Scilly Isles on the Scillonian

Fenlander · 08 April 2019, 21:13

Mrs and her cousin (think Thelma & Louise, the retirement years) are considering spending a few days on the Scilly Isles taking the Scillonian both ways.

I see using search many RIB folks have gone over there often camping. But has anyone advice to offer re being a foot passenger staying in hotels or B&B.

Any thoughts appreciated.

GuyC · 08 April 2019, 22:09

I'd suggest not doing the 1st weekend of May - it's the World Pilot Gig Championship and it gets pretty busy.

I've not got first hand experience of the Scillonian but my other half suggests they should be prepared to spew.

paulbrown22 · 09 April 2019, 09:55

I've always sailed the yacht across (sadly the RIB hasn't been past Newlyn yet), but sometimes Mum has done the Scillonian one or both ways if she wasn't sure about the conditions. The Scillonian is renowned for not being the most surefooted vessel in the often swelly seas around that area, and she always reports plenty of people throwing up unless it is flat calm, which is pretty rare!

Loads of accommodation options on St Mary's, really depends where they want to stay and what type/price, assuming they are staying on St. Mary's and not the outlying islands? Most of the proper hotels are clustered in/around Hugh Town itself, but plenty of smaller B&B's, self catering places and the like spread all over the island, they have a pretty good list on the Scilly tourism site from memory. And no doubt plenty of AirBnB's these days as well... Personally I'd stay closer towards Hugh Town/Old Town, and head out each day to explore different corners of St. Mary's, or the other islands. Plenty of daily boats from Hugh Town out to the other islands if they want to explore - lovely gardens to visit on Tresco, but I love Bryher, St. Martin's and St. Agnes/Gugh as well - there's just too much to choose.

BigE · 10 April 2019, 17:10

My gran used to live on The Scilly Isles, my grandfather was the postmaster and my mother was born there. I remember going on The Scillonian as a young boy and a lot of people being sick. I thought it was great.

The Isles of Scilly are small, not many hotels so so speak and obviously a few B&B's, there is at least a camsite on St Mary's also. It's been almost 40 years since I last went so can't be much help other than the sun always shines, it looks tropical and can get very busy.

Dominic · 11 April 2019, 03:57

I visit the

GuyC · 11 April 2019, 06:51

Dominic - are you OK?

willk · 11 April 2019, 07:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuyC

Dominic - are you OK?

covfefe

treerat · 11 April 2019, 20:04

After using the vomit comet last year - i'd fly.......

Fenlander · 11 April 2019, 20:46

Thanks all. The most consistent comment from any source is about the trip there by water! I’ve advised Mrs F to take her own life jacket and plb.

PeteG · 11 April 2019, 21:02

https://penzanceheliport.co.uk

Actually ignore that (I've tried to delete it but can't). The service doesn't resume until 2020.

Sloopinn · 11 April 2019, 22:58

Went there last year on my rib, loved it. We stayed in the local church hall. Apparently most of the b&bs are well booked up but one of our party managed to get a room got a room for one night.
The Scillonian is a flat bottom boat, has to be get into the harbour and as some else said it’s always a good swell out there. When we went was a good 5 metres. Keep an eye out for orcas we spotted one last year. Awesome sight.

BigE · 17 April 2019, 11:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteG

https://penzanceheliport.co.uk

Actually ignore that (I've tried to delete it but can't). The service doesn't resume until 2020.

Alternatively there is the SKyBus from Exeter, Newquay or St Just (Lands End Airport??)

https://www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk/routes/

Fenlander · 17 April 2019, 16:27

Thanks all. She's booked for early Sept in a waterfront hotel room on St Mary's for the week, the ship both ways, Penzance B&B overnight prior to sailing and Penzance long term parking.

Fenlander · 31 August 2019, 10:15

Only eight days until Mrs F goes and the Scillonian has been out of service for three days with both engines faulty having been escorted or towed back to Penzance by the lifeboat. Doesn't give her much confidence for a trip she already knew could be challenging.

Major holiday disruption for many and folks stuck there wondering about getting back to the mainland for work on Monday.

Mrs F has just found there is a Redbay that runs the route... double the cost but half the time... wishes she'd booked that.

Maximus · 31 August 2019, 12:41

Perhaps "Ol Big Ears" will put his Hand into his very DEEP pockets and sort it!

£1,500,000+ (per month!)...from the Duchy alone...it would hardly put him in the Breadline!

Fenlander · 10 September 2019, 19:06

Oh well trip over was mild and return forecast ever better. Pic from their hotel window... looks a nice place to be. Could just imagine trundling the Aerotec down that beach in that weather.

Obsidian · 11 September 2019, 08:54

Its an amazing place, looking forward to doing the trip now that I am close enough!

36valley · 11 September 2019, 09:02

It's on my list for a visit next year.

BigE · 11 September 2019, 14:04

My mother was born on St Mary's, my grand parents lived there and worked as the postmaster/mistress and my aunt and uncle lived there until they died a few years ago. I have three cousins all bought up and schooled on the islands.

Ferryman · 12 September 2019, 22:21

I’m guessing that you’re surname starts with Tre?