The Scilly Islands, Cornwall, offer stunning beaches, mild climate, and unspoiled natural beauty. This guide highlights must-see islands, wildlife, coastal walks, and local culture, helping travelers explore the archipelago’s unique charm, outdoor adventures, and tranquil escape from mainland England.
👀 At a Glance:
🗓️ Best time: March to November for calm seas and subtropical blooms
✈️ Getting there: Scillonian III ferry from Penzance or Skybus from Land’s End
⏰ Duration: Minimum 3 days to explore five inhabited islands properly
🎯 Must-see: Tresco Abbey Garden with exotic plants from 80 countries
💡 Insider tip: Book inter-island boats in the morning before 9am for best availability
🏝️ What Makes Scilly Islands Cornwall Special
Isles of Scilly Travel: Worth the Journey
Is the Isle of Scilly worth visiting? The answer is absolutely yes for anyone seeking unspoilt British beaches. Scilly Islands Cornwall offers something rare in the British Isles with white sand beaches without the crowds that pack the Cornish coast.
The water stays warmer than most British coastlines thanks to the Gulf Stream flowing past these Atlantic islands. Great Bay on St Martin’s stretches for a mile of perfect white sand with crystal-clear turquoise water. Tresco Abbey Garden grows subtropical plants found nowhere else in Britain with palm trees and exotic flora thriving year-round.
The archipelago spreads across 140 islands that lie just off the coast of Cornwall in the Atlantic Ocean. Only five inhabited islands have people living on them year-round with tight-knit communities. St Mary’s serves as the main island and largest island with Hugh Town as the capital and only town.
What the Scilly Isles are Famous For
What is Scilly famous for amongst British travellers? The World Pilot Gig Championships bring 150 rowing teams here every May for traditional boat racing between the islands. The turquoise water stays so clear you can see the sandy bottom 20 feet down at beaches like Pentle Bay on Tresco.
Hugh Town harbour bustles with fishing boats bringing fresh crab and lobster each morning from the surrounding waters. Local pubs serve seafood caught that morning by fishermen you’ll meet at the quay sharing their day’s tales. The Atlantic pub on St Mary’s serves fish and chips using catch from boats moored just steps away from the kitchen.
Here’s something surprising that makes you pause: Scilly has more shipwrecks per square mile than anywhere else in British waters. Over 800 vessels met their end on these rocks creating an incredible underwater museum for divers. Bronze Age burial sites on Gugh date back 4,000 years showing ancient settlement patterns across the islands.
Seals pop up beside kayaks like curious puppies around the uninhabited Eastern Isles during wildlife tours. The islands stay so remote that locals recognise every car by sight within days of arrival. Scilly Islands Cornwall combines natural beauty with authentic island life making it a truly special destination.
📍 Scilly Islands Cornwall Geography: The Five Inhabited Islands
St Mary’s: Main Harbour and Hugh Town
Are the Scilly Isles part of Cornwall? The answer is technically yes and no depending on how you define it. The islands belong to the Duchy of Cornwall administratively with Prince William owning most of the land as Duke of Cornwall. But geographically they lie separate from the mainland as a distinct Atlantic archipelago.
How far are the Isles of Scilly from Cornwall? The archipelago sits 28 miles off the coast from Land’s End in open Atlantic waters. That’s about 45 kilometres of open Atlantic Ocean between you and mainland Britain with no land in between. On clear days you can’t even see the mainland from the islands creating a true escape feeling.
St Mary’s stands as the largest island with Hugh Town serving as the only town across the entire archipelago. The harbour bustles with fishing boats and ferries connecting visitors to the outer islands throughout the day. Most visitors base themselves here with the widest choice of accommodation and restaurants available on any island.
Tresco, Bryher, St Martin’s and St Agnes
Tresco ranks as the second largest inhabited island known for its famous subtropical garden and pristine beaches like Pentle Bay and Appletree Bay. Bryher offers rugged Atlantic coastlines at Hell Bay and sheltered coves on the eastern shore facing Tresco across the narrow channel between them.
St Martin’s attracts beach lovers with Great Bay’s mile of perfect white sand and Lawrence’s Bay for sheltered swimming on calmer days. St Agnes sits as the southwesternmost community in Britain with the Turk’s Head pub and dramatic coastal walks around Periglis Beach offering stunning views.
The tiny island of Gugh connects to St Agnes at low tide via a sandbar revealing ancient Bronze Age burial sites. Visiting Scilly Islands Cornwall means experiencing this tight community where visitors quickly feel part of island life at the local pubs.
