Inspired: Scilly

           Island Hopping... St Martins - first stop, the bakery! ...followed by a picnic on the beach and a little sunbathing. I get a bit closer to my goal of actual swimming in the sea and manage a few seconds of doggy paddle before the cold is just too much... So I settle for paddling and a spontaneous fish pedicure, instead. Later that evening... warming up with Spanish tapas at Dibs! Keeping on the food theme... a trip to Tresco and a lovely lunch at Ruin Beach Cafe. Exploring Tresco Abbey Gardens... Another day, another island... This time the beautiful rugged coastline of St Agnes.   A quick stop at The Bulb Shop to say hello to Mandy and drop off some more of my jewellery. It's been selling well so I'll have earned my glass of wine at the Turks later!  Admiring the beautful stained glass windows at St Agnes church by the very talented Oriel Hicks. On to th...

This Chinese New Year is the Year of the Horse (which happens to be one of my favourite animals) so to celebrate I've collated a few Scilly links concerning all things horsey! Accommodation - With it's privileged position, atop the Garrison on St Mary's,  White Horses  boasts sea and island views and an attractive terraced area for al fresco dining. For more information, see www.sibleysonscilly.co.uk Seahorse , one of the Sea Garden self-catering cottages on Tresco boasts a wood-burning stove, master bedroom ensuite, barbeque, balcony and sea views. See more at www.tresco.co.uk/accommodation Things to Do - St Mary's Riding Centre for lessons, hacks and carriage rides -  www.scillyonline.co.uk/stables/home.php Scilly Carriages provides leisurely carriage rides around St Mary's -  www.scillycarriages.co.uk Take a trip to an off island aboard the tripper boat, Seahorse. Built locally on St Mary's, it's one of a fleet of tripper boats that form t...

There have been several good articles about Scilly recently, in particular the second largest of the islands, the lovely Tresco. Click on the links for a selection to peruse over with your afternoon cuppa. Conde Nast Traveller Article - with a bit of fashion thrown in! Also, a travel article in The Independent. Lastly, A BBC report on former Prime Minister Harold Wilson's love of the islands. Plus, Ray Mears goes exploring the islands in tomorrow's 'Wild Britain' at 8pm on ITV.