There’s an island paradise on your doorstep – but shush, we don’t want everyone to know. Though the Scilly Isles are just a short ferry ride from Cornwall, they feel utterly exotic – thanks to their long golden beaches, incredible seafood and fascinating array of wildlife.
In springtime, this island idyll bursts into life with wild flowers and bird song – it’s the best time to visit, so that’s why we’ve planned an exclusive Woman & Home Scilly Isles holiday for April 2018. Spring is when breeding puffins arrive, and the coastlines will be awash with alliums, wild primroses and sea thrift.
The isles of St Martins, looking towards Tresco (Alamy)
Our Scilly Isles holiday will be led by Will Wagstaff, a local expert on birds, flowers and butterflies. As well as guiding tours of the islands for 30 years, Will has presented BBC’s Wild Britain – and he’ll bring the islands to life for you through a series of fascinating guided walks and an evening talk and Q&A.
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Great Bay, on St Martins (Alamy)
“April is a great time to be on Scilly,” says Will. “There are birds singing, flowers in full bloom and the first butterflies on the wing, plus there is always the chance of something a little more unusual…”
Atlantic grey seal pups (Alamy)
On this escorted Scilly Isles holiday you’ll stay at the St Mary’s Hall Hotel on St Mary’s, visit the islands of Tresco, Bryher and St Martin’s, and take a boat trip to the uninhabited Eastern Isles to see Atlantic grey seals.
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Spring flowers in the Scilly Isles (Alamy)
There are plenty of exclusive Woman & Home experiences too, such as a welcome dinner at the award-winning Juliet’s Garden restaurant, and a guided tour of Abbey Gardens – home to more than 80 species of plants and flowers, many of which are seldom seen on mainland Britain. Book your place on this tour
Springtime in the Scillies with Will Wagstaff
When? 19-24 April 2018
How much? From £1,199 per person
How long? 6 days
To book: Call 01425 292 834 and quote Woman & Home (or reference WHIOS)
