Goings-on in the Scilly Isles; a writer's hideaway; and three of the best retro retreats

Take me there: Isles of ScillyThe Scillies in springtime are always magical ? but there are some added incentives for visiting this year. Details have just been released of the annual Walking Festival (31 March to 7 April; walkscilly.co.uk), featuring hikes themed around everything from botany to stargazing, to be followed closely by the Scilly Folk Festival (4-9 April; scillyfolkfestival.org.uk) which promises a range of musical styles from Cornish sea shanties to nu-folk in intimate venues. And in May the Island Hotel on Tresco will complete a major redevelopment, launching seven new rental cottages and four stunning seaview suites next to a beach caf� built in the ruins of a smuggler's cottage (tresco.co.uk).Travel clinic: a writer's hideawayThe dilemma I'm looking for a place I can go to do some writing in peace, maybe some walking, too ? but I don't want to be too isolated and would like having some meals cooked for me. EmmaYour first port of call should be Arvon (arvonfoundation.org), a charitable foundation that provides support and inspiration for writers. Best known for its programme of tutored writing holidays, it also offers retreat weeks at four country houses in Devon, Shropshire, Inverness-shire and Yorkshire. Prices start from �475 per week for a single room, with all meals provided and the chance to prepare communal dinners with other writers. In Snowdonia a similar set-up is offered at Ty Newydd, the National Writers' Centre for Wales (tynewydd.org). The next retreat is from 12-16 March and costs �345.For something more informal, Deborah Dooley's writing retreats come highly recommended. A writer herself, she offers B&B accommodation (with broadband and writing desk) and meals in her lovely thatched house in north Devon and as much or as little interaction as you want (deborahdooleyjournalist.co.uk/retreat.html).Three of the best? retro retreatsTake a step back in time with these three vintage hideaways, which are guaranteed to appeal to lovers of all things old-fashioned and recycled1. Mabel, Isle of Wight This cute 50s caravan has found its spiritual home at the wonderfully retro Brighstone Holiday Camp. Sleeps four (vintagevacations.co.uk).2. Portland House, Weymouth An unusual "Hollywood-Spanish" style 30s villa with original features and period furniture. Sleeps 12 (national trustcottages.co.uk).3. Mungo's Den, Skye This former telephone exchange has been decked out with great flair by the vintage-loving owners. Sleeps four (mungosden.co.uk).If you have a travel dilemma, email Joanne O'Connor at magazine@observer.co.ukCornwallDevonWalesUnited KingdomSelf-cateringCottagesJoanne O'Connorguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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