Isles of Scilly in August?

[RubySlippers77]

DP has decided that he'd like to visit for his birthday... wouldn't be an issue but his birthday is in August we'd be taking our twins (2.10 by then) and I have no idea how to find accommodation that's still available - everywhere seems to be booked up!

My original idea was to fly from Exeter on the 5th or 6th and stay for 3 nights, if we love it we could go back for longer another time. Happy to do hotel/ B&B/ self catering in St Mary's, anything further afield would be tricky as we won't have a car.

Any suggestions (for this year or in advance for next year, I guess!) gratefully received...

Places to stay on Scilly get booked up ages in advance because accommodation is very limited so you might have to think 2019 and start booking it now! I have been a couple of times but being honest its not somewhere i would have taken my kids. lots of lovely walks and gardens and views.

you are going to find short stays in August in cornwall/scilly almost impossible. you aren't in the school hols treadmill yet but it is a nightmare and everyone is only looking for full week bookings unless you go for a hotel/b n b which isn't as convenient with little ones. you could look at going v early September as soon as the schools go back and do a belated visit. it would be much much easier finding somewhere to stay as well as about half the price.

Scilly is brilliant for small children - very safe. I used to live there when mine were small.
Self catering will be very booked up in August and you have to go in weekly or fortnightly blocks anyway. If you want a short break try Star Castle - in August they may have space available. Or Tregarthen's Hotel or St. Mary's Hall. These places are on St. Mary's which is the main island.
The campsites may also have availability - there's one on each island except Tresco.
VisitislesofScilly.com is a handy website for accommodation too.... or try calling the Tourist Information Centre 01720 620600

Thanks both - I think we will have to start planning for a 2019 visit instead!! I remember an old colleague raving about the place, took his kids every year, he was obviously more organised than my DP!

You don't need a car on Scilly - just lots of money for boat trips if you want to go to other islands.

It’s an utterly gorgeous place for a holiday, but possibly more fun with older children who will appreciate nature and the great outdoors, boat trips and hiring bikes etc. There really isn’t anything for toddlers except beaches (most of which are isolated with no facilities) and a tiny playpark. Scilly’s strength as a family holiday destination is the freedom you can give older children as it’s so safe.
Previous posters are spot on about avoiding school summer holidays for cost and availability reasons and that most accommodation apart from the few hotels will be taking full-week bookings only. In my experience, cottages will only take bookings 51 weeks in advance, giving previous visitors the chance to rebook the same week for the following year (which many, many do - once you have got your foot in the door with a week somewhere nice - especially on the off-islands where accommodation is more scarce - you think very carefully about letting “your” week go).
I’d go for St Mary’s in September if I were you. You might still find something for this summer if you’re lucky or not too fussy. St Mary’s is a good base for a first time visitor as there’s a bit more going on and it’s where all the boats to other islands leave from.
By the way, Tresco is run as a resort (£££) with both self catering and hotel options - so all this might not apply there .... I personally don’t like the feel of it - it’s just a posh holiday camp on my mind - though the island itself is stunning in terms of natural beauty.