The Isles of Scilly is one of the most popular places to visit in Cornwall and can get booked up quite far in advance during the peak months of the year due to its popularity.
A rare gem, Scilly has a sub-tropical climate meaning its sunny for much of the year and has stunning white-sand beaches with clear azure seas. Visiting the Isles of Scilly will make you feel worlds away from the mainland.
Getting to the Isles of Scilly
Just 30 miles off the coast of south Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly can be reached by ferry, plane, and helicopter. You do not need a passport to fly to Scilly if you’re a British citizen, but you do need a form of photographic ID (like a drivers license).
Flights run from Exeter, Newquay, and Lands End to St Mary’s, and the Scillonian III ferry takes passengers from Penzance to St Mary’s. If you arrive into St Mary’s but are staying on one of the smaller islands, you will need to get one of the local boat services when you arrive.
The helicopter flies from Penzance to both Tresco and St Mary’s.
The Islands of the Isles of Scilly + Things to Do
Choosing which island to stay on is the key to making your Scilly trip unforgettable. There are five inhabited islands and each one is totally different. My family all agree that each one has it’s own personality and vibe.
St Mary’s
St Mary’s is the main island and where most visitors stay due to its size, accommodation choices, and amenities in the (albeit small) town centre. There are plenty of beautiful beaches and great eateries, and the island is home to a host of local shops and boutiques which make ideal gifts for loved ones and activities for all the family.
You can take a tour of the Scilly Spirit Gin distillery and even sign-up for a Gin lesson, visit Holy Vale Vineyard, walk the St Mary’s Garrison Walls, explore the island by golf cart, hire bikes, take a sailing trip, swim with seals, or go horseriding. In the summer months there’s even an outdoor cinema. If art is your thing, make sure to visit the Porthloo Studios.
Tresco
Tresco is the second largest island and the most popular with higher-end holidaymakers. Its known for its luxury accommodation and stunning Tresco Abbey Gardens. Stay in one of the island’s luxury rental cottages, the New Inn boutique hotel or the Sea Garden Apartments.
In terms of things to do, you can walk around the island and stop off at the two key historical monuments: Cromwell Castle and King Charles’ Castle. After your walk, visit Tresco Spa for some relaxation, and Tresco Gallery for a spot of art shopping. The Valhalla Museum and Tresco Abbey Gardens are the key attractions on Tresco and worth spending a few hours visiting.
Bryher
Bryher is one of the smallest inhabited islands on the Isles of Scilly, and is probably the ‘wildest’ and most rugged island. Young Adult author Michael Morpurgo adores Bryher and has even set some of his books here.
Bryher has a very slow pace of life and the main things to do are beachcombing, bird-watching and walking. A visit to Bryher is not complete without dinner at The Crab Shack, and you must take some Veronica Farm Fudge home with you. Stay at the Hell Bay Hotel for a little slice of luxury.
St Martin’s
St Martin’s is the most popular island for beach lovers and watersports enthusiasts, with swathes of powdery white beaches and crystalline waters. Swim with seals, enjoy paddleboarding, or go sea-kayaking or sailing. Visit St Martin’s Vineyard, Thrown by Ty Ceramics, and Scilly Flower Farm in-between dips in the water at Caribbean-esque Par Beach.
Make the most of the goodies on offer at the bakery in Higher Town and St Martin’s Store, and don’t leave without visiting the SC Dogs Rum Distillery. If you’re into stars and space, stop by the Community Observatory, the most south-westerly observatory in Britain.
St Agnes
St Agnes is known for its peace and tranquility, and it’s tiny size. You can easily walk the entire island in less than a day. Discover the natural breeding grounds of the Greater and Lesser Black Backed Gulls and see puffins in May and June.
Head over to Gugh at low tide to see the Bronze Age Obadiah’s Barrow, or walk onto Wingletang Bay and Beady Pool – a wild swim in the sheltered bay here is fantastic or simply beachcomb for some shipwrecked venetian glass beads.
Dining on the Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly is home to some really great restaurants and is becoming a bit of a foodie destination with fresh locally sourced produce. Although there are plenty of eateries to dine at, we have rounded up our favourites and the ones you really need to make time for.
The Mermaid Inn, St Mary’s
Situated at the entrance of St Mary’s Harbour, the Mermaid Inn is the Isles of Scilly’s most iconic public house. Traditionally the haunt of smugglers, pirates and fishermen the pub is still firmly connected to its maritime past.
Whether you’re just getting back from a boating day-trip, arriving on the Scillonian or staying on St Mary’s, The Mermaid is your first port of call where you will always find real ales flowing, quality cuisine, friendly service and a warm welcome.
The Crab Shack, Bryher
The Crab Shack is a very special place and a favourite with both locals and visitors. Set within an old stone barn in the rugged countryside of Bryher, The Crab Shack is open from May to September each year and provides diners with a communal seafood experience. The seafood is so fresh you might even meet the Fisherman – The Crab Shack source their crab from the local Pender family of Island Fish on Bryher.
Scallops and mussels to start. Salty-sweet Bryher crab is the main event – accompanied by seasonal salad, crusty bread, crispy fries and ponds of fragrant butter. Eton Mess or Cornish cheese to finish. Beer, red, white or rosé to quench your thirst.
Dibble and Grub, St Mary’s
Dibble and Grub is a low-key casual restaurant on St Mary’s serving beachfront Tapas at Porthcressa beach on St Mary’s. The bright dining room has beautiful views of the bay and they even have a beachfront terrace for alfresco dining.
Tapas, salads and filled pittas; the flavours of the Mediterranean fill their kitchen. All their dishes are freshly prepared from carefully sourced ingredients with emphasis on locality, sustainability, traceability and quality. Dibble and Grub also cater extensively for vegetarian and vegan diets and almost their entire menu is gluten free.
Ruin Beach Cafe, Tresco
Set right on the beach and crafted in the shape of a boatshed, the Ruin’s big thing is its wood-fired oven which brings a Mediterranean feel to Tresco. Try the pizzas, all cooked in the oven using wood from the island and often accompanied with veg from Scilly gardens. We love its relaxed vibe and no-fuss dishes.
Troytown Farm, St Agnes
Troytown Farm is THE best place to grab an ice-cream and is owned by the Hicks family who decided to buy a herd of Jersey dairy cows when the flower industry fizzled out. As well as selling their beautifully creamy milk, they turn it into ice cream, clotted cream and butter.
The standout ice cream is rose geranium, flavoured with plants grown on St Agnes. Make sure to try The Works, a large waffle cone with two scoops of ice cream, a chocolate or fudge stick and a dollop of clotted cream.
A Paradise Holiday Destination
Cornwall is home to some of the best beaches, but the Isles of Scilly is truly a special and idyllic destination to visit. The paradisiacal archipelago provides families and solo travellers with a peaceful and relaxing escape from the everyday with something to do for everyone.
