White sand beaches? Check. Great sailing? Yep. Tasty fresh seafood? You bet. Is the Isles of Scilly worth visiting? Absolutely, if you’re after stunning scenery, epic history, delightful cottages, and balmy weather in an idyllic island escape.
Isles of Scilly Worth Visiting?
The Allure of The Scilly Isles
The Isles of Scilly are a gem. Tucked away 28 miles off England’s Land’s End, this island group sparkles with cotton beaches, cosy cottages, and peaceful ports.
Scilly has over 100 islands. Just five have people. The rest are empty save for seals and puffins. Locals call the isles “Ynysek Syllan”.
Scilly shines from spring through fall. Heaths purple the hills while palms and figs sprout in gardens. The Atlantic warms to bathtub temps in high summer.
What to do? Sunbathe on Bryher’s Rushy Bay, where white sand meets gentle waves. Explore hilltop Bronze Age graves on St Mary’s. Kayak to Samson Isle to spot grey seals. Feast on locally caught crab at Juliet’s Garden restaurant. Also stargaze, island hop, and wander car-free lanes from quayside to quayside.
Few visit this scattered isle realm. But with emerald fields, temperate weather, and the allure of England’s outer edge, Scilly offers a tranquillity found nowhere else.
Isles of Scilly Worth Visiting?
Things Not to Miss
1. Seafood
The Atlantic nourishes Scilly. Furthermore, crabs crawl over reefs, lobsters lurk in seagrass, while fish and shellfish abound. In addition, chefs channel this ocean cornucopia into delightful dishes.
Each dawn, fleets set out to harvest nature’s plenty. Consequently, they return loaded with prawns, cod, sea bass, monkfish, scallops, and more. Local cuisine stars this fresh catch. Pubs like the Crab Shack sauté turbot in garlic and white wine. On the Quay fries, golden scampi caught that morning. Other menus list crab sandwiches, lobster salads, and fish stews using herbs from seaside gardens.
With seafood this fresh, Scilly competes with top spots in England like Padstow, made famous by celeb chefs. Nevertheless, the isles’ intimate setting adds cosiness. Share sautéed prawns while watching the sunset over the very waters that bore this feast. Additionally, as seagulls cry overhead, enjoy Scilly’s aquatic bounty at its best.
The sea sustains the islanders. Furthermore, now visitors can savour the Atlantic’s gifts within hours of their ocean birth. A fishing legacy continues today in recipes at harbourfront cafes and restaurants throughout Scilly.
2. Great Accommodation
Scilly lacks vast hotels. Nevertheless, intimate inns thrive – just six across the isles. But they ooze quality and charm.
Historic castles now house quaint B&Bs with stone walls and timber beams. Furthermore, cottages overlook beaches and bobbing boats. Pubs rent rooms above their bars. Wherever you lay your head, the welcome is warm.
Fires crackle in guest lounges. Additionally, home-cooked breakfasts sustain hikers. Rain or shine, Scilly promises a snug retreat. The choices may be few, but distinct character makes each one a gem.
Scilly’s Top Places to Stay:
Tregarthen’s Hotel charms with contemporary suites overlooking the sea in Hugh Town. Guests praise its classic hospitality.
The Atlantic perches along St. Mary’s quay, steps from pubs, bakeries, and crab shacks. Ideal for walking about town.
Star Castle Hotel immerses you in history within a medieval-style fortress by the Atlantic. Additionally, beyond castellated walls lies luxury – fine dining, a long indoor pool, and gardens between bastions. Battlements outside, comfort inside.
Those craving style sleep in sleek rooms at Tregarthen’s. The Atlantic places you in the heart of town. Moreover, Star Castle wows with historic grandeur. Pick the island view, seaside locale, or timeless charm that entices you most.
The Wheelhouse now ranks among the Isles’ most coveted accommodations. Furthermore, proudly displaying Visit England’s 4-star rating plus their Silver and Breakfast awards. Many delighted guests come back year after year also drawn by a stellar reputation and hospitality. They eagerly welcome all visitors to enjoy their excellent service – from first-timers to familiar faces
3. Best Beaches on the Isles of Scilly
The beaches of Scilly really shine. Additionally, these islands off Cornwall boast the most amazing shores you’ll find. Every cove seems like heaven dropped in the Atlantic. Moreover, you may never want to leave the sand!
On St. Agnes, The Bar is a thin beach between two isles. Furthermore, water surrounds this strip where you lay your towel. The sand glows bright white. Blobby rocks poke out on either end. This unique spot feels faraway yet comfy.