🚢 Isles of Scilly Travel Guide: Ferry and Flights
Scillonian III Ferry from Penzance Harbour
How do you get to the Scilly Isles from Cornwall? You have two main transport options when you visit Isles of Scilly from the mainland. The Scillonian III ferry sails from Penzance harbour to St Mary’s between March and November taking about 2 hours 45 minutes across open water.
Book your Scilly ferry from Penzance well ahead during summer months when demand peaks amongst British holidaymakers. The Scillonian only runs once daily from Penzance Harbour and fills up fast during peak season with limited capacity. Seats cost around £100 return for adults making it a reasonable option for families.
Here’s an insider tip from locals: sit on the right side of the ferry going out for the best island views approaching St Mary’s. The boat passes the Western Rocks lighthouse about 20 minutes before arrival with dramatic scenery. Local fishermen call this stretch “the gateway” for good reason with dramatic rocks rising from deep Atlantic water.
Skybus Flights: Day Trip Options
The Skybus plane offers flights from three airports providing faster alternatives to the ferry for time-conscious travellers. Land’s End Airport runs multiple daily Skybus flights taking just 15 minutes to St Mary’s with spectacular aerial views. You fly in small 19-seater planes with amazing aerial views of the archipelago below on approach.
Newquay Airport offers convenient Skybus connections from across the UK with regular services throughout the main season. Exeter Airport serves passengers from the Midlands and beyond with Skybus services connecting through to the islands daily. These quick flights make day trips possible from Cornwall though you’ll want longer to explore properly.
It costs more than the Scillonian but saves significant time and avoids seasickness completely for those prone to it. Visit the Isles of Scilly Travel website for current schedules and booking for both ferry and Skybus options. They run both services throughout the season from March through to November each year.
Penzance helicopters stopped running years ago so don’t count on that option anymore for your island journey. The Scillonian ferry from Penzance and Skybus from Land’s End remain your only transport choices to reach Scilly Islands Cornwall from the mainland today.
🚶 Getting Around Scilly Islands Cornwall
Exploring St Mary by Bike
Getting around St Mary’s happens mostly on foot or by bike through Hugh Town and the surrounding country lanes. The largest island measures just 2.5 miles across so you can walk around the entire island easily in a few hours. Cycling offers a pleasant way to explore the quiet roads and coastal paths at your own pace.
Island Rover Bikes on The Strand in Hugh Town rents quality bikes perfect for exploring the coastal paths safely. Scilly Bike Hire near the quay offers another rental option for cycling around the island with daily rates. Most roads stay quiet with very few cars across the islands making cycling safe and enjoyable.
Local secret: park your bikes at Porthcressa Beach then walk the hidden path behind the ancient Buzza Tower. This shortcut cuts 15 minutes off the coastal route and locals use it constantly to avoid the crowds. You’ll pass ancient granite walls worn smooth by centuries of island weather and Atlantic salt spray.
Inter-Island Boats Between the Five Islands
Boat trips from St Mary’s harbour connect all five inhabited islands daily during the main season with regular departures. The St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association operates these essential services with boats departing multiple times daily to Tresco, St Martin’s, St Agnes, and Bryher.
The boat from St Mary’s to Tresco takes just 15 minutes across calm water to New Grimsby harbour on the eastern shore. Services to St Martin’s run to Higher Town quay several times daily depending on tides and weather conditions. Boats to St Agnes and Bryher connect these western islands with flexible schedules throughout the day.
A day pass costs around £15 and lets you hop between islands freely all day exploring at your own pace. Check the schedule board at St Mary’s quay each morning for updated times and any weather-related changes. Weather can cancel boats sometimes when seas get too rough for safe crossing between the islands.
Coastal Walks on Each Inhabited Island
Walking coastal paths provides the best way to explore once you reach each island and discover hidden coves. Peninnis Head on St Mary’s offers dramatic granite formations and lighthouse views across the Atlantic. The Garrison Walk around Hugh Town takes about an hour with historic fortifications and harbour views throughout.
When exploring Scilly Islands Cornwall, check the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company website for inter-island boat schedules updated daily based on tides and weather conditions. Book trips to the uninhabited Eastern Isles through private boat operators like Island Sea Safaris at the harbour.
🏖️ Best Beaches on the Coast of Cornwall Islands
The white sand beaches here compete with tropical islands for pure beauty and crystal-clear water. Each inhabited island offers multiple secluded coves and stretches of perfect sandy beaches waiting to be discovered. The water stays surprisingly warm thanks to the Gulf Stream flowing 28 miles off the coast of England.
