Isles of Scilly Travel Guide

Discover everything you need to know about Isles of Scilly, including the best things to do, places to visit, and where to stay. Plan your trip today!


Introduction to Isles of Scilly

Isles of Scilly is a stunning archipelago located in West Country, England, United Kingdom. The islands are a haven for nature lovers, with crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and breathtaking scenery. Isles of Scilly consists of five inhabited islands and several smaller ones. The islands are a Maritime asset of International Significance due to its unique ecosystems.

List of Places to Visit in Isles of Scilly

Here are some of the must-visit places in Isles of Scilly:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Isles of Scilly Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the islands. It features a collection of artifacts from shipwrecks and local industries.
  • St. Mary’s Church is a beautiful church that dates back to the 17th century. It is a great place to see beautiful stained glass windows and learn about the religious history of the area.
  • Tresco Abbey Gardens is a must-visit attraction. The gardens are home to a diverse range of plant life, including exotic and tropical plants.
  • Old Town is one of the oldest areas of the island. Here, you can explore the ruins of ancient settlements and learn about the prehistoric history of Isles of Scilly.

Natural Attractions of Isles of Scilly: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • St. Martin’s Island is the perfect place to enjoy beaches, water activities and enjoy scenic landscapes.
  • Bryher Island is the ideal outdoor playground and perfect for those seeking hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing with a picnic.
  • St. Agnes Island is also a great place to explore. It is home to the famous Troy Town Maze and is the perfect place to experience the rural life of Isles of Scilly.
  • Porth Cressa Beach is a hidden gem of Isles of Scilly, and a great place to relax on the white sands or swim in crystal clear water.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Isles of Scilly

Isles of Scilly is a perfect destination for bike lovers and hikers alike. Many islands have walking and cycling trails to explore the islands’ beauty. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Isles of Scilly.

  • With a bike, explore the island of Tresco on its Bike Path.
  • St. Agnes a self-guided walks around its rugged coastline, including Beady Pool and Back Hill.

Best Things to Do in Isles of Scilly: Activities and Tours

There are many exciting activities and tours to choose from in Isles of Scilly. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Scuba Diving- Dive into the crystal clear blue waters and explore the marine life of the archipelago with several diving schools.
  • Boat Tours - Take a boat tour to see the beautiful islands from the water & spot dolphins, puffins, and seals.
  • Castle Tours – Explore the historical castles and learn the stories behind them.

Week-Long Itinerary for Isles of Scilly

Here is a suggested week-long itinerary for Isles of Scilly.

Day Activity
1 Explore St. Mary’s Island
2 Visit Tresco Abbey Gardens and Ruin Castle
3 Scuba diving session
4 Hike around St. Martin’s Island
5 Relax at Bryher Island’s sandy beaches
6 Spot wildlife on a boat tour
7 Visit the Isles of Scilly Museum and St Agnes Island

Food and Drink Scene of Isles of Scilly

Isles of Scilly has a fantastic food and drink scene with many tempting local dishes and beverages to try. Here are some must-try foods and drinks in Isles of Scilly:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Scallops - The seafood in Isles of Scilly is famous, and the scallops are especially known for their sweet taste.
  • Crab - A local variety of spider crab that is only caught in Isles of Scilly is packed with flavor and is a must-try for seafood lovers.
  • Saffron Buns - These unique sweet buns, flavoured with saffron, are a traditional food item of Isles of Scilly’s culture.

Local Beverages

  • Ales - Various micro-breweries make great local ales such as the highly-rated Penzance Brewing Company.
  • Herbal Tea - The islands’ natural abundance allows tea enthusiasts to create a wide selection of herbal teas.

Where to Stay in Isles of Scilly: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are a limited number of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Isles of Scilly. However, historic castles along with estate houses are offered as luxurious vacation rentals. Here are a few of our favourites:

  • Karma St. Martin’s: Located on St. Martin’s island, this hotel is a 4-star resort with sea views and outdoor pool.
  • Hell Bay Hotel: Located on Bryher Island, features elegant and charming ocean view rooms.
  • Star Castle Hotel: A family-run hotel and former 16th-century fortress with spectacular views over Porthcressa beach

What to Buy in Isles of Scilly: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products you might consider bringing home:

  • Scilly Flowers - Bring the flowers of the archipelago home with scented hand creams, candles, and artisan soaps filled with petals inspired by Isles of Scilly’s nature.
  • Island Grown Produce - Take back locally made chutneys, jams, apple juice, and honey, made with locally sourced and picked ingredients.
  • Shell Jewelry and Decor - The local artisans use shells and natural materials to create jewelry, candles, and other decorative items.

