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Isles of Scilly Travel
Penzance Helicopters

Where your journey is part of the experience - how to spend a day on Scilly

Make the most of a day on the islands

If you come on the Scillonian III, the usual boating times mean that you’ll leave Penzance at 09.30am and enjoy a wonderful 2 hour, 45 minute cruise to St. Mary’s (the biggest of the Isles of Scilly), arriving just after 12 noon. On your way, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy a stunning seaside view of Cornwall’s quaint villages, the world-renowned open air Minack Theatre and the Land’s End peninsula. Quite often, the ship is joined and followed by pods of dolphins, a raft of seabirds and occasionally even basking sharks.

Of course, making a day trip by air will give you more time to enjoy and explore the islands. By helicopter (Penzance Helicopters), the islands are just 15 minutes away, meaning you’ll get the whole day on the islands – but who’s clock-watching when the journey is almost as memorable as the destination? With the option to fly into either St. Mary’s or Tresco, the whole archipelago is within easy reach. You could even fly into one island and back from the other to enjoy a true island-hopping adventure. You can also board a Skybus twin otter plane from Lands' End, Exeter or Newquay which takes anything from 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on your departure point. The Fly + Sail round trip gives you you more time on island and the chance to experience Skybus and the Scillonian (with Isles of Scilly Travel) in a single break; fly out to the Isles of Scilly, then sail back to the mainland, looking out for sea life and enjoying the views of the Cornish coast as it approaches. More below for day trip travel options.

On your arrival in Scilly you have a choice. Do you immediately head to one of the off islands (Tresco, St. Martin’s, St. Agnes or Bryher) for lunch and a stroll, visit the Abbey Garden on Tresco, or do you soak up the Scillonian atmosphere of St. Mary’s? The choice is yours, but if you do choose an off island, be sure that you can get a boat back to St. Mary’s Quay to arrive no later than 4pm to make the Scillonian III connection back to Penzance. (It usually leaves at 4.30pm)

Should you choose to stick to St. Mary’s, there’s much to be accomplished in your few hours on the island. From a stroll through Hugh Town, you’ll reach Porthcressa Beach and the Tourism Information Centre. From there you can head up to Buzza Tower to admire the view or walk around the headland to Peninnis Lighthouse and on to Old Town where there are a couple of eateries and a stunningly peaceful church yard where Lord Harold Wilson is buried.

Or why not hop aboard the Island Rover tour bus which leaves Holgate's Green on the Strand at 10.15 for an hour and 10 mins informative tour of St. Mary's?

Or from the Quay, you can head for the Garrison for a beautiful walk around the heavily fortified headland, steeped in history, surrounding the Star Castle. The Garrison offers terrific views of the entire archipelago to give you a sense of what Scilly has to offer, as well as of course the opportunity for a bite to eat at the historic hotel itself.

Alternatively if you want to explore further afield, you can hire a bike or an electric golf buggy and head off. There’ll be plenty of time to check out the Iron Age and Bronze Age settlements at Halangy Village and Bant’s Carn and discover the sublime beauty and peacefulness of Scilly’s stunning beaches. Taxi firms will be very willing to provide a tour of St. Mary’s but you will need to contact them in advance. All tours are subject to Covid-19 restirctions.

Of course if you fly in and out of the Isles of Scilly for the day (or combine air and sea travel) you’ll have a few more hours to enjoy our outstandingly beautiful islands!

Day Trip Travel Options

Your journey to the Isles of Scilly is where your adventure begins. A scenic flight or leisurely sail gets you to this stunning sub-tropical archipelago that’s a world away from the rest of England. It’s so easy to visit and small enough to appreciate its incredible beauty and rich island heritage in just one day. Treat yourself to a day to remember: Sail from Penzance or fly from Land’s End with a Fly + Sail ticket, both Isles of Scilly Travel, or take the helicopter with Penzance Helicopters.
Day Trips - Gifts, Tips & Getting Here

Let us help you experience the best day of your life with our handy Scilly guide. From gift buying, tips and how to get here - we have it covered!
Day Trips - To impress your Friends

Just being on a remote island in the middle of the Atlantic might be enough to impress the most discerning. However, these top 5 experiences are sure to make a big splash.
Day Trips - Family Days Out!

