FAQs

• By Ferry: The most popular way to travel is by ferry from Penzance (mainland Cornwall) to St. Mary's. The Scillonian III operates daily services from March to November, weather permitting. 
• By Air: Flights from Land’s End (all-year-round), Newquay and Exeter airports to St. Mary's. The flights are operated by Skybus.
• By Helicopter: Penzance Helicopters operates a service from Penzance Heliport to St. Mary’s and Tresco. 

No, you do not need a passport to travel to the Isles of Scilly. 

However, if you are flying with Isles of Scilly Travel or Penzance Helicopters you will need photographic ID from the list below:

• A valid passport
• A valid photographic driving license
• A Citizen Card
• A school, college, or university identity card
• A valid government, armed forces, or police identity card
• A council-issued photo bus pass

Children 16 and under do not need ID if travelling with an adult.

Yes, though schedules are reduced in winter. The ferry runs between March and November. Flights with Skybus (Isles of Scilly Travel) and Penzance Helicopters operate all year-round. It’s best to check in advance for seasonal adjustments and departure points.

The crossing from Penzance to St. Mary's takes around 2hrs and 45 minutes, giving you a unique perspective of some of Cornwall's most iconic coastline. There are comfy, reclining seats as well as our on-board café, Western Rocks Coffee Co, serving hot and cold drinks and snacks.

No, there is no car ferry, and the islands are small and accessible. There are cars on St. Mary's (the largest island) and they belong to the residents. The other inhabited islands have virtually no vehicles other than a few farm vehicles/pickup trucks. If you want a convenient way to get around, you can hire a golf buggy, bicycle, taxi, or use the community bus (seasonal).

• Spring (March to May) is great for flower enthusiasts, especially for the famous narcissi.
• Summer (June to August) is ideal for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and water sports.
• Autumn (September to November) offers fewer crowds, good weather for walking, and birdwatching opportunities.
• Winter (December to February) is the quietest time, perfect for a peaceful retreat, though some services may be limited.

• The Isles of Scilly offer a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels and boutique guesthouses to cosy cottages, chalets, shepherd huts and self-catering properties. Some of the islands also have campsites for those looking for a more adventurous stay.

Accommodation is limited on the islands and can be booked months in advance so where possible we always advise that you book accommodation before travel.

The Isles of Scilly enjoy a temperate maritime climate, meaning it is generally mild year-round. Winters are generally mild, with temperatures seldom falling below freezing, while summers remain cool, with average temperatures ranging from 15–21°C (59–70°F). The islands are often sheltered from extreme weather but can experience strong winds and occasional rain, especially in the winter months.

The Isles of Scilly are most pleasant between May and September, which is a popular time for visitors. However, Easter and October half-term can also be a wonderful time to visit, offering an excellent choice for a spring or autumn getaway.

Yes! While some businesses may close, winter offers a tranquil experience, perfect for cosy getaways and enjoying dramatic coastal scenery.

Autumn is perfect for foraging, enjoying spectacular sunsets, and experiencing the islands' harvest festivals and quieter atmosphere.

Summer sees more visitors, but the islands retain their peaceful charm with plenty of secluded spots to enjoy.

• Walking: Explore coastal paths, beautiful beaches, and gardens. Or spend a few hours to a day circumnavigating an island.
• Cycling: Bicycle hire is available on St. Mary’s and Tresco to explore these islands at your own pace.
• Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, sailing or swimming with seals.
• Birdwatching: The Isles are a hotspot in the UK for migratory birds, especially in autumn, yet is a haven for a variety of birdlife throughout the year.
• Gardens and Historic Sites: The Isles offer a fascinating mix of prehistoric burial mounds and Bronze Age sites to Napoleonic fortifications as well as significant maritime and military history and a 17^th century castle. Visit Tresco Abbey Garden with more than 20,000 plant species set around the ruins of a 12th-century Benedictine Abbey.

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.

The currency is the British Pound (GBP). Most businesses accept card payments, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially on the smaller islands. Honesty stalls are aplenty.

There is a GP surgery and a small hospital on St. Mary's. For more serious medical emergencies, patients can be airlifted to the mainland. It’s recommended to have travel insurance for any unexpected medical needs.

Yes, there are small independent shops and grocery stores across the islands with a Co-op on St. Mary's, a sizeable Store on Tresco and local provisions via honesty stalls and smaller shops on the other off islands. However, stock may be limited, so it’s a good idea to bring essentials with you. There are also local artisan shops, cafés, and galleries to explore.

• Layered clothing: The weather can change quickly, so it’s best to bring layers that you can add or remove.
• Waterproofs: Showers can be frequent, especially in autumn and winter.
• Comfortable walking shoes: There are plenty of beautiful walks and hikes to enjoy.
• Sunscreen and hat: Even in cooler months, you can still get sunburned due to the island’s proximity to the sea.
• Camera: The scenery is stunning and offers plenty of photo opportunities.

Mobile phone reception varies depending on the island, but generally, you can get reception on all the inhabited islands but some areas may have limited signal. Many hotels and cafes offer Wi-Fi.

• Walking: Many of the islands are small and can be explored on foot.
• Bicycles: Available for hire on St. Mary’s and Tresco.
• Golf Buggy: Scilly Carts are available to hire on St. Mary’s and are a great way to get around.
• Minibus tours: On St. Mary's, Island Rover operates bus tours of the island, stopping at selected viewpoints with light commentary.
• Inter-island boating: Boat services run between the islands, some offering sightseeing tours and private hire.

Yes, the Isles of Scilly are very family-friendly, with safe beaches, plenty of outdoor activities, and a relaxed pace of life. Kids will enjoy the beaches, wildlife, and the opportunity to explore the various islands by boat.

All inhabited islands are accessible via the inter-island boat service. St. Mary's is the largest and most populated, but you can visit Tresco, St. Martin’s, Bryher, and St. Agnes by boat daily throughout the season. Each island has its own character and attractions.

Uninhabited islands are sometimes available to visit during the island’s festival programmes and via bespoke tours. Check the daily boat boards!

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.

All metal detecting is strictly prohibited on the Isles of Scilly with the exceptions of Porthcressa and Little Porth on St. Mary’s, for these areas please contact the Council of the Isles of Scilly.

Drone flying on island requires permissions from the Airport on St. Mary’s and the Heliport on Tresco and all qualifications for flying.

All filming for commercial uses (anything that can be monetised) requires a filming licence from the Duchy of Cornwall and/or Tresco Island Ltd and the Council of the Isles of Scilly. Please contact the relevant office on Scilly.