Sometimes, when on Scilly, it is enough to just observe and absorb what’s around you. At other times you feel like exploring, and it is for those moments of discovery that we have gathered together a few thoughts about some of the people and places that make the Isles of Scilly so special.
If walking (or running!) is your passion, there's no better place to indulge than Scilly. There are more than 30 miles of nature trails and walks on St. Mary’s alone, while Tresco, St. Martin’s, Bryher and St. Agnes (together known as the off islands) as well as some of the uninhabited ones all offer fantastic opportunities to walk their length and breadth. And there are plenty of inviting pit stops never too far away (on the inhabited islands at least!) so that you can enjoy a coffee, leisurely lunch, cream tea, or all three as you go on your way.
If you're looking for something specific, or walks with added interests such as birdwatching or wildlife, there are nature reserves on St. Mary’s and Tresco. Or take a guided tour with one of our resident ornithologists, archaeologists or naturalists who provide invaluable insights into our history, heritage and wildlife or join us for our Walk Scilly event in April and Wild Scilly event in October.
Another fabulous way to see the islands is to rent a bike from St. Mary’s Bicycle Hire. You can circle St. Mary’s in just a couple of hours, but it's a good idea to stop off and enjoy the views, the beaches and the cafés along the way. All in all it’s a blissful way to travel, because somehow life in the slow lane really suits Scilly.
One stop-off that comes highly recommended is a leisurely afternoon at The Isles of Scilly Golf Club, the most south-westerly course in England. It has nine glorious holes (18 tees) and enjoys some of the finest views on the islands – enough to distract even the most conscientious of golfers. The balcony at The Club House, where they serve delicious food and welcome refreshments, is a particular highlight of this wonderfully informal outfit, which extends a warm welcome to members and non-members alike.
There is also an option to explore on horseback, courtesy of St. Mary’s Riding Centre minutes from Pelistry beach. See secret Scilly as you trek along coastal bridleways, country lanes, farm tracks and white sandy beaches. The ultimate pleasure, though, is to take your horse for a paddle – all against the backdrop of the Scillonian seascape. It’s thrilling for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Although Scilly abounds with natural ways to stay active, there are a range of additional sports and leisure facilities that the islanders use all year round and which are there for you too. On St. Mary’s, they’re just out of town by the wonderful new school. There’s a newly equipped gym for those who like to get into their exercise with the latest challenging cardiovascular kit and weights – it’s all there at Carn Gwaval Gym with qualified instructors on hand to advise too. For racquet sports and indoor activities including table-tennis, netball and badminton, the brand new Queen Elizabeth Sports Hall is next door, together with the outdoor multi use games area. On the eastern side of St. Mary’s at Normandy, there’s an indoor swimming pool with open sessions that visitors are very welcome to join.
On each of the off islands, there are fabulous community centres, all with a raft of sporting and play facilities (such as table tennis and badminton), whilst many have their own gym equipment and other outdoor sports facilities.
Visit or call the Tourist Information Centre on 01720 620600 to find out about all the sport and fitness activities that you can add to your holiday on Scilly.
