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."
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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 occupancy30 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.
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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