Isles of Scilly - UK travel guide

There are many incredible destinations to visit across the country – and among the most beautiful and historic are the Isles of Scilly.

This driving in the UK travel guide gives you all the information you need about getting to the Isles and what you can do when you get there.

Where are the Isles of Scilly?

The Isles of Scilly are a stunning archipelago located around 28 miles of the southwest coast of Cornwall.

The islands are relatively close to the UK mainland so they are very popular with tourists, and around 125,000 people visit every year. They are filled with white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and (at times) a tropical climate.

Consisting of more than 140 islands, only five of them are inhabited – St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher and St Agnes.

Visitors can get to these islands via ferries from Penzance in Cornwall, or from local flights from Exeter or from smaller airports in Cornwall.

There are also options to fly via helicopter from Penzance as well.

Map of the Isles of Scilly

Here is a map of the Isles of Scilly:

How to get to the Isles of Scilly

There are three main ways to get to the Isles of Scilly – ferry, aeroplane and helicopter. The archipelago is completely vehicle-free for tourists, so if you intend to drive down to the ferry, you’ll need to arrange parking to leave the vehicle there.

Ferry

Travelling to the Isles of Scilly by ferry is the most popular and most scenic way to get to the archipelago.

The Scillonian III passenger ferry operates between Penzance in Cornwall and St Mary’s – the largest of the islands.

Taking around 2 hours and 45 minutes, this crossing is made several times a day from March to November (weather permitting).

Passengers will need to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure time to allow enough time for boarding.

Drivers will need to leave their cars on the mainland at the dedicated Scillonian Car Park which must be prebooked. This ranges from £8 to £40. There is then a park and ride option to the port.

On board the ferry, there are refreshments and comfortable seating with views of the ocean.

Always book tickets in advance, and you can expect to pay £35 for a return day trip for an adult, with child fares ranging from £10.50 to £17.50.

You can also bring your dog along for £15.

For longer visits, including an overnight stay, the fees are significantly higher.

Return journeys exceed £200 and can rise significantly over the summer months.

Passengers can take baggage onboard, with additional services available.

Whilst onboard, you may spot incredible wildlife including dolphins, seals, seabirds, or even basking sharks.

Once you arrive in St Mary’s, there are regular local ferry options that can take you to the other islands that have homes and attractions.

Flights

You can fly to the Isles of Scilly from several airports, including Exeter, Newquay and Land’s End.

If you are driving to the airport, then make sure you bring all the necessary documents you need to fly for you and all your passengers.

These Skybus flights range from around an hour to only 15 minutes from Land’s End.

There are also helicopter flights available from Penzance and fly to both St Mary’s and Tresco.

You will need to prebook both the flights and parking before arrival.

Baggage space is limited on these flights (up to 20kg each), so expect to pay a premium if you are bringing more.

Once you land on one of the islands, it is usually best to take a taxi to the nearest town.

• Isle of Wight travel guide
• Isle of Skye driving and travel guide
• How to get to the Isle of Man

What to do on the Isles of Scilly?

Each of the five main islands have many amazing things to see and do:

St Mary’s

This is the Isles of Scilly’s main island, and acts as the gateway to the rest of the archipelago.

After arriving by plane, helicopter or ferry, there are many places to visit.

Hugh Town is the main destination, with many shops and cafes that are spread around the harbour.

There are several coastal paths to walk, that offer incredible views of the other islands, as well as popular beaches such as Porthcressa and Town Beach.

There are many boat trip options to see the local wildlife, as well as the option to island hop.

History enthusiasts can also visit the historic Bant Carn burial chamber.

Tresco

The home of the famous Abbey Garden, a world-renowned subtropical garden filled with exotic plants, flowers, and trees.

Largely car-free, this island is another great spot for hikers who want to walk around Pentle Bay and Old Grimsby.

Another popular destination is Cromwell’s Castle, which is a common spot for tourists who visit the island.

St Martin’s

Often compared to a Caribbean island, its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters are perfect for a summer’s day.

Swimming, snorkelling, and water sports are common on this island, especially around Little Bay and Great Bay.

Higher Town has community shops and cafes as well as a famous vineyard.

Bryher

The smallest of the inhabited islands, Bryher, faces the Atlantic Ocean to the west and calmer Tresco Channel to the east.

You can walk across the island in less than an hour, passing hidden caves and quiet beaches.

Hell Bay is a favourite for locals and tourists and is also known for its excellent seafoods.

St Agnes

The most south westerly of the Isles of Scilly, St Agnes is connected to the tidal island of Gugh, which can be walked to at low tide.

Home to the historic St Agnes Lighthouse, the island is also home to very few people – with just few farms and a single pub.

Top 10 places to visit on the Isles of Scilly

Here are the RAC’s top 10 places to visit on the Isles of Scilly:

1. Porthcressa Beach: This picturesque area is just a short walk from High Town and has soft white sand and clear turquoise water. It is sheltered from the elements but is also ideal for swimming and enjoying the promenade.
2. Bant’s Carn burial chamber: This ancient site dates back thousands of years and offers an insight into the island's history. Sitting on a peaceful hillside, it offers a great view of St Mary’s. It also forms a part of the local areas Iron Age landscape.
3. Abbey Garden: Featuring over 20,000 exotic plant species, this sheltered microclimate is a botanical paradise that is very popular with visitors to the isles.
4. Cromwell Castle: This 17^th century artillery fort is perched of the edge of Tresco. It was built during the English civil war and remains in great condition.
5. St Martin’s Vineyard: One of smallest commercial vineyards in the UK, it produces a range of island wines.
6. St Agnes Beacon: One of the highest points on the Isles of Scilly, it is a great walk that ends in a stunning panoramic view.
7. Pentle Bay: One of the many beautiful beaches, but also one of the quietest ones on the archipelago.
8. Old Grimsby Beach: This crescent moon-shaped beach is one of the most photographed areas of the isles. It is great for water sports and has many community cafes and restaurants.
9. Hell Bay: A wild and dramatic landscape that is exposed to the wild Atlantic Ocean. A great place for hikers year-round.
10. The Garrison: Based in St Mary’s, this historic defensive fort is well preserved and is a feature on the main coastal path. It offers a great view of Hugh Town from the ramparts.

There are many other great places to visit, along with many great restaurants, bars, and pubs. The main island of St Mary’s has several tourist information hubs to get advice on what to see and do when on the Isles of Scilly.

• South West 660 – your UK travel guide
• Atlantic Highway – is this your next road trip?
• Driving from Land’s End to John o’Groats