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The Isles of Scilly are home to some of the most extraordinarily beautiful landscapes in all of Britain. The isles get to enjoy the UK’s warmest weather and their waters are so dazzlingly blue and their sands so glistening white that they’re often referred to as the Caribbean of the UK (though, admittedly, without the warm seas). But while Scilly may not be quite as far away as the Caribbean, it can still be a pain to get to.
Right now if you want to fly to the archipelago from London, you’ve got to rely on two unconnected flights (one from Gatwick then one from Newquay) from two different airlines, and give up the best part of a day. The alternative is taking the five-hour train from London before hopping on a flight or ferry to the isles.
However, from March travellers will be able to get from Gatwick to St Mary’s, Scilly in just over three hours. That’s thanks to the arrival of Skybus, the newly appointed operator for the Gatwick to Cornwall flight route.
Skybus, a carrier operated by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, took over the route back in November after previous operator Eastern Airways went into administration.
It was already running services from Newquay to the Isles of Scilly, so its acquisition of the route means that it’s been able to schedule the connection at Newquay Airport so that the transfer is faster and more seamless, cutting the overall time it takes to get from London to the islands. That also means that passengers will only need one ticket.
Fares on the Skybus Gatwick to Newquay route will begin at £79.99 one-way, which includes a 15kg checked baggage allowance. To go onward to St Mary’s, you’re looking at prices starting at £179.99 one way.
Once you’re on St Mary’s, the biggest of Scillies, there’s heaps to explore. Besides the dreamy beaches, there’s a number of well-preserved prehistoric sites across the island, such as Porth Hellick Down, a burial chamber whose style is unique to these islands and mainland Cornwall, or Halangy Down, the remains of an ancient Iron Age village. You could also take a swift transfer boat to the quieter but just as stunning islands of St Agnes, Bryher, Tresco or St Martin's.
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