The Isles of Scilly, though small in size, are vast in cultural significance, particularly with their connection to the sea.
At Cornwall DMC, the region’s only full service specialist destination management company, we can offer a full range of ground services to the Isles of Scilly including accommodation, transport, itineraries and local guides. We cater for small agencies with bespoke groups, couples and families, large tour operators with programmes requiring room allocations and high end luxury FIT clients.
Let us help you experience the unique martime culture of these beautiful islands….
Gig Racing: This traditional rowing sport, where teams of six rowers compete in long, narrow boats called gigs, has deep roots in Scilly’s history. The islands are famous for preserving this sport, which was once used to race from ship to shore to deliver pilot services.
World Pilot Gig Championships: Held annually on the Isles of Scilly, this event is not just a competition but a festival of island culture. Your group can witness or even participate in the races, where each gig is named after a shipwreck or local legend, adding layers of stories to the event. It’s an opportunity to engage with the community, appreciate the athleticism, and partake in the celebratory atmosphere that follows the races.
Island Hopping and Cultural Immersion: Beyond the races, the islands offer numerous cultural experiences. Plan a day where your group can explore:
Tresco: Visit the Tresco Abbey Garden, a subtropical garden filled with exotic plants, offering a serene contrast to the competitive energy of gig racing.
St Mary’s: Engage with local artists, perhaps during a workshop or gallery tour, where the influence of the sea on their work is evident.
St Agnes: Here, taste traditional Scillonian food, which, like gig racing, is a testament to the island’s reliance on and celebration of the sea.
Foraging and Dining: Participate in a guided foraging walk, learning about the edible plants and seaweeds of the islands, followed by a meal where these ingredients are used, offering a direct link between the environment and the islanders’ way of life.
About Us
Based in Cornwall we’re the only full service destination management company for our region. Recommended partner of Visit Cornwall, the official tourism board, we work with tour operators, agents and individual group leaders from the US offering it as part of complete packages that can include London, Southern England and the rest of the UK & Ireland.
What we offer:
We’d be pleased to answer any questions you have or to discuss the possibility of creating bespoke travel products for you or your clients
