Planning a Trip to the Isles of Scilly: Your Complete Travel & Accommodation Guide

A holiday to the Isles of Scilly is unlike anywhere else in the UK. Our islands move at their own gentle pace - where turquoise water laps at soft white sand, where walking paths thread through wildflowers, and where life feels just a little simpler.

If this is your first time planning a visit, you’re in the right place. With five inhabited islands, seasonal transport, and a variety of accommodation, a bit of preparation helps you make the most of your Scilly experience. This guide takes you through everything you need to organise: where to stay, how to get here, what to book first, and helpful tips from the people who know the islands best.

This is the official, practical, step-by-step guide to planning your Isles of Scilly holiday, created to help you book confidently and enjoy a relaxing trip.

Image Credit: Bryher - by Gareth Tibbs

1. Choosing the Right Island for Your Holiday

Each of the Isles of Scilly has its own charm, character and landscape. Deciding where to stay is not just about accommodation - it’s also about choosing the experience you want from your holiday.

Here’s a flavour of what each island offers:

St. Mary’s – The ideal base for first-time visitors

St. Mary’s is the largest island and home to the main harbour, as well as most of the restaurants and shops. It’s perfect if you want easy access to transport, island-hopping boats, walking routes and a wide range of places to eat. Explore St. Mary’s here.

Tresco – Refined, peaceful and beautifully landscaped

Known for its sophisticated appeal, Tresco offers a unique sense of tranquillity. The world-famous Abbey Garden is a highlight, and the island’s white-sand beaches and curated accommodation make it a favourite for relaxing breaks. Explore Tresco here.

St. Martin’s – A beach lover’s paradise

Blessed with long stretches of pale sand and some of the clearest water in the UK, St. Martin’s is a dream for swimmers, snorkellers and explorers. Local artisans, a vineyard and friendly watersports providers make it a warm, welcoming island to unwind on. Explore St. Martin’s here.

Bryher – Quiet, rugged and wonderfully scenic

Bryher is loved for its peaceful lanes, dramatic coastline and delicious food. Wild Atlantic swells crash against Hell Bay while calm, sheltered beaches sit just minutes away on the other side of the island. Explore Bryher here.

St. Agnes – Wild, creative and untamed

Remote and beautiful, St. Agnes feels like the edge of the world. With stunning walks, artistic touches, tiny beaches and sweeping coastal views, it’s ideal for those seeking nature, calm and space to breathe. Explore St. Agnes here.

Image Credit: The Low Tide Event by Tom Matthews

2. Discover What’s on Across the Islands

Have a look at our Annual Events and Festivals page before choosing your island. Popular weeks with festivals, regattas and events can shape your experience - whether you enjoy a lively atmosphere or prefer quieter stays.
 

3. What to Book First When Planning a Scilly Holiday

The most important thing to know when planning a holiday to the Isles of Scilly is that accommodation should be your very first booking. With a limited number of places to stay and many visitors returning year after year, rooms, cottages, campsites and hotels fill up very quickly - especially in the summer months and school holidays.

Travel options (flights, ferry, or helicopter) generally have more availability, so secure your place to stay first.

Image Credit: Camping on St. Agnes by Gareth Tibbs

4. Types of Accommodation on the Isles of Scilly

Scilly offers a wonderful range of places to stay for all budgets - coastal cottages for families, boutique hotels for weekend escapes, friendly B&Bs, and laid-back campsites for walkers and solo travellers.

Browse all accommodation types on our website:
• Hotels 
• Self-Catering
• B&Bs & Guesthouses
• Camping and Glamping
• Package Holidays

5. Special Offers & Late Availability

If the dates you’re hoping for are already booked, don’t worry - our Special Offers & Late Availability page is updated regularly with newly released stays, last-minute openings, and seasonal deals. It’s worth checking back often, as you may find the perfect opportunity to visit the Isles of Scilly at a great value.

6. Visiting Scilly With Your Dog

Bringing your dog to the Isles of Scilly is easy, and the islands are a fantastic place for four-legged adventurers. You can bring dogs on all modes of transport to the islands, whether you’re sailing on the Scillonian, flying with Skybus, or travelling with Penzance Helicopters. When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, our accommodation page makes it simple - just toggle the dog-friendly filters to browse places that happily welcome pets. With plenty of coastal paths, beaches, and open spaces to explore, Scilly is a dream destination for dogs and their humans alike. Explore Dog-Friendly Scilly.

Image Credit: View with Penzance Helicopters

7. How to Get to the Isles of Scilly

There are three main ways to travel to the islands. Your choice depends on your location, travel style and the time of year. Reaching the islands is part of the magic. Whether by sea or air, the journey gives you gorgeous views of the Cornish coastline and the sparkling archipelago ahead.

Penzance Helicopters

A fast and scenic way to fly directly to St. Mary’s or Tresco from Penzance. The flight takes around 15 minutes, with spectacular aerial views of the islands as you arrive. Explore Penzance Helicopters.

