Did you know the Isles of Scilly boast over 140 islands and islets, yet only five are inhabited? This enchanting archipelago, located just 28 miles off Cornwall’s coast, feels like stepping into another world with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and subtropical gardens that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean. As England’s warmest spot with its own microclimate, these islands offer a truly exotic escape without leaving British shores.
Getting to the Isles of Scilly
Reaching this island paradise is part of the adventure. You have two main options: by air or by sea. The journey itself offers spectacular views and sets the tone for your island escape.
By Air
The quickest way to reach the Isles of Scilly is by air. Skybus operates flights from Exeter, Newquay, and Land’s End airports to St. Mary’s Airport. The flight from Land’s End takes just 20 minutes, while flights from Exeter take about an hour. These small aircraft accommodate only 8-19 passengers, making for an intimate flying experience with breathtaking aerial views of the Cornish coastline and islands.
By Sea
For a more leisurely journey, the passenger ferry Scillonian III operates from Penzance to St. Mary’s between March and November. The crossing takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, offering the chance to spot dolphins, seals, and even basking sharks along the way. The ferry provides stunning views of the Cornish coastline as you depart Penzance.
Ready to Book Your Journey?
Find the best flight options to start your Isles of Scilly adventure. Early booking is recommended, especially during peak summer months.
When to Visit the Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly enjoy a mild climate year-round, but each season offers a different experience. The islands benefit from a unique microclimate, with more sunshine hours and milder temperatures than mainland Britain.
Spring (March-May)
Spring brings colorful wildflowers and the islands burst into bloom. This is an excellent time for birdwatchers as migratory birds pass through. The famous Tresco Abbey Garden is particularly spectacular during this season. Visitor numbers are lower than summer, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Summer (June-August)
The peak season offers the warmest temperatures, perfect for swimming and water activities. The islands come alive with events including the Tresco Triathlon and Scilly Folk Festival. Expect more visitors during this period, especially in August.
Autumn (September-November)
A magical time for wildlife enthusiasts, autumn brings bird migration and seal pupping season. The World Pilot Gig Championships in October are a highlight. The sea remains warm enough for swimming well into September.
Winter (December-February)
The quietest time on the islands, winter offers dramatic seascapes and storm-watching opportunities. Many businesses close, but the main island of St. Mary’s remains accessible and accommodation prices are at their lowest.
Getting Around the Islands
The Isles of Scilly’s compact nature makes them perfect for exploration. With no cars to rent (except on St. Mary’s), the islands maintain their peaceful character and clean air.
Inter-Island Boat Services
The St. Mary’s Boatmen’s Association runs regular boat services between the inhabited islands. These “tripper boats” operate daily during the main season (April-October), with reduced services in winter. The journey between islands typically takes 15-30 minutes and offers beautiful views. Schedules are posted daily at the quay on St. Mary’s and on noticeboards on the off-islands.
On St. Mary’s
As the largest island, St. Mary’s offers several transportation options:
- Bus service circling the island
- Taxi services
- Bicycle hire from several outlets
- Golf cart hire (limited availability)
On the Off-Islands
The smaller islands (Tresco, St. Martin’s, Bryher, and St. Agnes) are easily explored on foot. Tresco offers bicycle hire, and tractors with trailers meet boats to transport luggage to accommodations.
Need Transportation on the Islands?
While car rentals are limited on the islands, you may need a vehicle to reach your departure point on the mainland.
Where to Stay
Each island offers distinct accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses and self-catering cottages. Booking well in advance is essential, especially for summer visits.
St. Mary’s
The largest island offers the widest range of accommodations, from the elegant Star Castle Hotel (a converted 16th-century fortress) to charming B&Bs and self-catering apartments. Hugh Town provides convenient access to shops, restaurants, and transport links.
Tresco
This privately-owned island features luxury self-catering cottages and the upscale Sea Garden Cottages. The New Inn offers pub accommodation with excellent dining options.
St. Martin’s
Known for its stunning beaches, St. Martin’s offers the luxurious Karma St. Martin’s Hotel along with B&Bs and self-catering options like Churchtown Farm Cottages.
Bryher
The smallest inhabited island provides a truly remote experience with Hell Bay Hotel (a luxury boutique hotel) and several self-catering cottages.
St. Agnes
The southernmost island offers traditional cottages and guesthouses, perfect for those seeking peace and seclusion.
Find Your Perfect Island Stay
From luxury hotels to charming cottages, book your accommodation early to secure the best options.
Top Things to Do in the Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly offer a wealth of activities for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those simply seeking relaxation. Here are the must-do experiences during your visit:
1. Explore Tresco Abbey Garden
This world-famous garden is home to thousands of exotic plants from across the globe that thrive in Scilly’s mild climate. Established in the 1830s around the ruins of a Benedictine abbey, the 17-acre garden features plants from as far afield as South Africa, Mexico, and New Zealand. Don’t miss the Valhalla Museum within the gardens, which displays a fascinating collection of figureheads salvaged from shipwrecks around the islands.
2. Island Hopping Adventure
Each inhabited island has its own distinct character and charm. St. Mary’s is the bustling hub, Tresco is manicured and elegant, St. Martin’s boasts the finest beaches, Bryher offers dramatic landscapes, and St. Agnes provides rugged seclusion. Regular boat services make it easy to visit multiple islands in a single day, allowing you to experience the diversity of the archipelago.
