Visit Isles of Scilly 2019 Press Pack Feature Story Ideas and Topline Information
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VISIT ISLES OF SCILLY 2019 PRESS PACK FEATURE STORY IDEAS AND TOPLINE INFORMATION Media Contacts Carolyn Garman 07899 907178 / 01720 620601 [email protected] Rachel Greenlaw 01720 620601 [email protected] Visit Isles of Scilly visitislesofscilly.com ESCAPE TO THE ISLES OF SCILLY Just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, SOME SCILLY FACTS the Isles of Scilly is a cluster of jewel- Among the 140 or so uninhabited islands like islands, tucked away in the vast and islets, there are five inhabited islands; St. Mary’s, Tresco, St. Martin’s, Bryher and Atlantic Ocean. Close enough to St. Agnes. Each has its own distinctive mainland UK, yet a world apart in character despite their close proximity. so many ways, these wild little isles You can island hop between all the islands in a matter of minutes. are fringed with white sand beaches, covered in flowers and gorse, and 2,200 people live on this tiny archipelago. surrounded by the glittering sea. 1,800 are based on the largest, St. Mary’s; with about 110 each on Tresco and The ebb and flow of daily life is St. Martin’s, and between 80 and 90 a little slower, more relaxed, and on Bryher and St. Agnes. perfectly in tune with the seasonal The beaches are not only some of nature of the isles. This is a place for the most beautiful in the UK, but also escape and adventure, to swim with the finest in the world. seals, to gaze at the stars and to take a The entire archipelago is designated as an breath of fresh, pure air. Marvel at the AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY. storms sweeping through in the winter months; bask in the sun-drenched Scilly enjoys one of the mildest climates in the UK. days of summer. There’s a whole host of events each year, all “On Scilly, hedgerows are bursting with distinctly Scillonian, all offering visitors a song, there are no cars on most of the taste of real island life. islands and limited access keeps a lid on visitor numbers… For families, it feels Scilly welcomes around 125,000 visitors like a chapter from a Famous Five tale.” a year – a combination of holidaymakers, day trippers from Cornwall and passengers Mark Rowe from visiting cruise ships. National Geographic Traveller BEGIN YOUR SCILLY STORY Journey across to the islands and A SPOTLIGHT ON… experience a hidden haven that will Hell Bay Hotel and Crab shack live long in your mind; a timeless, An award-winning hotel on the beautiful easy-going place where you can island of Bryher with an exclusive dinner write your own unique story. option – freshly caught Bryher crab, mussels and scallops prepared and Here are just a few ideas for you: cooked to order in an intimate setting. St. Martin’s Observatory ISLAND ESCAPE New for 2019. Visit the stunning isle of Immerse yourself in a slower pace of life on the St. Martin’s, a Desginated Dark Skies Isles of Scilly with island hopping adventures Discovery Zone, and gaze at the stars at the between the five inhabited islands, all about a new, purpose-built community observatory. 20-minute boat ride away. Enjoy strolling across A first on the Isles of Scilly and the most shell scattered beaches or discovering hidden south-westerly observatory in the UK. trails through the moorland and woods. Island Gin Distillery WILD LITTLE ISLES New for 2019. Scilly Spirit crafts gorgeous Enjoy windswept coastal walks, potter along gin from a range of botanicals. The twist? pristine white beaches and lose yourself for the You choose your own unique blend in a day along trails and footpaths with plenty of workshop setting and take a bottle home. foodie stops along the way. Wander back through history as you explore castles and ruins, or keep Creative Scilly Festival an eye out on a sea safari for puffins, seabirds, New for 2019. Bringing the islands’ dolphins and porpoises. creative and cultural talent together for 13 days of island whimsy and intrigue. “The dramatic coastal scenery and sense of From 10th – 22nd May. isolation on the Isles of Scilly make them a unique place to explore on foot.” Tanglewood Feasts Exclusive Scillonian feast nights in a Annabelle Thorpe quirky setting. Sup on gourmet delights The Times in small groups in the old post office, steeped in island history. STARLIGHT AND STORMS Marvel at the milky way, experience a meteor shower or come for a wild night in the early season. With a new observatory on St. Martin’s and endless stretches of darkness to welcome the stars, there’s nowhere better to sit back and star gaze or storm watch. A PLACE FOR MINDFULNESS From wild yoga to meditation, the islands are a place for calm and peace. Read, write, sketch or simply sit