travel scilly isles

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

The ultimate travel guide to the Isles of Scilly

By Annabelle Spranklen

If hell is other people , heaven is the Isles of Scilly . Here, 28 miles to the west of Cornwall ’s Land’s End, is an archipelago that will make your heart leap. It’s like Cornwall before the boom in second-home owners, where islanders welcome you like long-lost friends, where the ice-cream-white beaches are deserted and the air smells like sun-drenched salt and sweet narcissi. For every dazzling wild marigold, there’s an honesty box, teeming with home-grown vegetables, just-laid eggs and crumbly fudge, spread out like a village fete’s prize-winning produce.

It is on these islands that the mundane tortures of everyday life are quickly erased, because here the pace is slower and the people are friendlier. Days are often miraculously filled with unbroken sunshine and the night skies, free from the city-light pollution, are inky and glowing. For anyone who visits, it’s a revelation. Like the gentle ebb and flood of the tide, you can’t help but vow to return.

The Isles of Scilly are made up of more than 140 islands, five of which are inhabited. The rest are a happy haven for nesting storm petrels and manx shearwaters. Each island has a distinct and different feel: St Mary’s is the largest with its capital, Hugh Town, the administrative seat; Tresco is the well-groomed family favourite that’s been leased to the Dorrien-Smith family by the Duchy of Cornwall since 1834; then there’s wild and rugged Bryher, quaint, flower-filled St Martin's and soothingly remote St Agnes.

To explore, you should spend a week or two hopping your way around their translucent blue waters, experiencing the very best of what these islands have to offer. This is the UK , but not as you know it.

When is the best time to visit the Scilly Isles?

The Isles of Scilly have some of the mildest and warmest conditions in the UK. Even off season, frost on Scilly is rare and spring arrives early, hedgerows bursting with Bermuda buttercups and carpets of bobbing white wild garlic sprouting at the sides of almost every border. July and August bring more visitors due to reliably good weather, but you’ll almost always still find the beaches quieter than the mainland. September is usually filled with cloudless skies, the hazy, late-summer feeling still clinging on. Come October the temperatures begin to drop, the first golden touches of autumn are in the air and this is the month the birdwatchers flock to the islands in large numbers. From November , most of the restaurants and hotels go into slumber until early April.

A guide to the Scilly Isles best islands

What to do on St Mary’s

Often the first port of call for visitors to Scilly, as it houses the main airport and the dock for the Scillonian passenger ferry, St Mary’s is where the majority of residents live, and the only island with cars – and a single petrol pump. There’s a reassuring rhythm around the harbour, the boatmen gathering on the quay, pulling ropes, and bulging tripper boats steaming out to the off-islands (the other inhabited isles). Don’t miss a walk around nostalgic Hugh Town, with its cluster of gift shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs (not to mention a Co-op – the only supermarket on Scilly).

Cars are off-limits to tourists (though you can rent a taxi), so the best way to explore is by renting a bike from St. Mary’s Bike Hire , grabbing a picnic from Tanglewood Kitchen and pedalling your way up the luminous empty beaches of Bar Point and Pelistry, taking in a lungful of salty sea air as you go. Since there are few trees or high buildings, nearly every aspect in every direction of the low-lying islands is dominated by vast, mesmeric views of the sea and the sky.

Rent a kayak from the Scilly Sailing Centre , run by Amelia and Richard Mills and their lucky water-loving labrador Rufus. Late afternoon is a wonderful time to splish-splash your way around the tranquil Porthmellon Bay, just as the sun begins to dip. Keep an eye out for bobbing seals.

Where to stay on St Mary’s

While there are lots of B&Bs and self-catering options on St Mary’s, if you’ve ever longed to rest your weary head in a miniature Elizabethan fortress right by the sea, Star Castle Hotel (pictured above) is unbeatable. Located on the highest point in the main island, overlooking the harbour and set within its original garrison walls, this place has charm down to a T.

Owner Robert Francis happily natters away to guests at breakfast , inviting everyone along to his vineyard for a lobster lunch or aboard local Tim’s Calypso boat for a day trip to the off-islands. Opt for a room in the main castle where four-poster beds and twinkling sea views await, or one of the garden suites ( pictured above ), which come with their own sprawling verandahs. And don’t miss a nightcap at the Dungeon Bar, where prisoners were once held.

Eating and drinking on St Mary’s

You won’t find any of the famous fast-food joints on St Mary’s. You can, however, tuck into top-notch tapas and Mediterranean -style classics at smart beachside café Dibble & Grub, overlooking Porthcressa beach, which serves groaning antipasti boards that are hard to squeeze onto the table. Or there’s heaps of just-caught fish on the menu at On The Quay (pictured above) , a buzzy-as-a-honeypot brassiere filled with local art and with impressive waterside views. Try the epic seafood platters or the Cornish lobsters drizzled in garlic butter.

If a stiff G&T is calling, head up to Old Town and to the Scilly Spirit Distillery . They’ve only been distilling since May 2019, but Arthur and Hilary Miller have already scooped a number of awards for their gin , which uses a recipe inspired by a 1665 shipwreck, when Java pepper from a sunken cargo washed up on Scilly’s shores. Book into the gin school and sniff your way around their botanical library , creating your very own concoction to take home.

Naturally, Scilly also does a good line in lo-fi, laidback spots beside the sand. Opened two years ago in a boat shed on Porthmellon strand, The Beach is the most fashion- forward outfit on St Mary’s with 25 gins, including a few local ones, and two Big Green Eggs for chargrilling whole lobsters for £25. Laura Fowler

ST MARTIN’S

What to do on St Martin’s

The most northerly of the five islands, St Martin’s takes your breath away. Everywhere you look is Insta -worthy, from the towering blue sprouts of echium swaying in the summer breeze to the fields of dancing narcissi in winter , not to mention the photogenic Lawrence’s Bay, stretched out like a starched white-linen shirt. Yes, a beach that happens to be deserted, even in high summer.

The water off St Martin’s Great and Little Bays is iridescent. Sailing boats bob offshore; otherwise, both stretches can be accessed via a walk along the cliff path where rabbit tails vanish into the gorse. LF

With only one main road going through it, you’d expect there to be a sleepy feel to this community, but there’s a hubbub of creative talent and entrepreneurial spirit bubbling away. If you’re visiting, stop by the dahlia- and sweet pea-covered Middletown Barn, a tiny co-operative gallery where makers on the island can sell their wares (it’s an honesty shop for the digital age, where you scan and pay using your phone). You’ll be able to stock up on skincare treats from Phoenix & Providence (pictured above) , a gorgeous brand founded by islander Ella McLachlan that uses seaweed collected from the beaches down below, or watercolours from local artist Inga Drazniece . There’s Fay Page Jewellery ’s workshop just down the road too, where stunning shell- and starfish-shaped charms, inspired by local surroundings, are handcrafted.

It’s worth popping by Churchtown Farm (pictured above) , the home of Scilly Flowers . Due to the balmy climate provided by the Gulf Stream, owners Ben and Zoe Julian grow 20 acres of their famous narcissi in the winter, along with scented pastel pinks in the summer. You can have a peek at them being picked and packed before they’re posted all over the UK (they’ll survive a day in your suitcase if you want to bring a box home).

If you’re visiting from April to September , don’t miss out on Scilly Seal Snorkelling organised by Anna Browne, where the curious, cheeky mammals will whizz up right behind you and nibble on your fins. You’ll be wrapped in thick wetsuits, booties and gloves but brace yourself for that initial plunge, it’s nippy. They’re often booked up months ahead so you need to be quick.

If the evening skies are clear, make a beeline for the St Martin’s Observatory , a community-funded facility set up by a group of the island’s amateur astronomers with two incredible domes – one for deep-sky viewing and the other for solar viewing. In the summer months, the volunteers run Twinkly Tuesdays, when you can pop by for star-gazing and workshops .

CNT Editors

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

Where to stay on St Martin’s

If you’re here for more than a few nights, the self-catering options on St Martin’s, as well as the popular campsite , are a good option. If you’d prefer the whistles and bells of a hotel, Karma St Martin’s (pictured above) is your ticket. On the westerly side of the island, it has one of the best viewpoints, overlooking the channel Sound across to Tean and Crump Islands, a bucket’s throw from the gentle, lapping waves. While the hotel group has tried to incorporate its Asian origins into the design, which makes the communal areas feel a little dark, bedrooms are much more pared-back and understated, allowing those views to take centre-stage. Dogs are welcomed and staff, including manager Scott and Pippa on the front desk, are a dab-hand at organising whatever you want whenever you need it. Dinner at the Cloudesley Shovell restaurant, named after an admiral who died with his fleet in a Scilly shipwreck, is locally sourced and wonderfully elevated (think St Martin’s lobster with Champagne vinaigrette).

Eating and drinking on St Martin’s

If one thing is for certain, you cannot go hungry or thirsty on St Martin’s. After a morning snorkelling or wandering through the headland, meander up to the Island Bakery , run by Barney and Ella McLachlan (the same lady behind the skincare brand – everyone on Scilly has more than one string to their bow), for the freshest crab rolls, homemade pasties and excellent coffee. If a traditional Cornish cream tea is on the cards, you’ll want to nab a table in the pretty garden at Polreath Tea Room (its weekly curry nights are also a highlight with the locals). The island’s only pub, The Seven Stones Inn (pictured above) , named after the treacherous reef seven miles off Scilly, has the finest view of any in Britain, with a terrace decked out in pretty fairy lights, serving some of the best grub around (grilled lobster, homemade burgers, barbecue ribs).

For wine -lovers, St Martin’s Vineyard (pictured above) , on the site of an old flower farm, is worth a trip. Holly Robbins and James Faulconbridge took over the winery in spring 2020 and offer self-guided tours of the vines, followed by wine tasting. This year’s rosé sold out within weeks and their homemade apple juice is also a knockout.

For those looking to buy something stronger, former merchant naval officer Andrew Walder, whose family has lived on the island for more than 300 years, recently set up a rum and vodka distillery, SC Dogs (pictured above) , on Carron Farm. Book in for a tour of the small distillery to sample the products, which include a luscious mahogany-hued golden and spiced rum, flavoured with botanicals from Tresco’s Abbey Gardens. Each bottle tells the story of a local sea dog and bears a specially commissioned portrait to match.

What to do on Bryher

This is one of the Scillys’ most unspoilt islands and a birdwatcher 's paradise – with many varieties, from puffins to Sabine’s gulls – and it’s impossible not to succumb to its charms. On one side of the island is Rushy Bay (pictured above) , lapped by gentle waters and Hell Bay is over on the other, thrashed by the roaring Atlantic . Just one and a half miles long by half a mile wide, Bryher may be small but it sure is mighty.

Its rugged natural beauty has inspired countless writers including War Hors e’s Michael Morpurgo, whose children’s book Why the Whales Came is set on Bryher (and later, a film version called When the Whales Came , starring Helen Mirren, was filmed on location here in the 1980s). Don’t miss a walk up to the granite stacks of Shipman Head, taking in those views – water, water, everywhere.

Head to the secluded Great Par beach to find the gallery of local artist Richard Pearce , inside a renovated gig shed, where he paints magical Scilly seascapes all day, every day. Stop in the shallows for a spot of shrimping or starfish spotting. If you’re up for a proper Famous Five adventure, hire a kayak from the Bennett Boatyard and make your way across the water to the twin-peak uninhabited island of Samson. The last families, by then subsisting on a diet of little more than limpets and potatoes, moved away in 1855, and now all that’s left is the crumbling remains of their tiny stone cottages, the roofs and most of the walls long collapsed. The views from Samson, out across the archipelago, are astonishing.

Indian Ocean blue it may be, but Scilly’s sea is, on average, an un-bath like 13oC. A boat is the thing for exploring fragments of islands; and the lagoon-esque waters are heaven for sports. Pick up dinghies, kayaks, paddle- boards and buckets and spades to rent at Bryher’s Hut 62 – a sustainable solution to all the single-use-plastic beach kit usually left behind by holidaymakers. LF

Where to stay on Bryher

As on the other islands, there’s a scattering of lovely self-catering options on Bryher, from converted barns and chalets to farm cottages. Hell Bay Hotel (pictured above) , the island’s chicest residence, has a stylish New England seaside feel to it, with its duck egg blue-painted rooms (book the Emperor for the sweeping private decked terrace alone) and pistachio-green interiors with Lloyd Loom wicker furniture and Cornish seascape artwork. Food is effortless and as local as it gets, with fresh Bryher fish, Tresco beef and vegetables grown just a few miles away.