Escape with the kids this summer for an adventure like no other. From the best picnic spots, to exploring rock-pools and water-side activities, we look at 5 of the best!
Day Trips - Space to Breath

If you’re hoping to escape to a place of beauty, with a sense of freedom rarely found elsewhere, coupled with boundless wildlife and secluded hotspots, then we’ve just the thing. Our open spaces provide the perfect playground to recharge and rebalance, and whatever you choose, we know it will be exhilarating and life affirming.
Day Trips - For Big Discoveries

A trip to Scilly is an experience that will change you, even in a day! Here we go off-grid and explore some of the more secret and iconic parts of this tiny archipelago. Get discovering now!
Day Trips - To Reboot your Life

There's nowhere better, or more unique, than to explore what's on your doorstep, especially on a day trip to Scilly. Let us help you reconnect with yourself and your loved ones in a single day on these tiny set of islands, afloat at the foot of Cornwall.
Day Trips - in 3 Hours

It's amazing how much you can achieve in just 3 hours spent on Scilly. Hop to an off island, take a tour or get your walking shoes on - you'll be spellbound, even in the brief time you're here. Check out these 3-hour suggestions across all 5 inhabited islands.

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Scilly Sea Safaris

Address

Telephone
07884365375

schillerholidaysuites@gmail.com

St. Mary’s

Why not treat yourself to a unique island sea safari aboard Rib Firebrand IV with skipper and photographer Dave McBride.

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Scilly Rockpool Safaris

Address

Telephone
07530 304374

scillyrockpoolsafaris@gmail.com

St. Mary’s

Have you ever wondered what animals live under the crystal clear waters of Scilly? Join us on a rockpool safari - follow the falling tide, step into the wild, and discover the amazing marine animals that live along our…

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Scilly Flowers

Address

Churchtown Farm, St. Martin's, TR25 0QL

Telephone
01720 422169

info@scillyflowers.co.uk

St. Martin’s

Scilly's postal flower service. Sending gift boxes of scented island flowers by 1st class post to any UK address all year round.

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- Apple pay accepted
- Cash accepted
- Contactless payment accepted
- Visa accepted
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Thrown By Ty

Address

Higher Town, St. Martin's, Isles of Scilly, TR25 0QL

ty@thrownbyty.co.uk

St. Martin’s

Locally inspired uniqe ceramics created by Tyrane Micheal Van den Berg on St. Martin's.

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Tamarisk Gallery

Address

Hugh Street, Hugh Town, St. Mary's, TR21 0LL

Telephone
01720 422334

gallery@tamariskscilly.co.uk

St. Mary’s

Tamarisk is a new gallery in the centre of Hugh Town showcasing artwork by local painters and craftspeople as well as arts and crafts from further afield. Artists include Imogen Bone, C N Smith, Sue Lewington and Oriel…

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Sea Quest Glass Bottom Boat

Address

Middletown, St. Martin's, Isles of Scilly, TR25 0QN

Telephone
07884055122

seaquestscilly@yahoo.com

St. Mary’s

SeaQuest Glass Bottom Wildlife Safaris. Experience the unique wildlife, landscape & history of Scilly above & below the sea.
Spectacular scenery, seals, seabirds, puffins, dolphins and more.

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Isles of Scilly Golf Club

Address

Carn Morval, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0NF

Telephone
01720 422692

iosgsec2@gmail.com

St. Mary’s

The most south westerly course in England, its beauty is unique and must be seen if visiting St Mary's.

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Leisure Facilities
- Access to golf course
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- Bar
- Restaurant
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- Non members welcome
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Wild and Scilly Mermaids

Address

St. Mary's, TR21 0NF

Telephone
07731 830332

contact@wildandscillymermaids.co.uk

St. Mary’s

Come and enjoy a sea swim adventure with food. We have trips suited to both experienced swimmers and those new to open water swimming.

