The Isles of Scilly are a British archipelago sitting just off the southwestern tip of the Cornish peninsula.
Commonly known as the ‘Scillies’, they’re in a beautiful world of their own, away from the bustling mainland. Traffic, supermarkets and hotel complexes don’t exist here. They also have one of the mildest climates in the United Kingdom, with warmer winters and more hours of sunshine than south-west England.
The five inhabited islands are St Mary’s, Tresco, Bryher, St Martin’s and St Agnes, with a further one hundred or so uninhabited islets strung across the bays.
The Scillies make an ideal slow-paced weekend getaway, boasting plenty of sublime Mediterranean-style beaches. The most picturesque can be found on St Martin’s, where you can try snorkelling with playful seals.
St Martin’s is also home to the smallest and most southerly vineyard in the UK, with recently planted pinot noir and chardonnay vines.
The stunning Tresco Abbey Garden was created in 1843 and is a must see for any horticulturist. On a stroll through the gardens, you’ll spot over twenty thousand exotic plant species including desert cacti and crimson flame trees.
St Mary’s is the largest and most visited of the Scillies. It has a well-preserved Bronze Age tomb or ‘entrance grave’ known as Bant’s Carn and an Ancient Roman settlement at the foot of the hill.
In the summer months, be on the on the lookout for the local ‘gig race’. This is a wonderful spectacle involving crews of six rowing a boat known as a ‘gig’, between the main islands.
You can sail from Penzance in Cornwall and arrive in St Mary’s within three hours. The journey itself is a great opportunity to spot dolphins and to drink in the beautiful scenery. The service is run every day, with 'Isles of Scilly Travel' ferries fully equipped with cafés and comfortable seating.
"pleasant journey"
I had a very enjoyable trip on the Scillonian last week, the facilities provided for passengers are excellent , I thoroughly recommend it as the most interesting form of travel to the Island of St Mary's.
Read More Read Less"and they'll be great if you mess up"
I messed up and missed the ferry and then staff both down by the dock and out at the airport bent over backwards to get me there. Low cloud beat me at the airport but I was on ferry to The Isles of Scilly the following day.
Read More Read Less"The Scillonian"
A very pleasant trip helped by a sunny day and a calm sea. Unloading of baggage at Penzance on return a bit hit and miss but dealt with speedily.
Read More Read Less"Two very different sailings."
We sailed out of Penzance on Friday June 9th. Boarding was so efficient, the sun was shining, we were walmly welcomed on board, found a seat and made our selves comfortable. Enjoyed a nice cup of tea before leaving the port. Wow what a rough crossing, I've never seen so many green people before! Luckily my husband and I are good sailors! The Scillionian crew were fantastic, I felt quite sorry for the young lady who was emptying all the bins! On our return the sea was so calm. The ship always sails, the airplane doesn't. The night before our first sailing there were people in our hotel who had been trying to fly to the Isles of Scilly for two days! We have sailed before from Penzance to St Mary's and we will in future.
Read More Read LessFind out what it's like onboard the ferries before you travel.
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