Eating and drinking on Bryher

It’s considered practically illegal to come to Scilly and not make a trip to Island Fish , run by the Pender family who have been fishing out of Bryher for hundreds of years. They’ve recently opened a café just above the main quay, selling everything from crab sandwiches and chowders to lobster and bacon burgers. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, head down to Veronica Farm for the most deliciously decadent fudge, made in small batches in pans and sold in the honesty box outside. Or there’s the Bryher Bake Box , another wonderful honesty stall that islander Zoe Dan stacks with tempting homemade buns, brownies and more every morning. Olivia’s Kitchen (pictured above) is another great new addition to the island, and the place to go for a laid-back lunch and tea .

Crab forms the staple diet of Scilly. Of all the many places to eat the creature, the tumbledown Crab Shack (open from May to September) is king, on a windswept bay on Bryher, in the grounds of the clapboard Hell Bay Hotel (from the team who also run private island Tresco). Come evening, the chefs throw open wooden shutters and everyone gets messy up to their elbows at long, artfully rough tables in two candlelit, whitewashed rooms strung with fishing nets. The blackboard menu is concise: medium, large or monster crab, as well as chips and wine – simply red, white or rosé by the bottle. And who doesn’t like chips and wine after a day spent getting children in and out of wetsuits? By Laura Fowler

What to do on St Agnes

Of all the islands in Scilly, St Agnes feels the most isolated and wild. Little wonder, since it’s the only inhabited isle to be separated from the rest of Scilly by a deep-water channel. Located on the most south-westerly edge of the archipelago, this is England ’s final frontier – a truly peaceful place to get away from it all.

Everywhere you look there is something to please the eye: twinkling coves, ancient flower fields and Caribbean -worthy beaches. If you’re coming here you must scurry, barefoot, along the ‘The Bar’ – the sand bank across to the island of Gugh that’s only accessible at low tide (although the temptation to become a Gugh castaway is understandably appealing). Keep your eyes peeled for Obadiah’s Barrow, a Neolithic-era grave named after a local farmer, as well as fleeting storm petrels and manx shearwaters that have recently started to breed again here.

Beyond the island’s barren heathland lie countless shipwrecks, the most famous from 1707, when four Royal Navy warships struck the Western Rocks and 1,500 men were lost at sea.

As on St Martin’s, there are a number of burgeoning cottage industries popping up on St Agnes and many can be found at the island’s hall, where crafters such as weaver Trish Peacock of Twisted Bobbins have their own studios. There’s also Pot Buoys (pictured above) , a gallery run by local artist Emma Eberlein, showcasing local pieces and jewellery made from recycled beach plastic. Periglis beach, known as a shell-collectors dream, is also worth the hike for a spot of beachcombing.

Where to stay on St Agnes

While this is the only island on Scilly not to have a hotel or guesthouse, there’s a windswept campsite on the beach and a scattering of self-catering hideaways, including a large farmhouse and cottages that are part of the Troytown Farm estate.

Eating and drinking on St Agnes

Speaking of Troytown Farm, located in one of the most unpolluted and tranquil locations in the UK, this is the place to come if you want a cone piled high with thick, rich island-made ice cream (from their Jersey herd). There are takeaway boxes too if you’re self-catering and need a freezer load. The island’s pub, The Turk’s Head , is Britain's most south-westerly pub, selling proper ales and locally caught fish and crab, and of course, pasties.

If you’re coming to St Agnes, definitely make some time to visit Westward Farm Gin , a flower-farm-turned-gin-distillery run by the Hicks family. Favourites include the chamomile and honey gin (with home-grown flowers and honey from their own bees) and Wingletang, which is made from gorse that grows on the Wingletang Downs where their cows graze.

What to do on Tresco

There’s a distinctly different feel to Tresco than the other islands – it’s like their well-groomed, immaculately maintained cousin. Scilly’s second-largest island is where families flock, lured by the wholesome feel, lush fields of grazing prize-winning herds, surreal beaches, whitewashed cottages and famous botanical paradise, Tresco Abbey Garden. There are no cars, instead everyone pedals their way around the twisty-twirly paths in bicycles with baskets. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge recently chose to holiday here with their family , staying at Dolphin House , one of the island’s more private self-catering options.

Although Tresco is owned by the Duchy, the Dorrien-Smith family have taken it over on a very long lease. The family still live in the grand house, the Abbey, beside the ruins of the original 12th-century monastery and the famous gardens, where the family’s flag flies when they’re in residence.

Here, in a surreal corner of a pretty unreal world, are some jaw-dropping beaches, including the almost bleached-white Pentle Bay (pictured above) and Appletree Bay, scattered with cowrie shells and edged with water the colour of a Bombay Sapphire bottle, enough to trick friends back home that you’re in some exotic far-flung location. Tresco isn’t all about deserted beaches though, there are two small ruined castles, a legacy of Scilly’s significant role in the English Civil War, and dramatic, heather-filled landscapes .

All the beaches on Scilly are glorious. A sheltered beach is not hard to find here – the trick is to head for an isle’s leeward side. Pentle Bay on Tresco is often pegged as Britain’s most beautiful. It is reached across a sandy track through dunes of rare flowers and marram grass, hot- white and deserted. Around the headland are two sweeps lovelier still for their wildness: Borough and Blockhouse. Across the island, golden-sugar Appletree Bay has a barbecue that can be booked for get- togethers. By Laura Fowler

Visiting the subtropical Tresco Abbey Garden (pictured above) is a must. It’s a frost-free haven for more than 20,000 exotic plants, many from South Africa , Australasia and South America , most of which could never survive on the mainland. Red squirrels were introduced in 2013 and golden pheasants roam freely. Check out islander Gem Hansen’s restorative yoga classes in the gardens, or there’s early morning beach meditation, which will bliss you out for the day.

The Tresco Island Spa (pictured above) , so close to the water you can almost hear the roar of the waves outside, is also worth a visit. Book in with spa manager Hannah Abnett and ask for the Ila Kundalini back therapy treatment, an out-of-body experience that will have you feeling lighter and brighter, like you just got your mojo back.

Where to stay on Tresco

Seaside living is a breeze at Tresco as there are plenty of accommodation options, from picture-postcard village cottages and larger beach houses perfect for big families (most of which are part of Tresco’s successful ‘Islandshare’ timeshare development) to the cosy rooms at The New Inn. The Sea Garden Cottages (pictured above) and apartments , which sit right on the water’s edge at Old Grimsby, are dreamy for couples or smaller groups wanting self-catering, with all the perks of being in a hotel (you get access to the tennis courts, indoor swimming pool and gym on site when staying here). The cool, coastal-inspired one-bed apartments have open-plan kitchens filled with Sophie Conran crockery, along with a gorgeous little garden overlooking the water, while upstairs are chic OKA throws, white wicker chairs and pink candy-striped curtains, opening to reveal those luscious sea views from your own balcony. It’s hard not to stare.

In addition, overseen by the Dorrien-Smiths on a long lease from the Duchy of Cornwall, choose between restored Traditional Cottages and Nantucket-style Flying Boat Cottages. The latter are beach huts extraordinaire: wood-clad with nautical-but-nice interiors, blue and creamy; bright rooms with balconies; and a garden with a barbecue and enough room for a party – plus the Dorrien-Smiths’ quality Cornish art collection on the walls, oils capturing light and sea spray (buy similar at Gallery Tresco).

Eating and drinking on Tresco

Since most of the accommodation on Tresco is self-catering and usually filled with affluent families, the island’s shop, Tresco Stores , is nicknamed Fortnums-on-sea thanks to its well-stocked, well-appointed shelves, weighed down with caviar, organic produce and Champagne. Order online and get goods dropped off to your cottage on the same day. Elsewhere, The New Inn (set to be spruced up in 2022), the charming island pub, is an easy option for hearty dishes made from local produce – Cornish beef burgers or the catch of the day, served with confit potatoes and spicy samphire. While you’re there, make sure you order the islander’s favourite tipple, a shrub and rum (a sweetened vinegar-based syrup with St Martins’ SC Dogs rum, it’s surprisingly good). Ruin Beach Café (pictured above) is a beachside all-day brasserie where the vibe is chilled, and Med-inspired dishes such as the creamy Bryher crab linguine with chilli and lemongrass are definite winners.

Tresco’s Ruin Beach Café is one of the happiest places to eat. A wood-fired oven scents the old stone walls, decorated with beachcombed finds and paintings. Wolf down pizza on the terrace next to the ruins of a smuggler’s cottage and watch swimmers steadily crawl into the horizon. LF

Above: St Agnes

How to get to the Isles of Scilly

Great Western Railway runs direct from Paddington to Penzance (just over five hours).

From Penzance, either hop on a shuttle bus to catch the Scillonian III ferry to St Mary’s (journey time around 2hr 45min) or to Land’s End airport for a 20-minute flight on the Skybus. The Skybus also flies at certain times of the year from Exeter (one hour) and Newquay (30 minutes).

The most reliable way to get to Scilly is aboard the recently launched helicopter service with Penzance Helicopters, a super-slick and speedy service that runs all year round and will see you arrive on Scilly in just 15 minutes from the new heliport in Penzance. Fly to St Mary’s or direct to Tresco, which handily has its own heliport too.

For more information, head to visitislesofscilly.com

Like this? Now read:

The best British islands

The loveliest beaches on the Isle of Wight

20 of the most beautiful islands to visit in Scotland

Why Cornwall has the UK's most exciting food scene right now

Isles of Scilly: The Complete Guide

• A Brief History
• The Inhabited Islands
• Things to Do

How to Get There

Getting around.

The Isles of Scilly, about 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall, are about the same distance from the English mainland as Nantucket is from Cape Cod. They also share an underlying Atlantic ambiance—from the color of the light and the gritty white sand beaches to the local flora—waves of salt grasses, ripening rose hips, and blackberry bushes heavy with fruit.

But there the similarity ends. This remote, low-lying archipelago—the southwesternmost outpost of the United Kingdom—seems a world apart. High granite towers, probably dropped by the receding ice at the end of the last Ice Age, give the island silhouettes wild magic that belies the gentle realities. Shallow waters turn seas as clear and turquoise as the Caribbean. And the Gulf Stream keeps the climate mild enough to support palm trees and subtropical plants year-round.

The population is only about 2,000, with 1,600 residing on the main island of St. Mary's and 400 scattered across the four remaining populated islands: Tresco, St Martin's, Bryher and St. Agnes. They're engaged in fishing, farming, and the tourism industry; they grow narcissus and daffodil bulbs; they're artists, artisans and entrepreneurs, and often a combination of all of these.

A Brief History of the Isles of Scilly

This little group of islands is part of the Duchy of Cornwall, the estates that produce a Royal income for Prince Charles, who, in addition to being the Prince of Wales is also the Duke of Cornwall.

It's likely that as long as 4,000 years ago, the islands were one landmass populated by the tribes of Britons (ancient Brythonic people) who also settled across Cornwall and Brittany. Various Bronze Age monuments that these people left behind are scattered across the islands.

The next group who left traces were the Tudors. The Isles of Scilly were considered the gateway to the English Channel and vulnerable to invasion from France and Spain as well as havens for continental pirates, privateers and smugglers. Some Tudor fortifications were built as well as Star Castle (now a luxury hotel) and the Garrison wall surrounding it. The Spaniard's never invaded. But there were some skirmishes between Royalists and Parliamentarians during the English Civil War, which left military ruins to explore.

The Inhabited Islands of Scilly

Each of the five inhabited islands has its own personality. It's easy and quick to go from one to the other (between 10 to 20 minutes) on the small boats that ply the channels between them—though that inter-island travel is influenced by tides (see more about that below). Island hopping is a big part of any visit to the Isles of Scilly.

St. Mary's

St. Mary's is the commercial hub of the islands and the main access, by boat, to the other four. It has Scilly's main airport receiving flights from the mainland (heliports on St. Mary's and Tresco will open in 2020), and it is the port for the ferry from Penzance.

Hugh Town, the capital of the Scillies, is little more than a tiny village by mainland standards, but this is where you'll find the islands' supermarket, clinic, a small selection of shops, several art galleries, and a good selection of pubs and restaurants. It's connected to the rest of St. Mary's by a narrow neck of land with white sand beaches on both sides.

The entire island is about two and a half miles long and three miles wide, covering an area of about six square miles. It has relatively level though rugged coastal walking, 30 miles of nature trails and just a few paved roads, clustered around Hugh Town.

St. Mary's and St. Agnes are noted for their flower farms—there are nine of them, producing the earliest scented narcissi available in the United Kingdom . If you take a guided tour of St. Mary's, a service provided by Toots Taxi , among others, ask to be shown the flower fields. They are long and narrow, protected all around by tall, robust hedgerows and a rare sight. St. Mary's also has the largest selection and variety of accommodations in the islands. They range from self-catering and B&B accommodations to four-star luxury at the Star Castle Hotel in a star-shaped, Elizabethan fortress within the island's Garrison.

St. Agnes is the southernmost community in the United Kingdom. It is a tiny, peaceful island with a population of only 72. It has a watersports center, St. Agnes Watersports , offering kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling; a handful of artists, an island hall, a small church with beautiful contemporary stained glass windows by local glass artist Oriel Hicks, and the Scillies' only dairy farm.

