Explore St. Mary’s – The Largest Island in the Isles of Scilly
St. Mary’s, the largest island in the Isles of Scilly, is home to around 1,800 residents and serves as the main gateway to the archipelago. Covering just over 6 square miles, the island combines unspoiled natural beauty with convenient air and sea connections, including daily ferry services, a small airport, and boat links to the off islands. This accessibility makes St. Mary’s the perfect starting point for a Scilly holiday, offering easy access to hidden coves, sandy beaches, historic landmarks, and bustling hubs across the islands.
Watersports and Beaches
The island’s sheltered bays and calm waters make St. Mary’s perfect for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with sailing equipment, lessons and equipment hire available at Porthmellon Beach. Popular beaches like Porthcressa, Town Beach, and Porthmellon are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and family fun, while more secluded spots such as Bar Point Beach provide peaceful relaxation and stunning sea views.
Hugh Town and The Quay
Hugh Town, the main hub of St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, is bustling with shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs, and art galleries, making it the perfect base for exploring the island. The Quay serves as the key transport hub, connecting St. Mary’s to the off islands via daily ferry services and boat trips. From here, visitors can enjoy island-hopping adventures, guided sightseeing tours, and day trips across the archipelago, discovering secluded beaches, historic landmarks, and stunning coastal scenery. With its mix of local amenities, cultural attractions, and travel connections, Hugh Town is both the social and logistical heart of a Scilly holiday on St. Mary’s.
Old Town and Local History
Old Town on St. Mary’s offers a peaceful, scenic retreat with a sandy beach, nature reserve, and network of walking paths. Old Town Church is the resting place of former Prime Minister Sir Harold Wilson and is closely linked to the German shipwreck of the SS Schiller, a luxury ocean liner that sank in 1875. Many victims are buried in the church grounds. From Old Town, walkers can explore the surrounding countryside via scenic trails that lead to historic landmarks, Careg Dhu Gardens, and nearby cafés, offering the perfect spots to pause and enjoy the island’s charm. In Old Town, visitors can savour authentic island fare at a local café, pub, and shop, adding to the area’s charm and creating the perfect blend of history, nature, and genuine Scilly life.
Walking Trails, Hidden Gems, and Ancient Sites
Beyond the main settlements, St. Mary’s offers a network of scenic walking trails, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs, perfect for exploring both natural beauty and history. The island is rich in archaeological and historic sites, including the Neolithic burial chambers of Innisidgen, the Bronze Age burial chamber and village at Bant's Carn and Halangy Down, and the Bronze Age passage grave at Porth Hellick Down. Visitors can also explore later historic landmarks, from Iron Age remains to the Garrison Walls, which showcase St. Mary’s long and varied past. These coastal paths and panoramic viewpoints provide an immersive way to experience the island’s secluded beaches, wildlife, and ancient heritage, making every walk an adventure in both nature and history.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or family-friendly activities, St. Mary’s combines unspoiled landscapes, pristine beaches, and authentic island charm, making it the perfect introduction to the Isles of Scilly.
