A bit about us...
Established in 2003 by myself, Carmen Stevens, Colossus B&B has had many guests over the past years. Many of whom return each year to Colossus and the Scillies as you will see from the Guest Comments. The Island's are renowned for having a high percentage of returning visitors which is testament to their beauty and tranquility.

I'm (Carmen) a born Scillonian so have a pretty good knowledge of all things about Scilly so feel to ask if you should need help with anything about your holiday and I will do my best to help or put you in touch with some-one else who can.

Todd, my husband is by trade a joiner/carpenter but more importantly is a famous shipwreck hunter, published author and prolific poet. Both of us spend our spare time in the summer looking to find and identify ship wrecks (there are 700 reported incidents around the Scillies). Todd is also a keen life member of the local museum where many of his recovered artifacts are on display.

In 2001/2 the Time Team made a programme about a particular special find on the wreck of Colossus which is repeated periodically on Sky TV. Todd then published a book giving a more personal account of this intriguing story. He then moved on to publish another book Ghosts of Rosevear telling the story of a famous actress and how she came to die with her young child amoungst the jagged western rocks of Scilly. This book also gives an insight into the lives of the men who built Bishop Rock Lighthouse whilst residing on the remote Island of Rosevear. He is now writing a third book but it has not been named yet.

Transport when you land on Scilly
St. Mary's
On arrival, there is a choice of transport to your accommodation. Buses meet scheduled flights at the airport and if you arrive by boat, it is a short walk through Hugh Town (luggage is automatically delivered to the B&B if you put our address on it at a nominal cost - £1.15 per bag in 2009 - payable directly to the carriers) along Church Street, up Church Road, turn left as you near the top (down a lane past Lady Wilson's bungalow on the left-the grey bunaglow with agapanthus in the garden), turn right and we are the second of the left - or you can take a taxi.

I try to keep this information as up-to-date as possible but please check for updates once you are on Scilly.

There is a nine hole golf course on St. Mary's which has wonderful views of all the other islands. Check out their website, or call them on 01720 422692 for more information.

The main local spectator sport is gig racing. The World Gig Championship event takes place each year on Scilly - the first weekend in May. Accommodation availability is in very short supply at this time as guests repeat book each year. However, weekly gig racing takes place on Wednesday and Friday nights throughtout the summer season.

Scilly's crystal clear waters and conditions make it ideal for sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts, and for diving and snorkelling. It is also good for fishing, whether from the shore or from boats.

Caneoing, climbing and abseiling tuition and trips are offered by licenced provider Murray Hodgson, Avalon, St Mary's (01720 422641)

Scilly is a haven for birdwatchers, particularly in October when migratory birds visit the islands. For more information, check out www.scilly-birding.co.uk

Library and internet access
The Public Library is located at Buzza Street, St Mary's. Tel 01720 423394

The library has a wide selection of books for loan, and also a small selection of CDs, videos and audio tapes. Visitors can borrow books using their mainland library card.

Internet access is also available at the following places - the Tourist Information Centre (Hugh Street), The Deli (WIFI, Hugh Street), The Boat Shed Bistro (Porthmellon), Tregarthen's Hotel, The Airport, and Longstone Centre.

Museum
The Isles of Scilly Museum, situated in Church Street, St Mary's holds a comprehensive collection of maritime, social and natural history of the Islands. Tel 01720 422337

Bronze age artefacts - Colossus shipwreck artefacts - Then and Now photographs - Wild flowers - Nautical knots - 16th Century artefacts - Cargo from the Cita - Musical instruments - Hollandia Coins - Flotsam and jetsam - Barrel organ - Domestic pottery - Katie's kitchen - Weights and measures - Royal visists - Cannon muskets swords - Ships' bells - A fully rigged pilot gig built in 1877.

Evening activities
The schedule of evening activities varies from week to week. For a full weekly schedule collect a 'What's On in Scilly this week' leaflet from the TIC when you arrive, and make sure you look out for notices and posters around town.