If you are collecting Guinness World Records, St. Agnes has, in the Turk's Head, the southernmost pub in the UK and, at Troytown Farm , the smallest dairy farm. Their nine cows produce yogurt, milk, and incredibly rich ice cream that you can buy direct from the farm. The farm also has holiday cottages and tent camping. The island is encircled with a (mostly) paved path, suitable for electric golf buggies or farm wagons, and not much more. One of the most pleasant things to do there is to circumnavigate the place, picking wild blackberries, looking out for the enormous range of wildflowers and succulents, and spotting the rare wild seabirds.

Gugh (pronounced "goo") is an island connected to St Agnes by a sandbar at low tide. Like a lot of the Isles of Scilly, it is littered with mysterious Stone Age ruins and has been populated for thousands of years. At the moment, it has a population of three. If you do decide to walk over, stay aware of the tides because there is no boat service to Gugh, and once the tide floods the sandbar, you could be there for 12 hours. The nearest landfall in the opposite direction is North America, some 3,000 miles away.

Tresco is the second largest of the Isles of Scilly but, at about 2.5 miles long, you could still circumnavigate it on a brisk morning walk. It is home to some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the group and the internationally famous Tresco Abbey Garden.

Of all the islands, Tresco probably has the most exciting history . It has been managed by the Dorrien Smith family, under lease from the Duchy of Cornwall, since 1834. Tresco Abbey, a 19th-century baronial mansion, is named for a monastery that had existed on the island for about 1,000 years until Henry VIII dissolved it. Augustus Smith, the founder of the family dynasty, was a follower of Jeremy Bentham and attempted to put Bentham's Utopian ideas into practice in the Isles of Scilly (at one time he managed all of the inhabited islands of the group). That included free compulsory public education decades before it was required elsewhere in England. Islanders had to pay a weekly fee to keep their children out of school. Smith's most significant legacy for visitors is Tresco Abbey Garden , an enormous, sub-tropical paradise in a sheltered valley and part of the ancient abbey grounds. If you do nothing else in the Scillies, a day trip to these gardens with their collection of exotic South African, Australian and New Zealand plants and flowers is a must.

Bryher is the smallest of the inhabited islands at only 330 acres. It's about a mile long and half a mile wide, so it's surprising how much variety you'll find there. The west-facing side has a rugged shoreline with rocky bluffs facing the Atlantic at Hell Bay (which should give you some idea of the possible waves and currents. The island's east side is just a few hundred yards across from Tresco, and on some extreme spring tides, it's possible to walk across the sand (along with several hundred others) between the two islands. As the water (regularly as much as 16 feet deep) recedes, it reveals the outline of Bronze Age settlements and field patterns.

St. Martin's

More sandy beaches, a luxury spa hotel, a vineyard, a pub, a tea shop, and a flower farm are pretty much all you'll find on St Martin's. It's the place to go for a quiet spot of relaxation. But it's also an excellent place for wildlife experiences, like snorkeling with seals and watersports. And a new, community-organized, two-domed observatory. COSMOS , paid for by the EU and local fundraising, is the most southwesterly observatory in the UK. It gives locals and visitors a chance to experience this island's natural dark skies stargazing environment.

More Things to Do in the Isles of Scilly

• Take to the water. By North Atlantic standards, the beaches that face the "pool" of water between the islands are shallow and usually warm enough for what the British refer to as "wild swimming," and the rest of us call swimming in the sea. You may need to wear a wet suit for warmth, though. The calm, inter-island waters are also famous for scuba diving. Scilly Diving , on St. Martin's, offers divers access to at least 155 identified dive sites.
• Get on the water. All kinds of boat hire, from kayaks, rowboats, small powerboats, and sailboats are available from suppliers on several of the islands. There are wildlife safaris from St. Agnes and St. Mary's and boat hire available on Bryher . Chalkboards on the dock of St. Mary's Pool Harbour list the times for a variety of boat excursions. Or check the Tourist Information Center near Porthcressa Beach on St Mary's for information about boating, accommodations, and events.
• Explore the ruins. Every inhabited island in the archipelago has the remains of past civilizations and cultures, from Bronze Age burial sites to Tudor fortifications. Visiting any of them usually involves an interesting walk with glorious views. The English Heritage book, Defending Scilly, downloadable free, online , is packed with information about Tudor, Civil War, and later fortifications for intrepid island explorers. Visit the English Heritage page for Bant's Carn Burial Chamber and Halangy Down Ancient Village , and you'll find further links to seven more prehistoric sites on St Mary's and Tresco.
• Visit an artist. For such a small place, the Isles of Scilly attract and keep a remarkable number of practicing artists. Many of them are happy to welcome you to their galleries or studios and talk to you about their work. Phoenix Crafts in Porthmellon Business Park, just east of Hugh Town on St Mary's hosts many artists and craftspeople, including stained glass artist Oriel Hicks . Also on St Mary's, Peter Macdonald Smith shows his seascapes and abstracts at Porthloo Studios, and Steve Sherris can often be found painting outdoors around St. Mary's. Ceramicist Lou Simmonds makes some of her pots from clay she digs on St. Agnes itself. She often welcomes visitors to her studio in St. Agnes' Island Hall. There are artists and galleries on every one of the islands. Ask at the Tourist Information Office for the Arts Guide, produced with help from the Arts Council. It's a comprehensive list.
• Watch the gig races. Pilot gigs are traditional boats, crewed by six, and a coxswain. They were once used to guide ships into Scilly's ports around treacherous sandbanks and reefs. Today, local men and women race them between the islands. From April to September, visitors and islanders gather along the shores to watch colorful gig races twice a week from about 8 p.m. Women race on Wednesdays, men on Fridays.
• Eat plenty of seafood. Being adrift in the Atlantic, it's a good bet that there's lots of good seafood on offer. Lobster, local crab, mussels, scallops, and all sorts of sea fish are easy to come by. We particularly liked The Beach , a relaxed, rustic restaurant on, you guessed it, the beach at Porthmellon on St Mary's.

Depending upon where you start from, getting to the Isles of Scilly can be something of an adventure. You can arrive on the islands by plane, ferry, or (after March 2020) by helicopter, but first, you have to get to one of several departure points in Cornwall or Devon. If you are traveling from London by train, that can take between three and a half hours (to Exeter in Devon, the closest ) and five and a half hours to Penzance. You can also fly from London to Exeter or Newquay (an hour and ten minutes for either)

Whatever you do, don't plan a travel schedule that depends upon precise timing and tight connections. Weather in this part of the world can cause delays or cancellations from wind, fog, or rough seas. If you're heading back to London for a flight home, invest in a cushion of a day or two extra, just in case you are delayed getting off the islands. We were warned by other travelers that flights between St. Mary's Airport and Lands End, while short, were notorious for fog cancellations. Sure enough, a canceled return flight meant we were transferred to a ferry and arrived two hours too late for the last train back to London.

Isles of Scilly Travel operate Skybus fixed-wing flights to St Mary's Airport from Exeter, Newquay, or Lands End. The fastest, cheapest flights are from Land's End, costing 90 pounds (around $115) each way for a 20-minute flight, with up to 21 flights a day in peak season. The standard one-way fare from Newquay is 116 pounds and 75 pence and takes 30 minutes, five flights a day in peak season. Flights from Land's End and Newquay are scheduled year-round. Skybus flies from Exeter from March through October. It takes 60 minutes and costs 170 pounds and 75 pence each way. These are tiny planes so do plan to travel light. You can take two pieces of hold luggage with a combined weight of not more than 33 pounds. Carry-on is limited to one piece—a handbag or a camera, for example, but not both.

If you need to carry more, consider taking the ferry. The Scillonian , also operated by Isles of Scilly Travel, sails between Penzance and St Mary's from late March to the end of October. Standard one-way adult fare is 55 pounds (around $70), and the voyage takes two hours and 45 minutes.

Penzance Helicopters are scheduled to start flying from Penzance to St. Mary's and Tresco on March 17, 2020. The heliport is near Penzance train station with an electric shuttle bus service between the station and the helipad. The year-round flights will take 15 minutes, and costs start at 122 pounds ($159) each way. Passengers can check one item of luggage in the hold, but it can weigh up to 44 pounds. Carry on is limited to one small piece—a coat or a handbag, for example.

Visitors are not allowed to bring cars to the islands, and most people get around on foot, by bicycle or on electric golf carts that can be rented on St. Mary's, the biggest island. There are taxi services, airport, and hotel shuttle buses, as well as cars owned by locals on St. Mary's. And on Tresco, you'll occasionally see little green electric Tresco Estate service vehicles whizzing around.

All of the islands are connected by boat services, with small motorboats traveling between them several times a day. Boatmen's associations run the boats on the different islands and, because travel between the islands is so dependent on the tides, their schedules are usually only posted the day before. Look for them on chalkboards on the docks and published in the Tourist Information Office. The St. Mary's Boatmen's Association posts a seasonal schedule online, but it is subject to change, so its best to ask your hotel to check for you the day before. The Tresco Boatmen's association posts its next day schedule online. Tresco Boat Services and St. Agnes Boating coordinate with St. Mary's to provide services to the off islands. Trips are short, just 15 to 20 minutes, and relatively inexpensive. For the most part, the inter-island waters are calm. Sailing to St. Agnes, the southernmost island, involves crossing the main deep water channel to the sea, and some may find the swells unnerving in the small open boats. Tides wait for no one, and neither do the Isles of Scilly inter-island boats. Be at the dock at the appointed time, or you could find yourself left behind until the next high tide.

The Pembrokeshire Coast: A Complete Guide

Your Trip to Kauai: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Bermuda: The Complete Guide

The 12 Best Things to Do Along England's Jurassic Coast

Virgin Islands National Park, St. John: The Complete Guide

Romantic Getaways in 2019: Go Here, Not There

Your Trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands: The Complete Guide

Explore the Hottest Attractions in St. Barts

Acadia National Park: The Complete Guide

The Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy

Planning a Trip to Fiji

Your Trip to Charleston: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Barbados: The Complete Guide

North Coast of France: The Ultimate Road Trip From Dieppe to Calais

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: The Complete Guide

Top 15 Destinations in the French Riviera

The Ultimate Isles Of Scilly Travel Guide | England

With sandy white beaches and swaying palm trees, you may think that you’ve arrived on some tropical paradise island. However, you haven’t landed in the Caribbean or Mediterranean but you’re actually in the Isles of Scilly in England! Want to know more? I’ve put together this Isles of Scilly travel guide so you can plan your own trip to this little gem tucked away in the corner of England.

I had heard about the Isles of Scilly before and we recently had the chance to visit them. It had always intrigued me how such a place could exist in England. Somehow, the islands still manage to keep their British charm. You may be on a sandy beach or be walking past palm trees but you almost feel like you’re at a British seaside town back on the mainland.

We had an amazing time on the Scilly Isles and now I want to share everything we learnt from our trip. Enjoy this Isles of Scilly travel guide and plan your own trip to this little slice of paradise in England.

Read More | The Ultimate UK Bucket List

Where Are The Isles Of Scilly?

The secret is out and more and more people are finding out the Isles of Scilly are located in… England! You may be forgiven for thinking that they are located in the Mediterranean but they’re located 45km (35 miles) from the tip of Land’s End, so they are still part of Cornwall in England’s southwest.

The 250-mile journey to Cornwall from London takes around 5 hours by car. Luckily for you, Cornwall is one of England’s most beautiful counties with plenty to do and see. With stunning beaches and beautiful little seaside towns, it’s well worth taking the time to explore this part of the country.

Weather On The Isles Of Scilly

You may have heard people calling the Isles of Scilly ‘the UK’s answer to the Caribbean’ or ‘England’s tropical hidden gem’ but the weather isn’t quite as warm as that. Sure some of the beaches may look like they’ve come straight out of a Caribbean postcard, but the islands are still part of England don’t forget!

The weather follows the typical seasons in the northern hemisphere. August is the warmest month to visit with an average temperature of 19-20°c. The islands are positioned on the end of the North Atlantic Current so temperatures may seem milder compared to the rest of England. There’s a high chance of rain from November to February while the driest month is May.

We visited in July and while we had some long sunny days we also had spots of rain. But I’ve spoken to others who have had nothing but sunshine during the summer months.

How To Get To The Isles Of Scilly

Getting to the Isles of Scilly is half the fun, and needs a bit of planning due to their location. First, you need to make your way to the town of Penzance in Cornwall. So if you’re staying in London for example, you would need to take a train or hire a car. From Penzance, you can make your way over to the island of St. Mary’s by air or by sea!

The Scillonian Ferry

Probably the most common way to get to the Scilly Isles is by ferry. The Scillonian III to be precise! Although a standard adult fare of £65.95 ($81/€76) is not cheap, it is still the most cost-effective way to get to the islands. You will need to purchase a return trip at the same cost!