3. Discover Pristine Beaches
The Isles of Scilly are home to some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear waters and fine white sand. Great Bay on St. Martin’s stretches for nearly a mile and rivals Caribbean shores. Pentle Bay on Tresco offers shallow, turquoise waters perfect for swimming. Rushy Bay on Bryher provides sheltered bathing with stunning views.
4. Water Sports and Activities
The sheltered waters between the islands are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Equipment can be rented from The Sailing Centre on St. Mary’s or Tresco Sailing Club. For more adventurous visitors, snorkeling and diving trips reveal shipwrecks and abundant marine life, including seals, colorful fish, and even basking sharks in summer.
5. Wildlife Watching
The Isles of Scilly are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Take a boat trip to spot Atlantic grey seals, which can be seen year-round but are particularly numerous during the pupping season (September-December). Birdwatchers flock to the islands for rare migratory species, with Eastern Isles and Annet being particular hotspots. From April to July, puffins nest on the uninhabited islands.
6. Explore Ancient History
The islands are rich in archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. Visit the prehistoric village at Halangy Down on St. Mary’s, explore ancient burial chambers at Bant’s Carn, or see the Bronze Age standing stone on Gugh (connected to St. Agnes at low tide). Cromwell’s Castle on Tresco offers insights into the islands’ strategic importance during the Civil War.
7. Snorkel with Seals
For an unforgettable wildlife encounter, join a guided snorkeling trip to swim with curious Atlantic grey seals in their natural environment. These playful creatures often approach snorkelers, creating magical moments. Scilly Seal Snorkelling on St. Martin’s offers expert-led excursions suitable for all experience levels.
Ready for Island Adventures?
Book guided tours, water sports, and wildlife experiences to make the most of your Scilly Isles visit.
Dining and Local Cuisine
The Isles of Scilly offer exceptional dining experiences, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Seafood features prominently on menus across the islands, often caught the same day it’s served.
Must-Try Local Specialties
- Scilly crab and lobster, considered among the best in the UK
- Locally reared beef and lamb with distinctive flavors from the salt-sprayed pastures
- Scilly honey, produced from the abundance of wildflowers
- Tresco and St. Agnes ice cream, made with local milk and cream
- Wines and spirits from St. Martin’s Vineyard and Westward Farm Distillery
Top Dining Spots
Each island offers unique dining experiences:
- St. Mary’s: Juliet’s Garden for spectacular harbor views, and The Atlantic Inn for classic pub fare
- Tresco: The Ruin Beach Café for Mediterranean-inspired seafood, and The New Inn for hearty pub classics
- St. Martin’s: The Seven Stones Inn for locally sourced dishes with panoramic views
- Bryher: Hell Bay Hotel Restaurant for fine dining, and Crab Shack for casual seafood feasts
- St. Agnes: The Turk’s Head, the UK’s most southwesterly pub, for excellent food and local ales
Practical Tips for Visitors
Make the most of your Isles of Scilly adventure with these essential tips:
What to Pack
- Layers of clothing for changeable weather conditions
- Waterproof jacket, even in summer
- Walking shoes or boots for coastal paths
- Swimming gear and beach towels
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Sun protection (the islands receive more sunshine than the mainland)
- Cash, as ATMs are limited (only on St. Mary’s)
Important Information
- Mobile phone coverage varies across the islands, with St. Mary’s having the best reception
- Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations and many cafés
- The islands use the British pound (£) as currency
- Medical services are available at St. Mary’s Hospital, with a helicopter service for emergencies
- Tidal information is important when planning beach visits and walks between certain islands
Sustainability
The Isles of Scilly are committed to sustainable tourism. Visitors are encouraged to:
- Use refillable water bottles (tap water is excellent quality)
- Respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance
- Stay on marked paths to protect fragile ecosystems
- Take all litter home or dispose of it properly
- Support local businesses and producers
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Make the most of a short visit with this suggested itinerary:
Day 1: St. Mary’s
- Morning: Explore Hugh Town, visit the Isles of Scilly Museum
- Afternoon: Walk to Peninnis Lighthouse and enjoy the coastal path
- Evening: Dinner at Juliet’s Garden with harbor views
Day 2: Tresco
- Morning: Visit Tresco Abbey Garden and Valhalla Museum
- Afternoon: Relax at Pentle Bay beach
- Evening: Return to St. Mary’s for dinner at The Atlantic
Day 3: St. Martin’s
- Morning: Take a boat to St. Martin’s, walk to Great Bay
- Afternoon: Snorkel with seals or visit St. Martin’s Vineyard
- Evening: Dinner at Seven Stones Inn before returning to St. Mary’s
Map of the Isles of Scilly
Ready for Your Isles of Scilly Adventure?
The Isles of Scilly offer a truly unique escape within the British Isles. With their Caribbean-like beaches, subtropical gardens, abundant wildlife, and rich history, these enchanting islands provide an extraordinary destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and tranquility. Whether you’re swimming in crystal-clear waters, exploring ancient sites, or simply relaxing on pristine beaches, the Scillies promise unforgettable experiences that will leave you planning your return before you’ve even departed.
Begin Your Island Escape Today
From flights and accommodations to unforgettable experiences, start planning your perfect Isles of Scilly getaway now.
