Isles of Scilly holidays: small group inclusive tours

Highlights

• Feel the salty sea air in your hair as a private boat whisks you between all five of the inhabited Scilly Isles, each one an adventure in itself. 
• Stay at the archipelago’s renowned Star Castle Hotel on St Mary’s and dine a la carte in the hotel’s restaurant every evening. 
• Get hands-on experience of the creativity the Isles of Scilly are known for on a glass-fusing workshop with a local artist. 
• Hear spine-tingling tales of the shipwrecks scattered around the Scillies in a private pre-dinner talk from a leading expert on the shipwrecks of the British Isles.  
• Go behind the scenes of the Scillies’ gardens and wildlife with expert-led private talks and tours, including a guided walk around Tresco Abbey Gardens with the head gardener.  

Overview

The Isles of Scilly are an unexpected, tropical-like paradise off the southernmost tip of England. This is a place of white-sand beaches, turquoise seas and swaying palm trees. It’s also a place of shipwrecks, art and astonishing gardens. 

These tranquil isles have weathered natural and manmade tempests to become a haven for artists, entrepreneurs and those who treasure a simpler way of life. Our small group tour takes you to their heart, with daily excursions, behind-the-scenes tours and stellar talks by local experts. 

Over six days, you’ll build a picture of the archipelago’s jaw-dropping scenery, artistic flair and soul-stirring history. You’ll explore an impossibly tropical garden hiding a monastery, discover sites where our ancient ancestors laid their heroes to rest and sail to shorelines teeming with wildlife. Life here runs at a slower pace than on the mainland, so you’ll also have plenty of free time to pop into galleries, to head out on an adventure of your own or to sit and drink in the amazing views. 

Stay at Star Castle Hotel

You’ll stay at the renowned Star Castle Hotel for the duration of your tour – something that few groups get to experience as the hotel is so popular. You’ll soon see why Star Castle is so loved. As well as having two excellent restaurants and charming staff, the hotel is steeped in history. It’s a complete example of an Elizabethan fort, built in 1593. In 1646, during the English Civil War, it was even a refuge for the future King Charles II.

As a GeoCultura guest, you’ll enjoy the full breakfast experience with flexibility on breakfast times and a la carte dinner every evening of your Scilly holiday. You’ll sleep in the hotel’s spacious, more-modern rooms with private entrances, in the castle’s beautiful gardens (with the opportunity to upgrade to a room inside the castle if you book early enough).

Your Isles of Scilly tour activities

During the days, you’ll explore everything the islands have to offer, from a vibrant garden hiding a monastery to discovering the sites where ancient ancestors laid their heroes to rest. History soaks the islands through, and you’ll learn how the tranquil Isles have weathered natural and manmade tempests over the years.

Your expert local guides and guest speakers will help you make the most of this island paradise, showing you the wildlife and the history behind some of the most striking landmarks. Learn about the islands’ rich maritime history and scattered shipwrecks, along with the rich tapestry of early settlers who called Scilly home.

Start/finish

Your tour starts and finishes on St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly, England.

Activity Level

Leisurely, with 1 to 5km (.8 to 3 mile) walks; longer walks are optional (view our activity level definitions). Access to islands off St Mary’s will require climbing on and off passenger boats.

Transport

• Getting there: The Isles of Scilly can be reached by plane from airports in Cornwall and Devon; by helicopter from Penzance Heliport, or by ship from Penzance Harbour. The choice is yours as we do not include travel to and from the mainland in the tour price. If this is your first trip to the Scillies, please call us, if you like advice on the pros and cons of each of the options.
• Bookable extras: We now offer an optional extra of standard or 1st class travel from London or any other UK mainline station to Penzance, plus pre-booked overnight accommodation in Penzance.
• Check in to the Premier Inn hotel (opposite Penzance railway station) the day before you travel to Scilly, so you can choose an early morning Skybus flight from Lands End or the morning departure of the Scillonian ferry.
• Please note there are no scheduled flights or ferries on Sundays
• Getting around: Primarily on foot, with passenger boats between the islands.

Weather

The Isles of Scilly benefit from a subtropical climate, meaning mild conditions and an average temperature ranging from 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F) across the year. 

Rain is always possible, so we recommend you bring warm and waterproof clothing, but any poor weather often passes quickly on the islands.

Accommodation

Testimonials

"The whole experience was great as a taster for the Isles of Scilly – I enjoyed the small boat trips more, the larger ones less so. I really liked St Agnes.

I enjoyed exploring St Mary’s and finding gems like the community garden, Penninis Head, and the amazing crab sandwich and view from Juliet’s garden. 

I appreciated the small group size and the tour gave me an excellent overview of the beautiful Scillies and was a good balance of activities and free time."

Isles of Scilly Holidays | Alison J, April 2024

"The visit to Tresco was my highlight and the purpose of going to the Scillies. Having the head gardener to guide us was a great bonus.   And a dry day! (Enjoyed) staying in a good hotel, in a very comfortable small castle room with views out to sea.  Also, seeing the way of life of islanders, flower growing, and talking to locals including Jess and the couple, retired divers, who had dinner with us."

Isles of Scilly Holidays | Francoise F, April 2024

"Best bits were visiting St. Agnes, being taken round the Abbey Gardens, Tresco, the talks and guided walks. Organisation was excellent, as were meals at the hotel.  A very good introduction to the Scillies, particularly when the sun shone!"

Isles of Scilly Holidays | Judy C, April 2024

"There were no disappointments.  Best things were the hotel, hotel food, and visiting Abbey Gardens in Tresco, and they speak for themselves. I particularly commend the leader Pam who we all felt was marvellous,  also the additional (local) person who guided some trips, Jess, who was interesting and helpful."

Isles of Scilly Holidays | Rosemary Y, April 2024

"Just got back from the Scilly Isles tour it was FANTASTIC. Your organisation and communications were faultless, your guides on the Islands are a credit to your company. The hotel and staff were excellent, and the food was outstanding we look forward to travelling with you again."

Isles of Scilly Holidays – Small group guided tours | Bryan B, September 2024