Take nothing but memories and leave nothing but footprints on the Isles of Scilly. Our stunning archipelago made up of five inhabited islands, each full of character and bursting with natural wonders, is just waiting to be discovered.
As soon as you step onto the quay on St. Mary’s, the largest of the islands, you’ll notice how life just got simpler and the pace slower. Familiarise yourself with Hugh Town dotted with its several eateries and shops before heading to the other side of this beautiful, unspoilt island for breathtaking views, historic sites and blissful beaches.
To explore further, visit our friendly awardwinning team at the Tourist Information Centre on Porthcressa Beach for how to get around quickly. From golf buggies to bike hire, sightseeing tours to tripper boat tickets with St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association – they have you covered.
Our tiny archipelago is made up of a bitesized cluster of five inhabited islands all waiting to be explored. From the wild little isle of Bryher to the sprawling beaches on St. Martin’s; the charming little isle of St. Agnes to the sub-tropical Abbey Garden on Tresco - discover each island’s unique character for yourself.
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"A stunning archipelago of 140 islands and 5 inhabited, full of natural wonders to explore."
GOOD TO KNOW
WELCOME TO OUR ISLANDS
As soon as you arrive on St. Mary’s, head straight to the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) on Porthcressa Beach for all your information needs. Here you can pick up a handy Scilly map, gifts, boat tickets and timetables. Enquire about how to book a golf buggy or bike direct with the provider.
01720 620600
WHAT’S ON
The season is sprinkled with tempting festivals often with big names and island talent. From food events to walking the islands with expert guides, or learning a new skill – check out our What’s On guide online here visitislesofscilly.com/ experience/whats-on
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
The Post Office on St. Mary’s offers a wide range of postal and financial services. These include currency exchange, cash withdrawals and MoneyGram transactions. Located in Hugh Town, opposite the local supermarket, the Co-op.
HELP PROTECT OUR NATURAL BEAUTY
Every inch of the Isles of Scilly is designated in their entirety as the Isles of Scilly National Landscape, a large percentage of which is managed by local charity the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. Look out for donation points across the islands.
4 LIGHTHOUSES
Full or half day
Take a tour around St. Mary’s on board a guided bus tour, or hire an electric buggy or bike and cover more of the island in less time.
2 GARRISON JAUNT
45 minutes
ISLAND EVENTS
Walk Scilly, April 10 days of exploring the islands with guided walks and talks.
Creative Scilly, May
An inspiring and intriguing celebration of culture and the arts, music, literature, performance and workshops from our island makers.
Ocean Scilly, August
A new nine-day nautical festival celebrating the seas surrounding the isles. From sea shanties and marine life, to shipwreck exploration, lighthouses and aquatic adventures.
Taste of Scilly, September 10 days of tasting the best food and drink from the islands including beach feasts, private dining and pop up suppers to tours, tastings and guest chefs.
For up-to-date info on all island events visitislesofscilly.com
walks, plenty of nature and military heritage - the largest of the five inhabited islands is at the heart of Scillonian life. Discover local art, eateries, shops and a spot of island culture as well as stunning beaches and a relaxed pace of life.
Walk around the entire fortified Garrison exploring its magnificent military history which spans 350 years. A wall wraps around the edge, with views over to St. Agnes. Stop for a photo opportunity at the battery, with canons pointing out to sea. Or rest a while at the 16th century Star Castle for lunch or a cocktail before you’re back onboard! Allow approx. 45 minutes to walk the entire circular route.
3 THE SECRET GARDEN
Half day
Head to Carreg Dhu: a hidden garden enclave bursting with wild rich blooms and exotic plant life. Reached by walking through Old Town, carry on a little further, through beautiful woodland where you’ll be met with winding paths, leading you directly to a calm oasis (and hidden benches). The perfect resting spot!
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Full day
Wander out of Hugh Town and discover Peninnis Lighthouse, perched at Peninnis Head. Surrounded by bracken, wildflowers and jutting outcrops, it details an impressive skyline. Keep walking and you’ll reach Old Town where you can visit Harold Wilson’s grave at Old Town Church or head to a café for lunch.
5 COASTAL PATH
Half day
Tread the Porthmellon coastal path, stopping to look back along the shoreline of St. Mary’s. Climb the hill and take a break at Juliet's Garden for cream teas and crab sandwiches with a spectacular view over St. Mary’s and the other islands. From here, you can continue exploring the island, or potter back along the coastal path and beaches, stopping off at a number of artists studios along the way.