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Phoenix Craft Studios

Address

Porthmellon, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0JY

Telephone
01720 422900

oriel@taterdu.plus.com

St. Mary’s

A co-operative of craftspeople in individual studios. Fused glass, fabrics, printmaking, ceramics, jewellery and more.

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Queen Elizabeth II Community Sports Hall

Address

Carn Gwaval, Nor Nour, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly

Telephone
01720 424373

activescilly@scilly.gov.uk

St. Mary’s

The Queen Elizabeth II Community Sports Hall includes a gym, MUGA and netball courts providing opportunities for a variety of sports and activities.

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Raptor Boating

Address

Mayford Marine, Peninnis Farmhouse, King Edward's Road, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0HE

Telephone
07729 127877

raptor@mayfordmarine.co.uk

St. Mary’s

Travel the islands in comfort & style at a time that suits you! Raptor Boating provides wildlife & scenic tours, water taxi & private charter services.

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Hut 62 Watersports Hire

Address

Bryher, ISLES OF SCILLY, TR23 0PR

Telephone
07979393206

book@hut62.co.uk

Bryher

Come to Hut 62 for the ultimate Scilly experience
At Hut 62 we have motor boats, sailing boats, stable sit on top kayaks, transparent kayaks, SUPs and pedalboards available to hire by the hour, day or week.
We’re based…

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Holy Vale Vineyard & Winery

Address

Holy Vale, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0NT

Telephone
01720 422317

info@holyvalewines.co.uk

St. Mary’s

Situated in the tranquil and beautiful Holy Vale on the Nature Trail at the heart of St. Mary’s, the Vineyard and Winery is a must visit location during your stay on St Mary’s.

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Island Images

Address

info@ellietabron.com

Tresco

Meet Ellie - Mum of three, photographer and designer. Ellie offers an ever broadening range of products designed to bring island magic to your every day.

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St. Mary's Bike Hire

Address

The Strand, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly

Telephone
07552 994709

info@stmarysbikehire.co.uk

St. Mary’s

What better way to discover St Mary's than by bike! Bikes for all ages, abilities and sizes. Electric bikes now available.
Coming for a day trip? We can deliver to the airport.

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- In town/city centre
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- Cycle hire
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- All major credit cards accepted
- Contactless payment accepted
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Scilly Carts

Address

Porthmellon Enterprise Centre, Porthmellon Business Park, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0JY

Telephone
01720 422121

mail@scillycarts.com

St. Mary’s

Scilly Carts offer 2, 4 or 6 seater electric carts (golf buggies) as an alternative way to explore St Mary's.

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Pot Buoys Gallery

Address

St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly

Telephone
01720 423932

gallerypotbuoys@gmail.com

St. Agnes

Pot buoys gallery is owned and run by local artist Emma Eberlein and showcases a variety of work by local artists and work inspired by Scilly as well as my own paintings on driftwood and jewellery made from recycled…

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Gallery Tresco

Address

New Grimsby, Tresco, Isles of Scilly

Telephone
01720 424925

gallery@tresco.co.uk

Tresco

Nestled on the shoreline of New Grimsby harbour, this converted pilot gig shed now hosts art by some of Cornwall's most established artists, as well as a selection of unique giftware inspired by the islands.
Between…

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- Indoor Attraction
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John Bourdeaux Pottery

Address

The Pottery, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0NG

Telephone
01720 422 025

bourdeauxpottery@gmail.com

St. Mary’s

John Bourdeaux has his studio in Old Town. He creates an amazing set of glazes, utilizing many local minerals. His mastery of using precious and semi-precious metals, in multiple firings has resulted in a stunning range…

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Attraction Facilities
- Shop
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- Free Entry
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- Open All Year
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St. Martin's Watersports

Address

Par Beach, St. Martin's, TR25 0QL

Telephone
07470711857

info@stmartinswatersports.co.uk

St. Martin’s

Crystal clear waters, uninhabited islands, amazing wildlife and fun out on the water - the best moments happen at sea! Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquillity of the islands and see Scilly from a different…

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