Travelling to the Isles of Scilly
“Mummy are we going on a boat? Will we see seals? and dolphins? and seahorses?????”
Travelling along the winding roads in Penzance, we headed off to catch our early morning crossing on the Scillonian III. It was breezy and the dark clouds in the sky threatened rain, but energy was high with thoughts of incredible sunsets, wildlife, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches (and seahorses!). We left Otis the Campervan at the designated pre-booked parking and headed off to check in. We would be travelling to the Isles of Scilly for our five day stay at Karma resort in St Martin’s. I already had a feeling that this trip was going to be special and memorable.
The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago off the Coast of Cornwall. There are a vast number of uninhabited islands, and five inhabited islands; St Mary’s, Tresco, St Agnes, Bryher and St Martin’s. You can get to the islands by the four departure points; Exeter, Newquay and Lands End for all Skybus departures, and Penzance if you take the Scillonian III passenger ferry. We chose to take the ferry from Penzance to St Mary’s, taking advantage of the great baggage allowance, with the hope of enjoying those sea views. I was really looking forward to the journey as I think this is the where the adventure begins, and the holiday starts the moment you set off on your journey. We had waited a long time to glimpse those turquoise waters of the Isles of Scilly and we were going to enjoy every part of the experience.
We have wanted to visit the Isles of Scilly for some time, having heard so much about its rugged beauty, sparkling white sandy beaches and laid back way of living. The Scillonian III supports just that – an opportunity to relax, unwind and enjoy the slower pace of life… (well relax and unwind as best you can with three little ones in tow!).
The journey takes around 2 hrs and 45 minutes. Once we had checked in our luggage and embarked, we set up camp in the cafe area where we could grab copious amounts of coffee and tea (or wine if it hadn’t been quite so early) and soft drinks and nibbles for the kiddies. There was plenty of space to spread out, and the girls alternated between the table area, and the window seats for an hour or two, before heading out on to the deck to spot those dolphins, sharks, and erm..seahorses.
I think the youngest addition to our family found the excitement a bit too much; either that or the slow and gentle motion of the ferry soothed him to sleep for the majority of the journey – giving us even more of an opportunity to put our feet up and enjoy the views. For those who have young travellers, there is ample space for pushchairs, carriers, a platform lift and baby change available.
On arrival at St Mary’s, we hopped off the Scillonian III and headed around the corner to catch the Voyager, a small passenger boat that would take us onwards to St Martin’s. Travelling to the Isles of Scilly was seamless and organised, and our luggage followed us right through to St Martin’s. It was great that we didn’t have to think about it at St Mary’s, and we had an arm free to enjoy more coffee and the delicious Cornish pasties whilst we waited.
The short journey from St Mary’s to St Martin’s was beautiful and picturesque, and the kids were mesmerised by the coastal views and wildlife. We chatted to so many people on the journey who had fallen in love with the Isles of Scilly, and families who returned each year for some quality family time and to enjoy all that the Islands had to offer.
I could see already that the islands were something really special. As I sat on the boat and looked out to the rugged coastline that was coming into view, I knew that this would be the start of our love affair with this beautiful place.
Find out more –
To find out more about the Isles of Scilly head over to Visit Isles of Scilly
From Spring to late Autumn, the Scillonian III sails up to seven days a week from Penzance harbour. Fly to St Mary’s with Skybus all year round from Newquay and Lands End Airport, and between March and October from Exeter Airport.
For further information, prices, and to book, head over to Isles of Scilly Travel Website
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**Disclosure – Our journey to the Isles of Scilly was arranged by Isles of Scilly Travel. All opinions and thoughts are of mine and my family. **