The ferry journey takes around 2 hours 45 minutes and runs from April to November. It’s quite a nice relaxing journey with comfortable seats and a small cafe on board. If you’re lucky you may even see dolphins or seals on your trip. However, there is only one ferry to St. Mary’s in the morning and one returning in the afternoon. So don’t miss it!

For more information on the Scillonian, head to the website , where you can view an up-to-date timetable and prices.

Day Trip | You can purchase a day trip ticket for £35.00 ($43/€40). I would only recommend this if you’re really, really short on time as you would arrive at St. Mary’s at around 12:30pm and leave again at 16:30pm (average departure times.)

A more convenient way to travel to the Isles of Scilly is the Sky Bus. You can get flights to the Scilly Isles from Exeter, Newquay and Land’s End airports. Depending on the airport, the journey is much quicker – 60 mins from Exeter and only 20 mins from Land’s End!

It’s quite a cool experience on the Sky Bus. If you fly from Land’s End, you can pay for a transfer from Penzance to the tiny little airport. The planes are also very small with only around 8 passengers on board and you even see the pilots doing their thing in the cockpit!

A standard adult ticket starts at £105 ($130/€122) each way so it’s a more expensive option but you can’t put a price on time! There are multiple flights throughout the day, making a day trip (£127) to the Scilly Isles a more tempting option than on the Scillonian.

Check out the official website for timetables and booking.

Fly & Sail | A great option for those who are undecided is to fly one way and sail the other. This is what we did on our trip to the Scilly Isles. This way, you’ll get to experience the best of both worlds

Penzance Helicopters

For a truly grand entrance, why not arrive by helicopter and feel like an A-list celebrity? Penzance Helicopters offers journeys from Penzance to either St. Mary’s or Tresco in only 15 mins! Prices start at £134.50 ($165€156) off-peak and you can book on their website .

Isles Of Scilly Accommodation

The Isles of Scilly are not what you would call a budget travel destination. Although the prices are similar to the rest of the UK in terms of food and drink, accommodation is a little pricey for your typical hotel, B&B. A quick look on Booking.com shows properties for over £200 ($230) per night.

For those who want to travel on a budget, I recommend booking early on Airbnb and staying in Hugh Town, St. Mary’s. This is probably the best bet for cheaper accommodation and there are more options available compared to the other islands. We stayed in an Airbnb for under £100 ($115) per night and were able to explore the other islands using Hugh Town as our base.

Another option is camping. Many of the islands have camping grounds and this is a great option for those who love the outdoors. Prices range from £11 ($12.60) to £55 ($63) per night.

Getting Around The Isles Of Scilly

The Isles Of Scilly consists of 5 inhabited islands and all are well connected by boat. While most visited will be staying in St. Mary’s there are some accommodation options on the other islands.

The islands are only 5-20 minutes apart and are easily accessible from the quay. Times are usually posted on notice boards as well as each island’s own boat service Facebook pages.

Our plan of action was to take a walk to the quay the day before and check out the departure and return times. These may be different due to the tides. We would then buy our tickets (not timed) ready for our trip the next day.

Best Things To Do On The Isles Of Scilly

Eat fresh sea food.

The local farmers and fishermen will tell you that the Scilly Isles have some of the best food in the UK. The food is locally sourced and reared on or around the islands themselves so you know it’s going to be fresh and you’ll be doing the environment a favour by reducing the carbon footprint.

There are many award-winning restaurants and eateries dotted around the isles for you to sample. It goes without saying that seafood should be the top choice when exploring these islands. From fresh fish to lobster, you’ll find an amazing choice of fresh seafood all over the islands and you have to try the lobster roll… yum!

See St. Mary’s

St. Mary’s is the largest of the Scilly Isles and the gateway to the rest of the islands. It is where the airport is located and where the Scillonian arrives and departs. Hugh Town is the main hub where you’ll find shops, cafes, restaurants and the Scilly Isle’s only banks (so withdraw your cash here if you need it!)

St. Mary’s is the best place to base yourself if you want to explore the other islands. You’ll find more accommodation options and there is also plenty to see and do including gin distillery tours and riding around in golf carts.

Island Hopping

There are 5 inhabited islands in Scilly – St. Mary’s, Tresco, St. Martins, St. Agnes and Bryher. Each one is different and a visit to at least one other island is a must! From the gardens of Tresco to the beaches of St. Martins, it’s really worth taking the boat out to all the other islands in this region.

While most people are happy to visit the main islands, there are over 140 more scattered around the archipelago. Many are home to wildlife whilst others are worth exploring due to their uniqueness such as Bishop Rock where a lighthouse sits on the world’s smallest island!

Wildlife Spotting

As previously mentioned, the Scilly Isles are home to an array of marine and sea life. It’s not uncommon to spot dolphins and porpoises whilst out at sea and there are several seal colonies around the islands.

Boat trips are available from the quay but you may have to book in advance and these are very popular in high season. Popular boat trips include the seabird sanctuary island of Annet and the islands east of St. Martin’s where seals and seabirds love to hang out. Another popular option is the glass bottom boat trips from St. Mary and St. Martin’s.

Enjoy The Beaches At St. Martin’s

St Martin’s has some of the best beaches on the Isles of Scilly and it’s the island you want to be on if sunbathing is your thing.

It’s on St Martin’s that you’ll find Great Bay – an untouched, white sand beach with crystal clear waters considered to be the best in the Scilly Isles. You’ll feel like you’re spending the day in the Caribbean instead of England!!

You won’t find any shops or cafes on the beaches so it’s best to stock up on food and drink (take your rubbish/trash please!) The Island Bakery or convenience store are the best places to buy snacks.

Explore The Island Of Tresco

This subtropical island is classy yet chilled! Tresco is a Royal favourite with William and Kate visiting two summers in a row. We enjoyed a beer and snacks at the Ruin Beach Cafe where a local told us William had visited recently.

There are plenty of other things to do on Tresco besides following the Royals and a hike to Cromwell’s Castle is a particular highlight. There are also a few beaches on the island to explore and you can also play a round of golf, or enjoy a spa treatment or yoga session.

See The Tresco Abbey Gardens

The famous Tresco Abbey Gardens are a must-see when visiting the Isles of Scilly. Located on Tresco, there are around 4000 different specimens in the gardens from over 80 countries. Quite incredible if you consider that many of these plants wouldn’t survive anywhere else in the UK.

The entrance to these fabulous gardens costs £18 and there’s no need to book. There’s a cafe and shop there too so you can enjoy a tea or coffee and a sandwich in true Brit style! You can find out more about the gardens on their website .

Walk From Tresco To Bryher

Bryher, the smallest of the inhabited islands, is a contrast of rugged coastlines on the west and calm and sandy on the east. It’s a great place for walks, picnics and beach days. However, several times a year everyone wants to get to/from Bryher and not by boat!

The location, around 230 metres or so from Tresco, can be walked at very low tide! This can only be done a few times each year so it’s quite a popular event! Check out the dates & times when the tide is low if you want to time your visit with this unique event.

Walking On St. Agnes

The Isles of Scilly’s most south-westerly island is wild and untouched. The island is great for walking and you can walk the coast, through little villages and onto untamed beaches. Don’t miss the Gugh sandbar that’s only visible during low tide and if you like Troytown Farm ice cream, well the farm is found right here!

Don’t forget to grab a pint at the famous Turk’s Head pub – the Most South Westerly Pub in the British Isles!

Snorkel With Seals

One of the best things to do in the Scilly isles is to swim with some resident Atlantic grey seals. These cute critters live off the coast of St. Martin’s and you don’t need any experience to participate. The seals are friendly and inquisitive and you’ll be well looked after by Seal Snorkelling Adventures .

The experience costs £55 ($67/€64) and lasts for around 2.5 hours. There are only 2 sessions per day and a maximum of 10 people per group. This is so the seals don’t get too used to having people around. Make sure you book early, especially in the summer months.

I hope you enjoyed reading this Isles of Scilly travel guide. If you have any questions or suggestions then feel free to get in contact. Or just let me know in the comments below .

Share this post...

Jeff Yip is the owner and author of Life of Y, a blog that helps travellers find adventure travel on a budget. As a travel expert, Jeff has explored over 50 countries (many as a solo traveller), been to 6 continents, and seen all 7 World Wonders. Jeff shares his tips and hacks on Life of Y so others can follow their dreams without breaking the bank.

Isles of Scilly

• 1.1 Visitor information
• 3.1 By boat
• 3.2 By plane
• 3.3 By helicopter
• 4.1 Around St Mary's
• 4.2 Between the islands
• 4.3 Around the Off Islands
• 5.1 St Mary's
• 5.4 St Martin's
• 5.5 St Agnes
• 8.1 St Mary's
• 8.2 Off islands
• 9.1 St Mary's
• 9.4 St Martin's
• 9.5 St Agnes
• 10 Stay safe

The Isles of Scilly (Cornish: Enesek Syllan ) is a small archipelago of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 25 miles (40 km) off the coast of Cornwall at the south-western tip of the United Kingdom . The main island, and obvious base for visitors, is St Mary's. Four of the other islands (known as "Off Islands") are inhabited: best known is Tresco for its Abbey Gardens. All the islands are scenic, and collectively they've been designated an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty".

Understand [ edit ]

Look at a map of the islands or a satellite photo, and it's as if a single large island has drowned. And that is indeed what happened, possibly as recently as 500 AD, as "Ennor" sank to become a source for legends of Atlantis and Lyonesse. These islands are the last redoubt of land as Britain pokes its toe into the Atlantic, so they came to signify first and last sight of the homeland, or terrible shipwreck, or a nest of rebels and pirates, or first point of attack from overseas powers.

The islands bask in the Gulf Stream and are very mild and sunny. They're cooler than mainland England at the height of summer, but considerably warmer in winter, and frost is rare. This balmy climate fosters sub-tropical flora and a flower industry, plus tourism. St Mary's is the largest island with a population of around 1750, with Hugh Town the main settlement. The other four inhabited Off Islands are each home to a hundred or so. There's limited visitor accommodation and limited transport capacity, so book them simultaneously. The islands are frankly expensive (it's cheaper to holiday in the Med), so even with day-trippers they're not mobbed by tourist hordes - until a cruise ship appears, as they regularly do.

There are no slabby office blocks, high-rise flats or chain hotels here. Much of the land is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall (i.e. Prince of Wales), who together with the islands' council are determined to preserve its character and wildlife. Minor royalty take holidays here, and you'll frequently spot the Duchy's coat of arms. It looks like a bunch of grapes but in heraldry it's "Sable, 15 bezants" plus other flummery. (Translation: black, with 15 gold coins of Byzantium, looted by Crusaders.)

If a local is within earshot, always refer to the place as "The Isles of Scilly", and don't be caught saying "The Scilly Isles" or "The Scillies". This is often attributed to the Royal Mail, as in the early 1900s, they changed the address for the islands from “Scilly Isles” to “Isles of Scilly”, as many of the letters bound to the islands were mistakenly sent to Sicily .

Although you may refer to an islander as a Scillonian (same as the ferry), the proper definition of a Scillonian is someone whose grandmother was born and raised on the islands, while an Islander is someone who was born and/or raised there. If you live on the islands but don't fit any of the above criteria, you're a mere Resident . Don't worry if that's too much to take in, as many people use the terms interchangeably, and you're highly unlikely to cause any offense if you get them mixed up.

The Cornish language was spoken on the islands until the 17th century, and unlike on the mainland there has been no serious attempt to revive it in the 21st. However, many local place names (e.g. Annet, Bryher, Tresco) are Cornish in origin.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• The official tourist information centre is on Portcressa Road in Hugh Town. There's also an independent travel agent, Isles of Scilly Travel , on Hugh Street.
• Simpy Scilly tourist information website

Islands [ edit ]

There are five inhabited islands:

And a large number of smaller uninhabited islands and islets:

Get in [ edit ]

Not on Sunday you won't: no ferry, no flights, so Sunday newspapers arrive Monday. The exception is if flights or ferries have been cancelled by weather. Then extra catch-up services may be put on, perhaps at short notice to take advantage of a weather window. So you need to stay in touch with your transport operator in these circumstances.

