Exclusive savings of £75pp*
The Isles of Scilly are loved for their spectacular scenery, lush botanic gardens and white-sand beaches.
On this six-day trip you'll find out why the Isles of Scilly are considered one of the UK's most beautiful locations. You'll visit several of the islands' most intriguing locations, including the rugged coastlines of Bryher, the quaint harbours of St Martin's, and unspoilt waters off the coast of St Agnes, where wildlife abounds.
A true highlight of your trip will be a visit to the exceptional sub-tropical Tresco Abbey Garden, which is often described as 'Kew without the glass', where you'll witness some 2,000 specimens from across the southern hemisphere flourishing around the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey.
You'll learn more about these colourful gardens at a special dinner with the garden's curator, Mike Nelhams, who'll give an exclusive talk about his work preserving the vast array of plants found here.
There's a wide range of wonderful wildlife to be spotted on the Isles of Scilly, with many species that can't be seen anywhere else in the UK. You'll be able to spot some of these on a wildlife cruise from St Agnes, where you will look out for puffins, Manx shearwaters and guillemots, whilst also hoping for dolphins, porpoises and sunfish.
You'll be based at the Star Castle Hotel on St Mary's. This historic hotel dates back to 1593 and has a heated indoor swimming pool and peaceful, secluded gardens. You might even get to sample seafood caught by the owner from the hotel's boat.
Please note this is a busy and full itinerary, so a good degree of mobility and fitness is required to get the most out of this trip, which involves lots of walking and getting in and out of boats.
Exclusive savings of £75pp*
Five nights' accommodation at Star Castle St Mary's with three dinners and breakfast daily included
Return ferry from Penzance to St Mary's
Additional information
Ferry times
19-24 September 2025
Departing Penzance 08.45
Returning from St Mary's 16.30You may make your own way to St Mary's if you prefer, please call for details. Supplements may apply.
Single supplement
From £249
Accommodation
Star Castle Hotel, St Mary's*This information is indicative and subject to change*
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a double room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single room no supplement. Single supplement from £349. Deposit 20%. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL Limted).
Today you'll arrive at Penzance and meet your tour group at the departure terminal for the Scillonian ferry. Here you'll meet your expert tour manager who will greet you and assist you with check-in.
Once you arrive on St Mary's you'll make your way to the Star Castle hotel and begin to explore your surroundings. In the evening you'll have dinner in the hotel restaurant.
After breakfast you'll meet your tour manager and your guide for the day. You'll make your way to the jetty and take the boat transfer to Tresco where you'll visit the world famous Tresco Abbey Garden, home to a collection of some 20,000 plants from 80 countries.
The garden was established in the 19th century around the ruins of an old Benedictine Abbey and is now home to a fantastic variety of plants from all over the world, including Brazil, New Zealand and South Africa. The garden changes throughout the year as different species thrive. In spring, flowers bloom here weeks before they do on the mainland thanks to the Tresco's special sub-tropical climate. You'll have time for lunch (not included) in Tresco before heading back to St Mary's.
This morning, following another hearty breakfast, you'll make your way to the jetty and hop on the ferry transfer to St Agnes, where you'll take a guided walk around the island's coastline.
There's plenty to see along St Agnes' coast, from rocky outcrops on its exposed west side to paradise beaches in its sheltered coves. There's a sandbar that links St Agnes with the tiny neighbouring island of Gugh, where you'll find white sand and crystal-clear water.
You'll tuck into lunch at a local pub before taking a fascinating marine wildlife cruise, where you have a chance to spot some of the special animals and birds who call the Scillies home.
Today you'll be exploring the lovely isle of St Martin's where you'll discover the island's ruggedly beautiful shoreline. Little St Martin's is just two miles long, but boasts some of the finest beaches in the British Isles.
Lunch at a local spot is included, and afterwards you'll pay a visit to St Martin's Vineyard, a unique coastal vineyard and winery which is working towards organic production of white, red and rose wines.
Today you'll take the boat to beautiful Bryher where lunch has been arranged at the luxury Hell Bay Hotel. Bryher is an island of exciting contrasts. On one side you have the roaring Atlantic ocean and a rugged coastline, while on the other side you'll find tranquil waters and powder-soft beaches.
Hell Bay is on the Atlantic side, and from here you can watch as dramatic waves thunder into the bay. The restaurant at Hell Bay Hotel is one of the best rated in the Isles of Scilly. You'll tuck into award-winning dishes at the hotel bar which use the finest ingredients from the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall and the wider West Country.
After your final breakfast at your hotel, you'll enjoy some free time on St Mary's before taking the Scillonian ferry back to Penzance.
Star Castle's very own vineyard, the nature reserves - home to rare wildlife, and the Scilly Spirit gin distillery are just a few of the island's must-sees.
Star Castle is just a short walk from the centre of St Mary's island and harbour.
By plane: Newquay Airport (30 minutes), Exeter (1 hour), Lands End (15 minutes). A Skybus shuttle bus runs from Lands End airport to outside Penzance railway station.
By boat: the Scillionian III Passenger Ferry departs from Penzance Quay with a travel time of 2 hours 45 minutes.
Those after a little luxury, looking for somewhere to unwind against a backdrop of stunning sea views, will love Star Castle. It's hard not to fall for the original features of the castle, including the turrets and ramparts, large wooden beams, open-fireplaces and original stone walls.
Holy Vale, Star Castle's beautiful vineyard, is a must-see; its peaceful location and stunning views provide the ideal setting for a lobster lunch or wine-tasting.
Two restaurants
Bar
- Afternoon tea
- Indoor swimming pool
- Tennis court
- Kids' playground
- Golf court
Subtropical garden
Kitchen gardens
Vineyard
Courtesy transport
Boat trips
- Family-friendly
- Dog-friendly
We love the Garden Room's verandah, with its wooden chairs perfectly positioned to take in views of the island, providing the most heavenly palce to while away the hours.
Guard Rooms, Castle Rooms, Superior Castle Rooms, Garden Rooms and Suites, Superior Garden Suites, Family Rooms
Facilities include: tea and coffee making facilities, television, hairdryer, dressing gown, white fluffy bath and hand towels, ironing board and iron
Produce doesn't get more local than this, with the hotel's two award-winning restaurants' menus boasting an array of fish and seafood from island suppliers and the hotel's own kitchen garden. Robert's freshly caught lobsters and crabs, brought in daily with a selection of his house vineyard wines, are an absolute treat for the tastebuds!
The Castle Restaurant: fine dining, locally caught seafood, kitchen garden produce. Open March - November for breakfast and dinner 6.30 - 8.30 pm. Two courses £36.50, three courses £42, four courses £45.
The Conservatory: fresh seafood, alfresco dining. Open April - October for breakfast and dinner. Pricing as above.
The Dungeon bar: ex-prison setting, Scillonian beer, wines and aperitifs.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a double room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single room no supplement. Single supplement from £349. Deposit 20%. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL Limted).