Sea, sand and long beach walks for you and your four-legged companion
The Isles of Scilly is a magical place for "man’s best friend" with endless long walks, clear sandy beaches to play on and some wonderful places to stay. Getting ready for your holiday can be stressful at the best of times without having to think about your furry friend. This page will make things a little easier when comes to planning you trip to the islands with your four-legged companion.
Getting to Scilly
You can currently fly with Skybus or sail on the Scillonian III (March-Nov) with your dog and onboard flights with Penzance Helicopters. All the information you need can be found here:
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Image: Tom Young Photography (c)
Places to stay
From hotels and self-catering to B&Bs and campsites, there is a vast selection of accommodation across all the islands that welcome dogs. Some offer dog beds, bowls and toys so you haven’t got to bring them with you. It’s always worth having a chat with the accommodation provider to see what they can offer.
Please note dogs are not permitted in any Tresco accommodation but are most welcome on day trips.
Places to eat
A significant number of eateries on Scilly allows dogs. However, some may only allow dogs outside or in certain parts of the establishment. If you’re wanting to eat out and take your dog with you, it’s always worth doing some research or worth making a quick call to see what their policy is.
Inter-Island Boating
The inter-island vessels provide passage for young and old seafaring dogs. Some do charge a modest fee for this service. Make sure your dog is on a lead well in advance of heading down the quay and be careful of the gaps. It’s not swim time yet for you or your dog!
Walkies!
One of the best things you can do on Scilly is go for a good stomp and going for a walk with your trusted companion is a wonderful way to unwind on Scilly. There are long beaches coupled with breath-taking scenery to take in. Before you get to Scilly we advise you read the Dog Control section of the Council of the Isles of Scilly’s website. This section covers everything you need to know, including restrictions on certain beaches at certain times of the year, places where you must have your dog on a lead, to seabird breading areas and livestock grazing on surrounding private and agricultural grounds. Scilly is the ideal place to explore with your four-legged friend, so with these few helpful tips in mind, make it a trip to remember!
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Image: Chris Deeney, 2021 Annual Photography Competition Entrant
Helpful tips
- If your dog likes a particular type of food or if you’re staying on the islands for a little while, it might be worth trying to post some supplies in advance as dog food can take up a fair bit of your baggage allowance.
- If you need to visit the Veterinary Surgery for any reason, please contact Dr Heike Dorn on 01720 423667. The Surgery is located in Old Town on St. Mary’s.
Top walks
St. Mary’s - around the Garrison
A reasonably short walk with great views across to St. Agnes, the Western Rocks, Samson, Bryher and Tresco. The majority of the main coastal walk is away from main roads. You can venture outside the fortified wall but please watch out for some high drops. A lead would be advised for this part of the walk. If your dog needs a bit more of a run around, head down to Town Beach which dogs are allowed on all year round.
Pit-stop: Take an amble up to the ramparts of the Start Castle Hotel for amazing views and delicoius afternoon tea.
Tresco - quay to quay
Heading off from Old Grimsby Quay, go straight up to Old Blockhouse passing the school and St. Nicholas Church. The views from the Blockhouse are simply spectacular with panoramic views across to St. Martin’s and the Eastern Isles to savour. Go down the hill and follow the coast either on the path or on the beach and take everything in from the vibrant colours of the sand and sea to the trees and leaves and find yourself at Carn Near. Please keep your dog on the lead around the island.
Pit-stop: The Ruin Beach Café beachfront terrace for a light lunch influenced by the Mediterranean. Or recharge mid-morning with a pastry and coffee outside The Flying Boat Café & Deli.
Bryher - the circular route
Being one of the smaller islands, you might want to take the circular coaster route in full. What Bryher may lack in size it makes up for in so many ways. From the rocky west coast which is battered in winter by the full force of the Atlantic Ocean to the serenity of the east coast the choice is yours. Start of by strolling up to the wild peninsula of Shipman Head or head the other way up Samson Hill and down to Rushy Bay. If you need a pit stop along the way, there are plenty of places stop of a drink or spot of lunch.
Pit-stop: After your vigorous walk, Olivia’s Kitchen serves great coffee and tasty light bites in a pretty tiered patio area.
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Image: David Lyons, 2021 Annual Photography Competition Entrant
St. Martin’s - Par Beach to the Daymark
Start off by ambling across the sweeping beach. It’s hard to not sit down and take everything in as many consider Par Beach to be one of Scilly’s finest. To be fair, you might need a break as it’s up hill from here but so worth it. Follow the coastal path which is surrounded by vivid heather and make your way slowly to the iconic red and white Daymark, dating back to 1683. The path is narrow in places and uneven underfoot so it’s worth taking your time and putting the lead on. When you make it up there the 360 view the islands is mind blowing. Once you’ve made it up you can easily get back onto the main paths or road or take the step descent down towards the back of the island and the stunning beaches.
Pit-stop: Rest in the stunning gardens of Polreath Tea Rooms with a delicious homemade cake or grab n’ go at The Island Bakery.
St. Agnes – a more laid-back wander
A great island for those who want to go for a more leisurely walk as the island isn’t too big or hilly. You can keep to road, go round the coastal footpath or mix it up. Head down to Beady Pool and see what treasures can be found and lookout for Troytown Maze which overlooks the treacherous Western Rocks and Bishop Rock Lighthouse. Pick up an ice cream or pop into the pub for a pint along the way to recharge the batteries.
Pit-stop: After a good amble, find your way to the tiny dairy at Troytown Farm Shop for a taste of their deliciously flavoured ice cream or head to Coastguards Lookout for something more substantial.
NOTE: Check ahead for eatery openings including dates and times. Many open intermittently throughout the quieter, shoulder season (Oct-Mar).
