British Food and Travel

Facts and Figures

Located 15 minutes from the tip of Cornwall by plane, the Isles of Scilly is an archipelago of about 145 islands. Five are inhabited. The Scilly Isles have been designated an Area of Natural Beauty.

An estimated 2,200 live on the islands. The pleasant southerly climate means they are popular with tourists. St. Mary’s is the largest island, and most of the population is based there. The other inhabited islands include Tresco, St. Martin’s, St. Agnes, and Bryher.

What to Do

Whether visiting for a day or a week, you will find a relaxed car-free atmosphere waiting for you. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do. The islands are rich in wildlife, and are home to some rare breeds. Boat trips and snorkelling adventures can bring you face to face with the local seal and puffin populations.

Other activities include golf, walking, and watersports. Alternatively, learn about shipwrecks and smuggling at the Isles of Scilly Museum. Or enjoy some peace and quiet in the botanic gardens.

Special Events and Festivals

Don’t be fooled into thinking that just because the islands are small, there’s no room to explore. Walk Scilly is currently in its 12th year. The 11-day festival hosts 37 guided walks, all led by experienced local guides. Learn about the area’s wildlife, wander the shore at sunrise, and hear some entertaining stories of days gone by. Walks are graded by ability level and spaces are limited on each. They often sell out quickly, so download the schedule and start making plans. Also visit the website to see about travel and accommodation discounts during the event.

To enjoy a month-long celebration of the freshest local produce, head to the islands in September for Taste of Scilly. Barbecues on the beach, tastings and workshops, supper cruises, cream teas, and food markets – they’re all the perfect opportunity to sample the local wares and meet the talented, hard-working folks who get them to your plate.

Getting to the Isles of Scilly

There are several ways to reach the islands. Flights go between the Isles of Scilly Airport on St. Mary’s and Exeter, Newquay, and Land’s End. Be warned – these are no large jets. The aircraft, operated by Skybus, are all 8 or 19-seaters. But you’ll be flying in style with incredible views as you make your approach.

If flying isn’t for you, enjoy a gentle cruise along the coast of Cornwall from Penzance to St. Mary’s. Boats depart daily from March to November and the journey takes 2 hours, 45 minutes. Enjoy a snack in the cafe or sit on deck and perhaps catch a glimpse of a dolphin pod or even a shark. Note that you cannot take your car with you. Parking facilities are available or you might want to take a train to Penzance and then transfer to the ferry.

For those travelling by train, combination packages that include air or sea transport to St. Mary’s are usually available.

From St. Mary’s, boats can take you to the other islands and shuttles can carry you to local hotels.

To learn more about the Isles of Scilly, visit https://www.visitislesofscilly.com/.

Update: Starting May 2018, a helicopter service will offer year-round travel between the mainland and the Isles of Scilly with up to eight flights per day, six days per week. Book your tickets through the Isle of Scilly website.