isles?

[EssieW]

I'm planning ahead for next year and wondering whether to go to the Scilly Isles. We've been going to the Hebrides for the last few years but have often been recommended the Scillies. Would be aiming to go May/June time.

But I've heard you need to book really far ahead to get holiday cottages? And I can't decide which island to be based on

Any tips?

Yes yes yes.

Have been going all my life and I love the place. Lovely weather, lovely beaches, lovely people, very safe for children.

My parents have a holiday house that they let out on St Mary's (I can send you a link if you want, sleeps eight). There is definitely most to do on St Mary's, but Bryher and St Martins are just beautiful. I don't know Agnes that well. I would recommend avoiding Tresco, it's all holiday cottages and doesn't have a real community anymore (don't get me on the ethnic cleansing that has gone on there). It's like a posh Centerparcs.

I can't recommend it enough. Fire away with any questions you have!

Bryher definitely appeals but I can see advantages to being on St Marys.

How does it work with luggage on ferry and getting to holiday cottage with no car etc? Do you just travel light? No problem with this - we're just too used to filling the car and driving.

This is the clever bit!

You label your luggage with the name of where you are staying, the nice people then take it off the boat and drop it in your house (yes, in your house, the doors are all left unlocked). Same thing applies if you are staying on an off island. You do have to pay them but it's not much. You then give them a call to tell them when it's the end of your holiday and they will come and collect it from your house for you.

Splendid! It all becomes clear.