The Enchanted Isles
Discover the beautiful Isles of Scilly with Mike Nelhams & Chantal Cookson staying at the Hell Bay Hotel on Bryher
- 30 April 2021
- 20 September 2021
An Introduction by Andrew Cochrane, Noble Caledonia Founder & Director.
"When I first visited the Isles of Scilly some 30 years ago, I thought the archipelago the most bewitching of places in the UK. It may be only 30 miles off the Cornish coast, but suddenly you arrive at a timeless maritime oasis where the grey Atlantic dissolves miraculously into turquoise, and white sandy beaches give way to verdant islands and palm trees. The nurturing warm waters of the Gulf Stream have helped to create a microclimate endowing the islands with great botanical and ornithological diversity. Most of the year is warm enough to support plant growth for flora normally native to a Mediterranean or sub-tropical climate. The Abbey Gardens on the island of Tresco offer an explosion of sub-tropical colour at the eastern end of the island, whilst to the north and west, a thirtyminute walk away is another world. Here, the coast is rugged and wild with wind-shaped heathers and rugged coastal vegetation.
My first visit all those years ago led me in part to begin a series of UK and Ireland coastal cruises which concentrated on our islands’ natural world. Noble Caledonia was the first company to offer such trips aboard small ships and any itinerary beginning in England always included a day in the Isles of Scilly. But, for me and many, a day is not sufficient. There is so much to see on the islands of St Marys, Bryher, St Agnes and St Martin whether your interest lies in botany, ornithology, horticulture, maritime history or archaeology and our six-day visit will cover all aspects. The joy of these islands are the gentle walks along car-free lanes and paths, absorbing the flora and birdsong without the background hum of traffic and modern-day life. The islands are small, the walks undemanding and, instead of hopping on and off coaches, our transport will be provided by private boats.
If you have travelled with us on one our ships to the Isles of Scilly I hope you will consider returning for a longer stay. If these treasure islands have eluded you up until now I can only recommend you correct this omission and join us for what promises to be an endlessly fascinating experience."
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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Your Hosts
Guest Speaker & Garden Curator Tresco Abbey Gardens - Mike Nelhams
We are most fortunate in having Mike Nelhams as our Guest Speaker. We have known Mike for over 20 years as he has welcomed our vessels to Tresco and more recently accompanied our tours in Cornwall. He is one of the island’s great characters and will add much to your visit. Mike first went to Tresco on a Studley Trust Scholarship as a student in 1976. He first trained for three years at the Royal Horticultural Society Garden, Wisley. After managing a woodland garden in Sussex for five years he returned to Tresco Abbey Garden in 1984 as Head Gardener and then in 1994 took the post of Garden Curator which was established for him. He is an RHS judge on the Tender Plants Committee, judging regularly at Chelsea, Hampton Court and London RHS shows and also is a frequent lecturer throughout the Englishspeaking world. He has published a book, “Tresco Abbey Garden” and has made many appearances on national TV and radio, as well as having written many articles for the horticultural press. Mike has a particular interest in plants from the Mediterranean and associated coastal regions of the world. A Fellow of the Institute of Horticulture and an Associate of Honour of the Royal Horticultural Society, Mike regularly leads garden tours.
Tour Leader - Chantal Cookson
Chantal has lost count of how many times she has stepped ashore in the Isles of Scilly. Chantal was born in Suffolk very near the sea and now lives in Northumberland where her husband farms. Chantal has been associated with Noble Caledonia since the company was founded in 1991 and has led tours, be it cruising or land, all over the world. Chantal’s initial experience of cruising in British waters was in 1991 when Noble Caledonia undertook its first cruise around the British Isles, which was a groundbreaking voyage and led to a very successful and popular concept. Though her main job over the last 25 years has been working for Sotheby’s, she is now a Travel and Fine Art Consultant intertwining in her busy life still working periodically as part of the Noble Caledonia field staff team. From the Arctic to the Antarctica, South America to Australia, the UK, Africa, India, the Seychelles, and many other destinations she has been able to pursue her love of the oceans, travel and photography. Chantal is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Hell Bay Hotel
This is an extraordinary hotel, sitting on the edge of the outermost of the inhabited islands. Yet, for all its remote location it offers great style, wonderful food and a warm and friendly welcome. Hell Bay is tucked away in a secluded cove enjoying spectacular sea views and we have taken over the hotel for the duration of our trip. This is such a special place that our itinerary has been planned to allow for free time to enjoy all that Hell Bay has to offer.
