Thinking of experiencing Scilly for the first time? Why not take a day trip? The islands are just a short journey away, offering plenty to explore - or the perfect spot to simply unwind. From idyllic beaches and wonderful wildlife to island-hopping and the freshest local food, a day trip to the islands is an experience you will never forget – and it’s easier than you may think.
Travelling on the iconic Scillonian III passenger ferry takes 2 hours 45 minutes from Penzance Quay, arriving at St. Mary's around midday. You can relax in the onboard café and take in views of Cornwall’s spectacular coastline, including the world-renowned open air Minack Theatre, Land’s End and St. Michael’s Mount. The ship is regularly joined by pods of dolphins, a raft of seabirds and occasionally even basking sharks; in fact, the route has been named the UK’s highest diversity ferry crossing for wildlife spotting. It’s the most popular way to visit Scilly for the day.
Flying to the Isles of Scilly gives you more time to enjoy the islands. By air, Scilly is just 15 minutes away, meaning you’ll get even longer to explore – but who’s clock-watching when the journey is as memorable as the destination? You can fly with Skybus, the Isles of Scilly’s own airline for 40 years, or Penzance Helicopters, putting the whole archipelago within easy reach.
Board a Skybus flight from Land’s End direct to St. Mary's or Penzance Helicopter from Penzance Heliport to St. Mary's or Tresco. Both take just 15-20 minutes and gives you around eight hours on the islands – enough time to relax, explore and plan your next visit. You could even fly into one island and back from the other to enjoy a true island-hopping adventure.
For the best of both worlds, fly with Skybus to the islands and sail home on board Scillonian III. The Fly + Sail round trip gives you more time on Scilly and the chance to experience Skybus and Scillonian III (with Isles of Scilly Travel) in a single break; fly out to the Isles of Scilly, then sail back to the mainland, looking out for sea life and enjoying the views of the Cornish coast as it approaches. More below for day trip travel options.
On your arrival to Scilly, you have a choice. Do you immediately head to one of the off islands (Tresco, St. Martin’s, St. Agnes or Bryher) for lunch and a stroll, visit the Abbey Garden on Tresco, or do you soak up the Scillonian atmosphere of St. Mary’s? The choice is yours, but if you do choose an off island, be sure that you can get a boat back to St. Mary’s Quay to arrive no later than 4pm to make the Scillonian III connection back to Penzance (it usually leaves at 4.30pm).
Should you choose to stick to St. Mary’s, there’s much to be accomplished in your few hours on the island. From a stroll through Hugh Town, you’ll reach Porthcressa Beach and the Tourism Information Centre. From there you can head up to Buzza Tower to admire the view or walk around the headland to Peninnis Lighthouse and on to Old Town where there are a couple of eateries and a stunningly peaceful church yard where Lord Harold Wilson is buried.
Or why not hop aboard the Island Rover tour bus which leaves Holgate's Green twice a day at 10.15am and 1.30pm for an hours informative tour of St. Mary's?
Or from the Quay, you can head for the Garrison for a beautiful walk around the heavily fortified headland, steeped in history, surrounding the Star Castle. The Garrison offers amazing views of the entire archipelago to give you a sense of what Scilly has to offer, as well as of course the opportunity for a bite to eat at the historic hotel itself.
Alternatively, if you want to explore further afield, you can hire a bike or an electric golf buggy and head off. There’ll be plenty of time to check out the Iron Age and Bronze Age settlements at Halangy Village and Bant’s Carn and discover the sublime beauty and peacefulness of Scilly’s stunning beaches. Taxi firms will be very willing to provide a tour of St. Mary’s, but you will need to contact them in advance.
Of course, if you fly in and out of the Isles of Scilly for the day (or combine air and sea travel) you’ll have a few more hours to enjoy our outstandingly beautiful islands!
