Everyone has been so helpful. I now have a better idea on how to plan my itinerary. Thank you so much.

Hi ann

I've got in a muddle because I thought I was responding to the OP who said...

<<< Pick up rental car in the AM and head out. Perhaps spend that night in Wells (we have been to Bath). Then we're thinking sort of circular route gong along the north coast, a few nights in St Ives, perhaps a night in Mousehole and continue along the southern coast spending our last night about an hour or two away from Heathrow where we will have a 3PM flight home.>>>

Then Scotia popped in and I now see it was she who was asking if there was a central place to stay, but I didn't notice the bit about not wanting a car.

I tend to read the OP, then sort of skim the next posts while I decide whether to respond, and sometimes miss certain points, which obviously I've done here.

.....If you have time, take the ferry from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly. That can be a day trip or you can stay on one of the islands. ......

I would strongly advise getting a plane or helicopter unless you are a very good sailor or the sea is very calm.
We have stayed in St. Mary's and would see the ferry arriving.
Some passengers looked decidedly green.

no probs, Julia. it can get confusing when people chip in, but that's what makes fodors so lively and interesting.

MissPrism - one of those would be me. also if you only have a day, even the ferry one way and helicopter back leaves very little time for actually seeing things.

which is why I always suggest the helicopter for day/short trips.

However, if you are able (time or, like me, enjoy ferry rides), it is a lovely ride = )

great advice and itineraries...

s

Now swagman has topped this thread, I should say that the helicopter service to the Scillies was discontinued about 4 years ago, so you now have to get the ferry from PZ to St Mary's or fly, which you can do from Exeter, Land's End or Newquay.

The good news is that it looks as if the helicopter service may be returning so if you are planning a trip to the Scilly Isles, do check to see if it's running.

haha annhig, yes I looked up the helicopter service, it is discontinued but read that someone is putting in GBP2 Million to get it going again, some time in 2017...

swagman - I think that Spring 2018 is more like it but they seem to have got the planning permission so it's all stations go!