The Isles of Scilly offer a certain quality of life - simpler, kinder and more peaceful. A quality long lost to many other parts of the UK. And 2,200 people are lucky enough to call it home. There are five inhabited islands - St. Mary's, Tresco, St. Martin's, Bryher and St. Agnes plus countless uninhabited ones to explore. Each island has its distinct characteristics. Scilly also boasts an incredible ancient history and archaeology, alongside sweeping sea views and rugged undeveloped coasts. Out at sea, there are incredible shipwrecks and amazing wildlife.
Our heritage revolves around the sea - fishing for lobsters, crabs and crayfish and racing traditional pilot gigs. Flower farming also thrives here; Scilly's scented narcissi are renowned the world over.
The sea air, clean seas and mild weather also provide the additional secret ingredients to local fare - including lobster, tender island-reared beef, freshest vegetables and melt-in-the mouth ice-creams. Enjoy our cafes and restaurants; explore our local stores and farm stalls.
So come: submerge yourself in our way of life. Unwind in a natural playground and indulge in some island experiences.
Explore the Islands
Island Hopping
Scilly’s Greatest Pleasure
The Isles of Scilly, a stunning English archipelago, boast over 140 charming islands. Whether you seek solitude, scenery, or history, there’s an island for you. With our expert boatmen and fleet, hopping between them is effortless. Ready for adventure? Let’s explore!
Do as much or as little as you like on the beautiful island of St. Mary’s
St. Mary’s is the Isles of Scilly’s largest island (population 1,800) and the gateway to the rest of the islands. Covering an area of little more than 6 square miles, it’s still not exactly bustling but with its air and sea links, is likely to be your first port of call when you visit.
The island of ultimate luxury and the famous Abbey Garden
This island has a little bit of everything – from dramatic rocky outcrops, bronze age burial sites and romantic castle ruins, to secluded sandy beaches and the world famous Tresco Abbey Garden which was established in the 1830s by Augustus Smith.
A voyage of discovery to the best beaches in the world
Crystal clear waters, idyllic beaches and a prevailing sense of calm make St. Martin's a delight. With its iconic red and white Daymark, erected in 1683 by Thomas Ekins, it is the first island you spot as you cross from the mainland.
A rugged yet deeply beautiful island of vibrant contrasts
Pounded by Atlantic waves on one side, yet blessed with calm sandy beaches on the other, Bryher is an island of dramatic contrast - the perfect place to enjoy a taste of untamed Scilly. Around 80 people are lucky enough to call it home.
England’s final frontier - totally untamed and thoroughly unspoilt
On the most south-westerly edge of the Isles of Scilly, St. Agnes is totally unspoilt and astonishingly peaceful. It measures just a mile or so across, and its closest neighbour is Gugh, to which it is joined by a sand bar at low tide.
Scilly’s Untouched Sanctuary for Seabirds and Wildlife
West of St. Agnes lies the low-lying island of Annet. Closed to the public year-round to protect its wildlife, you can still admire its beauty from the water. Boat trips offer the perfect opportunity for birdwatching—so don’t forget your binoculars!
Stunning beaches and legends of Scilly’s Lost Island
Samson is the largest of the uninhabited islands and was inhabited until 1855. There are truly stunning beaches to enjoy and old ruined cottages to explore on both North Hill and South Hill. Discover the island's captivating landscape.
The Isles of Scilly offer a mild climate year-round, with spring and summer bringing warmer weather, perfect for outdoor activities and island exploration. Autumn and winter, though cooler, provide a quieter, more serene experience, ideal for those seeking peace and solitude amid…
Mathew Hook
Let us tempt you
Unforgettable Adventures
Scilly blends natural beauty, tranquillity, and seclusion, with its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs, creating a landscape that feels untouched by time.
There are plenty of ways you can get out and about to enjoy Scilly - on guided tours and excursions or simply by heading out with map in hand to explore.