back and enjoy the seclusion. Scilly is safe and welcoming, the ideal place to A SPOTLIGHT ON… recharge and renew you. CONTINUED “The islands enjoy their own relaxed pace Island Fish, Bryher of life and you’ll appreciate more by doing less. From sea to plate, watch Mark Pender, Simply soak up the unique scenery and enjoy Shellfish Fisherman of the Year, cast out a sense of remote relaxation.” with his lines and nets, landing the freshest island seafood for you to enjoy. Wendy Johnson Woman’s Own Island Cinema Bring a picnic blanket and relax in pop-up FIND YOUR ADVENTURE settings to experience outdoor cinema With an island playground to explore, start shows with the isles as the backdrop. with a coastal boulder yomp, scramble along the shoreline, then take a dip in the sheltered Vineyards coves – or out into the vast Atlantic - for a Tour the vineyards and taste the local spot of wild sea swimming. Kayak to your own wines produced on St. Mary’s and uninhabited island for the day and swim with St. Martin’s in the sunshine. Holyvale friendly seals. Wines offers exclusive lobster lunches amongst the vines; St. Martin’s Vineyard A TASTE OF SCILLY offer special taster tours. Across the isles are many artisan producers and foodie hot spots allowing you to enjoy Longstone Lodge eating like a local. From dining on freshly The only hostel on the isles, featuring cool caught lobster to workshops to craft your own accommodation in family rooms through to gin with your choice of botanicals, Scilly serves singles, and a fully-equipped kitchen in a up a range of gourmet delights, all washed spectacular island setting. down with the sound of the waves. ROMANCING THE ROCK Feel the sand between your toes and the sun on your face as you say ‘I do’. Castaway on your own adventure, renew your vows, tie the knot or simply bask in the glow of a celebration for two. “Beautifully romantic, a place where time stands still and moments shared will last forever.” Jessica Way Exclusively British magazine SIMPLE PLEASURES A family holiday without the fuss, fall into the myScilly #MYSCILLY Scilly way of life and potter along the beach with buckets and spades, explore the winding Nowhere is more local than the Isles country lanes by bike, or hop on a wildlife of Scilly, with family ties that go back safari boat trip. A chance to bring together generations. The isles are full of interesting every generation. characters, many with a story to tell and a little bit of sea water washing around their CREATIVE ISLANDS hearts. Take a visit to the museum on With so much natural inspiration, it’s no St. Mary’s, a treasure trove filled with island wonder that the isles are filled with creatives. history of shipwrecks, seabirds and history From artists to creators, potters to crafters, through the ages. There’s even a complete there are a host of workshops and galleries to 1877 gig that stretches up through the explore. For an authentic island night out, try museum’s two floors. an evening of folk music and sea shanties, all performed by locals whilst you try a glass of View #myScilly stories online at: island-brewed beer. visitislesofscilly.com SCILLY BUCKET LIST 2019 Eleven unmissable events and activities on the islands for the year ahead. WALK SCILLY This 10-day festival from 3rd to 12th April features 40 walks and boat trips across nine islands; the five inhabited islands and four of the uninhabited ones – Samson, St. Helen’s, Tean and Nornour. All are led by the very best of expert guides and local islanders to really bring the treasures and hidden gems of 30TH WORLD PILOT GIG Scilly to life. Energetic island CHAMPIONSHIPS hikes, sunrise strolls, wildlife 2019 promises to be the best discovery tours, food foraging year yet! A festival atmosphere forays, beachcombing, star mixed with a weekend of gig gazing and top to toe rambles. racing in the Atlantic Ocean - You can also catch the autumn what’s not to love? This year Walk Scilly Long Weekend from it takes place on 4th-6th May 10th – 14th October for some with over 150 gigs and their bracing sea air and the very crews descending on Scilly for TRESCO ABBEY GARDEN best of the spring programme, an energy-fuelled weekend. Tresco Abbey Garden packed into one exciting is a botanical paradise long weekend. CREATIVE SCILLY planted among the ruins Thirteen days of island whimsy of a Benedictine priory. Its “Over a jam-packed and intrigue from 10th – 22nd incredible 20,000 plant species programme of guided walks, May, with pop-up theatre in have been collected from as Walk Scilly celebrates the very immersive settings, workshops far and wide as New Zealand, best that the Isles of Scilly with local artists and an open Australia, South Africa and have to offer – dark skies, studio trail to explore.