Autumn on Scilly is a magical affair. Empty beaches and stunning coastlines to escape to, lingering late sunshine and a light across the islands that’s simply spellbinding, coupled with the most amazing array of wildlife to explore around our shores, foody fests, walking weekends and much, much more.
Here’s why you should head for Scilly this autumn.
- Escape the modern world and free your mind
Come and explore the swathes of empty white sand beaches, deserted paths, rocky outcrops, crystal clear waters, and many islands in one amazing (and tiny) archipelago - every inch of which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Like nowhere else in England.
- Indian summers and seething storms:
Early autumn on the islands usually delivers a warm Indian summer, late autumn often brings ferocious and exciting Atlantic storms. So get outside and embrace it all!
- See the seals:
The Isles of Scilly is a true life seal sanctuary – home to the UK’s largest population of Atlantic grey seals. They are everywhere, and the added perk in autumn is that it’s breeding season! Take a boat trip in their natural habitats to see the seals and their fluffy white pups, or (in early autumn) you can still swim with seals on a guided trip around the Eastern Isles.
- Meteor showers and the Milky Way:
The Isles of Scilly are one of the best places in the UK to look up into unpolluted darkness and marvel at the Milky Way, planets and stars in all their splendour, including a fantastic meteor shower expected in early October. As the nights draw in, there's no better season to be captivated by our cosmic skies.
- Wellness breaks and yoga retreats:
Retreat to Bryher's Hell Bay or Tresco Island for a nature or wellbeing weekend, or revitalise and re-boot on a special Wellbeing break at Mincarlo on St Mary's this September and October. Yoga, sea-swimming, meditation, nature walks - there a variety of combinations to suit every mood and ability, so give yourself a special post summer treat!
- Marvel at the migrating birds:
Take a boating safari to our thriving sea bird sanctuaries around the island of Annet or to the Eastern Isles. Scilly becomes a mecca for resident and migrant bird populations in the autumn, and you’ll be able to admire colonies of Storm petrels, Manx Shearwaters, cormorants, shags and razorbills among many other others species.
- Tuck in to Taste of Scilly - throughout September:
This is a month-long celebration of Scilly’s amazing low food miles, slow food culture (and all things shellfish!). Local island produce at its very best... from the Low Tide experience on the 1st September to the special Island Hopping Supper Safari on 18th September and pop up Crab Shack Cookery School on 21st and 22nd September. Lots of gin tasting, strudel making, Scilly ales and wines, farms talks and tours, shellfish demos, Taste of Scilly menus and so much more!
- Walk this way!
From 10th -14th October, Scilly hosts its Walk Scilly long weekend, little sister to the main event in April. You can get a 10% discount on travel from Lands End or Penzance with Isles of Scilly Travel and then indulge in any number of the 14 walks and boating safaris - all expertly guided by locals so you get to know the real Scilly and the true fabric of island life.
There are some great deals to be had in the autumn so plan your trip and take a look at our special offers!