St Martin’s Beach Paradise: Great Bay and Lawrence’s Bay
Great Bay on St Martin’s wins as the most stunning beach in the archipelago according to locals and visitors alike. The white sand stretches for a mile of pure perfection with hardly a pebble in sight. Turquoise water laps so gently you can wade out 50 yards and still touch the sandy bottom with your toes.
Locals call it the best beach in the British Isles and they’re probably right given the competition nationwide. Lawrence’s Bay on the north coast offers more shelter when winds blow from the south across the Atlantic. The cove stays protected by rocky headlands on both sides throughout the day keeping the water calm.
Higher Town Bay provides another excellent swimming spot near the main settlement on St Martin’s with easy access. Pack a picnic and spend the whole day exploring rock pools at low tide with incredible marine life. The pools fill with starfish, crabs, and small fish trapped by receding water creating natural aquariums.
St Agnes Beaches: Periglis, Covean and Gugh
Periglis Beach curves along St Agnes with views across to the uninhabited Eastern Isles in the distance. The sand here has a pinkish tint from crushed shells mixed through it over centuries. At low tide you can walk across the sandbar to the tiny island of Gugh exploring ancient sites.
Covean Beach sits on the eastern shore of St Agnes offering sheltered swimming in calm conditions for families. The coastal walk around St Agnes takes about 2 hours at easy pace passing multiple hidden coves. Beady Pool provides a natural swimming spot tucked into the rocks for adventurous swimmers seeking something different.
Bronze Age burial sites on Gugh date back 4,000 years showing ancient settlement patterns across these remote islands. Seals often rest on offshore rocks basking in the Atlantic sun throughout the day. The golden hour before sunset creates stunning photos of rugged coastline and turquoise water for photography enthusiasts.
Tresco Beaches: Pentle Bay and Appletree Bay
Pentle Bay faces west with sunset views that turn the sky orange and pink each evening creating magical moments. The beach has the finest white sand on Tresco with hardly any shells or stones to hurt bare feet. It’s perfect for swimming when seas stay calm with gentle waves lapping against the pristine shore.
The shallow water warms up nicely by afternoon in summer months making it ideal for families with young children. Appletree Bay sits on the eastern side more sheltered from Atlantic winds with crystal-clear water. Families love this spot because you can see your feet standing waist deep in the transparent water.
New Grimsby Harbour beach offers another sheltered option with views across to Bryher and boats moored in the narrow channel. You can snorkel at Appletree Bay and spot fish swimming around rocky edges of the cove. The famous Tresco Abbey Garden sits just a short walk inland from this beautiful beach.
🌺 Tresco Abbey Garden: Subtropical Paradise
The Abbey Garden Collection
Tresco Abbey Garden stands as one of Britain’s most exotic botanical collections with plants from around the world. Augustus Smith created this subtropical paradise in 1834 on the ruins of a 10th-century Benedictine abbey. The garden now holds over 20,000 plants from 80 countries around the world thriving in the microclimate.
The sheltered valley of Tresco creates a microclimate warmer than anywhere else in Britain throughout the year. Palm trees grow 40 feet tall in this protected spot with fronds swaying in Atlantic breezes. The Mediterranean Garden showcases plants from hot dry climates including towering agaves and colourful aloes from South Africa.
The Lighthouse Walk leads through exotic plantings up to panoramic island views from the highest point on Tresco. The Long Walk features subtropical species from New Zealand and South America thriving in the mild climate. In January you’ll see flowers blooming everywhere whilst mainland Britain stays frozen under winter conditions.
Valhalla Museum and Garden Walks
The Valhalla Museum within the grounds displays figureheads from shipwrecks around the islands dating back centuries of maritime history. These carved wooden figures tell stories of vessels wrecked on Scilly’s rocks over 300 years. The collection includes pieces from ships lost in famous storms that battered these Atlantic islands.
Here’s something amazing that surprises most visitors: the garden contains plants that can’t survive anywhere else in Britain outdoors. Proteas from South Africa bloom alongside Canary Island palm trees in impossible harmony under British skies. Peacocks strut across the paths adding to the magical atmosphere throughout the valley with their calls echoing.
Plan at least 2 hours to explore all the different sections properly without rushing through this horticultural treasure. The scent of exotic flowers fills the warm air on sunny days creating an intoxicating atmosphere. Check the Tresco Abbey Garden website for opening times and admission prices before visiting.
The garden opens daily year-round except Christmas Day when the island rests for the holiday. Entry costs about £15 for adults which supports ongoing plant conservation work here in this unique environment. Locals say arrive before 10am through the North Gate for the quietest experience before tour groups arrive from St Mary’s.
