About the Isles of Scilly - Bryher
The smallest
of the inhabited islands, Bryher is an island of contrasts. The
east coast overlooks the sheltered waters of the channel between
Bryher and Tresco yet the rugged west coast faces the full force
of the open Atlantic Ocean making Hell Bay the perfect place for
storm watching on a blustery day.
The island's
roads are often little more than tracks - you can follow the coastal
path around the varied shore visiting the gorgeous beaches (Rushy
Bay is a must with fine white sand and crystal clear water) or take
a hike up one of the hills to enjoy amazing panoramic views across
Scilly and out to Bishop Rock Lighthouse.
The island
is rich in historic cairns and old stone boundary walls. The flora
is diverse - the 'waves of heath' in the rugged north contrast with
the miniaturised flowers in the sandy grassland of Rushy Bay and
Heathy Hill, site of the dwarf pansy (viola kitaibeliana) which
flowers in April/May and gives the area its Site of Special Scientific
Interest designation.
Bryher is a
friendly island with a small working community. We have a shop with
a deli counter, freshly baked treats and all the essentials.Vine
cafe serves breakfast, lunch, cakes, cream teas and evening meals,
or call at Fraggle Rock Bar and Hell Bay Hotel for morning coffee,
lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, or simply to enjoy a drink and admire
the views. You will need to make reservations for dinner and out
of the main season we recommend you phone ahead to check opening
hours. There is a range of accommodation from a campsite to self
catering cottages, guesthouses and a hotel.
At Hillside
Farm, the visitor can find fresh seasonal vegetables, flowers, eggs
and yummy homemade strawberry jam for sale. Dawn Vue smallholding
boasts fresh vegetables, eggs, bulbs and lobster and crab from the
local fisherman, and the stall at Veronica Farm selling handmade
fudge is THE destination point for many (Note: these are small stalls,
usually stocked just once a day). The stalls are unmanned with honesty
boxes - we're surely one of the last places in the UK where people
are trusted to pay for what they take! Visit Richard Pearce's Golden
Eagle Studio to sample original paintings and prints of Scilly's
amazing scenery. Craft workshops are available at his Studio Workshop.
Boating is
an integral part of daily life and Bryher Boat Services operate
everyday offering a wide range of trips. Direct boats run to the
other inhabited islands and there are weekly circular excursions
to take in the lighthouses and search for wildlife amongst the uninhabited
islands. Jet boats can be privately chartered or you can book a
sea on a one hour 'thrill trip' around the islands.
Bryher Boatyard
offers boatshare and sells nautical gifts, chandlery items and fishing
supplies (to buy or to hire). Pop in to check out their range. Bennett
Boatyard offers small motor and sailing boat and kayak hire allowing
you to explore the water between Bryher, Tresco, Samson and St Martin's
at your own pace. You can hire by the hour, day or week.
Visitors to
Bryher are made to feel welcome and always invited to join island
activities - social events at the newly built community centre,
sports games at the mulit-use games area and the annual Bryher Fete.
There are weekly church services at the Anglican Church of All Saints,
built in the 1750s and home to beautiful locally crafted stained
glass windows.
All we ask
is that you keep your dogs under control and dispose of litter properly.
There is a bin for dog waste outside the Fraggle Rock Bar. We want
to keep Bryher beautiful.
(Text taken from the Bryher leaflet).
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