12 Top Attractions in the Isles of Scilly
Introduction: A Quiet Archipelago at the Edge of England
Where the Atlantic’s cobalt meets England’s gentle shores lies the Isles of Scilly—an archipelago that feels both otherworldly and deeply familiar. Just 28 miles southwest of Land’s End, these islands blend subtropical botany, granite coastlines, and a maritime heritage that hums softly beneath every cove. For the discerning traveler, Scilly is not just a getaway; it’s a place to slow the clock, walk barefoot on pale sands, and savor a rare balance of wilderness and warmth.
This guide presents the 12 best places to visit across the Isles of Scilly, curated for elegance, practicality, and quiet wonder. From castle crown walks to reef-framed beaches and farm-gate honesty stalls, consider this your blueprint to a more intentional island journey.
1) St. Mary’s: Garrison Walls and Hugh Town’s Coastal Charm
- Why visit: St. Mary’s is the archipelago’s gateway—where ferries dock, planes land, and adventures begin. It’s the practical heart of Scilly with the soul of a seaside village.
- Highlights:
- The Garrison and Star Castle: Walk the 16th-century defensive ramparts at golden hour. The circular route serves constant Atlantic views.
- Hugh Town & Porthcressa Beach: Shops, galleries, and a crescent of sand where swimmers greet the morning tide.
- Old Town Church: Sheltered by trees and history; a contemplative stroll from the shore.
- Insider tip: Rent a bike for an island loop—Porthloo, Juliet’s Garden for views, then back via Porthmellon’s smooth bay.
2) Tresco: Abbey Garden and Sculpted Coasts
- Why visit: Tresco is cultivated elegance—an island of fine planting, curated vistas, and quiet lanes.
- Highlights:
- Tresco Abbey Garden: A world-class subtropical garden where proteas, aloes, and echiums thrive, sheltered by tall pines. Seek the Valhalla Museum’s ship figureheads—maritime faces with weathered dignity.
- Cromwell’s Castle & King Charles’s Castle: Coastal fortifications linked by a rewarding headland walk.
- Pentle Bay & Appletree Bay: Shimmering shallows with powdery sand and translucent water.
- Insider tip: Visit the garden early; the morning light filters softly through towering succulents, perfect for photography.
3) Bryher: Wild Edges and Quiet Lanes
- Why visit: Bryher is Scilly’s contemplative island—small, rough-browed on one side, gently pastoral on the other.
- Highlights:
- Hell Bay: Dramatic Atlantic rollers meet black rock shelves—a painter’s dream in winter light, astonishing in summer clarity.
- Fraggle Rock Bar: A relaxed perch for post-walk refreshment.
- Rushy Bay: One of the softest beaches in the archipelago, with views to Samson.
- Insider tip: Wander honesty stalls for home-grown veg, flowers, and island preserves—carry cash or use QR codes where available.
4) St. Martin’s: White Sands and Stargazing
- Why visit: Where dunes meet crystal shallows, St. Martin’s offers some of Scilly’s finest beaches and widest skies.
- Highlights:
- Great Bay and Par Beach: Long white arcs perfect for swims and sand-dune picnics.
- St. Martin’s Vineyard: Sample island-grown wines among sea-breezed vines.
- Daymark: The red-striped landmark guiding sailors since the 17th century—sunrise here is superb.
- Insider tip: On clear nights, the Milky Way spills across the sky—Scilly’s low light pollution makes stargazing extraordinary.
5) St. Agnes: Far-Flung Beauty and Tidal Wonder
- Why visit: The most southwesterly community in Britain, St. Agnes feels deliciously remote.
- Highlights:
- Troy Town Farm: Legendary ice cream churned on-site; enjoy it overlooking the surf.
- Gugh Bar: A tidal causeway linking St. Agnes to Gugh—cross at low tide to explore ancient cairns and open heath.
- Wingletang Down: Sculptural granite boulders and wild flowers; a living gallery of wind-shaped forms.
- Insider tip: Check tide times for a safe crossing to Gugh; the bar floods quickly with the turning tide.
6) Samson: Uninhabited Silence
- Why visit: Abandoned since the mid-19th century, Samson is a time capsule of ruined cottages, heather, and sand-fringed calm.
- Highlights:
- Twin Hills: Gentle climbs with cinematic panoramas over the Western Rocks.
- Archaeological traces: Field systems and remains that hint at once-thriving lives.
- Insider tip: Bring sturdy shoes and water. Samson is a place for quiet respect—leave only footprints.
