Visit Isles of Scilly - Official Tourist Information Site

Q: What's the best time of year to visit the islands?

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. View Answer

Q: How do I travel to the Isles of Scilly?

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 . View Answer

Nestled off Cornwall's shores, the Isles of Scilly feel like a world away - untouched, unhurried, and unbelievably beautiful. A scattering of ocean gems where nature flourishes and every breath of sea air fills you with a sense of freedom.

Life here is simpler, gentler, and refreshingly slow. No crowds, no rush - just the space to do as much or as little as you please. Whether you're exploring rugged coastlines, wandering white-sand beaches, or simply soaking in the tranquillity, Scilly promises a magical escape you’ll never forget.

Come and experience the purest island getaway - where the world feels wonderfully far away.

Island Hopping

Scilly’s Greatest Pleasure

The Isles of Scilly, a stunning English archipelago, boast over 140 charming islands. Whether you seek solitude, scenery, or history, there’s an island for you. With our expert boatmen and fleet, hopping between them is effortless. Ready for adventure? Let’s explore!

Places to Stay Things to Do What's On

St. Mary's

Do as much or as little as you like on the beautiful island of St. Mary’s

St. Mary’s is the Isles of Scilly’s largest island (population 1,800) and the gateway to the rest of the islands. Covering an area of little more than 6 square miles, it’s still not exactly bustling but with its air and sea links, is likely to be your first port of call when you visit.

Tresco

The island of ultimate luxury and the famous Abbey Garden

This island has a little bit of everything – from dramatic rocky outcrops, bronze age burial sites and romantic castle ruins, to secluded sandy beaches and the world famous Tresco Abbey Garden which was established in the 1830s by Augustus Smith.

St. Martin's

A voyage of discovery to the best beaches in the world

Crystal clear waters, idyllic beaches and a prevailing sense of calm make St. Martin's a delight. With its iconic red and white Daymark, erected in 1683 by Thomas Ekins, it is the first island you spot as you cross from the mainland.

Bryher

A rugged yet deeply beautiful island of vibrant contrasts

Pounded by Atlantic waves on one side, yet blessed with calm sandy beaches on the other, Bryher is an island of dramatic contrast - the perfect place to enjoy a taste of untamed Scilly. Around 80 people are lucky enough to call it home.

St. Agnes & Gugh

England’s final frontier - totally untamed and thoroughly unspoilt

On the most south-westerly edge of the Isles of Scilly, St. Agnes is totally unspoilt and astonishingly peaceful. It measures just a mile or so across, and its closest neighbour is Gugh, to which it is joined by a sand bar at low tide.

Annet

Scilly’s Untouched Sanctuary for Seabirds and Wildlife

West of St. Agnes lies the low-lying island of Annet. Closed to the public year-round to protect its wildlife, you can still admire its beauty from the water. Boat trips offer the perfect opportunity for birdwatching—so don’t forget your binoculars!

Samson

Stunning beaches and legends of Scilly’s Lost Island

Samson is the largest of the uninhabited islands and was inhabited until 1855. There are truly stunning beaches to enjoy and old ruined cottages to explore on both North Hill and South Hill. Discover the island's captivating landscape.

Day Trips

Island Hopping

The Seasons

Stunning Beaches

Active & Outdoors

Gardens

Every walk on the Isles of Scilly reveals a stunning palette of colours, from the vibrant landscapes to the renowned Tresco Abbey Garden with its subtropical plants. The archipelago feels like one vast garden, where horticulture and natural flora thrive in harmony.

Wildlife and Nature

Scilly offers plenty of opportunities to explore its captivating wildlife at sea. Depending on the season, you can spot seabirds like puffins, shearwaters, cormorants, and razorbills, or see grey Atlantic seals, famous for popping up to say hello.

Food & Drink

Nowhere is more local than the food and drink sourced, grown, and reared across our five tiny, inhabited islands.

Dog Friendly

Looking for the perfect dog-friendly getaway? Scilly offers a range of experiences where your furry friends are just as welcome! Explore stunning landscapes, enjoy scenic walks and uncluttered beaches. Discover a bunch of pet-friendly spots across the islands for an unforgettable break with your dog.

Guided Tours

From scenic island walks and archaeological discoveries to wildlife and marine adventures, including sunset excursions, you’ll have the chance to explore Scilly’s history, natural habitats, unique wildlife, culture, and way of life.

Walk Scilly Festival

Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025

This year's Walk Scilly Festival programme is live! Browse our exciting events in the Walk Scilly guide, then use the…

Apr 11

World Pilot Gig Championships

May 2, 2025 - May 4, 2025

The World Pilot Gig Championships are an annual gig racing event held during the May…

May 02

Creative Scilly Festival

May 17, 2025 - May 28, 2025

Creative Scilly is an Arts and Cultural festival, celebrating artists, makers, literature, poetry, music, theatre…

May 17

Ocean Scilly Festival

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025

Join us for our 2nd Ocean Scilly, a nautical event celebrating the seas that surround the Isles of Scilly…

Aug 23

Taste of Scilly Festival

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025

Taste of Scilly 2025 Indulge in the exquisite flavours of Scilly with this 11-day food and drink celebration, featuring…

Sep 12

What's the best time of year to visit the islands?

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.

How do I travel to the Isles of Scilly?

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.

Do we book travel or accommodation first?

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.

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.

Do you need a passport to go to Isles of Scilly?

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.

What is the weather like on the Isles of Scilly?

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.

Is it expensive in Scilly?

Overall, while visiting the Isles of Scilly can be higher than mainland prices, the abundance of activities and the remarkable experience make it a worthwhile investment.

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The Magic of

The Isles of Scilly

Discover the

Isles of Scilly

Explore the Islands

Island Hopping

Scilly’s Greatest Pleasure

St. Mary's

Do as much or as little as you like on the beautiful island of St. Mary’s

Tresco

The island of ultimate luxury and the famous Abbey Garden

St. Martin's

A voyage of discovery to the best beaches in the world

Bryher

A rugged yet deeply beautiful island of vibrant contrasts

St. Agnes & Gugh

England’s final frontier - totally untamed and thoroughly unspoilt

Annet

Scilly’s Untouched Sanctuary for Seabirds and Wildlife

Samson

Stunning beaches and legends of Scilly’s Lost Island

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