🦭 Wildlife Watching: Seals, Birds and Marine Life
Seal Swimming and Snorkelling Tours
Seals swim right up to boats like playful dogs wanting attention from delighted visitors on wildlife tours. Grey seals and Atlantic seals breed on the uninhabited islands around the archipelago in large colonies. You’ll see them hauled out on rocks sunbathing or bobbing in the water watching you with curious dark eyes.
Scilly Seal Snorkelling runs trips where you swim alongside wild seals in their natural habitat around the Eastern Isles. St Martin’s Diving offers snorkelling trips and scuba diving around the clear waters with excellent visibility year-round. These close encounters with marine wildlife create unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages exploring the underwater world.
Island Sea Safaris operates wildlife boat trips departing from St Mary’s harbour taking you around uninhabited islands throughout the day. The uninhabited Eastern Isles provide perfect seal watching opportunities with large colonies visible from boats. Captains know exactly where seals gather throughout the day depending on tides and weather conditions.
Birdwatching and Marine Wildlife
Puffins nest on Annet Island and other uninhabited Eastern Isles in summer creating colourful colonies visible from passing boats. Bird life here attracts twitchers from across Europe during migration seasons with rare vagrant sightings common throughout autumn. The mild climate means birds stick around longer than mainland Britain making extended observations possible.
Dolphins sometimes join boats riding the bow wave between islands creating joyful splashes and excited squeals from passengers. In autumn you might spot basking sharks feeding near the surface in deeper waters around the archipelago. The clear water makes Scilly perfect for snorkelling around rocky coastlines and hidden coves between the islands.
Hell Bay on Bryher offers good snorkelling when conditions stay calm with abundant marine life in the shallows. Wildlife watching remains one of the top activities when you visit Scilly Islands Cornwall throughout the year. Local shops in Hugh Town rent masks and fins if needed for underwater exploration around the coast.
The water temperature stays surprisingly warm thanks to the Gulf Stream making September swims comfortable without thick wetsuits. You’ll see crabs, starfish, and colourful fish in the shallow kelp forests swaying with the tides.
🏨 Accommodation in Scilly Islands Cornwall
Accommodation ranges from luxury hotels to cosy cottages across the five inhabited islands offering something for every budget. St Mary’s has the most options since it’s the largest island with Hugh Town as the hub. Book well ahead for summer months as rooms fill up fast during peak season between June and August.
Hell Bay Hotel and Star Castle
Hell Bay Hotel on Bryher offers the most upscale accommodation in the archipelago with contemporary suites overlooking the rugged Atlantic coast. Fresh seafood features heavily on the restaurant menu using catch from local boats landed daily. It costs around £300 per night but delivers luxury worth the price for special occasions.
Star Castle Hotel sits inside a 16th-century fortress overlooking Hugh Town harbour on St Mary’s with historic charm. The historic property blends medieval architecture with modern comfort perfectly for discerning guests. You can swim in the pool between ancient stone bastions with harbour views across to neighbouring islands.
The Atlantic Hotel on St Mary’s provides comfortable rooms right on the waterfront in Hugh Town with easy access. The restaurant serves excellent food with harbour views from the terrace each evening as boats return. You can walk to pubs, shops, and the inter-island boats in minutes from your room.
Self-Catering Cottages and Camping
Tregarthen’s Hotel provides a more affordable option right in Hugh Town centre on The Strand with family-friendly rates. The family-run property offers sea views from most rooms across the harbour to neighbouring islands. Fresh bread arrives each morning from the local bakery down the street filling the air with wonderful aromas.
Island Properties manages quality self-catering cottages on St Mary’s and Tresco for families who prefer cooking their own meals. Most sleep 4-6 people and come fully equipped with kitchens for preparing meals with local ingredients. You’ll pay less cooking your own meals using fresh island ingredients from local shops and markets.
Many cottages have gardens and stunning sea views across the turquoise water to neighbouring islands in the distance. Troytown Farm campsite on St Agnes offers camping if you want a budget option near sandy beaches. It’s the only official campsite in the archipelago so book early as spaces stay limited.
Visit the Visit Isles of Scilly accommodation page to browse all options and book directly with properties. They list everything from luxury hotels to simple B&Bs across the islands with reviews. Reading reviews helps pick the right spot for your budget and travel style preferences.
🍴 Island Dining: Restaurants, Pubs and Cafes
Fresh crab arrives at Hugh Town harbour market every morning caught by local fishermen overnight in their pots. The seafood here tastes incredible because it goes from boat to plate within hours of being caught. Island restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients from the British Isles whenever possible supporting local producers.
