A voyage of discovery & beauty

St. Martin's

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.

The island is just two miles long, yet it has some of the finest beaches in the British Isles, if not the world. Whether searching the rock pools in Lawrence’s Bay, taking a dip in the water off the sweeping Par Beach or simply chilling on Bread and Cheese Cove, Great Bay or Little Bay, they all jostle for the accolade! Additionally, the spectacular flowers, plant life, rare birds and sensational sea views along the heathery cliff path walks all add to the thrill of St. Martin’s unmistakable beauty. Exploring the islets of Nornour, Ganilly and Menawethan from St. Martin’s also allows you to spot colonies of seals not so far off shore.

Behind these beautiful scenes, there lies an enterprising and diverse community. The 120 or so inhabitants are industrious folk – there’s a flower farm and vineyard – both open to visitors, snorkelling with seals, a locally-inspired silver jewellery designer, a flourishing bakery full of artisan breads and traditional, freshly-made savouries and a wonderful gallery showcasing local artists.

At St. Martin's store, off licence and post office, visitors can purchase everything they need for a great holiday - it can even be delivered in advance to accommodation across the island. There are also a number of eateries offering sumptuous lunches, light snacks and cream teas.

Things to Do on St. Martin's

Snorkel with seals, walk up to the iconic Daymark, enjoy the dancing stars from the…

Places to Stay on St. Martin's

Choose an award-winning, dog-friendly beachside hotel, sleep under the stars in a…

Karma Group

Food & Drink on St. Martin's

Indulge in pub classics with breath-taking views, enjoy light lunches, beachside…

People eating outside The Island Bakery on St. Martin's

Food & Drink

One Islander's Path to a Sustainable Living

5 min read

Discover how Churchtown Farm on St. Martin's, a prolific flower grower, finds an unlikely bedfellow in rearing native red ruby cows: introducing…

One Islander's Path to a Sustainable Living

Things to Do

Your unrivalled view to the stars

2 min read

In the midst of a bright Scilly Summer, what do us island-based astronomers long for? Dark skies! Discover why astronomers and islanders alike…

Bruce Frank (c)

Events

SS Schiller: 150 Years On

3 min read

This May marks the 150th anniversary of one of the most tragic maritime disasters in Scilly’s…

Rachel Ponnusamy

Things to Do

Aquatic Escapes Not To Miss

4 min read

Explore Scilly’s vibrant outdoor spirit – ideal for adventurous couples and friends…

Things to Do

10 Ways to Nourish Your Soul in 2025

8 min read

Ready to hit reset? Embrace a slower pace of life on the Isles of Scilly. Whether you're…

Lighting the way: lighthouses on Scilly

4 min read

One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive in the Isles of Scilly is the striking…

Endurance Events

The history of our pilot gigs

2 min read

Back in the mid-19th Century, around 200 men worked as pilots on the Isles of Scilly. Today, gigs…

Wildlife & Nature

The Puffins Return

2 min read

One of Scilly’s most popular seabirds, the puffins, are back on the islands, and…

Nature

Drawn to the Seas Around Scilly

4 min read

A feeling - a sense of something special. Experience the Isles with award-winning writer Wyl…

Nature

An Island Garden

4 min read

The entire archipelago is a garden in one and a kaleidoscope of colour with horticulture, husbandry…

Gallery

Makers & Galleries

3 min read

Browse the many artistic collectives and makers on the islands, curated with loving care and rooted…

Food & Drink

Growers & Producers

3 min read

Savour an intriguing tipple or tasty treat, fill your home with the fragrance of handpicked, scented…

Wildlife & Nature

Beneath the Waves

2 min read

The Isles of Scilly boast a unique marine ecosystem, nourished by the nutrient-rich Atlantic waters…

Tom Ingram

Wildlife & Nature

A Whale of An Adventure!

3 min read

Sightings of whales between islands on the Isles of Scilly are extremely rare, but when news broke…

Scilly Dark Skies Week

Oct 5, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025

Marvel at the Milky Way under some of the UK’s darkest skies on tiny St. Martin’s, Isles of Scilly. Immerse…

Oct 05

Walk Scilly Festival

Apr 10, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026

The Walk Scilly Festival is an incredible opportunity to explore the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the…

Apr 10

World Pilot Gig Championships

May 2, 2025 - May 4, 2025

The World Pilot Gig Championships are an annual gig racing event held during the May…

May 02

Creative Scilly Festival

May 18, 2025 - May 28, 2025

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking to explore something new, this year’s Creative Scilly Festival…

May 18

Ocean Scilly Festival

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025

Join us for our 2nd Ocean Scilly, a nautical event celebrating the seas that surround the Isles of Scilly…

Aug 23

Taste of Scilly Festival

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025

Taste of Scilly 2025 Indulge in the exquisite flavours of Scilly with this 11-day food and drink celebration, featuring…

Sep 12

St. Mary's

Explore beautiful St. Mary's, the largest island in the archipelago, where history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture come together. Wander through Hugh Town, visit ancient sites, and enjoy breath-taking coastal walks, tranquil beaches, and scenic viewpoints

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Bryher is an island of captivating contrasts, where rugged cliffs give way to peaceful, glassy coves. Its dramatic coastline and tranquil bays provide a blend of adventure and serenity, making it an ideal getaway. A sanctuary for artists and creatives, Bryher’s stunning landscapes inspire painters…

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Tresco, the second-largest of the Isles of Scilly, is a privately-run island known for its luxury and tranquillity. Home to the world-famous Abbey Garden, it boasts stunning subtropical landscapes, pristine beaches, and elegant places to stay.

IOS Nav Landscape Large - Blog - Your Scilly guide to 2024 Gugh Bar 952x650

St. Agnes & Gugh

Discover the wild beauty of Britain’s most south-westerly outpost, where ancient Bronze Age burial sites and barren heathland paint a picture of the island’s rich past. Its rugged landscapes and unique wildlife offer a perfect blend of adventure and serenity, making it an ideal escape for history…

Uninhabited Islands

Explore the uninhabited islands of the Isles of Scilly, where some hold traces of past communities, and others remain untouched sanctuaries for birds and wildlife. These islands offer a unique blend of history, mystery, and unspoiled natural beauty.

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Couple walking through the Garrison Arch

Day Trips

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