Exploring the Isles of Scilly in Spring: A Nature-Lover’s Dream with Naturetrek
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| Sunrise departure from Penzance harbour |
When you think of the Isles of Scilly, visions of stunning landscapes, rare wildlife, and windswept coastlines come to mind. Our eight-day adventure from the 5th to the 12th of May 2025 delivered all of that—and more.
Arrival & First Impressions
Setting sail aboard the Scillonian III from Penzance, our journey began with stunning views of the Cornish coastline, passing landmarks like the Minack Theatre and Longships Lighthouse. Dolphins played in the waves while Manx shearwaters soared around the boat. As we neared St. Mary’s, the anticipation grew—this was just the beginning.
Once settled into the Star Castle Hotel, we embarked on a walk around the Garrison, where blackcaps, stonechats, and linnets flitted among the wildflowers. The call of cuckoos in the distance set the tone for a memorable week.
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| Songthrush |
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| Wren |
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| Linnet |
Island-Hopping Adventures
Each day brought a new adventure, visiting the iconic isles of St. Agnes, Tresco, Bryher, and St. Martin’s. From windswept coastal trails to thriving offshore bird sanctuaries, each location revealed its own distinct charm.
One of the most exhilarating moments was our boat trip around Bishop’s Rock Lighthouse, Annet & the Western Rocks, where puffins, razorbills, guillemots and grey seals greeted us. The seabirds perched on the granite outcrops, watching curiously as we navigated the waters. At Tresco, the renowned Abbey Gardens dazzled with exotic plants, and guests even caught glimpses of the elusive Scilly shrew.
Meanwhile, on St. Agnes, nature treated us to a stunning display of shelducks, wigeons, and whimbrels by the Big Pool. And who could forget Troytown Farm’s famous homemade ice cream? Enjoying a scoop while overlooking the rugged coastline felt like the perfect way to soak in the moment.
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| Atlantic Puffin |
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| Atlantic Puffin |
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| Guillemots |
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| Black Guillemot |
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| Razorbill |
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| A picnic lunch on Bryher | |
Wildlife Highlights
Spring is a spectacular time for wildlife on Scilly. Throughout the trip, we spotted rare birds such as a second-summer purple heron, a great white egret, and, most surprisingly, a black guillemot—the first recorded on the islands since 2004!
Seals basked lazily on rocky shores, while butterflies danced along wildflower-strewn paths. Even unexpected sightings—like a possible weasel below Star Castle’s steps—added an element of mystery to our explorations.
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| Great White Egret |
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| Great White Egret |
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| Purple Heron |
Coastal Wonders & Final Farewells
With each passing day, we found ourselves more immersed in the rhythm of these enchanting islands. From quiet moments watching oystercatchers on the beaches to soaking in the last golden sunset over the harbour, every experience felt precious.
Our return voyage on the Scillonian III was filled with seabird sightings, including an unforgettable raft of over 200 Manx shearwaters near Wolf Rock Lighthouse. As Penzance came into view, there was a collective sense of awe—this journey had been very special.
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| Bryher toward Tresco |
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| Starling carrying bits of pasty to its brood on St.Martins |
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| Grey Seals |
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| Grey Seals |
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| A raft of Manx Shearwaters |
Looking Ahead
The Isles of Scilly in spring offer something truly magical—whether you’re a seasoned birder, a plant enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a peaceful escape. As we parted ways, there was already talk of a return visit, eager to explore more of these spectacular islands.
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| Star castle Hotel on St.Mary's. | |
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| Visiting the Bishop's Rock lighthouse |
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| Bishop's Rock lighthouse | |
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| The Turks Head on St.Agnes | |
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| Pete's ploughmans lunch for one! | |
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| Bryher towards Tresco | |
Another first class tour with Naturetrek to the Isles of Scilly. Checkout their website for future tours and other worldwide destinations at https://www.naturetrek.co.uk/
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