Planning a trip to the islands with your four-legged companion? Read on for helpful tips and guidance to make things a little easier.
The Isles of Scilly is a magical place for "man’s best friend" with endless long walks, uncluttered, quiet sandy beaches to play on and some wonderful places to stay. Getting ready for your holiday can be stressful at the best of times without having to think about your furry friend.
Top tips for you and your four-legged companion
Walkies!
One of the best things you can do on Scilly is go for a good stomp and going for a walk with your trusted companion is a wonderful way to unwind on Scilly. There are long beaches coupled with breath-taking scenery to take in. Before you get to Scilly we advise you read the Dog Control section of the Council of the Isles of Scilly’s website. This section covers everything you need to know, including restrictions on certain beaches at certain times of the year, places where you must have your dog on a lead, to seabird breading areas and livestock grazing on surrounding private and agricultural grounds. Scilly is the ideal place to explore with your four-legged friend, so with these few helpful tips in mind, make it a trip to remember!
Inter-Island Boating
The inter-island vessels provide passage for young and old seafaring dogs and you will need to buy a doggy ticket for some of the boats. Make sure your dog is on a lead well in advance of heading down the quay and be careful of the gaps. It’s not swim time yet for you or your dog!
Tresco Island
While the island is dog-friendly, there are some guidelines to ensure everyone enjoys their visit, such as keeping dogs on leads in certain areas and cleaning up after them. Additionally, dogs are not permitted in Tresco Abbey Garden to protect the rare plants, but there are plenty of scenic trails, beaches, and open spaces for you and your furry friend to explore together. However dogs are not permitted in any Tresco accommodation.
Helpful tips
If your dog likes a particular type of food or if you’re staying on the islands for a little while, it might be worth trying to post some supplies in advance as dog food can take up a fair bit of your baggage allowance.
If you need to visit the Veterinary Surgery for any reason, please contact Dr Heike Dorn on 01720 423667. The Surgery is in Old Town on St. Mary’s.
Sally StannardDogs love Scilly!
Dog-friendly
FAQs
Is Scilly dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome on the islands but restrictions apply to some beaches and some areas around Hugh Town and dogs must be kept on leads on Tresco at all times. Your pet is permitted on all forms of transport to the island on board plane, ferry, and helicopter.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Isles of Scilly. You can travel with them on the Scillonian III ferry (March to November), Skybus flights, or Penzance Helicopters, with specific guidelines for each mode of transport.
Are there dog-friendly places to stay on the Isles of Scilly?
Absolutely! Many accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering cottages, welcome dogs. Be sure to check with your chosen accommodation in advance.
Are dogs allowed on the beaches and coastal paths?
Yes, dogs are allowed on most beaches and coastal paths on the islands. However, seasonal restrictions may apply on certain beaches, so it’s best to check before you visit.
Scilly offers some of the best dog-friendly walks, perfect for you and your furry companion to enjoy together. Stroll along pristine sandy beaches, explore rugged coastal paths with breath-taking sea views, or wander through lush, scenic trails that wind across the islands’ diverse landscapes. With endless open spaces and a welcoming atmosphere, Scilly is a haven for dogs and their owners, making every walk an adventure to remember.
St. Mary's
Around the Garrison
A reasonably short walk with great views across to St. Agnes, the Western Rocks, Samson, Bryher and Tresco. Much of the main coastal walk is away from main roads. You can venture outside the fortified wall but please watch out for some high drops. A lead would be advised for this part of the walk. If your dog needs a bit more of a run around, head down to Town Beach which dogs are allowed on all year round. Pit-stop: Take an amble up to the ramparts of the Start Castle Hotel for amazing views and delicious afternoon tea.