By boat [ edit ]

50.116 -5.531 1 The Scillonian III passenger ferry , Quay Street, Penzance TR18 4BZ , ☏ +44 845 710 5555 . The ferry sails end of March to end of Oct, M-Sa, from Penzance at 9:15AM to reach Hugh Town, St Mary's by noon; it returns at 4:30PM for 7:15PM. No winter or Sunday sailings. Foot passengers only (dogs & bikes welcome), booking essential - the ferry may sell out. In Penzance, check-in at the "Weighbridge" building, next to Dolphin Tavern. Get your baggage tagged to go either to Hugh Town pier, or to an Off Island, or to a specific hotel on St Marys. From the Weighbridge it's a short walk with hand luggage to the boarding point - Scillonian will be the biggest and whitest thing in the harbour. In Hugh Town, baggage for pier delivery and the check-in point for return are at the end of the main pier: toilets and cafe here. Scillonian has outdoor and indoor seating, two cafes and a bar. No vehicles are carried. Watch for marine life on the way over, dolphins may follow the boat. At high tide the ship takes a short-cut north of St Mary's, at low tide it's a slightly longer route south of the island. In Hugh Town harbour, local boatmen will be offering day-trips to the Off Islands - you can easily tour Tresco Abbey Gardens in time for the afternoon return ferry. Day trip: adult £48, child £24; return: adult £100, child £50 . ( updated Jul 2018 )

By plane [ edit ]

There are flights year-round to the Isles of Scilly from Land's End and Newquay , Monday to Saturday. In winter when the ferry doesn't sail, this is your only way in. March to October there are also flights from Exeter . These "Skybus" flights are in small fixed-wing twin-props (e.g. Twin Otter or BNF Islander) so your checked baggage limit is only 15 kg, and flights can be grounded by weather that wouldn't bother an Airbus or 737. Day-trips (with no checked baggage) can be made from Land's End or Newquay but not Exeter.

By helicopter [ edit ]

There are year-round flights to the islands from a heliport just off the A30 at Jelbert Way, Penzance flying with Penzance Helicopters , ☏ +44 1736 780828 (M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM) . Flights operate to both St Mary's and Tresco in the Isles of Scilly (15 min). There's direct access off the A30 and on-site parking, or there's a shuttle bus that links the heliport to the nearby train station. The helicopter offers a 20-kg luggage allowance. A standard return is £130 each way, but there's also a day trip return fare from £129 return. . ( updated Mar 2021 )

Get around [ edit ]

Around St Mary's [ edit ]

Walking is ideal for the area around Hugh Town, from the Garrison to the west to Old Town to the east. A hiking trail circles the coast, and all of St Mary's is within walking range of fit young adults (which most visitors no longer are.) The roads are good but very narrow, with no sidewalk beyond Old Town, so even with light traffic you won't enjoy walking them.

Bike hire is widely available. Electric carts can be hired from Scilly Cart Co - bright yellow golf-buggies, but they're road-legal and you will be on the public highway, so you need your driving licence.

April to October M-Sa an elderly bus chugs around St Mary's, visiting or passing close to all points of interest, but not calling at the airport. It starts from the Strand near town hall in Hugh Town. Every two or three hours it runs as a standard bus, 30 min circuit, single trip adult £2, concessions available. Between times it runs as a sight-seeing bus, stopping for photos at the main viewpoints, £10 for a one-hour circuit. Bus times are posted at various locations in town, or ask at the TIC. Mainland bus drivers often don't like giving change but this one, uniquely, resents getting too much, and turns puce at the sight of euros.

Taxis are usually waiting in the centre of Hugh Town, or touting at the pier when the ferry comes in.

Between the islands [ edit ]

Small boats run from the quay at Hugh town on St Mary's to each of the inhabited islands. See St Mary's Boatmen's Association for times and fares, but the standard direct sailings are Apr-Oct daily, 4 to Tresco, 3 to St Agnes, 2 to St Martin's and 2 to Bryher. The boats carry bikes and luggage (including bags checked through from the mainland) but not electric carts or freight. Return fares are adult £9.50, child £4.75, with crossings taking 20 mins. No advance booking, pay at the kiosk on the pier or on the boat.

In summer the direct boat times suit visitors going out from St Mary's in the morning to visit one island and return in the afternoon. They don't enable hops between Off Islands, even between Tresco and Bryher a few hundred yards apart, and they don't circle the islands for sightseeing and bird-watching. For those, take a tour trip, usually adult £15, child £7.50. For instance the Three Islands tour visits Bryher, Tresco and St Agnes, with an hour or two ashore on each. Other offerings are for evening tours, seasonal bird-watching (eg the Manx Shearwaters and puffins), fishing, watching the gig-racing, and out into deep water as far as lonely Bishop lighthouse. In winter most boats are laid up and there are very few sailings. Times then are more suited to bringing Off Islanders in to St Mary's for life's essentials then getting them home.

Posted timetables are only approximate, and you always need to enquire on the pier about weather, boat times, tides and sea conditions, and what's going on for the next few days. (Is a cruise ship due in? If so, "££!" signs will light up in local eyes, boat trips will sell out, and the main tourist sights will be busy.) Then once on your boat, be sure to check the return sailing time and pick-up point, which may well differ from where you land.

Around the Off Islands [ edit ]

Walk. The Off Islands are small and have good lanes so cycling is easy; bike hire is available on all islands. For getting in and away with luggage, your accommodation will usually provide transport to the quay. There are very few vehicles, and islanders potter around on a fleet of tractors, buggies (hire may be possible), and antediluvian Land Rover Defenders.

See [ edit ]

St Mary's [ edit ]

• 49.914747 -6.313181 1 Isles of Scilly Museum , Church Street, St Mary's TR21 0JT , ☏ +44 1720 422337 . Easter-Sep M-F 10AM-4:30PM; Sa 10AM-noon; Oct-Good Friday M-Sa 10AM-noon . It's an ill wind: the gales of winter 1962 unearthed Romano-British remains, so where to house them? This museum, opened in 1967, displays the history of the islands. Pirates, longitude, wildlife, it's all here. Adults £3.50, concs £3, children 5-16 £1 . ( updated Jul 2018 )

Tresco [ edit ]

Remember that your boat pick-up point may not be the same as your landing! Depending on tides it will be either Cairn Near Point on the south tip of the island, or New Grimsby on the west coast looking across at Bryher. They're a 20-min walk apart.

• The "Great Pool" just north of Abbey Gardens has bird hides.

Bryher [ edit ]

A small island, mostly farmland, and the most westerly settlement in England (not Britain, as Scotland and Ulster reach further west). The usual landing quay is on the east side just below All Saints Church, but it gets very shallow at low tide. On the west coast the Atlantic waves crash onto Hell Bay, and the Great Pool is a brackish lagoon separated from the sea by a storm beach. There are a couple of cafes and B&Bs plus a campsite. Seen north of the quay, Fraggle Rock is also known as Hangman Island. The bodies of rebels and pirates were often hung up in cages, and Isles of Scilly had plenty of both, but there's no evidence that Fraggle Rock was used for this. At spring low tide it's possible to walk to the southern uninhabited island of Samson , and even to Tresco, but seek local advice before attempting this. There's no transport to other islets such as Gweal.

St Martin's [ edit ]

This is the most northerly of the Isles of Scilly. The usual landing quay is at Higher Town on its south side. This tiny "town" straggles west through Middle Town to, guess where, Lower Town, where the Hotel Quay is the landing point at low tide. St Martin's is surrounded by rugged coastline and unspoilt beaches, and crisscrossed by paths. It has a bakery, a cafe, a couple of pubs, a few B&Bs, and a vineyard (open Tu-Th 11AM-4PM). The bright red & white tower at the north-east corner of the island is a navigational day-mark, erected 1683, and visible from mainland Cornwall - it's not a lighthouse as it never had a light. At the north tip, a rocky causeway passable at low tide connects to White Island , which has Neolithic remains and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Seek local advice on safe crossing times, as the waves and tides can really rip over the causeway. There's no transport to other nearby islets such as Tean.

St Agnes [ edit ]

This is most southerly populated spot in Britain, with Troy Town Farm being the most southerly habitation in the UK. The quay is on the east of the island, and just next to it is a pub & cafe, the Turk's Head. This, and another couple of small cafes further west, are only open in summer. There's no hotel, but a couple of places do B&B. In the centre of the island is the main settlement and a lighthouse built in 1680; it's no longer lit but serves as a day-mark for shipping. Close to the quay is the tidal island of Gugh , connected to St Agnes by a tombolo of shingle and sand. Check times with the boatman, but you can usually walk across and stroll for a couple of hours either side of low tide. At these times St Agnes has a slightly larger area and population than Bryher; then the tide isolates Gugh and its three residents, and St Agnes again becomes the smallest of the Isles of Scilly.

Do [ edit ]

• Boat trips: check the notice boards at Hugh Town quay or the St Mary's Boatmen's Association for what's available. On the Off Islands, check with the local boat company. See also "Get around" above for other options & practicalities.
• Diving: The distance from the main islands of Britain gives the Scillies excellent visibility for scuba diving, while the archipelago is a tangle of reefs that attract both marine life and has caused innumerable wrecks over the years, including one of the worst peacetime disasters of the Royal Navy. Dive Scilly, run by Dave McBride (T: 01720 422848) runs runs dive trips from a day-boat and can provide gas fills.
• Pilot gigs are traditional Cornish six-oar rowing boats, slim and fast - the first boat to get a pilot out to a struggling ship won the job. They also acted as the first shore-based lifeboats, but since the 19th century have mostly been used for sport racing. Racing gigs must strictly adhere to the "Treffy" pattern of 1838; non-racing gigs may vary. The World Pilot Gig Championships [dead link] are held here annually in May, with over 100 crews competing, and heroic partying afterwards. There are practices and beer-races at other times. Boat trips follow them from St Mary's.
• Bird watching : the islands are important both for birds of passage - their first & last landfall, especially in spring and autumn - and for resident colonies, most active in early summer.
• Report a rat! St Agnes & Gugh and Annet are rat-free, the other islands are aiming to be. Ground-nesting birds such as the Manx Shearwater depend upon this. So report it if you think you see a rat, but don't try to whack it yourself. You'd only succeed if it was something else, like the Scillies Shrew, a protected species.
• Isles of Scilly Golf Club , Carn Morrval ( The course is located on the north-east coast of St Mary's ). is open all year and welcomes non-members. It's a nine-hole course, so 18-hole matches go round twice (5942 yards, par 73, record 66). The clubhouse serves food, drink and fine views; evening meals only summer Friday & Saturday.  

Buy [ edit ]

Lots of locally produced food and gifts are available. Beef, pork, lamb, duck, fresh fish and shellfish, wildflower honey, fudge, ice cream, paintings, pottery, glassware, jewellery and even soap, the list is endless. Each island has at least one stall selling locally produced fruit and veg together with fresh free range eggs. Scilly is famous for its flowers, and a wide variety of bulbs are available to take home.

There is a Co-op food store on St Mary's and some Off Islands have a well stocked shop.

There is only one bank in Hugh Town on St Mary's. Lloyds (M-F 9AM-4PM) has an ATM. Many shops, pubs and post offices will do cash back.

Eat and drink [ edit ]

For picnic supplies, stock up at the Co-op on St Mary's, or Off Island local shop. All the inhabited islands have decent pub and cafe food, and cream teas. Hours are geared to tourists and they have limited opening out of season.

• Cafe Kavorna (on Hugh Street beside Lloyd's Bank, +44 1720 422660) does good breakfasts, lunches and cream teas until 5PM. Gluten-free and vegan options.
• Atlantic Inn , Hugh Town, St Mary's , ☏ +44 1720 422323 . M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-10:30PM . Good pub serving notably decent food. ( updated Jul 2018 )
• 49.91443 -6.31612 1 Bishop and Wolf , Silver Street, Hugh Town, St Mary's TR21 0LL , ☏ +44 1720 422790 . M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su from noon . Good popular pub and eating place, serves St Austell Ales. It's named for the two infamous nearby rocks with lighthouses. The Wolf is midway between Cornwall and IOS - there's a fissure in it where strong winds make a howling noise. The Bishop way out to the west is the very last scrap of land of the UK; it may once have looked like a bishop's mitre but no-one really knows.  
• Scillonian Club , The Parade, Hugh Town, St Mary's , ☏ +44 1720 422720 . M-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-10:30PM . Nice view over the bay, Skinner's Ale on tap, and a popular Sunday carvery (Su noon-2PM & 6-8:30PM, booking advised). ( updated Jul 2018 )

Off islands [ edit ]

• 49.9564 -6.33852 5 New Inn , New Grimsby, Tresco TR24 0QQ ( just above the quay ), ☏ +44 1720 422844 . Always stock a good range of real ales. In 19th-century row of cottages, with rooms B&B. ( updated Jul 2018 )
• 49.96104 -6.28208 7 The Island Bakery , The Island Bakery, Isles of Scilly TR25 0QL , [email protected] . Good quality bread and pastries. ( updated Mar 2021 )

Sleep [ edit ]

Whatever your price range, be ready to book your accommodation just as soon as you've booked your transport. It's all pricey by mainland standards.

