10 Unmissable Isles of Scilly Experiences You’ll Want to Book Before You Arrive (Trust Us!)
The Isles of Scilly might feel wonderfully slow-paced once you’re here - barefoot beach days, boat trips on a whim, sunset swims - but when it comes to the best activities and local experiences, a bit of pre-planning really does come in handy.
Many of Scilly’s most memorable adventures run on limited schedules, small group sizes, or specific opening days, especially during the peak summer season. So if you’re visiting in 2026 and want to make the most of your time, here are ten experiences to add to your radar early (and ideally book before you step off the boat).
1. Sip Island Life at St Martin’s Vineyard
A visit to St Martin’s Vineyard is one of those classic Scilly experiences - a peaceful afternoon surrounded by vines, ocean views, and a glass of locally made wine in hand. The vineyard is the UK’s most south-westerly, and their tours and tastings are a real highlight for anyone who loves slow travel and supporting local producers.
Enjoy self-guided tours using a tour booklet which takes visitors around the stunning coastal site to learn more about the wines, the wildlife, the history and more about the local landscape. This includes all of the vine fields along with their woodland walk up the hillside with breathtaking views out to the Eastern Isles and the Daymark.
Ensure you stop for a wine tasting flight. This includes four wines, made within a stone's throw of the place where they are served. They also offer flights of their beers and ciders, both made right on the vineyard. Described as quite an unusual vineyard in that they're all about the experience rather than encouraging people to buy wine by the bottle - they do have some availability for bottle sales, but many lines are only available by the glass to enjoy on the vineyard where they were made.
Opening days and tour times can vary across the season, so it’s worth checking ahead before you island-hop over to St. Martin’s. Plan your visit around their tasting sessions and enjoy a leisurely stop at the café too.
Image Credit: St Martin's Vineyard
2. Get Out on the Water with St Martin’s Watersports
If you’ve been dreaming of paddleboarding or kayaking in crystal-clear water, St Martin’s Watersports is the place to do it. They offer everything from kayak hire to SUP sessions, giving visitors the chance to explore Scilly’s coastline from a totally different perspective. Visit a magical sandbar, kayak out to explore uninhabited islands or paddleboard along the beautiful shoreline of St. Martin's. With stunning views and the freedom to explore at your own pace, experiencing a water-based family adventure is a must-do part of your Scilly holiday.
Booking ahead is recommended, as they get very busy in the summer months. Avoid disappointment and preplan by checking out the weekly Friday Forecast that is posted to their social media @stmartinswatersports, to help you choose the best day for heading out on the water.
Image Credit: St Martin's Watersports
3. Hut 62 - Boats, Kayaks and Island-Water Adventures
Hut 62 is one of the most iconic waterside experiences you can plan into your Scilly holiday. This long-running family boat hire and watersports outfit is based right on Green Bay on Bryher, with additional hire available from Ravensporth Beach on Tresco - and they can even deliver boats to St. Martin’s by arrangement.
Here you can hire an array of boats and watersports kit by the hour, day or week - from motorboats, sailing boats and dinghies to sit-on-top kayaks, transparent kayaks, paddleboards and pedalboards - all ready for you to explore Scilly’s crystal-clear waters at your own pace. Whether you’re keen to cruise around the Eastern Isles, paddle to secluded beaches, or make your own routes between islands, Hut 62’s knowledgeable team will help plan your trip around tides, weather and your inter-island sail times.
Boat and equipment hire is very popular during the summer months, and because availability varies with tides and weather conditions, it’s a great idea to book in advance - you can call or email to reserve your preferred dates and kit before you arrive.
Image Credit: Hut 62
4. Explore St. Mary’s with Scilly Carts
Hiring a golf buggy from Scilly Carts is one of the most fun (and surprisingly practical) ways to explore St. Mary’s. It’s ideal if you want to cover more ground - from Old Town to Pelistry - without relying on taxis or walking everywhere.
It’s an ideal choice for families, visitors with limited mobility, or anyone wanting to make the most of their time while travelling comfortably between Old Town, Hugh Town and some of the island’s quieter corners.
