A trip to Scilly is an experience that will change you, however long you’re here for. It’s exciting, exhilarating, inviting and intriguing, but most of all, it’s a place that makes you feel fully alive. There are very few places where you can you experience so much in one hit. Island-hopping on a day trip is entirely possible but consider how you travel here to get the most out of your time here. Let's explore some of the secret, iconic and more off-grid experiences to sample on a day trip to Scilly.
Go off island
The Isles of Scilly is perfectly pint-sized but still boasting more than 140 islands – the perfect escape, a freedom rarely found elsewhere. And we have all the boats and experienced boatmen to help you skip around it all. If this is your first visit, the boating system may seem a little daunting, but you’ll soon get the hang of it. Trips to the off islands take no longer than 30 minutes. Check out St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association Facebook page for published times the day before you decide to hop aboard. Tickets can be bought from our friendly team at the award-winning Tourist Information Centre at Porthcressa Beach or from the hut on the quay, both on St. Mary’s.
Tip: time your day travel with the morning tripper boats. Flying will give you more flexibility for catching a morning boat from St. Mary’s Harbour to whichever off island you choose: St. Martins, Tresco, Bryher or St. Agnes.
See more here island-hopping guide
For bespoke excursions and island services, St. Agnes Boating, Tresco Boat Services, Endeavour Rib Service, Raptor Boating and Seaquest Glass Bottom Boat all operate their own boat services, as well as regular water taxi services from their bases to all the other islands.
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Explore with the Wildlife Trust
Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust recommends Samson: "It’s really hard to choose a favourite island; each island really does have its own “character”. But if we had to choose one, it would be Samson. In addition to this, despite its size, it’s easy to “get lost” there and feel like you’re the only person on the island (sometimes you are!); to just be at one with nature and the history of the island. The views from the tops of both hills either back across the Islands or out over the Norrard Rocks are ever-changing and something you could never get bored of."
Iconic Landmarks
If you’re finding it hard to choose, perhaps these top Scillonian must-see landmarks will inspire. Some are more accessible than others, but many can be viewed from afar if not up close.
The red and white – very distinctive – Daymark is truly unmissable. It’s reported to be one of the oldest grade II listed beacons in the UK, used by seafaring folk since the 1600s. The views from here are spectacular. Along the cliff path you’ll spot amazing plant and wildlife and sensational beaches!
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Cromwell’s Castle, Tresco
Circumnavigating your way around Tresco is highly recommended - you'll get to explore more than just one castle on route, but Cromwell’s is arguably it’s most iconic. Overlooking New Grimsby harbour, the circular artillery fort and gun tower was built to prevent an invasion of the Isles of Scilly.
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Day Mark Navigational Aid, St. Agnes
The construction on Burnt Island on the most northernly point of St. Agnes is perhaps the most intriguing and haunting of all day marks. This tombstone-like structure was built early noughties by Trinity House to market the North-West passage. Lining up the mark with the St. Agnes Lighthouse guides ships safely into the archipelago.
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Peninnis Lighthouse, St. Mary’s
Head to the rocky outcrops of this National Landscape, around the most southerly point of St. Mary’s and the lighthouse at Peninnis Head – a replacement for the 17th century lighthouse on St. Agnes which had been in operation since the 1680s. The light helps to guide vessels safely through to St. Mary’s Harbour via St. Mary’s Sound.
Ramble across the entire coastline of Bryher, the archipelago’s smallest island, and to the northeast of the island for a view of Hangman Island. Said to possibly be the site of gallows during the Civil War or, slightly less dramatic, is simply the old Cornish name “An Main” meaning “the island”. Either way, you can’t fail to miss this iconic land mass between Bryher and Tresco.
Four miles west of the Isles of Scilly in the Atlantic Ocean stands Bishop Rock Lighthouse. It was built in 1858 to mark a rock ledge 45 metres long and 16 metres wide – the islands’ most westerly danger. Statuesque and majestic, it stands at the very edge of England (next stop America!) – a pillar of strength that now protects seafarers from the dangers that lie ahead as they approach the rocky archipelago. At the time of its build, it was (and would still be today) one of the most hazardous and difficult sites for building a lighthouse. Take a sea safari to see it in all its glory, weather permitting.
Let our history and heritage guide of the islands inspire you further here.
Secret Scilly
Whether you’re a newcomer or a lifelong fan to the islands, these spots take you off the beaten track. And if you want to zip around the islands in order to see more if you’re limited on time, hire a golf buggy or a bike on either St. Mary's or Tresco.
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Pelistry Bay and Toll’s Island
As you wonder down a country lane, suitable only for a tractor, discover a beautiful white sandy bay and mallam grass dunes connected to a heathery island known as Toll’s. When the tide is out amble across the sand bar and climb its rocky incline and wander the carved paths of pretty heather. The kids will love the slightly hidden net for clambering around on in a nest of trees. Saunter back onto Pelistry for a quick dip or a lazy relax and more net hugging, enveloped in a shady enclave amongst the trees.
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St. Mary’s Old Church, St. Mary's
Whether you view it as historical interest or a touch of the macabre, the churchyard at Old Town has countless famous residents including former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson and burials relating to infamous shipwrecks including SS Schiller (1875) and the sinking of the naval ship HMS Association in 1707. Scilly is certainly not new to a shipwreck or two. The backdrop of the sea and cabbage trees lends itself to perhaps the most exotic graveyard in the country.
This carefully curated garden in the heart of St. Mary’s is a true treasure. Upon entering the gardens, a path of coloured glass paves your way before emerging into an oasis of tropical plants, suitable for our Scilly climate. There are plenty of spots to sit, relax and watch the blackbirds go about their business. And if you time it right you might even witness a yoga session, carefully practising their asanas. Win, win – Longstone Lodge and Café is just up the road ready to greet you with delicious cake and a cuppa.
Gugh could be described as the sixth inhabited island of the Isles of Scilly but is usually framed as part of St. Agnes, joined by a sandy tombolo known as "The Bar" when exposed at low tide. The island is only about 1km long and about 0.5 km wide, with the highest point, Kittern Hill, at 34m. Approach Gugh and the first sight to greet you are Dutch-looking houses. Roam its isolated parts but keep an eye on those tides!
For treasure hunters amongst you, head to the secluded cove of Beady Pool for your chance of discovering a 17th century bead! Patience is of the essence here and a slight brushing of the sand! Don’t be too disappointed if you don’t find anything as the views are worth the walk alone.
Bryher's fame extends far beyond Scilly's shores: the little island is the setting of the film "When the Whales Came" based on Michael Morpurgo's novel, inspired by the island. Samson Hill on the southern end of the island was the site of birdman's cottage.
Tresco is well known for the Abbey Garden but how many know about the Valhalla collection of 30 figureheads dating from the middle of the 19th century, as well as other decorative ships’ carvings from merchant vessels lost at sea? Combine your visit with a garden tour of sub-tropical plants from around the world.
