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 year’s Walk Scilly Festival welcomed a special guest - Blundstone UK ambassador and outdoor enthusiast, Ted Simpson. Known for his love of wild landscapes and slow, meaningful adventures, Ted made his way to the Isles of Scilly this April for his first taste of island life. And what a way to…
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…
Back in the mid-19th Century, around 200 men worked as pilots on the Isles of Scilly. Today, gigs (specially designed sea-faring rowing boats with six oarsmen and a coxswain) are raced purely for pleasure particularly throughout Cornwall and the southwest of England. Their heritage on Scilly…
The entire archipelago is a garden in one and a kaleidoscope of colour with horticulture, husbandry and natural flora happily living side-by-side. Turn any corner on a walk on the Isles of Scilly, at any time of year, and the colours are there to greet you - in the winter flower fields, along the…
Browse the many artistic collectives and makers on the islands, curated with loving care and rooted in the spirit of the local community and their surroundings. Gallery Tresco Gallery Tresco is a renowned art space on the island of Tresco, showcasing contemporary paintings, sculptures, and…
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…
In 2023 we welcomed chef, author and food photographer James Strawbridge to the islands. Familiar with Scilly, James competed several times in the World Pilot Gig Championships held here on our islands but has never visited with the whole family! James, wife Holly and their three children travelled…
Gearing up for the summer holidays? Here’s our pick of 9 fun family adventures suitable for those staying on the islands or day trippers. From 1-hour experiences to a full day on Scilly, there’s something for all abilities and ages with plenty of fun factor. Coasteering Scilly’s rocky coast Kernow…
In the midst of a bright Scilly Summer, what do us island-based astronomers long for? Dark skies! Discover why astronomers and islanders alike can't wait for autumn. Amid a bright Scilly Summer, what do us island-based astronomers long for? Dark skies! True, it takes a while to get magnificently…
Journalist, broadcaster, and author Hazel Southam reflects on Augustus Smith's vision to create and preserve the idyllic Tresco Abbey Garden. “Vision”. That’s what Augustus Smith had. That’s what I think to myself as I sit at the top of Tresco’s Abbey Garden and survey acres of flowers and trees…
For more than twenty years Richard and Bridget have lived on St. Mary’s, although their relationship with Scilly dates to the sixties. As a Royal Navy diver Richard led the search for the Association, a naval diving expedition in 1967. This discovery led to international news interest and secured…
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Edward Gawne
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