Isles of Scilly Travel

Skybus Flights

Departing from Land’s End, Newquay, and Exeter (seasonal), Skybus operates small aircraft that fly you directly to St. Mary’s. The flight offers a unique experience and a brilliant sense of adventure, making the journey feel just as special as the destination.

Scillonian III Ferry

Sailing from Penzance Harbour to St. Mary’s, the Scillonian is a classic and cost-effective way to reach the islands. The 2-hour 45-minute crossing offers great wildlife spotting opportunities - dolphins and seabirds often make an appearance.

Both options operate seasonally, and ferries are weather-dependent, so always check schedules when planning your dates.

8. Parking

You can't bring your car with you to the Isles of Scilly, so if you’re driving to Penzance or Land's End, book parking in advance. Spaces fill up quickly, especially in school holidays.

Parking in Penzance For Ferry & Helicopter Travel

We recommend Scilly Parking if you are travelling via Scillonian or Penzance Helicopters. They offer secure, economical and friendly parking near Penzance, including transfers for you, your passengers and luggage. They also offer on-site accommodation the night before or after you visit the Islands - the perfect way to start and finish your holiday.

Parking For Land's End Airport

If you're flying with Skybus, you have two convenient parking options. You can leave your car in the official Land's End Airport car park, located just a short walk from the terminal, or choose Westwinds Car Park nearby, which also offers easy access and is popular for longer stays. Both options make it simple to park up and head straight for your flight.

9. Travelling by Public Transport to Penzance

If you arrive in Penzance by train, you are only a short 13-minute walk from Penzance Ferry Terminal for boarding the Scillonian. If you are travelling with Skybus, you can catch the Airport Shuttle to Land's End Airport from the train station. Book this directly with Isles of Scilly Travel.

Image Credit: Dibble and Grub on St. Mary's by Adj Brown

10. Once You’re Here: Essential On-Island Planning Tips

Book Restaurant Reservations Early

This is especially important on St. Mary’s, where restaurants can book up quickly during peak season. The off-islands have fewer dining options overall, and boat schedules can sometimes limit when you’re able to head out for dinner or return afterwards. Planning ahead - by checking opening times and making reservations where possible - helps ensure you get the meals you want without any last-minute stress or disappointment. Explore Food & Drink on Scilly.

Image Credit: Matt, Kernow Coasteering

11. Top Tips from Local Island Businesses

Our island businesses know better than anyone how to get the most out of your stay. Here are some of their top recommendations for first-time visitors:

Kernow Coasteering

Matt from Kernow Coasteering, the expert behind one of the islands’ most exciting adventure experiences, offers his advice. Matt brings a wealth of local knowledge - both on the water and along the coastline - to help visitors make the most of their time on Scilly.

'My top tip is to make sure you don't miss one of the most beautiful and remarkable places on the whole of Scilly - Peninnis Head. Just a short walk from Hugh Town, it's a beautiful, peaceful spot. Its granite boulders and crags make other-worldly formations, from the iconic Pulpit Rock, to a multitude of strange animal and face-like formations - let your imagination run wild! Visiting in May is highly recommended when the thrift blooms are positively outrageous.

Being a short, easy walk from Hugh Town, it really is a must-see. And if you're headed that way, it's easy to make it a circular walk via Old Town, where you can take in the beautiful St. Mary's Church, or grab an ice cream before heading back.

And of course, for those who want to see Peninnis Head at its most adventurous, join us to explore it from sea level with an unforgettable coasteering adventure."

Tamarisk Gallery

Erica from Tamarisk Gallery also has some helpful advice to share. Tamarisk Gallery on St. Mary's showcases a beautiful collection of art and craft by local creators, alongside work from emerging and established artists from further afield who have a connection to the Isles of Scilly. Here’s what Erica recommends:

"A great spot for younger children is Carreg Dhu gardens in the centre of St. Mary's. A converted quarry, run by volunteers, it is fully enclosed, seems to have its own microclimate and acts like a jungle playground - perfect for hide and seek! And when you get peckish, Longstone Lodge is just around the corner, and they have a play park and the best selection of homemade cakes!"

Scilly Beds

Carmen from Appletree with Scilly Beds also shares some helpful advice. Appletree is a peaceful, sea-view accommodation where guests can relax and recharge, and where Carmen and Todd are always happy to offer tips on what’s on, where to visit, and general island know-how.

"My top tip is to look at GWR offers for train/transport to Scilly: www.gwr.com/stations-and-destinations/destinations/trains-to-the-isles-of-scilly

Also, if you are unable to walk 10/15 minutes, book a taxi from the quay if you are arriving by boat. Also, label luggage with the guest's name and our address so that luggage will be automatically delivered."

Start Planning Your Isles of Scilly Holiday

With your accommodation booked early, travel arranged, and a few on-island plans in place, you’ll be ready to enjoy the Isles of Scilly at their best - relaxed, beautiful, and unforgettable.