Isles of Scilly, England

The Isles of Scilly (from Latin for 'Sun Isles') are located off the coast of Cornwall in the West Country region of England. Rising out of the Atlantic, 34 km's off Land's End, this archipelago of over 100 islands has only 5 inhabited Islands: St Mary's the largest and the hub of activity, Bryher, St Agnes, St Martin's and Tresco.

The Isles of Scilly boast white sand beaches, translucent waters and 'sub-tropical' vegetation. In 1975 the area was designated an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a great place to engage in water sports, walking, relaxing, fishing and sailing, to name a few.

Things to see and do

* Hugh Town
* Archeological Sites
* Abbey Gardens - Tresco
* Puffins and seals boat tours
* Isles of Scilly Museum - Hugh Town

General information

Cruise Season - March to Nov
Currency - Pound Sterling (GDP)
Language - English
Land Area - 3,563 sq km Cornwall
Population - 2,300
Electricity - British-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade
Time -GMT plus zero hours
International Country Telephone Code - +44

Port Location - The Ports of Falmouth and Truro are the nearest major ports to the Isles of Scilly.

Transport Links -. Take a shortcut to Scilly, with flights from Southampton, Bristol, Exeter, Newquay and Land's End. All Skybus departure points offer daily flights from maonday to Saturday, with 'Saver Fares' now available from Exeter, Newquay and Land's End). Daytrips to the Islands are also available from Land's End or Newquay. Through the summer months the Scillonian III operates a boat service from Penzance to St Mary's. The Penzance to St Mary's route has been operated by helicopter since 1964 and is the world's longest running scheduled helicopter service.

The best way to see the islands is on foot, however cabs are normally available from a departure point outside the Town Hall on St Marys. Various coach, mini-bus and vintage car tours run during the summer. Cycles are also available for hire.