Itinerary
Day 1 St Mary’s to Bryher, Isles of Scilly.
Make your own way to the Isles of Scilly. The numerous options include the ferry service from Penzance or flight and helicopter trips from Land’s End, Newquay, Exeter and Southampton (refer to www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk for detailed information). Meet at St Mary’s Quay for transfer by private boat to the island of Bryher and the Hell Bay Hotel. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before meeting for drinks and a welcome dinner.
Day 2 Tresco.
After a leisurely breakfast join the private boat for the brief crossing to the island of Tresco. Walk along the traffic-free lane to the Tresco Abbey Gardens where Mike Nelhams and his head gardener will accompany us around this most stunning of gardens which includes an extraordinary collection of salvaged figureheads at Valhalla. After the guided tour and some free time to explore the gardens individually, we will have lunch at the Flying Boat Bar & Bistro. We then explore the island and head north across the wild heathland in the view of Cromwell’s Castle and the ruins of King Charles’s Castle. King Charles II hid out in the Isles of Scilly whilst fleeing from the Parliamentary forces. Return to Bryher in the mid-afternoon by private boat and enjoy some leisurely time at Hell Bay before dinner.
Day 3 St Agnes.
This morning we will embark on a privately chartered seabird and seal watching trip and in the late morning land on St Agnes. Surrounded by rocks and reefs St Agnes is the most south westerly community in the UK. After lunch at High Tide Seafood Restaurant we are free to explore this rugged but attractive island with its traditional stone cottages, pocket-size farms and tiny bulb fields. Take a walk along the coastal path with its impressive views of the treacherous Western Rocks and famous Bishop Rock Lighthouse. At low tide you can also walk across to the neighbouring island of Gugh, famous for its Bronze Ages Standing Stones and numerous dolmens and burial chambers. Return to Bryher for dinner.
Day 4 St Martin.
We take a private boat this morning to St Martin. This narrow island with perfectly white sandy beaches is a walker’s delight. We start the day with a visit to the Churchtown Flower Farm, a family run venture that sends flowers to home addresses all over the UK. From October to March they grow scented narcissi outdoors in small sheltered fields and in the summer months they produce all manner of scented old English flowers. After lunch at the Karma St. Martin’s Hotel take a walk along the coastal path through scented gorse heathlands or beachcomb looking out to the bluest waters of the islands. Return to Bryher in the mid-afternoon.
Day 5 St Mary’s.
This morning our private boat will take us across to the hub of the islands, St Mary’s and Hugh Town. We will see some of the island and head for the Holyvale Vineyard. Planted in 2009 their first vintage arrived in 2014, we will hear how with the cooperation of the Duchy of Cornwall they managed to create a vineyard in the most unlikely of locations. After a tour and tasting, return to Hugh Town for lunch at Star Castle Hotel and some free time. Return to Bryher for a relaxing afternoon and perhaps an afternoon walk on Bryher to the peaceful bays and secluded beaches at the southern end of the island. Enjoy farewell drinks and dinner this evening.
Day 6 Bryher to St Mary’s.
