Star Castle Hotel

Star Castle Hotel

, St Marys, Isles of Scilly.

The clue is in the name: Star Castle Hotel is located in the old star-shaped castle on the hill overlooking Hugh Town harbour on St Marys. It's a family-run hotel that focuses on exceptional customer service, award-winning food and views that could be nowhere else in the world.

The hotel comprises the 16th century castle itself with it's massive granite walls and spacious country cottage accommodation in the 4 acres of gardens. The garden includes an indoor swimming pool and a tennis court, while the hotel also provides complimentary golf on the UK's most south-westerly course and courtesy transport throughout your stay.

There are two restaurants to choose from: the cosy castle restaurant with beamed ceilings and exposed stone walls or the altogether more contemporary conservatory restaurant. In either case it's not surprising that fish and seafood feature prominently and the lobster and crab is all caught by the hotel's own fishing boat. Each day at breakfast the boatman is on hand to help guests plan a memorable trip to some of the other islands, taking in the breathtaking scenery, old shipwrecks, seals and seabirds.

The Castle rooms are naturally full of character, being a part of the original castle. They include four single rooms at very good rates. The Garden rooms are light, bright and spacious in a country cottage style. They all have a garden or sea view and some have a private verandah.

There are many wonderful places to see in England but the Isles of Scilly are something else again. They should be on everyone's bucket list.