
Places to visit in Isles of Scilly
Fancy an island-hopping holiday off the coast of Cornwall? From how to get to the Isles of Scilly, to travelling around and the best things to do, we’ve got you covered. The Isles of Scilly are the UK’s largest archipelago, made up of around 140 islands. Only five are inhabited: St. Mary’s, Tresco, St. Martin’s, Bryher and St. Agnes. We recommend basing yourself on St. Mary’s, the largest of the islands, and taking adventure-filled day trips by boat to explore the others. Read on to discover the best things to do on the Isles of Scilly…
Day 1
St Mary’s
Arrive at St Mary's
- Sightseeing
The first part of your holiday is deciding how to get to the Isles of Scilly. Start your adventure by choosing between the many travel options from mainland Britain. Will you fly by SkyBus from Land's End, Newquay or Exeter Airport; hop on Penzance Helicopters from Penzance; or catch the three-hour ferry from Penzance to St. Mary’s?
Explore St Mary's
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1.5 hours
- Free
St. Mary’s is the largest of the Scilly islands and the gateway to the archipelago. Base yourself here and explore Hugh Town, the island's main town. One of the top things to do in the Isles of Scilly is explore its shops, cafés, galleries and three beaches – Porthcressa, Town Beach and Porthmellon. Don’t miss the Isles of Scilly Museum too.
Stop for lunch
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour
All of that sea air must have worked up an appetite, so call in for lunch at one of the Isles of Scilly’s iconic pubs, The Mermaid Inn. At the entrance to St. Mary’s Harbour, this was once the haunt of smugglers and pirates, but now is a great spot for lunch with a view.
Take a beach ride
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour
One of the most enjoyable things to do in the Isles of Scilly is seeing the sights on horseback with St. Mary’s Riding Centre. Take a hack along bridleways, beaches, or even a paddle in the saddle, on its equestrian experiences for all abilities.
Dine and stay at Star Castle
- Accommodation
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours
Finally, after a full first day on your Isles of Scilly holiday, it’s time to unwind. Head to the 16th century castle in the Garrison, Star Castle Hotel. This family-run hotel has two award-winning restaurants where you can enjoy beautiful views and fine-dining using fresh, local produce.
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Day 2
Tresco
Take a boat to Tresco
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour

The joy of visiting this special place is to explore the other Isles of Scilly islands – and you can do that by island-hopping on tripper boats, or by hiring your own. This morning, head to Tresco, the second-largest island and a sub-tropical paradise. It is full of beautiful beaches, Bronze Age sites and romantic ruins.
Visit Tresco Abbey Garden
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours

Tresco’s most famous attraction and one of the top things to do in the Isles of Scilly is Tresco Abbey Garden, which is described as “Kew without the glass”. This 19th Century garden is full of tropical plants from the southern hemisphere, which flourish in the island’s balmy climate.
Walk to Cromwell's Castle
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours
Explore Tresco’s sub-tropical coastline, including sites like Cromwell’s Castle in just a couple hours. Tresco is only 2.5 miles (4km) long and 1 mile (1.6km) wide, which makes it perfect to explore on foot.
Go wild swimming
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour
- Free
On your journey around the island, be sure to spend some time relaxing on the beach – and maybe even dipping in the sea. There are plenty of beaches to pick from, such as Appletree Bay and Pentle Bay: both great for a spot of wild swimming.
Dine at Tresco's Ruin Beach Cafe
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours
Before you catch the boat back to St. Mary’s, head for a supper of Cornish crab and wood-fired pizzas at Tresco’s top dining spot – the laid-back Ruin Beach Café. Booking is recommended.
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Day 3
St Martin’s
Take a boat to St Martin's
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour
Today is all about visiting another of the Isles of Scilly islands – St. Martin’s. This 2-mile (3.2km) long island is surrounded by sparkling-clear waters and some of the best beaches in Britain. Once again, you can catch a tripper boat or charter your own for the journey.
Hire a kayak
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1–2 hours