If you're visiting Scilly for just a day, we want to help you make every moment count. Check out our handy day trip guide for top tips, must-see spots, activities, and the best places to eat.
Scilly’s stunning beaches, with turquoise waters and fine sand, rival any in the world. With over 35 beaches across the archipelago, there’s plenty of space for a secluded getaway.
From the world famous Tresco Abbey Garden with its 20,000 exotic species from around the world, Elizabethan castles and fortresses, Bronze Age remains and burial chambers, famous shipwreck landmarks, incredible lighthouses, including Bishop Rock.
Scilly offers plenty of opportunities to explore its captivating wildlife at sea. Depending on the season, you can spot seabirds like puffins, shearwaters, cormorants, and razorbills, or see grey Atlantic seals, famous for popping up to say hello.
This May marks the 150th anniversary of one of the most tragic maritime disasters in Scilly’s history - the sinking of the SS Schiller. Often referred to as the ‘Victorian Titanic,’ the luxury German liner met its devastating fate on May 7th, 1875, after striking the rocky Retarrier Ledges near…
Explore Scilly’s vibrant outdoor spirit – ideal for adventurous couples and friends seeking a healthy, active getaway! As an archipelago of wild little islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Scilly is blessed with clear water, abundant wildlife and more than 900 shipwrecks, making it one of the finest…
One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive in the Isles of Scilly is the striking presence of its lighthouses. These six iconic structures, including the remote Wolf Rock, stand as vigilant guardians of the islands, warning sailors of the treacherous waters and rocky shores. The first…
The Isles of Scilly boast a unique marine ecosystem, nourished by the nutrient-rich Atlantic waters. The islands and reefs are home to diverse marine life, attracting divers to explore dramatic reef walls and historic shipwrecks. SCUBA magazine editor Simon Rogerson, gives us a glimpse of what he…
Sightings of whales between islands on the Isles of Scilly are extremely rare, but when news broke one Christmas Eve, no one could quite believe it. Let us take you on a journey to explore these magnificent creatures. When the news broke on Christmas Eve in 2020 that a whale had been spotted between…
Throughout the season, Scilly offers a wide array of guided tours, both on the islands and around its shores. From scenic walks and archaeological explorations to wildlife adventures, marine excursions, and sunset trips – which will you choose? Island Wildlife Tours Head on an island wildlife tour…
Winter reflections from a small island in the heart of the Atlantic. Discover how Bryher Ruth captures the mood, haunting stories, and life of a close-knit community during the winter months. I like to think and write to the rhythm of walking, but during the summer taking time in my day for this is…
The short months are definitely a fantastic time to come and experience splendid isolation, Scilly-style. Discover your solitary break here. Winter on Scilly? You bet! Okay, so a winter break on Scilly probably isn’t for everyone, but for those who hanker after a true encounter with island life, or…
Island archaeologist Dr Katharine Sawyer unveils Scilly’s fascinating pre-historic past dating back some 8,000 years. Scilly was first visited by hunter gatherers a few thousand years ago – around 6,000BC to be a little more precise. Back then it was a seasonal affair, with Mesolithic occupants…
Discover how Churchtown Farm on St. Martin's, a prolific flower grower, finds an unlikely bedfellow in rearing native red ruby cows: introducing Scilly Cow. Many will know Churchtown Farm on St. Martin’s as a result of receiving a small box of scented joy, in the form of narcissi, through the post…
Wild sea swimming isn't limited to any time of the year - in fact, every season offers a uniquely different experience, as does every island across the Isles of Scilly. A swim in the wild waters around Bryher inspires the soul and lifts the heart at any time of the year, but for me autumn holds a…
The Isles of Scilly have been the site of many shipwrecks over the centuries – with over 500 registered wrecks around the archipelago. Here we take a look at the story of how Scilly became a significant ‘ship park’ – and one of the most notorious sites for wrecks in the British Isles. It’s Scilly’s…
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Edward Gawne
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