• St Mary's Campsite , The Garrison, St. Mary's , ☏ +44 1720 422670 . A 9-acre camp site with facilities which include toilet blocks, hot showers, washing up facilities, laundry, supplies shop and a few electrical hookups (must be reserved in advance). Plus self-catering cottages. ( updated Jul 2018 )
• Lots of B&Bs, mostly in or near Hugh town, reckon £40-70 ppn. If you need to ask directions from a local, knowing the name of your host is more helpful than knowing the name of the B&B.
• 49.915 -6.311 1 St Mary's Hall Hotel , Church St, St. Mary's , ☏ +44 1720 422316 . Well-run comfy small hotel in Hugh Town open mid Mar to mid Oct. B&B double £180 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Splurge at 49.915375 -6.32105 2 Star Castle Hotel , St Marys TR21 0JA ( on hill overlooking Hugh Town harbour ), ☏ +44 1720 422317 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 10:30AM . 38 luxurious bedrooms in 16th-century castle - the "star" refers to the Vauban-style fortifications. Also cottage accommodation within 4 acres of gardens. Two restaurants (non-residents welcome, reservations essential): the conservatory majors on fish, the main castle dining room has a wider selection and is better designed for defensive musket-fire against invaders. Excellent cuisine so half-board is pricey but worth it. Other facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, tennis court and golf. A courtesy minibus runs between hotel, harbour, town and airport. Check-in your luggage at Penzance ferry terminal or the airport and it will go straight to your room. single £233, double £203-300 . ( updated Jun 2018 )

Tresco is a private estate which runs all the accommodation on the island. There is no camping here. Choices are:

• Sea Garden cottages: one-bedroom cottages are available to book per night, larger cottages by the week
• Flying Boat cottages are houses, booked per week.
• The New Inn, rooms for around £55-120 per person B&B.
• Traditional cottages sleep from two to ten, and are booked by the week. They're also available as time-shares: you get the same week every year for 25 years.
• 49.95647 -6.35274 3 Bryher Campsite , Bryher ( North of quay ), ☏ +44 720 422886 . Great views over Tresco channel. Showers, washer/dryer, dish-washing facilities, phone charging and gas cylinder exchange. Sleeps around a hundred, spread over 5 fields. Open April-Sept, booking essential July & Aug. Camping with own tent £11 ppn, hire of set-up bell tent (sleeps 4) £500 per week. ( updated Jul 2018 )
• There are four small B&Bs on the island.
• Four self-catering places, one B&B, and (just as you'd despaired of finding one in these islands) a yurt sleeping 2+2.
• Karma St Martin's , Lower Town, St Martins, TR25 0QN , ☏ +44 1720 422368 . Chic hotel open mid-April to Oct. Various spa treatments, but if the island itself doesn't improve your mental wellbeing, you may be beyond the reach of sea-salt scrubs and warm oils, however locally- and ethically-sourced. B&B double from £150 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Covean Cottage , ☏ +44 1720 422620 . The only B&B on St Agnes, with just three rooms. Has a little cafe attached which uses as much locally grown produce as possible. Pizza night is Saturday, takeaway available if pre-ordered. ( updated Jul 2018 )
• The Parsonage , Old Lane St Agnes TR22 0PL , ☏ +44 1720 422370 . Self-catering in the Glebe Barn (sleeps 4) and the Crow's Nest and Orchard Flats (both sleep two, adults only). The Parsonage no longer does B&B. ( updated Jul 2018 )

St Agnes doesn't have a hotel.

Stay safe [ edit ]

The islands are nearly crime-free. The biggest dangers are probably from bicycle theft or from the odd rowdy group of drunken pub-goers in the evening. Don't leave your bike unlocked outside a pub on a Friday or Saturday night... if it does go missing though you'll probably find it returned nearby the next morning.

If walking along the more rugged coastal paths, or exploring remote parts, especially the smaller uninhabited islands, take with you a charged mobile phone or other means of communication. There is generally good mobile coverage.

As with the rest of the UK, in any emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for Ambulance, Fire or Police when connected.

Connect [ edit ]

The landline area code for the Isles is 01720. There is mobile coverage by all UK networks. The islands are connected to the internet by a high-capacity ocean cable, so there is good internet access available. Royal Mail deliver and collect as on the British mainland, Mondays to Saturdays.

Go next [ edit ]

The only way out by public transport is back to Cornwall on the mainland. It'll be a shock to return to all that scurrying traffic.

• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Airport listing
• Go listing with no coordinates
• Has mapframe
• Articles with dead external links
• Do listing with no coordinates
• Eat listing with no coordinates
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• Usable rural areas
• Usable articles
• Rural area articles
• Has Geo parameter
• West Country
• All destination articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

A 7 Day Isles of Scilly Itinerary for Active Travellers Who Love Island Adventures

This 7 day Isles of Scilly itinerary is part of my comprehensive Isles of Scilly travel series. If you’re looking for Scilly accommodation recommendations and activity reviews check out my series of Isles of Scilly travel guides .

The Isles of Scilly is an archipelago of Eden-like beauty. Sitting just 28 miles from the coast of Cornwall their unique sub-tropical micro climate has cultivated a landscape that would look just as at home in the waters of the Caribbean as it does on the fringe of the British Channel. Life here hasn’t changed much in decades, there are no traffic lights, no motorways, and no fast food chains, better still, you don’t need a passport to travel here.

My stay in the Isles of Scilly was sponsored; this article has been published in partnership with Isles of Scilly Travel. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sound heavenly? Having spent a week exploring the islands myself I can highly recommend the destination for active travellers who love adventure. This post outlines the itinerary I put together for my stay ; want to follow in my footsteps? Keep reading.

If you’re planning an Isles of Scilly itinerary check out my other Scilly travel guides below and feel free to get in touch via my contact page if you can’t find the information you’re looking for.

Day 1 – Getting to the Isles of Scilly

14:03pm Depart from London Paddington aboard GWR service to Newquay – change at Par.

Unless you live in the south west, or are planning to drive to the ferry in Penzance I’d recommend booking onto the GWR service that connects London Paddington to Devon and Cornwall. If you want to make the most of the opportunity to work/relax during the journey I can highly recommend the GWR first class service; the seats are spacious and comfortable and every seat has a table. The ticket price also includes an at-seat service of free sandwiches and snacks, and alcoholic and soft drinks.

7:30pm Check into the Great Western Hotel in Newquay

Depending on where you’re travelling from you may find that you need to book an overnight stay on the mainland before catching a flight or the ferry to the islands. I chose to fly from Newquay as it had the most direct train route from where I live , and the Skybus flight out to the Isles of Scilly is just 30 minutes.

If you’re travelling via Newquay the great Western Hotel is a great bolt hole for the night . Just a 10-minute walk from Newquay station their ocean view rooms are well appointed for an overnight stay and offer a spectacular panorama of the surrounding coastline. Check availability here .

Day 2 – Skybus fom Newquay to St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly & one day St Mary’s itinerary

6:45am – Taxi from Great Western Hotel to Newquay Airport

The easiest way to get to Newquay airport is by taxi, mine cost £20 one way from the middle of the town. Check in for Skybus flight opens an hour before departure and you’ll be subject to all the usual security checks so don’t forget to put your liquids in your checked baggage.

8am – Skybus flight from Newquay to St Mary’s Isles of Scilly

Once you get through to the departures lounge the Skybus team will give you a safety briefing, this happens before you get onto the plane as it’s such a small aircraft! If like me you’re not that great in confined spaces I’d recommend taking a phone or tablet and plugging yourself into your favourite TV series or a movie and trying to zone out prior to take off.

The flight is really comfortable and is over before you know it , plus the pilots are really friendly and you get to look over their shoulder into the cockpit which is pretty cool!

Check current prices and availability of the Skybus here .

8:45am – Transfer to Longstone Lodge, St Mary’s

My chosen pad for my week on the islands, Longstone Lodge is ideal for budget conscious travellers who are looking for a clean and comfortable place to stay. My room was modern and cosy but to be honest with you, I hardly spent any time in there as I was out exploring for most of the day: If you’re looking for value for money Longstone Lodge won’t disappoint.

The on-site café serves up excellent snacks and lunches, and if you don’t fancy cooking in the evening there are homemade meals available in the freezer by the reception. Find out more at longstonecafe.co.uk

9:30am – Walk into Hugh Town – 2km

The great thing about the Isles of Scilly is that the islands are largely pedestrianised so unless you have trouble walking short distances I’d make the most of the opportunity to get your step count up each day.

Electric golf carts and bikes are available to hire on the island ; these are a great option if you plan to do a self-guided tour of St Mary’s. There are also taxis on St Mary’s as well as a community bus service.

10am – Hire a bike from St Mary’s Bike Hire

Whether you’re planning to stay on St Mary’s for the duration of your trip (don’t do this, the other islands are well worth a visit) or you have a multi-island itinerary, taking a day to explore St Mary’s is a must. There are so many points of interest to take in as you wend your way around the island’s single track lanes and to be honest, you really can’t get lost.

Get in touch with St Mary’s Bike Hire here .

The one piece of advice I could give you is to head east when you leave Hugh Town as the gradient is more forgiving if you’re not used to cycling!

For more insight into things to see and do check out my handy St Mary’s island guide here .

12:30pm – Lunch at Juliet’s Garden

Spend the first few hours cycling down the dead end lanes that lead toward to deserted beaches and secluded coves, and then meander toward Juliet’s Garden for lunch. The views over Hugh Town from the balcony are spectacular and the food is fresh and delicious. Try the homemade ginger beer if you need a pick-me-up. More details on their website .

2pm – Wine tasting at Holy Vale Vineyard

After a morning of somewhat strenuous activity treat yourself to a wine tasting at the cellar door or Holy Vale Wines . Producing their own wine, and offering selected European bottles to sample you can wander through the vines in the sunshine with a glass of something crisp and fruity in hand. I actually bought a bottle to take back to my room for evenings when I wanted to cook something myself rather than go to a restaurant.

3pm – Make your own gin at Scilly Spirit Gin School

If gin is more your thing book into the Scilly Spirit Gin School and spend the afternoon with owner’s Art and Hilary who will give you a crash course in distillery. Details here .

5:30pm – A pint of Cornish cider at The Atlantic

If you’re feeling so inclined, after you’ve returned you bike to St Mary’s Bike Hire wander into Hugh Town and sit on the deck of The Atlantic with a cold pint of Cornish cider and some bar snacks . Here you can watch the fishing boats bobbing about on the tide and people wandering along the water’s edge. It’s a quintessential Scilly scene.

6:30pm – Buy basic supplies from the Coop

The great thing about staying at Longstone Lodge is that you can self-cater as many meals as you want , so pick up some essentials at the Coop in Hugh Town before heading back to Longstone Lodge. You can also get cashback here or grab some cash from the Lloyds cash point next to the post office.

7pm – Walk back to Longstone Lodge and sample their homemade suppers

The facilities at Longstone Lodge are modern and well maintained, however after a full day exploring the island you may not fancy buying ingredients to cook from scratch, so consider trying one of Amy’s frozen homemade dinners . In the freezer by the reception you’ll find hearty favourites like chilli, lasagne, and Shepard’s pie, all of which are really tasty. Cook for 45 minutes from frozen and eat on your balcony with a glass of Holy Vale wine whilst watching the sunset.

READ MORE ISLES OF SCILLY TRAVEL GUIDES BY WANDERLUSTERS

Day 3 – One day St Martin’s itinerary

8am – Breakfast at Longstone Lodge

Raid your supplies and whip up a breakfast that will sustain you until lunch.

9:15am – Walk into Hugh Town to St Mary’s Boatman Association

Every morning the ferry schedule for each island is written up on a board in Hugh Town and it’s here you should head when you first arrive. The ferries don’t usually leave much before 10am but it’s a good idea to get down to the quay in plenty of time as there can be quite a queue depending on the season.

10-10:30am – Ferry to St Martin’s

The crossing is around 20 minutes and depending on the wind direction it can get pretty cold regardless of whether the sun is shining so take an extra layer just in case.

11am – Walk to Higher Town

There are two quays on St Martin’s which the ferry captain’s use depending on the tides and wind so you may be dropped at either Higher Town or Lower Town quay. Regardless, your first port of call should be to walk to Higher Town. Here you’ll find a café, bakery, and art gallery as well as a shoemaker’s and organic veg stall. Have a snack and grab something to put in your pack for later here because it will be a while until you have the chance to pick up food again.

12:30pm – Check into Seal Snorkelling Adventures

I have to say this was definitely my favourite of all the activities I experienced in the Isles of Scilly. Over the course of your three hour experience you’ll be outfitted with a thick wetsuit, boots, hood, gloves, and snorkel, and be ferried to a small group of outlying islands to swim with Atlantic grey seals.

I can honestly tell you the experience of swimming with these majestic creatures felt like a real privilege and the fact that Seal Snorkelling Adventures is such a small operation that only run groups of max 10 people twice a day, makes it a sustainable way to interact with some of the island’s most notable residents . Check out a video I captured of two seals playing just metres in front of me.

