The Isles of Scilly

Destination

Imagine. An island archaepelago 20 miles from the coast of Cornwall. The entire Islands are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and every inch of the coastline is Heritage Coast. Each Island has its own distinct character.
There are five inhabited Islands in the group - St.Mary's, Tresco, Bryher, St.Agnes and St.Martin's. Key features of the Islands are the clear blue seas, unspoilt marine landscape, abundant wildlife, white beaches, historical and archaeological remains, excellent walking and the opportunity to observe seals and sea birds such as puffins at close range in their natural habitat.
“The sea has that translucent end-of-the-day glow as it lazily folds back and forth across the sand. I perch on a rock, close my eyes and revel in the sense of having stopped, of having reached the end of my journey. The end, as it feels when I open my eyes, of the world”
The Observer, Annabelle Thorpe

What's on Offer

Places to Visit

Five Inhabited Islands
ST MARY'S- megalithic village, coastal walks, historical remains, wildlife walks, Island Museum, bus tours, boat trips, fishing expeditions, Museum, Heritage Centre, art galleries and workshops.
TRESCO - famous sub-tropical Abbey Garden, historical remains, maritime museum, boat trips.
ST MARTINS - local bakery courses, fishing, sailing, boat trips.
BRYHER - boat trips and boat hire.
ST AGNES - ancient remains, craft shops, boat trips.

Shopping

The Isles of Scilly have many fascinating little shops and many galleries and workshops can be seen and visited across all the Islands.

Eating Out

All the Islands have high quality hotels and restaurants. It is also worth trying the very good local food on offer in the various inns and cafes around the Islands.

Recreation & Sport

Daily boat trips to each Island are available seven days a week from each of the Islands. The trips can be direct or circular to explore the uninhabited off-islands and to see seals and wildlife. On St.Mary's you can play golf and tennis or go windsurfing, snorkelling with seals, sailing, diving, canoeing, cycling, fishing, horse riding, painting and glass making. On Tresco you can play tennis or go sailing, windsurfing or canoeing. On St.Martin's, tennis, bowls and bread-making. On Bryher you may hire boats. On St.Agnes, tennis. And on all the Islands you are welcome to join the inter-island cricket matches. The main summer sport is Gig boat racing and every Friday and Wednesday evening tripper boats are laid on to watch the races.

Accommodation

Total bed spaces: 2619
Hotels: 9
B&B/Guest Houses: 52
Self-catering units: 250
Camp sites: 4

Getting There

Sea

The 600-passenger ferry - Scillonian III - leaves Penzance each day from late March to early November. St Mary's and Tresco are regular stop-off places for cruise liners.

Air

Fixed wing connections are from Bristol, Exeter, Newquay, Land's End and Southampton. The 26-seater helicopter operates daily from Penzance and flies into both St.Mary's and Tresco (20 minutes).