Do: Walk Scilly, 1-4 October

We've already done the inevitable Monty Python joke, so it's pure information from here on out. Maybe. Anyway, put simply, Walk Scilly is a fantastic way to see the islands during the off-season, when the emphasis isn't so much on the beaches, but the fantastic flora and fauna on offer. The walks take in all of the islands, and itineraries include literary-inspired rambles, rockpool foraging and cooking with chefs, and exploring the smaller, uninhabited islands – a welcome site without even having to (technically) leave the UK.

For more info: visitislesofscilly.com

Stay: Star Castle, St Mary's

Scilly is full of genuine 18th- and 19th-century relics, so it makes sense that one of its islands, St Mary's, would house a hotel that's a faithfully restored castle. Star Castle is part of the old garrison system of defences that made the islands a force to be reckoned with for incoming attacks by naval forces, and its ramparts and walls are pretty much unchanged. There's two great restaurants and a pool, too.

Prices start at £85 DB&B per person per night. star-castle.co.uk

Getting there

By air

There are Isles of Scilly Travel Skybus flights to St. Mary’s, Scilly's main island, from Land's End (15 mins), Newquay (30 mins) and Exeter (60 mins). From Land's End and Newquay Airports, these flights run all year round; from Exeter Airport, March to October. Prices start from £140 return from Land's End.

By sea

The Isles of Scilly Travel passenger ship, Scillonian III, sails from Penzance Harbour to St. Mary’s from March to November, up to seven days a week. Prices start from £86 return.

To book tickets or for more information, visit islesofscilly-travel.co.uk

First Great Western

For the best value train tickets and offers, buy before you board at firstgreatwestern.co.uk

See: Island-hopping tours

If you hadn't gathered, Scilly's islands aren't particularly big or bustling and the pace is slooooooow (which makes it a great option for a weekend break from London), so you'll probably find yourself wanting to check out a few of the islands, which are a few minutes' boat ride away. You can catch a boat to Bryher for untouched beauty, Tresco for a spa day, St Martin's and St Agnes for culture, or do a wildlife safari, where as well as rare seabirds, you can catch a glimpse of the adorable seals that converge on its rocky beaches. Just look at its face!

For more info: scillyboating.co.uk

To discover more about the Isles of Scilly, go to visitislesofscilly.com