3pm – Walk to the Daymark

You may have already noticed the red and white striped daymark that denotes the eastern end of island?  The daymark is built on the highest point of St Martin’s — and the second-highest point in the Isles of Scilly — and the islands’ only Ordnance Survey triangulation station is situated by the daymark; the position and relative height mean that the Cornish mainland is visible (when the weather allows) and the daymark is identifiable from the mainland too.

If you’ve got time before the last ferry service – usually 4:45pm – and the energy to make the trek, walk along Par Beach and pick up the trail that wiggles amid the undergrowth out to the coast. The views across St Martin’s and its outlying islands are beautiful and the coastal cliffs which loom on the opposite side of the island, most impressive.

3:30pm – Walk to Lower Town Quay

Don’t linger too long at the Daymark as you’ll need to walk the entire length of St Martin’s to get down to Lower Town Quay in time for the last ferry service back to St Mary’s . The walk isn’t particularly challenging but you will need to leave an hour as the route is around 3km.

4:30pm – Get refreshments at Karma Hotel

If you have time, grab a drink and sit on the veranda of the Karma Hotel before you board the ferry.

6pm – Head to the Bishop and Wolf for a pizza

Relax and refuel before the walk back to Longstone Lodge with a freshly made pizza and a glass of something cold. Eat in the beer garden or takeaway and sit on nearby Porthcressa Beach.

8pm – Walk back to Longstone Lodge

Day 4 – One day Tresco itinerary

9:15am – Walk into Hugh Town  and pick up a St Mary’s Boatman Association ferry service to Tresco

10:30am – Arrive at the southern quay on Tresco and walk north along Carn Near road to Tresco Abbey Gardens

11am – Explore Tresco Abbey Gardens .

Described as “a perennial Kew without the glass” the gardens are home to thousands of exotic plants from all over the world and boast simply beautiful floral designs that represent the island’s incredible diversity. Make sure you spend some time on the top terrace where you can enjoy ocean and island views of Tresco and St Mary’s. I also bought a couple of their succulent seedlings which I carefully transported home and am cultivating in my kitchen!

12pm – Walk to Old Grimsby for lunch at the Ruin Beach Cafe

Exit the gardens, through the gift shop 😉, and turn left, then right at the T-junction. This will take you on a scenic coastal route up the eastern edge of the island along Pentle Bay . Here the waves crash on the shore and the wind whistles along the sand, yet countless species of plant and animal thrive. Walk for around 45 minutes and you’ll reach the settlement of Old Grimsby.

1:30pm – Lunch at the Ruin Beach Café

A stylish beach side eatery with a rustic wooden terrace the Ruin Beach Café serves up sizable plates of seriously yummy food . I opted for the superfood salmon salad which was so plentiful I couldn’t finish it, and Fred opted for a stone baked pizza which looked equally as appetising. Sit here and enjoy the view for a while, it’s totally therapeutic.

2:15pm – Walk the Gimble Porth track to Cromwell’s Castle

Although I’m sure you’re feeling like you’ve seen enough coastal views for the day, believe me when I tell you that the best is yet to come . Leave the Ruin Beach Café and turn right at the signpost to follow the Gimble Porth trail north. This route starts in much the same vein as the last stretch from the Abbey Gardens but quickly elevates onto rugged sea cliffs that look almost Scandinavian in appearance . Stick to the trail and soak in the views, but make sure to walk at a reasonable pace as the last ferry back to St Mary’s will leave at around 4:30pm.

4pm – Have a pint at The New Inn

As you descend into New Grimbsy, windswept and worn out head toward The New Inn where you’ll find Cornish brews and local ice cream with which to refuel . From here its just a short walk to the quay where you can pick up the ferry back to St Mary’s. When I was there, there was a lady selling fresh eggs, bread, and pastries on the quay – I can vouch for her chocolate brownie, it was divine!

4:30pm – Catch the ferry back to St Mary’s

7pm – Fish and chips on Porthcressa Beach

When eating your pizza from the Bishop and Wolf you may have noticed the two takeaway food trucks parked by Porthcressa Beach. One serves up freshly caught fish and chips, and the other tasty Thai food. If you don’t fancy a pub supper (the fish burger at The Mermaid is pretty good and comes with fried seaweed), grab a bite by the sand and sit a while as the sun goes down.

9pm – Walk back to Longstone Lodge

Day 5 – Kayaking with The Sailing Centre and explore the Garrison, St Mary’s

9am – Enjoy a lazy morning, you’ll be tired after the last three days of active adventure. Grab breakfast at Longstone Lodge and wander in Hugh Town at your leisure.

10am – Explore the Garrison

With a history that spans 350 years, the defences of the Garrison on St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, form one of the most remarkable and impressive coastal defence systems in England . Wander around the garrison walls and soak in the views of islands Tresco and Samson’s windswept coastline.

12:30pm – Lunch at The Fudge Shop (next to St Mary’s Bike Hire)

Yes, I know it’s called The Fudge Shop but they sell pasties too! Try their maple bacon sausage rolls and traditional Cornish pasties , you won’t be disappointed!

2pm – 3 hour kayak adventure with The Sailing Centre

You’ve probably already noticed The Beach restaurant at Porthmellon Beach, just before the final incline before you reach Hugh Town when walking from Longstone Lodge: It’s here you’ll find The Sailing Centre . Offering a range of watersport activities including guided excursions and craft-only hire you can easily spend an hour or three floating about along the coast of St Mary’s.

5:30pm – Walk back to Longstone Lodge to shower and change

8pm – Sunset supper at The Beach

The Beach was by far my favourite place to eat on St Mary’s. In my Tripadvisor review I gave five stars all round for this BBQ surf and turf restaurant which serves fresh island fayre in an upmarket beach shack. The grilled lobster is a must as are their mussels, and their cocktail list, which includes a few specials that change weekly, is excellent. Highly recommended for supper as the sunset views over the water are some of the best I’ve ever seen .

Day 6 – One day St Agnes Itinerary

9:15am – Walk into Hugh Town and pick up a St Mary’s Boatman Association ferry service to St Agnes. Pack a few snacks as you probably won’t reach your lunch spot until 2pm.

10:30am – Arrive at the southern quay on St Agnes and set off on a walk along the coast path. If you head west you’ll pass the quiet cove Porth Killer and Big Pool, Burnt Island is reachable at low tide from here – look out to sea and you’ll see the iconic Bishop Rock lighthouse. Now you can choose to retrace your steps and head to the Turks Head for lunch, or continue around the coast path passing the campsite at Troytown and the farm shop. To make sure you reach the pub in time for lunch cut through the middle of the island and into Middle Town , you’ll pass the white lighthouse- Coastguards and the small dwellings before meeting back up with Middle town.

2pm – Lunch at the Turks Head

This is a great stop for hearty pub meals using fresh local ingredients and the views from the outside seating are some of the best on the islands . After lunch take a stroll to the sandbar 5-minutes walk from the pub, from here you can connect to the island of Gugh at low tide.

2:30pm – Stroll along the sandbar and cream tea at the Coastguard’s Cafe

If the weather is fine, make time for a paddle or swim in either side of the sandbar, the waters are calm and crystal clear – ideal for first time swimmers . Your next stop is a 15-minute stroll from the beach, take a left at the top of the hill and head for a cream tea at the Coastguards café (if you haven’t already been there; the terrace looks out to the Western Rocks and the famous Bishop Rock Lighthouse in the distance.

7pm – If you’re tired, head back to Longstone Lodge and make the most of the opportunity to chill out on the balcony and enjoy one of their brilliant homecooked meals. Alternatively, you could sample the fish and seaweed burgers at the Mermaid pub near the quay in Hugh Town , the restaurant itself is a little tired but it offers a beautiful view over Hugh Town Bay and has some historic Scilly artefacts on display.

Day 7 – Skybus from St Mary’s to Newquay, and GWR train service home

10am – Check out of Longstone Lodge and have a coffee and cake in their café whilst you wait for your shuttle to the airport.

12pm – Skybus flight from St Mary’s to Newquay

2pm – GWR train service to London Paddington

Follow in my footsteps and explore the Isles of Scilly with this epic 7-day Isles of Scilly itinerary! If you have any questions about exploring the islands or booking accommodation in the Isles of Scilly leave a comment below or get in touch via my contact page .

Bon Voyage!

INSPIRED? PIN THIS POST TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS NOW!

This is a great itinerary! Really looking forward to exploring the islands in April although it looks like the seal snorkelling is permanently closed 😢 The foodie recommendations are already making my mouth water! Did you book ahead before you arrived on the islands? Thanks so much for sharing your adventures!

Hi Rachel, thanks for getting in touch. We did book ahead for the seal snorkelling – I’ve just spoken with the tourism board and they’ve confirmed that the Seal Snorkelling company now has new owners and you can book here – https://www.sealsnorkellingadventures.com/ . We also booked our accommodation in advance but everything else we booked from Longstone Lodge. Have a brilliant time! I hope you get blue sky days when you’re there!

Nice article! hope you enjoyed your trip to the fullest.and thanks for sharing some useful information that will help us to make our trip more conveniently.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Feb 1, 2023

One week travel itinerary for the Isles of Scilly

Updated: Nov 15, 2023

There are many different things to do on The Isles of Scilly, and if you've been before, you'll have an idea of what you'd like to do. However, for first-time visitors, this Itinerary will allow you to see everything the island offers in just one week.

Arrive via plane or boat and drop your bags at your accommodation.

Take the afternoon to wander around St Mary's and get your bearings. Enjoy lunch with a view in one of our many restaurants, or even get a takeaway pasty to enjoy on the beach.

Pop down to the quay to purchase some boat tickets for the week. This will ensure you miss the morning rush before boarding your boat. Check the daily boat times in town, as they will be similar to the following day.

Visit one of our supermarkets (Co-operative, The Store or Old Town Stores) to stock up on weekly groceries. You can either click and collect, arrange delivery or pop in to get everything you need for the duration of your stay. If you have booked accommodation with Scilly Escapes , we'll organise this prior to your arrival.

In the evening, I recommend fish & chips from The Galley or a simple pub dinner before heading back to your accommodation to prepare for an adventurous second day.

Head to the quay at around 10 am and pop on a boat to Tresco Island. (You'll find the daily boating times posted on the St Mary's Boatmens Association Facebook each morning or written on the board at The Atlantic slip).

Once you arrive at Tresco, depending on which quay you get dropped to, we'd recommend heading straight for The Tresco Gardens. Here you can walk around the stunning Gardens and enjoy a cup of tea in the Garden Cafe.

After the gardens, spend the day either walking up to Cromwells Castle, relaxing on the beach or enjoying one of the many swimming pools on the island.

In the afternoon, you can browse the Tresco stores and enjoy a pint in the sunshine outside The New Inn before catching the boat back to St Mary's.

Once on St Mary's, enjoy a meal at one of the many available restaurants and take a sunset walk along Town Beach.

Another day another island. Head to the quay around 10 am to catch the boat to St Martin's. This island is just a paradise with long sandy beaches. We'd recommend a stroll along them on arrival, trying to find cowries on the St Martins flats whilst the tides are out.

Enjoy lunch with one of the most stunning views on The Isles of Scilly at The Sevenstones Inn.

No trip to St Martin's is complete without a visit to Middletown Barn to see the offerings of the local Makers and to Fay Page for the most stunning island-inspired jewellery.

In the afternoon, wander down to Karma St Martins to enjoy an afternoon tea or even a cocktail in the sunshine before heading back to St Mary's.

Enjoy another one of St Mary's many eateries in the evening - or even a Thai takeaway.

Enjoy a day on St Mary's, walking the coastline and visiting the various coffee shops en route. You can walk the coast path in around 5 hours or choose from many smaller coastal walks.

If walking the entire coast, we recommend popping into Carn Vean for lunch by Pelistry Bay and Juliets on your way back for an afternoon drink with a view.

In the evening, we'd recommend an early or a late dinner so you can enjoy the local Gig Racing (Wednesdays & Fridays). You can watch from the quay or hop on a tripper boat to watch the race close up.

Time to head off boating again. This time Bryher is calling. This little island is a hub of activity with lots to do.

You can walk the coast, spend the day on the beach with various watersports or even play mini golf.

We'd recommend lunch at Hellbay Hotel for a spot of lunch. Enjoy the rustic walk to the Fraggle Rock in the afternoon for a drink before heading back to St Mary's.

In the evening, pick one of our many beaches for a little beach barbecue.

I'm sure by now you're ready for a chilled beach day. Head to Porthcressa and grab a spot for the day.

Enjoy lunch at the close by Dibble & Grub with an afternoon sea swim or paddle board.

In the evening you can hop on a supper boat to St Agnes. The Turks Head is another great pub with a view; we recommend the local fish and chips.

Take a little sunset stroll before heading back to St Mary's at around 9 pm.

It's sadly time to pack up your bags and pop out to enjoy your last day on our little island.