The best way to explore St. Martin’s and some of its neighbouring islands is from the sea. You can hire a kayak from St. Martin’s Watersports on Par Beach: for adventure lovers, this is one of the best things to do on Isles of Scilly.
Visit a vineyard
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 1.5 hours
Who doesn’t love a vineyard tour when on holiday? St. Martin’s Vineyard is one of England’s most idyllic wineries, where you can follow a self-guided vine trail or try a wine tasting. If the stronger stuff is more to your taste, head to SC Dogs Distillery which makes small-batch rum, vodka and brandy.
Wine, dine and unwind Karma
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours
Treat yourself to a luxury stay at the luxury retreat Karma. See the waves lapping at the shore from your room or whilst you sip a glass of something local at award-winning restaurant, Cloudesley Shovell. The menu is packed with locally grown and ethically sourced food. You can't go wrong with the freshly caught lobster.
See starry skies
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour
- Free
Depending on the timing of your boat back to St. Mary’s, the island of St. Martin’s – and the rest of the Isles of Scilly, for that matter – is one of the best places for stargazing in the UK. St. Martin’s also has a community observatory (COSMOS), for a closer look at that glittering night sky.
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Day 4
Island-hopping
Get on board
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour
The Isles of Scilly have endless opportunities to escape. With around 140 islands making up the Scilly Isles, only five of which are inhabited, it’s up to you where you want to explore today. Catch a scheduled boat or hire your own for the day, to explore Bryher, St. Agnes and beyond. You’ll soon see why island hopping is one of the best things to do in the Isles of Scilly.
Explore Bryher
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours
- Free
With sandy beaches on one side and a wild coastline on the other, Bryher is where the Michael Morpurgo movie When the Whales Came was filmed. This morning you should laze on the beach, explore its rocky coves, pick up some fruity Tattie Cake from the Bryher Shop and check out Bryher Gallery.
Stop at Hell Bay
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour
Don’t let the name put you off – Hell Bay Hotel is the most westerly hotel in England, as well as being one of the isles’ highest-rated. Treat yourself to lunch in its fine-dining restaurant, a massage in its Treatment Shed spa, or pick up some fresh seafood at The Crab Shack.
Explore St Agnes
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 2 hours
- Free

Another tiny, unspoilt Isles of Scilly island is St. Agnes, which is around 1 mile (1.6km) wide but full of contrasts: from sheltered coves to wild coastline. Wander the island to discover pretty cottages and flower fields, a stone labyrinth, stone stacks and cairns, and great views of Annet bird sanctuary and the Old Man of Gugh standing stone.
Stop at The Turk's Head
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour
Finally, before heading back to St. Mary’s, fortify yourself with a Cornish beer or two at The Turks Head. This family-run pub is located on the waterfront, overlooking the Porth Conger Quay and nearby Gugh island.
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Day 5
St Mary’s
Take a Sea Safari
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1.5 hours
Spend the last day of your holiday in the Scilly Islands discovering more of St. Mary’s. Don’t go home without taking a “sea safari” cruise around the archipelago, spotting some of the wonderful wildlife with Scilly Sea Safaris. One of the best things to do in the Isles of Scilly.
Grab lunch in the Old Town
- Eatery
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour
Back on dry land, spend some time exploring Old Town. Relax on its pretty beach (Old Town Bay), see otherworldly rock formations at Peninnis Head and enjoy one final local crab sandwich or a cream tea at Old Town Café.
Discover a secret garden
- Sightseeing
- Suggested time at location: 1 hour
- Free
Finally, end your holiday in the Isles of Scilly by discovering another glorious garden – Carreg Dhu. This secret garden was founded by the community in the 1980s. Pronounced “crick dhu” locally, this magical space was created from a disused quarry and is now full of colourful sub-tropical blooms.
Depart to the mainland
- Sightseeing
- Time spent at destination: 15 minutes – 3 hours
Sadly, it’s time to head home. If part of the fun was deciding how to get to the Isles of Scilly, then the same applies to the return journey, which doesn’t have to be taken the same way. If you flew here, maybe take a slower return via the ferry? Whichever transport method you choose, you won’t want to leave.
Top Tip - Scilly's Seals
- Sightseeing
For an unforgettable wildlife encounter, try a seal snorkelling adventure to go swimming with Atlantic grey seals.
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