British International Helicopters > Reviews (1)

28 miles South-West of Lands End in Cornwall, lie the Isles of Scilly. Reached by air or ship, they are said to be the lost lands of Avalon (according to King Arthur's legends). Sounds beautiful doesn't it.

Believe me when I say that it is. For the second time, I have reached these not-so-far-off lands in the best way possible - by helicopter. This is a thrill in itself anda wonderful beginning to a holiday or day trip to the Scillys.

Based on the outskirts of Penzance, just off the main A30 is Penzance Heliport which is the home to British International Helicopters. Please don't make the mistake of thinking that these are pleasure trips, it would be offensive to do so. They are a reputable airline that has been operating this service to the Scillys for 37 years. You fly in one of their two 30 seater (plus dog cage) Sikorsky S61helicopters.

You are advised to make a booking with them well in advance as they fill up very quickly in the summer time. The return fare is £65 per adult and £32 for a child. Flights leave roughly every half an hour in peak season.

The scenery that you will pass over on your 20 minute flight is breathtaking. You will arrive at the helipad no less than 20 minutes before your flight time. Check in, label hand luggage (you are often limited on baggage) and then just before your flight is called you will go to the departure lounge for the safety video and also a few words on the company. You will then board the helicopter (hold onto anything that may blow away for this bit). You will then meet your cabin crew(2 pilots and a hostess)and you will be up and away (vertically straight up in the case of a helicopter). You will fly out over Mounts Bay, Lands End (look out for the house that has "Ken's place" painted on the roof!! The fields are just like a perfect patchwork quilt. You don't fly as high as a plane as you can't do this on a helicopter so you can get the most beautiful views.

You fly to St. Mary's which is the capital of the Scilly Isles (only have 5 inhabited islands) or you can fly to Tresco and land in the grounds of Tresco Abbey sub-tropical gardens. This has to be one of the prettiest airports in this country if not further afield.

On your return flight you will fly up past Lamorna cove, Minnack theatre, Porthcurno, and of course the unmissable St. Michael's Mount.

For more information you can look up

www.scillyhelicopter.co.uk
or phone 01736 363871

I can't wait to do this day trip again. It was the highlight of the holiday for our 4 year old son, he can't stop talking about it!!