Local Culture and Customs of Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly is a vibrant place, with a rich culture with close-knit communities across the islands. The tiny population allows residents to be relaxed, friendly, and welcoming to visitors. Islanders are proud of their unique history, having strong cultural ties to Cornwall, which means that unique traditions still exist in many pockets of each of the islands.

Best Time to Visit Isles of Scilly

The best time to visit Isles of Scilly is between March and September, where the weather is warm, and there are daylight hours for outdoor activities. Isles of Scilly stays relatively warm and sunny compared to the UK regardless of the months, which makes the area worth visiting all year round.

Do’s and Don’ts of Isles of Scilly

Do:

  • Respect the privacy of islanders and their properties
  • Make an effort to learn about the history and culture of the islands
  • Take your litter with you and help keep the islands clean

Don’t:

  • Remove any flowers, vegetation, or animals from the Islands. They contribute to the island’s unique ecosystem.
  • Visit bird reserves without first seeking permission

Safety and Health

Safety in Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly is a relatively safe place to visit. However, visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings at all times, including the following:

  • Lock belongings in the accommodation or parked vehicles
  • Walk carefully on uneven and rocky terrain near beaches and hiking trails
  • Take note of the advice and warnings given by the tidal life before swimming.

Health in Isles of Scilly

There is one health center on Isles of Scilly, St. Mary’s Hospital located on St. Mary’s Island. It offers primary health care services. Although Isles of Scilly doesn’t require vaccinations and has never reported any life-threatening disease, preventive health is still advised.

Getting to Isles of Scilly: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Isles of Scilly is relatively easy with many transportation options, including flights, trains, buses, and ferries.

Airports Near Isles of Scilly

The nearest airport to Isles of Scilly is Land’s End Airport, which has daily flights to Isles of Scilly and back and is only a 20-minute flight.

Bus Stations Near Isles of Scilly

Penzance has regular bus services to Cornwall from where the Ships and Flights of the Isles travel back to Isles of Scilly.

Other Options

The “Scillonian lll” passenger ferry services the destination daily, running between Penzance and St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly. It’s a great way to see the sights and can be added as a destination.

How to Get Around in Isles of Scilly

The islands are small and easy to access on foot, but transportation by bicycle, golf carts, and cars are also possible. So whether you’re fit and active or prefer a little help getting around, travelling in Scilly is incredibly easy.

Where to Go Next from Isles of Scilly: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some destinations and excursions that are near to Isles of Scilly:

  • Land’s End - Take a trip to the most western point of Britain, a spectacular cliff and picturesque walking area.
  • Porthcurno - A spectacular beach and the home of the famous Minack Theatre.
  • St. Ives - a beautiful seaside town and a thriving arts community.

Conclusion

Isles of Scilly is a fantastic destination that offers a charming escape from the mainland. Its stunning scenery, beautiful wildlife and friendly locals make it a must-visit location for any adventurer or naturalist. With a great range of outdoor activities, historical attractions, and luxury amenities, it’s perfect for solo travellers, couples, and family trips. Start planning your visit today and immerse yourself in the unique culture and beauty of Isles of Scilly!

St. Martin's Bay St. Martin's Bay Map of the Isles of Scilly Map of the Isles of Scilly Hugh Town on St Mary's, the main centre of the Isles of Scilly Hugh Town on St Mary's, the main centre of the Isles of Scilly Palms and pandanus in England! The Tresco Abbey Gardens Palms and pandanus in England! The Tresco Abbey Gardens View NE from Bryher, over Fraggle Rock and channel to Cromwell's Castle on Tresco View NE from Bryher, over Fraggle Rock and channel to Cromwell's Castle on Tresco