Exploring the Isles of Scilly week

If you like turquoise sea, white sandy beaches, great seafood and a relaxed vibe you could go to the Caribbean, or you could join Outdoorlads as we head for six nights on the stunning Isles of Scilly!

The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago of 145 islands off the coast of Cornwall yet feel like a world away from the UK. It's a fantastic place to visit! The islands benefit from dozens of stunning beaches and coves, amazing views of the night sky and wildlife including friendly birdlife, seals and dolphins. 

For this week we'll be staying on the main island of St Marys and from there we'll be able to easily explore the other islands.

You'll need to arrange your own transport and accommodation for this trip. By following the recommendation below it comes in at under £300 (plus spending/activities money), which isn't bad for a week. Also, you don't have to stay the full six nights.
 

Activities

You can do as much or as little as you like during our time there. Most days we'll head out on a walk exploring the different islands but depending on interest and cost we could also go snorkelling, kayaking or hire bikes. There's some incredible beaches to relax on too. Totally up to you!

Accommodation

There's plenty of options on St Mary's including holiday lets and Airbnbs. I'm going to be camping (please message me for details). It's £99 per person for six nights, with half payable now and the rest on arrival. The campsite is in a great location in St Marys. It's really nice with a great shop and hot showers (£1 for four minutes). They can also pick up your luggage from the ferry for a small fee.
 

Getting there

Transport to Isles of Scilly is expensive, but definitely worth it. Options include getting the Scillonian ferry from Penzance (Approx £150 return, three hours each way - extra if you want to include car parking for the stay) or flying from Land's End, Exeter, or Newquay (20-60mins). It's pricey but it's comparable to European flights these days.

I'll be getting the Scillonian ferry departing 09.15 from Penzance on Sunday 23rd July, coming back 17.00 on Saturday 29th July. If you're definitely coming it's advisable to book this soon.

For more information on transport options and to book, visit www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk.

You might want to stay in Penzance the night before. A few people coming have booked rooms in the YHA there but there's loads of other accommodation.
 

Food & drink

There's a decent Co-op a short walk from the campsite. It also has an ATM. There's loads of great pubs, takeaways and restaurants on St Mary's, although some will need to be booked way in advance. If you're camping it might be worth bringing some food with you.
 

Getting around

Getting around the islands is easy with a frequent service going from/to St Mary's Harbour. Tickets can be bought at the campsite or at St Mary's quay.
 

What to bring

If you're coming on the ferry you're allowed two large bags and one carry on bag. So if you're camping you'll need to pack well! You'll need your usual camping gear including tent, sleeping bag, mat etc. Good hiking boots and swimming shorts & towel too.
 

Booking

Please only book on this event if you've sorted / are planning to sort your travel & accommodation, so others don't miss out. Once you've sorted this out and booked it'd be helpful if you can ping me a message to let me know what your plans are. Any questions just give me a shout.  
 

Meeting point

Depending on what people have booked, we'll either meet at the ferry or on the island. I'll confirm exact details nearer the time.
 

But what about Big Peaky?

The end of this trip clashes with Outdoorlads' Big Peaky weekend. But you could do both! Just leave this trip a day or two early before heading up to the Peak District.

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend. 

[Photos taken by OutdoorLads Members and permission is granted to OutdoorLads for further use.]