Devon LivingIssue #01
Falling in love with Scilly
Long since renowned for its white sand beaches, turquoise seas, relaxed pace and simple pleasures the Isles of Scilly is just a short flight away, thanks to Skybus and Exeter Airport.
From the moment you arrive at Exeter airport to catch the Skybus to Scilly you feel as if you are about to embark on a very special adventure. The flight time to Scilly may only take an hour but when you arrive you could be a world away.
There is a very distinct feel to Scilly that is like nowhere else. The air is clean and clear, tinged with the sweet note of narcissi in spring, the heady scent of gorse in early summer and that unmistakable smell of bracken combined with the salty sea breeze that transports you to heaven every time you inhale it.
It’s not just the olfactory senses that are in for a treat when you visit Scilly as the clarity of light is almost blinding. When the sun is shining the sparkle of the white sand beaches set against the clear blue waters creates a magical, be-jewelled setting. It must be the combination of the clear waters, unique maritime climate and fresh sea air makes Scilly so special. There are lots of events going on across Scilly throughout the year.
The annual spring-time walking festival, Walk Scilly 2018, is back this year with a longer duration and more walks by popular demand. Coinciding with the school holidays, the festival can now be enjoyed by all the family.
Unspoilt and uncrowded, there’s no better way of exploring the islands’ amazing scenery, wildlife and cultural heritage than the Walk Scilly’s rambles, hikes and strolls, with expert local guides bringing the treasures and hidden gems of each island to life.
The islands also boast an eclectic mix of food producers, growers, fishermen and farmers that serve up their catches, crops and creations to the wonderful selection of pubs, cafés and restaurants. On a recent trip we were lucky enough to sample some of Scilly’s foodie finest ahead of this year’s Taste of Scilly Festival that happens throughout September.
Whatever the time of year, you’re sure to find something to enjoy on Scilly.
Flying high
Celebrating its 80th year of flying last year, Exeter Airport Airport has operated through years of war and peace and now serves over 40 destinations and handles more than 40,000 aircraft movements a year. Last year saw almost 850,000 passengers pass through the airport, marking a fourth year of successive growth.
Skybus flights from Exeter Airport to St Mary’s Airport on the Isles of Scilly are operated up by Isles of Scilly Travel with flights available up to six days a week between March and November.
www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk
Taste of Scilly Festival
This month–long celebration is back in Septemer this year and is a chance to tuck into the unique low-food miles, slow-food culture of the famously unspoilt archipelago and enjoy a fresh foodie experience to savour every day.
Local bakers, brewers, chefs, farmers, fishermen and food and drink producers will once again come together to share their stories, passions and creativity. Look out, too, for food pop-ups around Tresco, sizzling Scilly beach barbeques at Karma St Martin’s, and special five-course tasting dinners at the Star Castle Hotel and Juliet’s Garden Restaurant & Bar.
Sample hot lobster, paella and pulled pork at the Bryher Food Festival, and don’t miss the three-day Beer, Cider, Gin and Rum Festival at the Seven Stones Inn on St Martin’s. For more information on daily events you can download the full programme at
www.visitislesofscilly.com/tasteofscilly
Walk Scilly
The festival runs over 11 days from April 4th to 14th and includes 37 walks. For the full festival programme and to find out more, go to www.visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly. To book the walks, phone 01720 620601 or email events@visitislesofscilly.com