Isles of Scilly and Tresco Abbey Garden

Take a break in this unspoilt corner of England and visit the Abbey Garden on the island of Tresco, which boasts more than 3,000 species of flora.

 

13-16 October, 2018

Prices start from £995 per person

The beautiful Isles of Scilly lie just 28 miles off the Cornish coast yet offer a sub-tropical haven, where spring is early, autumn stays late and winter hardly exists.
This trip of a lifetime offers a base on the largest island, St Mary’s, at the comfortable and stylish St Mary’s Hall Hotel, in the centre of the ‘capital’, Hugh Town. From here you’ll explore the Scillies’ many treasures, including wonderful Abbey Garden on the island of Tresco. Boasting more than 3,000 species of plants and trees, the garden in autumn is resplendent in stunning seasonal foliage against a backdrop of proteas, aloes and camellias.

Mike Nelham – Abbey Gardens curator

What's included?

✿ Return Skybus flight from Land’s End to St Mary’s (Exeter or Newquay  flights available at a supplement)

✿ Boat transfers between St Mary’s and Tresco

✿ Three nights’ accommodation, plus dinner and breakfast, at St Mary’s Hall Hotel in a standard room (upgrades available at a supplement)

✿ Entry to Tresco Abbey Garden with guided tour and lunch at Garden Café

✿ Presentation and Q&A session with Mike Nelhams, Abbey Gardens curator

 

St Mary’s Hall Hotel

Itinerary

  • Day 1 13 Oct Travel independently to Penzance (rail travel from mainline stations can be arranged at a supplement). On arrival you will be transferred to Land’s End airport for your 15-minute flight to the Scillies. You will then be taken to St Mary’s Hall Hotel. Relax before an illustrated talk and Q&A on Mediterranean planting from Abbey Garden’s Mike Nelhams. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
  • Day 2 14 Oct After breakfast, take a boat to Tresco for a guided tour of Abbey Garden with Mike Nelhams. After lunch at the Garden Café (included) explore Tresco at your leisure or return to the Abbey Gardens. Take the boat back to St Mary’s and return to your hotel. Dinner is served in the evening.
  • Day 3 15 Oct After breakfast you are free to explore St Mary’s, wander to the beach, amble around town or see the island’s many historic sights. Visits to other islands can be arranged and boat trips are available to view sea birds and seals off the western rocks.
  • Day 4 16 Oct Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Land’s End, from where you will travel to Penzance and travel home.
Aerial view of Tresco
Tresco Abbey Garden

Features Editor Cat Mansley's Isles of Scilly highlights

✿ Allow time in the Abbey Gardens shop to buy plants and seeds
✿ Taste wine and lunch on lobster at Holy Vale Vineyard, St Mary’s
✿ Stock up on daffodil bulbs at Farmer Brown’s Bulb Shop, St Mary’s
✿ Take a day trip to St Martin’s island – watch bouquets being made at Churchtown Farm and lunch by the water at the Karma Hotel

Tresco Abbey Garden
Grimsby Quay on Tresco
Tresco Abbey Garden

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Find out more about exclusive holidays and cruises, masterclasses and reader events from BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, in our travel and events video.

 

Terms & Conditions

Insurance is available from £28; single travellers are very welcome – the single room supplement will cost £135 per person. This holiday is organised by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays Ltd. Please note that all timings are approximate and may be changed. Confirmation will be sent with joining instructions 28 days prior to the departure. In the event of any unforeseen circumstances experts may be substituted.

Please note: Physical fitness - Tresco Island is car free, therefore, a degree of mobility is required to get the most out of your visit to the island.

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