Tresco
The second largest island in the archipelago, Tresco is filled with sprawling beaches, castle ruins, a gallery, deli and plenty of eateries. It's best known for its world-class botanical garden, sitting amidst the ruins of a Benedictine priory.
The ultimate island paradise with spectacular white sandy beaches and marram-topped dunes. Known for its iconic daymark, a narrow road runs through its centre ladened with entrepreneurs including a vineyard, flower farm, silversmith, distillery, eco-friendly clothing and more!
This wild little isle is nestled between Tresco and Samson, with its rugged coastline and quiet sandy beaches. Its pocket-sized charm is the perfect island to while away a few hours.
1 EAT CRAB
Half day
The island is a great place to eat crab and other shellfish. Get your feast on at The Crab Shack (evenings only) near Hell Bay Hotel or at Island Fish (lunch).
2 PERFECT ISOLATION
Half day
Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters off Rushy Bay; a secluded cove sheltered by the neighbouring uninhabited island of Samson.
3 CASTAWAY
Half day
Hire a kayak or paddleboard for a relaxing way to explore the Bryher shoreline and discover private nooks.
4 ISLAND TOUR
Full day
Walk the entire island, just 2 km in length, and stop off for a bite to eat or a well-earned coffeebreak at one of the island’s many eateries.
5 LITERARY CONNECTIONS
Half day
Follow in the footsteps of Michael Morpurgo, the celebrated children’s author, and discover the place where ‘Why the Whales Came’ was written.
St. Agnes
St. Agnes is home to Britain’s most south-westerly community; a wild little island strewn with Bronze Age burial chambers, barren heathland, a sand bar, and a lighthouse. It’s a magnet for seabirds, artists and musicians.
1 TREASURE HUNT
Half day
Take a walk around the coast for dramatic views towards Western Rocks and stop awhile at sheltered Beady Pool Beach and try your luck at finding beads from a 17th century Dutch shipwreck.
2 SEA SAFARI
Half day
A sea safari is the perfect way to spend an afternoon and a Scilly speciality. Check out St Agnes Boating for an afternoon spotting seals, seabirds, puffins and more!
3 NATURES SCULPTURES
Half day
Traverse the golden sand bar at low tide from St. Agnes to Gugh and take the path up to Kittern Hill for amazing views and iconic stone outcrops, or check out the island’s stone maize with its mythical origins.
4 TASTE SENSATION
Half day
Tantalise your tastebuds to some seriously good ice-cream from a tiny dairy farm producing new creations each year.
1 GLORIOUS GARDENS
Half day
Visit the famous Abbey Garden, home to 20,000 plant species from over 80 countries worldwide. Spot red squirrels and golden pheasants as you wander the manicured terraces and marvel at the garden’s endless sculptures.
2 BEACH TIME
Half day
Traverse the island’s manicured paths by foot or by bike. You’ll most certainly come across some of Scilly’s best beaches as you go; Appletree Bay and Pentle Bay are just two not to be missed.
3 SHIPWRECKS
Half day
Valhalla Museum within the Abbey Garden has an impressive collection of salvaged figureheads from numerous shipwrecks colliding off Scilly over the centuries.
4 HISTORY LOVERS
Half or full day
History buffs must explore Tresco’s military past dating back to the Civil War with a visit to Cromwell’s Castle, King Charles’ Castle, and the Block House. Begin exploring at number 4 on the map.
1 ICONIC SCILLY
Half day
Take a jaunt to the iconic daymark which is the earliest surviving beacon in the British Isles. The 40 feet high stone beacon was built by Thomas Ekins in 1683. Don’t forget to pack your crab roll or pasty from one of the local eateries.
2 VINEYARD TOUR
Half day
Visit a working vineyard and visitor centre. This wildflower-filled gem produces wines, beers and ciders for you to experience during a tour and tasting.
3 SHOPPAHOLICS
Half day
Pop to the shops is a must on St. Martin’s with businesses ready to welcome you. From fine jewellery to locally distilled rum, skincare products made with seaweed, Scilly clothing to gallery art and mail order flowers – souvenirs are covered!
4 ON THE WATER
Half day
Feel a sense of freedom and get a different view of the island afloat in a kayak, exploring the extraordinary sealife.
