Accessible Scilly

The Isles of Scilly, whilst beautiful and a popular destination, presents a mixed accessibility experience depending on the type of accessibility you're looking for and the specific island(s) you want to visit. Here's a breakdown of how accessible the Isles of Scilly are in terms of transport, accommodation, and exploring the islands:

1. Transport to the Isles of Scilly

By Air:

• Air Travel: The Isles of Scilly are primarily accessed by flights to St. Mary’s from Land's End, Newquay and Exeter or by helicopter to St. Mary’s and Tresco from Penzance.
  • Accessibility: Flight services are generally accessible for those that can negotiate steps, but passengers with mobility impairments should contact the airlines in advance. The airports have some facilities for disabled passengers, but assistance should be pre-arranged.
• By Sea: The main ferry service, Scillonian III, operates from Penzance to St Mary's.
  • Accessibility: The ferry is partially accessible, with wheelchair-friendly boarding and a wheelchair lift on board. It is worth noting that sea travel can be challenging in rough weather, especially for individuals with limited mobility. It's important to check for any mobility assistance on the ferry in advance.

2. Accessibility on the islands

The main island of St. Mary's is the most developed in terms of accessibility, while the smaller islands are more limited in infrastructure. Here's how each aspect stacks up:

On St. Mary's:

• Transport:
  • Accessible taxis: There are wheelchair-accessible taxis available on St. Mary's. These can be booked in advance.
  • Mobility scooter and golf cart hire: For those who may struggle with walking long distances, these are available for hire to explore the island by road. These can be rented from local companies for independent travel.
• Accommodation:
  • Accessible accommodation: Accessible accommodation is limited on the islands. Please get in touch with accommodation providers for more information.
  • Accessible features: Some of the larger accommodation providers offer wheelchair-accessible rooms with features like walk-in showers and wider doors. However, accommodation on the smaller off islands may not offer the same level of accessibility.

On the smaller islands (e.g. Tresco, St. Martin's, St. Agnes and Bryher):

• Terrain: The smaller islands are less developed and have more rugged terrain. Some paths and areas can be quite uneven or steep, which could present challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
• Boat transfers: Boat services to other islands are accessible to those who can negotiate steps.

3. Attractions and Sightseeing

St. Mary's:

• Hugh Town: The main settlement on St. Mary's is relatively compact, with limited accessible shops, restaurants etc. Many places are within walking distance of each other, and some have level access for those using wheelchairs.
• Scenic walks and gardens: There are accessible walking trails on St. Mary's, but some parts of the island’s rugged coastline or rural paths can be difficult to navigate due to steep hills, uneven surfaces, and limited infrastructure.
  • Tresco Abbey Garden: Located on Tresco, the Abbey Garden is a popular attraction, and it has some accessible pathways. However, it can be difficult to navigate the entire garden with mobility aids due to the natural landscape.
  • Churches and other landmarks: Some landmarks, such as St. Mary's Church, may have steps or uneven ground, so accessibility can vary.

On the smaller islands:

• The smaller islands, while stunning and peaceful, are not as accessible as St. Mary's. Many of them are quite hilly, and getting around often requires walking or using boats for island-hopping.
• Tresco Island: This island is slightly more accessible than others, with some adapted pathways and a more developed infrastructure. However, some parts of Tresco (like certain walking trails and beaches) may still be difficult to access due to its rural nature.

4. General Considerations

• Weather: The weather on the Isles of Scilly can be unpredictable, and sea conditions can affect travel, especially if you’re relying on boat transfers to get between islands. People with limited mobility may face extra challenges if sea conditions are rough, especially when embarking or disembarking from boats.
• Rural infrastructure: The Isles of Scilly are not as developed as larger tourist destinations, so the overall infrastructure can be challenging for those with specific accessibility needs. Many of the public areas and outdoor attractions are based on uneven, natural terrain, which can make them more difficult to access.
• Advance planning: Because the islands are small, with some services being seasonal or limited, it’s important to plan ahead for accessibility needs, including transport, accommodation, and services on the islands. Contacting local accommodation, taxi companies, and service providers ahead of time to confirm accessibility features is crucial.

Summary:

While St. Mary's and Tresco offer the most accessible options for accommodation, transport, and activities, the Isles of Scilly as a whole are not universally accessible, especially on the smaller islands. The terrain, limited infrastructure, and weather conditions can make accessibility a bit challenging for those with mobility impairments. However, with proper planning and communication with service providers, those with accessibility needs can still enjoy a visit to the Isles of Scilly.

Please note:

The businesses which are featured in this section have a range of accessibility facilities. Please check directly to make sure their facilities match your needs. All information on facilities have come from the businesses themselves.