A Short Guide to the Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly lie 28 miles due south west from the coast of Cornwall. Some travel experts, such as The Telegraph's Max Davidson, argue that that the islands haven't seen as many tourists as the numbers that visited during the sixties (they were made popular by Prime Minister, Howard Wilson) but I would say that may be this is set to change. With expenses such as travel insurance causing UK tourists to think hard about making their sterling go further - could the Scilly Isles find a surge of popularity in 2009?

St Mary's
The largest of the Isles, St Mary's is situated in the south west of the archipelago and has a population of around 2000. The island is home to the Scilly's only airport which serves flights to and from Bristol, Exeter, Newquay and Exeter. Nearby is Hugh Town, the biggest town on the islands, and a popular accommodation centre for visitors with easy access to a number of beaches. Star Castle, a fortress of architectural and historical significance also serves as a hotel.

Tresco
Tresco is the second largest isle and covers 753 acres, and has approximately 200 permanent inhabitants. The island is unique in that it only really serves as a tourist destination, and so during the summer months its population is noticeably larger with visitors. The island has several places of interest, most notably the Tresco Abbey Gardens - a beautiful demonstration of the temperate warm climate and the island's rich religious history with the establishment of a Benedictine Abbey in 964 AD. Tresco is a car free island.

St Martin's
St Martins is quieter again but is not as dependent on tourism as Tresco. There are three very small towns on the isle: Higher Town, Middle Town and Lower Town. Lower Town is home to the only public house on the island, The Seven Stones, whilst accommodation can be sought at the single hotel, St Martin's On The Isle, as well as the campsite between Lower and Middle and the guest house in Higher. The island is also home to the oldest dated beacon in the British Isles, the Daymark erected in 1637 - though the date is disputed.

St Agnes & Bryher
The remaining two inhabited islands are St Agnes and Bryher. The former is the southernmost island and is home to around 70 people. There are a few B&Bs and cottages available for accommodation as well as a pub and general store. Bryher is home to less than a hundred people and is perhaps the most rugged of the Isles. It is popular with sailors, scuba divers and walkers.

So with expenses such as travel insurance and foreign exchange rates causing UK tourists to think hard about making their sterling go further - the Scilly Isles may well be a popular destination this summer.
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If you are travelling further afield this summer then you can buy your travel insurance and foreign currency at competitive rates from the Post Office®.