Pop into town and hit up all our independent local shops for all your gifting needs. We'd recommend Made on Scilly, which is filled with local handmade artisan gifts, The Foredeck for your Scilly Sweat and try and grab some Tattie cake on Church Street.

After all this, you'll be sure to sleep on the way home, but you'll be left with the most magical memories.

If you're ready to experience this beautiful week on our islands, get in touch with us to book your holiday accommodation in the Isles of Scilly .

• Things to do
• Food and Drink

Recent Posts

Discover the Magic of Easter on the Isles of Scilly

Isles of Scilly Outdoor Activities: Embrace Island Adventure

Scilly Isles for Nature Lovers: Birdwatching, Wildflowers and more!

• Special Offers
• My Itinerary
• Request a brochure
• E-Newsletter Sign Up

• St Martin's
• Bed and Breakfast
• Half Board Accommodation
• Self-Catering Accommodation
• Dog Friendly
• Special Offers & Late Availability
• Going solo?
• Accessible Accommodation
• Accreditation and Gradings
• Scillonian III Ferry
• Private Plane
• Cruise ships
• Yacht and Motorboat
• Car Parking Facilities
• Travel by Train
• Overnight in Penzance
• Off Island Transfers
• Airport Transfer
• Bus Services on St. Mary's
• InterIsland Boating
• Private Hire Vehicles
• Accessible Scilly
• Indoor Activites
• Viewpoints/Scenery
• Birdwatching
• Flora and Fauna
• Family Attractions
• Scilly on a budget
• Flower Farming
• Local Produce
• Arts and Crafts
• Uninhabited
• Request a Brochure
• Weather/Tides
• Harbour Link
• Scilly on Film
• Shop Scilly
• Keeping Scilly Special
• Getting Married
• Itineraries
• Day Visit- The Great Escape
• Tresco and Bryher Food and Drink Festival
• About the guides

When you first arrive on the Isles of Scilly, you may not realise just how much there is to do. Click for more info...

The Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly are like nowhere else in England. Outstandingly beautiful, uncrowded and unspoilt, they lie just off the coast of Cornwall but seem like a world apart.  Life moves and an easier pace.

Everyone who visits the Isles of Scilly falls in love. You might not be able to put your finger on it right away or it may be a mixture of emotions. But either way, we know that when you arrive, you will have the time of your life and when it’s time to go, you’ll leave yearning for more.

Interested and want to know more about Scilly?..

Travel information.

Things to Do

Unmissable highlights of Scilly

• On the Water
• Walks and Talks

St Mary's Riding Centre

Set in peaceful surroundings, St Mary's Riding Centre is just minutes away from Pelistry beach and has easy access to dozens of coastal bridleways,...

Isles of Scilly Golf Club

The most south westerly course in England, its beauty is unique and must be seen if visiting St Mary's. We are open all year, to members and...

More Family Fun Ideas...

There is a raw beauty and remoteness to this gorgeous beach, nestled on the north side of the...

Between McFarland's Down and the Innisidgen Bronze Age Tombs, you will find Bar Point, one of St....

Ask anyone who lives on St. Mary's why they love Pelistry and the same reasons pop up. Pelistry Bay...

The most south westerly course in England, its beauty is unique and must be seen if visiting St...

Tresco Abbey Gardens

The sub-tropical Abbey Garden is a glorious exception - a perennial Kew without the glass -...

Set in peaceful surroundings, St Mary's Riding Centre is just minutes away from Pelistry beach and...

Phoenix Craft Workshop

Phoenix Craft Workshops is a co-operative, comprising five small businesses in the Isles of Scilly....

Glandore Gallery

Glandore Gallery is a beachside studio/shop featuring work by Stephen Morris and Nan Heath,...

St. Mary's Bike Hire

We hire an extensive range of bikes and accessories suitable for exploring the beautiful island of...

The Sailing Centre

Taster session or full RYA courses in dinghy sailing and windsurfing by our fully qualified...

St. Martin's Dive School

St. Martin's Dive School offers the opportunity to go snorkelling with seals, watching seals swim...

Ravensporth Sailing Base

Offers taster sessions or full RYA courses in Sailing, Windsurfing & Power boating for all...

St.Mary's Boatmens Association

The Boatmen's Association offer an unrivalled service between the islands. They are an Association...

• 1 Great Bay
• 2 Bar Point
• 4 Isles of Scilly Golf Club
• 5 Tresco Abbey Gardens
• 6 St Mary's Riding Centre
• 7 Phoenix Craft Workshop
• 8 Glandore Gallery
• 9 St. Mary's Bike Hire
• 10 The Sailing Centre
• 11 St. Martin's Dive School
• 12 Ravensporth Sailing Base
• 13 St.Mary's Boatmens Association

Crusader Boat Trips

Crusader offers a range of day and evening trips as well as charters and private hire. Trips include a tour around the Eastern Isles, two or three...

Bryher Boats

Bryher Boats offers a year round service with regular daily trips to other islands from February to November, private hire to your requirements, fast...

More On the Water Ideas...

Bryher Boats offers a year round service with regular daily trips to other islands from February to...

St. Mary's Boatmens Association

• 1 St. Martin's Dive School
• 2 The Sailing Centre
• 3 Ravensporth Sailing Base
• 4 St.Mary's Boatmens Association
• 5 Bryher Boats
• 6 St. Mary's Boatmens Association

Bant's Carn Burial Chamber and Halangy Down Ancient Village

The remains of an ancient Iron Age village in a wonderfully scenic location. On the hill above stands a Bronze Age burial mound with entrance passage...

The sub-tropical Abbey Garden is a glorious exception - a perennial Kew without the glass - shrugging off salt spray and Atlantic gales to host...

More History Ideas...

Star castle hotel.

Winner of the 2009 Cesar Award from the Good Hotel Guide as Great Britain's 'Island Hotel of the...

Old Man of Gugh

This leaning menhir, 2.4 metres high, is a prominent feature on the skyline. George Bonsor dug...

Pest House, St. Helen's

A small unroofed building erected in 1764 as an isolation hospital. The hospital has single storey...

• 1 Star Castle Hotel
• 2 Tresco Abbey Gardens
• 3 Old Man of Gugh
• 4 Pest House, St. Helen's

Higher Moors Nature Trail

This site exhibits a wide diversity of habitats with several rare and notable plant species. The pond and fringing habitats are also of particular...

We hire an extensive range of bikes and accessories suitable for exploring the beautiful island of St Mary’s at your own leisure. Whatever bike...

More Walks and Talks...

St. Martin's Vineyard, Winery, Visitor Centre and Shop

St Martins Vineyard, the most south-westerly vineyard in England. Enjoy a conducted or self...

King Charles Castle

So-called because of its occupation by royalist forces in 1651, this small artillery fort was...

Troy Town Maze

Troy Town Maze has been the subject of much speculation as to its origins and why it should have...

• 1 St Mary's Riding Centre
• 3 Isles of Scilly Golf Club
• 4 St. Martin's Vineyard, Winery, Visitor Centre and Shop
• 5 St. Mary's Boatmens Association
• 6 King Charles Castle
• 7 Troy Town Maze

Little Island Chocolate Company

The Little Island Chocolate Company are based on St.Agnes and make a range of handmade organic chocolate incorporating island-grown essential oils. ...

The Island Bakery

The Island Bakery on St. Martin's offers a wide range of fresh artisan breads, delicious cakes made on the premises, filled rolls, soups and takeaway...

More Eating Out Ideas...

Tresco Gallery

Situated at New Grimsby Harbour, Gallery Tresco was formerly an old boathouse. Converted in 1992,...

Juliet's Garden Restaurant and Bar

Juliet's is a popular and highly attractive restaurant and bar. Boasting breathtaking views across...

• 1 Tresco Gallery
• 3 Phoenix Craft Workshop
• 4 Glandore Gallery
• 5 Juliet's Garden Restaurant and Bar

Fay Page Open Studio

Beautiful, contemporary jewellery from St Martin's on the Isles of Scilly. Handmade chains and charm bracelets with gold and silver charms. Rings,...

Glandore Gallery is a beachside studio/shop featuring work by Stephen Morris and Nan Heath, offering exciting original artwork, print and cards.

More Arts and Crafts Ideas...

Fine Art at the Hell Bay Hotel

an open invitation to view its superb collection of paintings by the likes of Barbara Hepworth and...

• 2 Fine Art at the Hell Bay Hotel
• 3 Glandore Gallery
• 4 Phoenix Craft Workshop

Search Accommodation

What type of accommodation, accommodation.

A full range of holiday accommodation is available ranging from historic buildings to luxury cottages and camping. Find the perfect base for your holiday.

Plan Your Visit

A natural playground with extraordinary experiences for all ages.

• Email this page
• Accessibility Statement
• Data Protection Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Press and PR
• Trade & Members' Area
• Job Vacancies

Our winter flight schedule operating out of Land’s End Airport is now LIVE and ready for bookings!

Student discount offer launched for first time

23rd April 2024

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group has launched discounted travel rates for student residents.

Students will be able to travel on board Scillonian III or Gry Maritha for just £15 each way, enabling them to make the most of opportunities on the mainland.

The new fares, open to students aged 16-22 who are Travel Club members, give a 43% saving and are available all year.

They offer a chance for young people to experience the best of both island and mainland life.

Sharon Sandercock, Marketing and Communications Manager for ISSG, said: “With a mission to ensure that travel links between the islands and the mainland are accessible and convenient, we are delighted to launch this new offer to help students who live on the islands to have access to opportunities in other parts of the UK more easily. With the reduced fare prices, we hope young people on Scilly can enjoy the benefits of the mainland. “This new discount follows our spring and locals’ offers, as we continue to work towards making travel between the Isles of Scilly and the mainland even more affordable.”

To be eligible for the student fares, all students must complete the students’ Travel Club application form. Email [email protected] for more information.

Travel news and updates: We’ll let you know first

For information, offers and services, follow @IOSTravel For the latest travel updates follow @IOSTravelUpdate

Telephone and email

Please call us on +44(0) 1736 334220 or email [email protected] .

New ferry for Isles of Scilly cancels May trips

A new ferry service due to start running in May between the Isles of Scilly and Penzance has been delayed.

Shipbuilder Harland & Wolff (H&W) announced on Friday the new ferry it has chartered would not run until early June.

Chief executive John Wood apologised to people who had made reservations with Scilly Ferries for crossings in May.

He said the new ferry, Atlantic Wolff, would leave Spain for the UK in the coming days and would then need to go through a regulatory process.

'Out of our gift'

Mr Wood said the process the ferry had to go through before it could run was "significant and important" and the timescale was "a little out of our gift".

He said: "We now expect it will be early June before the first passenger crossings commence, but we know that for a first year of service it is hugely important to ensure every detail is properly taken care of to provide the absolute best service possible."

A replacement vessel had become unviable due to conflict in the Middle East, he added.

In September H&W claimed its fares would be a quarter less than the sole current ferry provider, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG).

It has chartered a ship it said would provide 90-minute journey times, which is faster than the two hours and 45 minutes journey times the ISSG offers.

Mr Wood said those who had reserved crossings in May would be contacted directly by Scilly Ferries.

He added Scilly Ferries was "currently speaking with local companies to secure alternative arrangements".

More on this story

• Ferry bidder claims it would cut fares by 25%
• Rival bid to operate Isles of Scilly ferries

Related internet links

• Scilly Ferries

New ferry for Isles of Scilly cancels May trips

Mr Wood said a replacement vessel had become unviable due to conflict in the Middle East

• Published 19 April 2024

A new ferry service due to start running in May between the Isles of Scilly and Penzance has been delayed.

Shipbuilder Harland & Wolff (H&W) announced on Friday the new ferry it has chartered would not run until early June.

Chief executive John Wood apologised to people who had made reservations with Scilly Ferries for crossings in May.

He said the new ferry, Atlantic Wolff, would leave Spain for the UK in the coming days and would then need to go through a regulatory process.

'Out of our gift'

Mr Wood said the process the ferry had to go through before it could run was "significant and important" and the timescale was "a little out of our gift".

He said: "We now expect it will be early June before the first passenger crossings commence, but we know that for a first year of service it is hugely important to ensure every detail is properly taken care of to provide the absolute best service possible."

A replacement vessel had become unviable due to conflict in the Middle East, he added.

In September H&W claimed its fares would be a quarter less than the sole current ferry provider, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG).

It has chartered a ship it said would provide 90-minute journey times, which is faster than the two hours and 45 minutes journey times the ISSG offers.

Mr Wood said those who had reserved crossings in May would be contacted directly by Scilly Ferries.

He added Scilly Ferries was "currently speaking with local companies to secure alternative arrangements".

Related Topics

• Isles of Scilly

More on this story

Ferry bidder claims it would cut fares by 25%

• Published 27 September 2023

Rival bid to operate Isles of Scilly ferries

• Published 31 August 2023

Related internet links

Scilly Ferries