7) St. Mary’s Coastal Path: Porth Hellick to Pelistry
- Why visit: This stretch captures Scilly in miniature—wetlands, prehistoric sites, and pale coves.
- Highlights:
- Porth Hellick Pool: Birdlife thrives in reed-fringed stillness.
- Old Quay and Giant’s Castle: Bronze Age ramparts and stories of Atlantic trade.
- Pelistry Bay & Tolman Café (seasonal): A sheltered swim and a welcome pause.
- Insider tip: Walk counterclockwise in the afternoon for soft backlighting over the water.
8) The Eastern Isles: Kayak Through Clear Water
- Why visit: Clustered islets with seal colonies, kelp forests, and hyper-clear shallows make for magical kayaking or boat trips.
- Highlights:
- Seal sightings: Curious faces often pop up near gentle paddlers.
- Snorkeling coves: Eelgrass meadows and darting shoals.
- Insider tip: Join a guided paddle if you’re new to coastal kayaking—tides and wind change quickly.
9) Old Town Bay and Nature Reserve, St. Mary’s
- Why visit: A softer, more secluded corner of St. Mary’s with churchyard quiet and curving sands.
- Highlights:
- Nature reserve trails: Skylarks, butterflies, and spring wildflowers.
- Beach sunsets: Gentle light and easy access from Old Town cafés.
- Insider tip: Combine with a loop to Peninnis Head for craggy stacks and sea views.
10) Western Rocks and Bishop Rock Lighthouse (By Boat)
- Why visit: Out at the Atlantic edge, the Western Rocks are starkly beautiful and historically treacherous. The lighthouse is a marvel of Victorian engineering.
- Highlights:
- Sea-safaris: Spot seabirds, occasional dolphins, and dramatic surf.
- Photography: Low, raking light ignites the granite and spray.
- Insider tip: Choose calm-weather days; ocean swell can be significant. Local skippers know the waters—follow their lead.
11) Pelistry and Tolls Island (St. Mary’s)
- Why visit: A family-friendly cove with shallow waters and a tiny tidal island you can reach at low tide.
- Highlights:
- Wade to Tolls Island: Childhood wonder for all ages—just mind the rising tide.
- Picnic-perfect sands: Sheltered and luminous.
- Insider tip: Bring reef shoes for crossing—the seagrass hides shells and pebbles.
12) Food, Farms, and Island Craft
- Why visit: Scilly’s culinary scene is small but sincere. You’ll taste sea air in the shellfish and sun in the tomatoes.
- Highlights:
- Local lobster and crab: Often served hours from landing.
- Honesty stalls: Flowers, jams, eggs, and artisan bread; islanders’ trust is part of the charm.
- Galleries and studios: Ceramics, glass, and sea-inspired art.
- Insider tip: Make restaurant bookings early in peak season. Many spots are intimate and fill quickly.
Practicalities: Planning Your Isles of Scilly Journey
- Getting there:
- By sea: The Scillonian ferry from Penzance to St. Mary’s (seasonal, weather-dependent).
- By air: Small aircraft from Lands’ End, Newquay, and seasonally Exeter to St. Mary’s.
- Getting around:
- Inter-island boats operate daily in season; schedules often appear each morning. Flexibility is your ally.
- On land: Walking and cycling are the norm; hire bikes or simply wander.
- When to go:
- Late spring to early autumn for gardens, swimming, and longer days.
- Shoulder seasons for quiet lanes, wild seas, and golden light.
- What to pack:
- Layers, waterproofs, walking shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, and a small dry bag for boat trips.
- Etiquette:
- Respect habitats, keep beaches clean, and follow tidal advice. The islands reward care with access and beauty.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: St. Mary’s
Morning on the Garrison walls, lunch in Hugh Town, afternoon coastal walk to Pelistry, sunset at Peninnis Head. - Day 2: Tresco and Bryher
Abbey Garden, picnic at Pentle Bay, late boat to Bryher for Hell Bay and an early dinner. - Day 3: St. Agnes and Gugh
Tidal crossing, wild headland wander, and a farewell ice cream at Troy Town Farm.
Conclusion: The Gift of Slowness
The Isles of Scilly are not a checklist but a cadence. You come for beaches that glow like nacre, gardens that defy latitude, and headlands that teach you to pause. Stay long enough to learn the tide tables by heart; step lightly, look closely, and you will find that the archipelago returns your attention with abundance. Whether your first visit or your fifth, Scilly has a way of restoring the simple elegance of travel: unhurried, intimate, and unforgettable.