Depart after breakfast for St Mary’s Quay and airport for your individual homeward transport arrangements.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 30 April to 5 May 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| High Tide Suites & Garden View Suites | £2195 | |
| Studio Suites & Spring Tide Suites | £2495 | |
| Juno & Empress Suites | £2695 | |
| Emperor Suite | £2895 | |
| High Tide Suites & Garden View Suites Sole Occupancy | £2495 | |
| Studio Suites & Spring Tide Suites Sole Occupancy | £2795 | |
| 20 to 25 September 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| High Tide Suites & Garden View Suites | £2395 | |
| Studio Suites & Spring Tide Suites | £2695 | |
| Juno & Empress Suites | £2895 | |
| Emperor Suite | £3095 | |
| High Tide Suites & Garden View Suites Sole Occupancy | £2795 | |
| Studio Suites & Spring Tide Suites Sole Occupancy | £3095 | |
Tour Reference Code: LAENCHANTED
PRICE INCLUDES: Five nights hotel accommodation at Hell Bay Hotel on a breakfast and dinner basis • Four lunches • Entrance fees • Tour Leader • Guest Speaker.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Hell Bay Hotel
This is an extraordinary hotel, sitting on the edge of the outermost of the inhabited islands. Yet, for all its remote location it offers great style, wonderful food and a warm and friendly welcome. Hell Bay is tucked away in a secluded cove enjoying spectacular sea views and we have taken over the hotel for the duration of our trip. This is such a special place that our itinerary has been planned to allow for free time to enjoy all that Hell Bay has to offer.
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Hotel Directory
Hotel Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the hotel or click on the booklet to download.
Hell Bay Hotel is an extraordinary hotel on the beautifulisland of Bryher, tucked away in a secluded cove with spectacular sea views.
The 25 spacious suites are all beautifully appointed in an island style with soft colours complementing the seascapes and room categories ranging from studio suites to two bedroom suites. There is a large terrace with stunning views, perfect for a drink or lunch, and a sunset deck where you can watch the sun go down over Gweal Hill. Head chef Richard Kearsley presides over the three AA Rosette kitchen which produces award winning food, much of which is sourced locally.
Other comforts at the hotel include a bar, Crab Shack, spa treatment room, heated outdoor pool and tennis court. This is a very special hotel, with a relaxed and personal feel, and the perfect base from which to explore the delights of the Isles of Scilly.
ADDRESS & CONTACT DETAILS
Hell Bay Hotel Bryher Isles of Scilly TR23 0PR Tel: + (44) 01720 422947 E-mail: contactus@hellbay.co.uk
CHECK IN/CHECK OUT
Check in time is from 3.00 pm and check out is by 10.30 am.
COMMUNICATIONS
There is a phone in your hotel room which has access to an outside line. Outgoing call costs can be found on the information next to your phone. You can obtain an outside line by dialling 9. Room-to-room calls are free of charge. Please dial 1+ followed by the room number (i.e. 104 for Room 4, 122 for Room 22).
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian and gluten free, please notify the Reservations Department. We will endeavour to accommodate your needs but regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. Once checked in, please speak to the Maitre ‘D at dinner on your first night to reconfirm your needs.
DINING & DRINKING
Full English breakfast is served daily between 7.45 to 9.45 am. Lunch is served daily from 12.00 to 2:00 pm. Dinner is served daily from 6.45 to 8.45 pm.
DOCTOR
The doctor’s surgery is on the main island of St Mary’s and can be contacted by telephone on 01720 422628. If you have an appointment booked, the hotel can assist with boating arrangements to St Mary’s. For more urgent requirements a 999 call can be made to get a co-responder out to assess whether you need the ambulance called.
DRESS CODE
The dress code is casual during the day and smart casual for dinner.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event that an emergency should occur during your stay, we ask that you remain calm and follow the instructions of the staff. All emergency exits are clearly marked and provide a safe and fast escape from the building. We request that as soon as you enter your room, you carefully read the safety instructions in the guest information pack in your room. Please make yourself aware of the nearest Fire Exit, ‘Break Glass Points’ to your room as well as the meeting point in the event of a fire. In an emergency please contact Reception. In case of evacuation, the meeting point is located in the hotel car park, near the restaurant and sunset deck. If you are disabled and require assistance, please ring Reception immediately.
END OF STAY QUESTIONNAIRE
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us, therefore, we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you by your Tour Leader.
HOUSEKEEPING
Rooms are serviced daily between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm. In order to make your stay more comfortable, the Housekeeper will be pleased to provide extra fresh milk, pillows, blankets, towels, coat hangers, shower caps etc. Non-slip bath mats are available upon request.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
A laundering service is available. Please fill out the laundry sheet and leave it together with the items to be laundered in the bag provided.
LIFT
There are no lifts at Hell Bay Hotel.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you check out, please check your hotel room to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia directly. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.
