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Island of Ship Wrecks - By: Douglas Scott, Posted on: 2007-11-20

The Isles of Scilly forms an archipelago of islands off the south western most tip of Great Britain. There are 55 islands in total 5 inhabited and 50 uninhabited. The largest island, St Marys then Tresco, St Martins, Bryher and St Agnes.

Scilly is famous for its danger to shipping and its many shipwrecks. Tourism is estimated to account for eighty five per cent of the island's income. In 1975, the islands were designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The capital is Hugh Town, on the island of St Marys it houses most of the town's facilities, accommodation, banks, sub post office, health centre and a variety of shops it is little more than a village in size.

Scilly has an equally colourful maritime history, with countless shipwrecks from bygone scattered under the sea around the islands. Some of the best wreck dives in the United Kingdom can be found.

St Marys has only has 5 pubs hotel bars, a social club, disco, cafes and restaurants.

St Mary's offers a superb choice of beaches, many of which are situated close to the main hub of Hugh Town. Porthmellon Beach in Hugh Town's is in the old town area is also an attractive family beach, and centre for the Isles of Scilly Sailing Centre. Where you can hire equipment for not just sailing, but also windsurfing. The sea is warmed by the Gulf Stream.

The monument to Sir Cloudesley Shovell at Porthellick Down, the captain of the HMS Association which sank in 1707 off the Western Rocks and is still the largest maritime disaster in British naval history.

Abbey Garden on Tresco is famed for its variety of species and colour. It has nineteen acres of winding, tree lined avenues, a dazzling array of flower species, as well as statues and sculptures. The 5000 or so species that currently thrive here, were collected during the 19th Century from around the world by Scillonian master mariners.

Carreg Dhu Gardens is a community garden situated near Longstone Terrace in the centre of St. Mary's. It is sheltered from cold Easterly winds, and has seats sited in quiet corners. It is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and to appreciate the variety of shrubs, sub-tropical plants and trees, which have been donated and nurtured by volunteers. The garden was first started by Richard and June Lethbridge in 1986.

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Douglas Scott works for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Isles of Scilly Rental Site