Isles of Scilly

Sillan

    Like nowhere else in England

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    Old Town Beach, St Mary's

    The Isles of Scilly lie just off the coast of Cornwall but are a world apart in every way. A natural wonder, like a cluster of precious ocean jewels, where nature thrives and the soul is inspired.

    Welcome to the Isles of Scilly

    Unspoilt and unimaginably beautiful, the Isles of Scilly are an archipelago found 28 miles from the Cornish coast. Comprising five inhabited islands – St Mary, Bryher, Tresco, St Martins and St Agnes – and over a hundred more uninhabited islands, the Scillies are both tranquil and wild.

    Whilst the islands' exposure to Atlantic winds creates a wild and windswept landscape, it only adds to their charm, with stunning coastal vistas and pristine sandy beaches. Their remote and rugged beauty offers a unique sense of tranquility whilst providing a haven for wildlife, including seals, puffins, dolphins, whales, and rare species of plants and rodents.

    Despite their small size, the Isles of Scilly are rich in history, boasting a higher density of historical sites than anywhere else in the British Isles. From shipwrecks and buried treasure to Bronze Age relics and ancient legends, the islands have many stories to tell.

    Each year, the Isles of Scilly host the World Pilot Gig Championships, attracting rowing teams from around the globe to compete for the title, adding to the unique cultural appeal of this captivating archipelago.

    Did you know?

    Flower farming has been an important part of the Scillonian economy for centuries, with the islands being particularly known for their fragrant narcissi. Thanks to the surrounding ocean, the Scillies enjoy a mild climate year-round, rarely experiencing frost or snow. This allows flowers to grow throughout the winter, in fields sheltered from Atlantic gales.

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    Isles of Scilly
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    Round Island Lighthouse

    Things to do

    Simply being on the Isles of Scilly is a delight in itself, as the serene, nature-filled atmosphere surrounds you. Each island offers a treasure trove of beaches, coastal walks, cycling routes, and secluded swimming spots to discover.

    Your first stop will be St Mary, the largest island and gateway to the rest of the archipelago. Explore a handful of charming shops, galleries, and cosy pubs, or unwind on the soft white sands of Porthcressa, Town Beach, or Porthmellon.

    A short ferry ride will take you to Tresco, the second largest island. Here, you can explore Tresco Abbey Garden, a lush subtropical paradise filled with exotic plants and the remnants of an 11th-century abbey.

    Next to Tresco is Bryher, the smallest inhabited island ideal for enjoying nature, peace and quiet. With just a campsite, post office, pub, and gallery, it’s the perfect coastal escape.

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    St Martins is a hub for watersports, perfect for snorkelling, swimming and kayaking. Not to be missed is a SUP tour to the uninhabited Eastern Isles, which are a thirty-minute paddle over the water.

    The final inhabited island, St Agnes, is a haven for birdwatchers and hikers. You can walk across to Gugh at low tide to see Obadiah’s Barrow, a Bronze Age burial site, or indulge in fresh homemade ice cream from Troytown Farm.

    For those craving more adventure, there are local diving tours and boat hires to explore the surrounding uninhabited rocks and islets.

    Did you know?

    The Isles of Scilly has one of the highest concentrations of shipwrecks in the UK if not the world. Windy weather conditions, treacherous rocks and shallow reefs have claimed almost a thousand vessels over the centuries. One of the most infamous wrecks was the 1707 disaster of Sir Cloudesley Shovell’s fleet, one of the worst maritime disasters in British naval history.

    Getting Around

    The Isles of Scilly are reachable by helicopter, plane, or ferry. Year-round helicopter flights and the seasonal Scillonian ferry (March to November) depart from Penzance, whilst planes fly year-round from Land’s End, with additional seasonal flights from Newquay and Exeter.

    Visitors are not permitted to bring cars, and only a few residents have vehicles, so getting around is mostly done on foot. Fortunately, the islands are compact, making everything within easy reach. To explore further, inter-island ferries offer convenient transport, allowing you to hop between islands during your stay.

    For more information on the Isles of Scilly, please visit their website.

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