MAIL
Letters or postcards can be left at Reception and the team will be happy to assist with postage. Postage can be bought and charged to your room account. The island’s post office and post box is located at Bryher Shop.
NEWS
News channels are available on your TV in your hotel room. Newspapers are available for delivery to your room via a pre-order at check in. Alternatively, a small selection of papers is available to read in the lounge.
PILLOWS
Feather pillows are available on request.
PUBLIC AREAS
The hotel offers a large terrace, where you can enjoy a long leisurely lunch or drink while taking in the extraordinary views. There is also a sunset deck to take in the stunning sunsets over Gweal Hill and the perfect place to relax with a glass of Champagne. The restaurant offers comprehensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menus which use fresh, local ingredients wherever possible. The Crab Shack is a rustic little eatery that sticks to the adage of serving fresh shellfish straight from the boat. There is also a bar, spa treatment room, heated outside swimming pool and tennis court.
ROOM ACCOUNT
All guests will have their own “room account”. This allows you to charge any expenses to your room and then settle your bill at the Reception Desk at the end of your stay. Prices are shown and charged in Pounds. Your room account can be paid by:
• Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard)
• Cash (Pounds)
ROOMS AND SUITES SIGNATURE SUITE
Room 1 (Emperor)
Ground Floor – Two bedroomed suite with sitting area in the master bedroom, ensuite bathroom, private wooden deck and uninterrupted surrounding sea views. The master bedroom is double bedded and the second bedroom can be configured as twin or double.
STUDIO SUITES
Room 2 (Gypsy)
Ground Floor - Double/Twin room with sitting area, ensuite bathroom, private patio and uninterrupted sea views. This room is accessible for wheelchair users.
Room 3 (Nornour)
Ground Floor – Double/Twin room with sitting area, ensuite shower, private patio and uninterrupted sea views.
Room 4 (Emma Louise)
Ground Floor – Double/Twin room with sitting area, ensuite shower, private patio and uninterrupted sea views.
Room 5 (Dauntless)
Ground Floor – Double/Twin room with sitting area, ensuite bathroom, private patio and uninterrupted sea views.
Room 6 (Campernell)
Ground Floor - Double/Twin room with sitting area, ensuite bathroom, private patio and uninterrupted sea views.
Room 7 (Galatea)
Ground Floor - Two bedroomed suite with sitting area in the master bedroom, ensuite bathroom, private patio and sea views.
Room 8 (Lily)
Ground Floor – Double/Twin suite with sitting area in the master bedroom, second bedroom, ensuite bathroom, private patio and garden view.
Room 9 (Zelda)
First Floor - Double/Twin room with sitting area, ensuite bathroom, small private balcony and uninterrupted sea views.
Room 10 (Sussex)
First Floor - Double/Twin room with sitting area, ensuite shower, a small private balcony and uninterrupted sea views.
Room 11 (Bonnet)
First Floor - Double/Twin room with sitting area, ensuite shower, a small private balcony and uninterrupted sea views.
Room 12 (Serica)
First Floor - Double/Twin room with sitting area, ensuite bathroom, small private balcony and uninterrupted sea views.
Room 14 (Hope)
First Floor - Double/Twin room with sitting area, ensuite bathroom, a small private balcony and uninterrupted sea views.
Room 15 (Shah)
Ground Floor - Two bedroomed suite with separate sitting room, ensuite bathroom, private patio and garden/courtyard views.
HIGH TIDE
Room 20 (Swift)
Ground Floor – Double/Twin bedroom with private sitting room, ensuite bathroom and private patio with a limited sea view.
Room 21 (Golden Eagle)
Ground Floor - Double/Twin bedroom with private sitting room, ensuite bathroom and private patio with a garden view.
Room 22 (Dove)
First Floor –Double/Twin bedroom with private sitting room, ensuite bathroom, a private balcony and surrounding sea views.
Room 23 (Linnet)
First Floor – Double/Twin bedroom with private sitting room, ensuite bathroom, a private balcony and surrounding sea views.
SPRING TIDE
Room 24 (Wasp)
Ground Floor – Double/Twin room with private sitting room, ensuite bathroom and private patio with sea view.