Top Restaurants: Juliet’s Garden and The New Inn
Juliet’s Garden Restaurant on St Mary’s creates memorable meals using island-grown produce and fresh catch from the harbour. The chef works with local farmers and fishermen to design seasonal menus that change weekly with availability. Book ahead as this fills up every night in summer with locals and visitors alike.
The New Inn on Tresco offers fine dining in a relaxed island setting overlooking New Grimsby harbour with boats moored. The restaurant features fresh seafood and local ingredients with harbour views from every table. The crab linguine at Juliet’s Garden gets rave reviews from everyone who tries this signature dish.
The Atlantic Inn on St Mary’s serves proper pub food alongside local ales in a waterfront setting with great atmosphere. They source ingredients locally and offer daily specials based on the morning’s catch at the harbour. The smell of grilled fish drifts across the terrace on warm evenings creating an irresistible temptation.
Island Pubs: Turk’s Head and Fraggle Rock
The Turk’s Head pub on St Agnes claims to be the most southwesterly pub in Britain with pride. It serves proper pub food and local ales with views across the water to neighbouring islands. This 300-year-old pub buzzes with locals and visitors every evening sharing stories and laughs together.
Fraggle Rock Bar on Bryher offers views across the channel to Tresco with fresh crab sandwiches and local beers on tap. The Atlantic pub on St Mary’s serves the best fish and chips according to locals using fish from boats moored at the quay. Each inhabited island has at least one pub serving food throughout the season creating community hubs.
These cosy spots become social hubs where locals and visitors mingle easily over pints discussing the day’s adventures. The battered cod comes so fresh it flakes apart perfectly on your fork with each bite.
Cafes: Dibble and Grub, Kavorna
Dibble and Grub on St Mary’s bakes fresh bread, pasties, and cakes daily using traditional recipes passed down through generations. Stop here each morning to grab provisions for beach picnics in secluded coves around the islands. The smell of fresh baking fills Hugh Town streets by 8am most days drawing crowds of locals.
Kavorna Cafe serves excellent coffee and pastries before you catch the inter-island boat from St Mary’s harbour each morning. Local tip: arrive at Kavorna by 7:45am on boat days to grab the last almond croissants before they sell out. They sell out within 30 minutes and locals know this secret keeping it somewhat quiet from tourists.
The owners refuse to make more claiming quality drops with larger batches and they won’t compromise on standards. The smell of fresh baking fills Hugh Town streets by 8am most days drawing locals and visitors alike.
🎭 Island Culture: Festivals and the Inhabit Gallery
The Scilly Swim Challenge attracts open water swimmers in September for races between islands when water stays at its warmest. Walk Scilly Festival in October celebrates the coastal paths with guided walks around all five inhabited islands. October brings fewer tourists but island shops stay open unlike many coastal towns that close for winter.
The World Pilot Gig Championships happen every May bringing 150 rowing teams to the islands for traditional boat racing. These six-oared boats race between islands in a festival atmosphere with cheering crowds lining the shores. The Scilly festival atmosphere takes over with locals packing pubs celebrating late into the night with live music.
Annual Festivals and Events
Gig racing crews come from Cornwall, Netherlands, and beyond for this biggest sporting event of the year. Scilly Folk Festival in spring features local musicians and visiting artists from the mainland performing in intimate venues. The Isles of Scilly Jazz Festival in autumn fills pubs with live music performances creating wonderful atmosphere.
Small venues across the islands host concerts in pubs and galleries with traditional music echoing through ancient stone buildings. The acoustics in old stone churches make perfect settings for performances creating spine-tingling reverb effects. Performers don’t announce sets until they walk on stage creating delightful surprise moments for audiences.
Art Galleries and Island Heritage
The Inhabit Gallery on St Mary’s features paintings, photography, and crafts by local artists inspired by the natural beauty. Phoenix Stained Glass on St Martin’s creates beautiful pieces using island themes and coastal colours in traditional techniques. Many artists moved here specifically for the quality of light and dramatic scenery surrounding the islands.
St Mary’s Museum on Church Street tells the story of island history through shipwrecks, flower farming, and Bronze Age archaeology. Their work captures the essence of island life perfectly through various mediums and artistic expressions. Island traditions run deep with families connected to the sea for generations of fishing and sailing.
Flower farming used to dominate the economy before tourism took over in the 1960s changing island life forever. You still see flower fields on St Martin’s and St Agnes blooming through winter months creating colourful carpets. Community bonds strengthen through shared island challenges and celebrations throughout the year bringing everyone together.
Everyone helps each other when storms hit or boats break down at the harbour needing repairs or assistance.
These islands exist in their own rhythm where time moves slower and people matter more than anywhere else.