Explore beautiful St. Mary's, the largest island in the archipelago, where history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture come together. Wander…
Nick Bond
Tresco
Quay-to-Quay
Heading off from Old Grimsby Quay, go straight up to Old Blockhouse passing the school and St. Nicholas Church. The views from the Blockhouse are simply spectacular with panoramic views across to St. Martin’s and the Eastern Isles to savour. Go down the hill and follow the coast either on the path or on the beach and take everything in from the vibrant colours of the sand and sea to the trees and leaves and find yourself at Carn Near. Please keep your dog on the lead around the island. Pit-stop: The Ruin Beach Café beachfront terrace for a light lunch influenced by the Mediterranean. Or recharge mid-morning with a pastry and coffee outside The Flying Boat Café & Deli
Tresco, the second-largest of the Isles of Scilly, is a privately-run island known for its luxury and tranquillity. Home to the world-famous Abbey…
Bryher
The Circular
Being one of the smaller islands, you might want to take the circular coaster route in full. What Bryher may lack in size it makes up for in so many ways. From the rocky west coast which is battered in winter by the full force of the Atlantic Ocean to the serenity of the east coast the choice is yours. Start of by strolling up to the wild peninsula of Shipman Head or head the other way up Samson Hill and down to Rushy Bay. If you need a pit stop along the way, there are plenty of places stop of a drink or spot of lunch. Pit-stop: After your vigorous walk, Olivia’s Kitchen serves great coffee and tasty light bites in a pretty tiered patio area.
Bryher is an island of captivating contrasts, where rugged cliffs give way to peaceful, glassy coves. Its dramatic coastline and tranquil bays provide…
St. Martin's
Par Beach to the Daymark
Start off by ambling across the sweeping beach. It’s hard to not sit down and take everything in as many consider Par Beach to be one of Scilly’s finest. To be fair, you might need a break as it’s up hill from here but so worth it. Follow the coastal path which is surrounded by vivid heather and make your way slowly to the iconic red and white Daymark, dating back to 1683. The path is narrow in places and uneven underfoot so it’s worth taking your time and putting the lead on. When you make it up there the 360 view the islands are mind blowing. Once you’ve made it up you can easily get back onto the main paths or road or take the step descent down towards the back of the island and the stunning beaches. Pit-stop: Rest in the stunning gardens of Polreath Tea Rooms with a delicious homemade cake or grab n’ go at The Island Bakery.
St. Martin's is a true beach paradise, boasting miles of pristine white sands framed by lush marram-topped dunes and swaying palm trees. This…
Karma Group
St. Agnes
A Laid-back Wander
A great island for those who want to go for a more leisurely walk as the island isn’t too big or hilly. You can keep to road, go round the coastal footpath or mix it up. Head down to Beady Pool and see what treasures can be found and lookout for Troytown Maze which overlooks the treacherous Western Rocks and Bishop Rock Lighthouse. Pick up an ice cream or pop into the pub for a pint along the way to recharge the batteries. Pit-stop: After a good amble, find your way to the tiny dairy at Troytown Farm Shop for a taste of their deliciously flavoured ice cream or head to Coastguards Lookout for something more substantial.
Discover the wild beauty of Britain’s most south-westerly outpost, where ancient Bronze Age burial sites and barren heathland paint a picture of…
Where to eat, sleep & visit
Dog-Friendly Options
Many businesses on Scilly welcome dogs, including cafés, pubs, and shops, so your furry friend can enjoy the experience just as much as you do.
Start Exploring
Talk to the experts
Explore the top dog-friendly walks and ideas with guidance from local island experts, offering tips to make your adventures with your furry friend effortless and enjoyable.
Subscribe and get the very best of the Isles of Scilly direct to your inbox, with emails packed with tons of inspiration, competitions, what's on, travel tips and what's new. We'll make planning your visit easy and your Scilly dream a reality with just one subscription.
Edward Gawne
Share your Scilly memories
@VisitTheIslesOfScilly #MyScilly
Get inspired with our selection of curated #myscilly photos. Tag your Scilly adventure with #LoveScilly for a chance to appear in our gallery!
Any Questions?
We’d Love to Hear from You
Meet our friendly team to help you plan your next visit, getaway, or holiday. Get in touch, ask away!
Sally Stannard
