TRAVEL INFORMATION - ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

Helicopter

The heliport shuttle bus meets all flights at St Mary's Airport.  The driver will request your accommodation name and departure date and flight time details.  You will be transported direct to April Cottage.  The cost is £7 per person, which includes the return journey.  No need to pre-book this service.  For further information Tel: 01720 422126 or 07789296218

Skybus (aeroplane)

Paulger's Passenger Transport meets all Skybus flights at St Mary's Airport.  The driver will request your accommodation name, departure date and flight time details.  You will then be transported direct to April Cottage.  The cost is £6.50 per person, which includes the return journey.  There is no need to pre-book this service.  For further information Tel: 01720 423701

 

Scillonian (ferry)

Ensure that your luggage is labelled with your name and 'April Cottage'.  Local hauliers 'Island Carriers', will then deliver luggage direct to us, for £1.20 per item.  April Cottage is approximately a 10 minute walk from the quay.  When disembarking from the ferry, walk up the quay and turn left at the Mermaid pub.  Walk through the main street and bear left at the 'Tideline', shop.  Ahead of you is the park, where the road forks.  Take the right hand roat, past the Town Hall and continue up Church Street, to the Parish Church with the clock.  Bear right for approximately 100 yards and April Cottage is on your right, a detached cream house, with a drive and front garden.  Island Carriers Tel: 01720 422662

 

Taxis and Bus

Please note, not all taxis operate on Sundays.  D J Cabs operate on Sundays.  Also, fares can vary between providers.  Please confirm fares before booking.

D J Cabs: 07717121101 -  Island Taxis: 01720 422635 or 07879817080/07760689332 - Q Cabs:  01720 422260 -  Scilly Cabs: 01720 422901 - St Mary's Taxi Service: 01720 422555

A community bus operates around St Mary's.  It is privately owned and unable to accept Bus Passes.  A typical fare is £1.50 anywhere direct.  Timetables available at April Cottage.  For further information tel: 07810435417 

 

Boating

Various inter-island and circular trips are offered by the St Mary's Boatmen's Association, including trips to see seals, puffins (April - late July), various sea birds and lighthouses.  No need to book, buy tickets at the kiosk on the quay, Sports Mode or the Tourist Information Centre. April Cottage is home to Alec Hicks, a member of the Association who will visit our guests during breakfast to assist with boating information.   For further information, visit: www.scillyboating.co.uk or contact Alec direct on: 07768662229

 

Fishing Trips

Reef, wreck and shark fishing and tagging trips (in season) are available, weather permitting.  Amateurs, experienced anglers and passengers welcome.  All equipment supplied.  Please wear warm, waterproof clothing.  Bookings can be made at Sports Mode Tel: 01720 422293 or direct with skipper Alec Hicks aboard Kingfisher Tel: 07768662229

 

Electric Cart Hire

New for 2011, the Scilly Cart Co offer 2, 4 or 6 seater electric carts (golf buggies) as an alternative way to explore St Mary's, ideal for people with reduced mobility.  Daily and weekly hire available.  PLEASE NOTE, A CURRENT FULL DRIVING LICENCE IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO HIRE A CART.  For further information Tel: 01720 422121

 

Sailing

The Sailing Centre on Porthmellon Beach on St Mary's, offer a variety of facilities, including windsurfing, sailing and kayaking.  For further infomation visit www.sailingscilly.com or Tel: 01720 422060

 

Diving

St Martin's Dive School offer snorkelling with the seals and a wide range of diving opportunities.  For further information visit www.scillydiving.com

 

Indoor Swimming Pool

Located at Normandy.  For more information visit www.activescilly.co.uk

 

Golf and Bowling

For further information regarding golg Tel: 01720 422692

Bowling costs £2.50 per person, per hour including hire of bowls at the Golf Club.  Walk up - put money in the box - enjoy bowling with spectacular views!

 

Horse Riding

Horse riding hacks and lessons are available at the St Mary's Riding Centre.  For further information visit www.horsesonscilly.co.uk or Tel: 01720 423855

 

Hair and Beauty

Adam & Eve provide an extensive  range of hair and beauty treatments in a relaxed atmosphere with sea views Tel: 01720 423550

 

Banks - Credit/Debit Cards

There are two banks on St Mary's.  Lloyds (with the only cashpoint facility which accepts most cards) and Barclays.  It is also possible to withdraw cash with certain cards from St Mary's Post Office.  Cash back is available from several shops.  PLEASE NOTE many small businesses are unable to accept debit/credit cards.  Please check with individuals to confirm.

 

Clothing and Sun Protection

Although our climate can be a few degrees warmer than the mainland at times, we experience similar weather to the rest of the UK plus we are surrounded by beautiful ocean, which provide sea breezes.  We recommend that guests come prepared for all eventualies and bring a waterproof jacket and  waterproof trousers, a warm fleece/jumper, warm hat/sun hat and sun cream, swimming costume and towel (if you are brave as the sea is quite cold!) and a comfortable  pair of walking shoes.  Trainers are a good idea if you do not own a pair of walking boots.  Our landscape and paths are rugged in places and our quays have uneven cobble stones and granite steps to the boats.  Many walking tours won't accept flip-flop or sandal wearers for safety reasons.  A small ruck-sack is useful to store unwanted layers and drinks whilst exploring our beautiful islands.

Due to the lack of pollution and high air purity around the islands, the ultraviolet light is very strong, particularly when boating due to reflection and on bright windy days, which create ideal burning conditions.  Overcast days are just as dangerous, when the ultraviolet is extremey strong, even when the sun is not shining.  Even guests who are 'used' to sunny conditions have been severely burnt.  PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.  Please protect yourself by applying adequate sunblocks of high factors and by wearing a hat.

 

Hospital, Health Centre, Pharmacy and Dentist

Should you require treatment or medication during your visit to the islands', please telephone:

Hospital: 01720 422392  -  Health Centre: 01720 422628 - Dentist: 01720 422694 - Pharmacy located @ Health Centre: 01720 422628