Availability is limited, particularly in school holidays, so booking ahead for your travel dates is highly recommended. It’s also a great option if you’re travelling with family or want a more relaxed way to explore the island at your own pace.
Image Credit: Scilly Carts
5. Head Out to Sea with Scilly Fishing and Boat Charters
For a true taste of island life, booking a trip with Scilly Fishing and Boat Charters is such a memorable experience. Whether you’re keen to try sea fishing, enjoy a private coastal cruise, or spot wildlife along the way, these trips offer something really special.
Because charters run with small groups and depend heavily on weather and tides, planning ahead is essential. Reach out early in your trip planning so you can secure the best day - and build in flexibility just in case the sea has other ideas.
Image Credit: Scilly Fishing & Boat Charters
6. Adventure Scilly: For Thrill-Seekers and Sea Lovers
Whether you’re interested in low‑tide inter‑island walks, wild yoga and mini retreats, wood‑fired sauna sessions right by Town Beach, or a customised outdoor adventure tailored to your group, Adventure Scilly’s offerings are designed to work with the natural rhythms of the islands. Many of these activities are seasonal and operate on specific days or tide windows, so planning ahead and booking in advance helps you make the most of your time on Scilly.
Image credit: Visit Isles of Scilly - Adventure Scilly Sauna
7. Events on Scilly - Walk Scilly: The Best Way to Discover the Islands on Foot
One of the most inspiring ways to experience Scilly is through the Walk Scilly Festival, the island’s annual walking festival. Guided walks, storytelling, nature trails, and breathtaking coastal routes make this event a highlight of the year.
Tickets and places on the most popular walks often sell out, so if you’re visiting during the festival dates, it’s worth booking as soon as they’re released. Even if you’re not a “big walker,” the routes are such a special way to see the islands through a local lens. Walk Scilly runs from April 10 - 19, 2026, and tickets are on sale now.
Explore more Scilly events here.
Image Credit: Walk Scilly Festival
8. Slow Down with Spa & Wellbeing Experiences
Scilly is made for unwinding, and the islands’ spa and well-being offerings take relaxation to the next level. From massages and holistic treatments to yoga sessions with sea views, these experiences are perfect for a slower day in your itinerary.
Appointments can fill up quickly during peak weeks, especially when the weather turns, and everyone fancies a little extra pampering. Book ahead where possible, and consider planning a wellbeing morning mid-trip as a reset.
Explore Spa & Wellbeing experiences on Scilly here.
Image Credit: Tresco Spa
9. Hire a Bike for the Ultimate Island Adventure
Bike hire is one of the easiest (and most scenic) ways to explore the islands. Cycling lets you discover hidden coves, quiet lanes, and viewpoints you might otherwise miss - all at your own pace. You can hire bikes on St. Mary's with St. Mary's Bike Hire and on Tresco with Tresco Bike Hire.
During busy summer weeks, bikes can be in high demand, so organising this early in your trip is a smart move. Many visitors like to hire for multiple days, especially if cycling is their main way of getting around.
Explore more about cycling on Scilly here.
Image credit: Visit Isles of Scilly
10. Tour SC Dogs Distillery for a Spirited Afternoon
A visit to SC Dogs Distillery on St. Martin's is a brilliant way to spend an afternoon - especially if you love locally crafted spirits. Their distillery tours give you a behind-the-scenes look at how Scilly’s unique flavours are bottled up, often with tastings included.
Tours run on set days and have limited capacity, so it’s definitely one to pre-book for 2026. It’s also a great rainy-day activity or something different to mix into a beach-heavy itinerary.
Image Credit: SC Dogs Distillery
Final Tip: Build Your Scilly Week Around These Experiences
The magic of Scilly is in its simplicity - but the best experiences often come down to being in the right place on the right day. With small islands, seasonal opening times, and limited spaces, a little planning goes a long way.
If you’re visiting in 2026, bookmark this list early, check opening schedules once they’re released, and lock in the activities you’d be most disappointed to miss.
Because nothing beats that feeling of stepping onto the islands knowing your dream Scilly moments are already lined up.
Explore more activities on Scilly here.