Nearby Trevaunance Cove stuns too. Furthermore, jagged cliffs line up on one side of its crescent curve. Behind, green hills with scruffy grass roll down. Waves smoothen lots of pebbles along the wide strand closer in. The sea glows a wild blue.
Don’t forget Higher Town Bay on wee St. Martin’s. Additionally, more bright sand awaits by flower-dotted dunes. Not a soul around. Just the water, the breeze, and the cry of gulls. A romantic gem!
With over 35 dreamy beaches sprinkled over Scilly’s isles, each has special charm. Additionally, few crowds ever come. You may have paradise to yourself! Discover what makes each special in this hidden Atlantic playground.
4. Isles of Scilly Worth Visiting for the Climate
Subtropical plants like palms and figs grow in gardens. Additionally, beaches have fine white sands; waters shine turquoise. Sometimes you’ll even forget you’re by Britain!
Summers peak around 23-27C, with endless dry days. Moreover, little rain falls to spoil afternoon adventures like kayaking or coastal hikes. Evenings maintain the warmth – perfect for al fresco dinners of fresh seafood and French wines. Nighttime lows rarely dip below 15C.
So don scarves and jackets in spring and autumn when ocean winds blow brisk. But from early summer through fall, expect idyllic weather: calm seas, light breezes, cloudless skies. Swim, sail, sunbathe to your heart’s delight!
Scilly earns its nickname as the sunshine isles. And also the pleasant climate helps tender crops thrive – a bonus bounty for this secluded getaway.
5. Isles of Scilly Worth Visiting for Sailing?
This island realm offers ideal boating amongst flowered cliffs and emerald hills. Furthermore, famed poet John Betjeman extolled Scilly’s virtues; Earl Mountbatten declared it “the nearest thing to paradise I’ve seen.”
Few archipelagos boast Scilly’s assets. Additionally, the isles cluster just 10 miles tip to tip – easily traversed in a day’s cruise.
And hop you will, from golden beaches on Bryher to Bronze Age remnants on Samson. Drop anchor in myriad hidden coves to swim ashore through aquamarine shallows.
Additionally, stroll unpeopled sands without a building in sight. Hike empty landscapes high above your sailboat down below. Evenings find safe harbour in tiny ports to dine on grilled sea bass as the last light fades.
Scilly offers endless intrigue and adventure to mariners. Savour grottoes and glens that cannot be seen from land. Watch seals sunbathe upon emerging volcanic teeth. At day’s end, also relish a tranquillity unknown in Poole Bay or Falmouth as breezes rock you gently to sleep in a secluded, sandy lee.
6. Tranquility
Just 200,000 annual visitors enjoy these Atlantic islands. Conversely, nearby Cornwall sees 20 times more tourists! Yet Scilly owns equal beauty across only 16 square miles. With fewer than 2,300 locals, there’s tons of room to explore solo.
Calm rules Scilly’s tiny isles – Tean, Samson, Bryher. Furthermore, feel like the lone explorer!
Winter means true isolation in chilly yet peaceful glory. Nevertheless, storms march over the sea, pounding the rock cliffs. Rainbows stretch across white-capped waves.
For relaxed getaways, slow days, silent treks, and nighttime dreaming, try Scilly.
7. History
The Scilly Isles have a rich history spanning over 3,500 years. Ancient clues suggest Greek sailors may have visited these islands long ago. Later, the Scilly Isles were part of old Britain’s Celtic kingdoms. Scientists think the islands used to be joined as one landmass until rising seas split them apart around 500 AD.
After that, Viking raiders attacked the isles. The Normans also ruled them. In the 1600s, the Scilly Isles saw battles between opposing groups during England’s civil war bringing sieges and naval fights.
Proof of the long history remains today at sites like the Innisidgen graves from the Bronze Age. Also still standing are big Tudor walls erected above New Grimsby Harbour to defend the port long ago. Much more evidence of the past awaits discovery.
Isles of Scilly Worth Visiting? Conclusion
If amazing beaches, great weather, tasty seafood, and charming places to stay don’t convince you, we’re not sure what will. Nevertheless, let us be clear – visiting the Scilly Isles is absolutely worth it. Additionally these islands have incredible history, beautiful ocean views, and world-class sailing.
Few destinations can compete with the charm and offerings of the Scilly Isles. With so much to experience, they are a must-see and perfect for any traveller.
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