The Isles of Scilly offers a multitude of activities, and with many local galleries and studios opening their doors during the month of May to a new festival called ArtScilly 2010, it’s a good time to go. Highlighting culture and distinctive art and crafts within Cornwall and the South thorough demonstrations, displays, exhibitions, events, talks, walks and workshops, your imagination is bound to be stimulated.

Take your bike with you and aboard the passenger ferry, Scillonian III, to sail to Scilly slowly. Or you can hire a bike at the other end. With plentiful scenery to explore with panoramic views and few steep hills, the ideal day is spent cycling around before finding a quiet spot for an authentic Cornish picnic.

On these peaceful islands you’ll find spring cleaning for the soul, with an intimate community amidst a unique environment of archipelago, sapphire seas, white sands and gardens with exotic plants, all enriched further with historic heritage including castles, pottery and gastronomy.

At ArtScilly 2010, you can enjoy beach rambles, colour therapy, silk painting and dance sessions, an opportunity to meet the makers, musical concerts and plentiful craft demonstrations including enameled jewellery and stained glass.

Additional opportunities can be found through talking to the locals: “Our signs are subtle, our approach is time-honoured, and our attitude is relaxed. We help you discover an individual get-away, with a “what suits you” (not one-size fits all) approach. Many of our artisans, guides, and hosts organise their activities around a laidback and traditional lifestyle.”

Activities could involve a visit to Troytown Farm, Scilly’s only dairy farm where you can sample its homemade ice cream, or a tour of St Martin’s Vineyard, Winery, Visitor Centre and Shop, or an opportunity to go snorkeling with seals at St Martin’s Dive School.

If you want to just relax, go to Fraggle Rock Bar, voted a “Best British Boozer” by Jamie Oliver, where many exhibitions of ArtScilly will be happening so you can soak up the art too!

Don’t forget to send a postcard to us!

ArtScilly 2010