Room 25 (Dolphin)
Ground Floor – Double/Twin room with private sitting room, ensuite bathroom and private patio with sea view.
Room 26 (Bee)
First Floor – Double/Twin room with private sitting room, ensuite bathroom and private balcony with surrounding sea views.
Room 27 (Unicorn)
First Floor – Double/Twin room with private sitting room, ensuite bathroom and private balcony with surrounding sea views.
Room 30 (Guinevere)
Ground Floor – Double/Twin room with private sitting room, ensuite bathroom and a private patio with a partial sea view.
SIGNATURE SUITES
Room 31 (Juno)
First Floor – Large Double/Twin suite with open plan sitting area, ensuite bathroom and a large private balcony with uninterrupted sea views.
Room 32 (Empress)
Ground Floor – Large detached Double/Twin suite with open plan sitting area, ensuite bathroom, private deck and partial sea view.
SAFE
The hotel cannot accept responsibility for any items left in bedrooms. Valuables may be deposited in the safe at reception.
SMOKING POLICY
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the hotel. There is a designated area on the terrace where you may smoke, and it is requested that smokers take the comfort of other guests into consideration.
SWIMMING POOL
The pool is heated to about 30ºC/80ºF. Guests are asked not to use the pool between 8.00 pm and 8.00 am. Please familiarise yourself with the emergency instructions prior to using the pool.
TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
150 Reception/Housekeeping 163 Restaurant/Bar 9 Outside line 1+ Room to room (i.e. 104 for Room 4, 122 for Room 22)
TELEVISION
All rooms are equipped with LCD TVs with a DVD player.
TOILETRIES
All hotel rooms are supplied with the following complimentary amenities: • Shower gel & body lotion • Hair shampoo & conditioner • Soap • Shower caps • Tissues
TREATMENTS
Spa treatments are available and bookable through reception. A spa treatment list can be found online or in your room.
WAKE UP CALL
Wake up calls can be requested through the Reception Desk.
WATER
Water from the taps in your room is drinkable.
WI-FI
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Select Hell Bay Guest and no password is required.
Your Hosts
Guest Speaker & Garden Curator Tresco Abbey Gardens - Mike Nelhams
We are most fortunate in having Mike Nelhams as our Guest Speaker. We have known Mike for over 20 years as he has welcomed our vessels to Tresco and more recently accompanied our tours in Cornwall. He is one of the island’s great characters and will add much to your visit. Mike first went to Tresco on a Studley Trust Scholarship as a student in 1976. He first trained for three years at the Royal Horticultural Society Garden, Wisley. After managing a woodland garden in Sussex for five years he returned to Tresco Abbey Garden in 1984 as Head Gardener and then in 1994 took the post of Garden Curator which was established for him. He is an RHS judge on the Tender Plants Committee, judging regularly at Chelsea, Hampton Court and London RHS shows and also is a frequent lecturer throughout the Englishspeaking world. He has published a book, “Tresco Abbey Garden” and has made many appearances on national TV and radio, as well as having written many articles for the horticultural press. Mike has a particular interest in plants from the Mediterranean and associated coastal regions of the world. A Fellow of the Institute of Horticulture and an Associate of Honour of the Royal Horticultural Society, Mike regularly leads garden tours.
Tour Leader - Chantal Cookson
Chantal has lost count of how many times she has stepped ashore in the Isles of Scilly. Chantal was born in Suffolk very near the sea and now lives in Northumberland where her husband farms. Chantal has been associated with Noble Caledonia since the company was founded in 1991 and has led tours, be it cruising or land, all over the world. Chantal’s initial experience of cruising in British waters was in 1991 when Noble Caledonia undertook its first cruise around the British Isles, which was a groundbreaking voyage and led to a very successful and popular concept. Though her main job over the last 25 years has been working for Sotheby’s, she is now a Travel and Fine Art Consultant intertwining in her busy life still working periodically as part of the Noble Caledonia field staff team. From the Arctic to the Antarctica, South America to Australia, the UK, Africa, India, the Seychelles, and many other destinations she has been able to pursue her love of the oceans, travel and photography. Chantal is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000