Isles of Scilly

Image supplied by Visit Cornwall

ENGLAND’S ENCHANTING ARCHIPELAGO

Why visit the Isles of Scilly?

Nestling just 35 miles off the coast of Cornwall, these islands are like nowhere else in England. Outstandingly beautiful, uncrowded and unspoilt, they seem like a world apart from everyday life. Arrive by small plane from Exeter, Newquay or Land’s End or by the passenger ferry Scillonian lll from Penzance. This cluster of low-lying islands lie amid a turquoise lagoon, some fringed by rocks, others by white sandy beaches, and all bathed in a light of wonderful intensity. There are five inhabited islands, and throughout the day fleets of colourful launches ferry people to and fro. Each of the islands has a distinct identity and special character.

St. Mary’s –the largest island, but less than 2.5 square miles. It's the central hub with a number of excellent pubs and a cluster of shops as well as the health centre, two banks, the Post Office and a remarkable museum of island life. There are only 6 miles of roads but over 30 miles of paths and nature trails. The capital, Hugh Town, lies between two sandy beaches, one side being the main harbour. The Tourist Information Centre can be found at the top of Porthcressa beach.

St. Agnes – is the last bit of England before you reach America and probably a separate island for over 1,000 years; the water which separates it from the other islands is much deeper than that which laps their beaches so it’s always been out on its own and has probably seen more shipwrecks too.

Bryher - on some days this little island can be almost frighteningly bleak as waves, having gathered momentum for 2,000 miles, smash into Hell Bay, and then the next day it can be almost achingly beautiful and calm. There is a stark contrast between the west side and the much softer east side which faces across the sheltered Channel to neighbouring Tresco. Sometimes you can even walk between the two islands on very low tides.

Tresco – is one of the unique places of the world and recently placed amongst the Top Ten Islands in the world by National Geographic Magazine. It owes this status to its quite remarkable flora to be found in every hedgerow but which is all brought together in the world famous Abbey Garden. Nearly 200 people live here and run the place.

St Martin’s – arguably the most picturesque of all the islands with glorious sweeping beaches adorning the edges of its crescent shape . A little like Bryher it, too, has a rugged weather beaten side to the north east and a much gentler, sheltered side to the south and west. In the distance the Eastern Isles sit like a shimmering necklace low in the water – a favourite haunt of seals which you can swim and snorkel amongst.

You'll find:

More than 35 sandy beaches
Watch the abundant wildlife with a snorkelling safari - basking sharks, seals, dolphins and sea birds
Fantastic watersports - windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, kite-surfing
Boat trips to watch wildlife on the uninhabited islands
Savour fresh seafood and local ales
Go beachcombing on a deserted beach
Explore the island trails by foot or hire a bike
Watch gig rowing (Wednesday and Friday evenings in the summer months are best)
Ride horseback along the beaches and through the shallows
Enjoy a guided walk and find out the low-down on the islands history and archeaeology
Explore the museum on St Marys and the tales of shipwrecks and piracy

Upcoming Events

Walk Scilly Festival - Friday 10 April 2026 to Sunday 19 April 2026

The Walk Scilly Festival is an incredible opportunity to explore the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Isles of Scilly. With expert-guided walks and experiences tailored for springtime, participants can look forward to discovering the unique flora and fauna of each island while gaining insights into the local communities.

Exploring the five inhabited islands as well as some uninhabited ones offers a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems to discover. Whether it's traversing coastal paths, delving into ancient history, or learning about unique species, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Additionally, the festival provides the chance to embark on sea-faring trips, further enhancing the experience and allowing participants to appreciate the islands from a different perspective.

Low Tide Event - Friday 17 April 2026

This rare and magical event happens only when the moon and tides align. During these powerful Spring Tides, the channel between Tresco and Bryher is briefly exposed, allowing you to walk across the seabed itself.

As the tide retreats, the Tresco team splashes through the shallows to set the stage. Soon, islanders and visitors begin their barefoot journey from both Tresco and Bryher, meeting at the heart of the channel for a once-in-a-blue-moon gathering on the sand.

The celebration lasts just a little over an hour - then, as the klaxon sounds, it’s time to return to dry land before the sea reclaims its stage. Wander across to the opposite island to continue your adventure, and later, take the boat home over the very spot where you were dancing barefoot on the seabed just hours before.

Join us for this ephemeral celebration where community, cuisine, and the natural world converge on a sandbar that exists only for a few magical hours.

Food, Drink & Island Spirit
Like the shifting sands it’s set upon, the Low Tide Event has evolved over the years - no two gatherings are ever quite the same. Each one brings together a different mix of island characters, flavours, and experiences for our beloved sandbar shindig.

Tresco and Hell Bay Hotel host pop-up ‘Sand Bars’, serving cold drinks and locally distilled island spirits, including our own Hell Bay Gin.

Bryher’s Island Fish even beach their boat, Emerald Dawn, right on the sand to serve up the freshest seafood straight from the sea.

Every event features a rotating cast of local producers and entertainers from across the Isles of Scilly. Past highlights have included live music from Cornish singer-songwriter Will Keating and the band Scuppered, traditional lobster pot-making with islander Jof Hicks, and fascinating seabed safaris with the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.

You might also stumble across tempting treats and tipples from island favourites like SC Dogs Rum, Westward Farm, Tarquin’s Gin, Bryher Bake Box, and Veronica Farm Fudge.

Upcoming Dates
The next Low Tide Events are scheduled for:

Friday 17th April 2026
Friday 11th September 2026
Event Information & Guidelines
For safety, this event is always subject to weather conditions and tidal variations.

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads during the event.

World Pilot Gig Championships - Friday 01 May 2026 to Sunday 03 May 2026

The World Pilot Gig Championships are an annual gig racing event held during the May Day bank holiday weekend. This year's championships will take place between 1st - 3rd May 2026

The World Championships were first held in 1990, only attracting a few crews from Cornwall, but in the intervening years the amount of pilot gigs attending has increased with crews coming from all over the South-West and some from even further afield.

Creative Scilly Festival - Saturday 16 May 2026 to Tuesday 26 May 2026

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking to explore something new, this year’s Creative Scilly Festival has something for everyone!

Creative Scilly is an Arts and Cultural festival, celebrating artists, makers, literature, live music, theatre, performance and the Scilly's own Folk Festival.

This tiny cluster of wild little islands will host a diverse program of immersive, live events across all 5 inhabited isles; an eclectic and whimsical mix of home-grown Scillonian artists, interspersed with mainland performers, offering al fresco pop-ups, workshops, open galleries, creative courses, imaginative performances and live music in some of the most unique locations in the British Isles.

For more information click here

Ocean Scilly - Saturday 22 August 2026 to Sunday 30 August 2026

oin us for The Ocean Scilly Festival – a nine-day, fun-filled nautical festival celebrating the sparkling seas that surround our islands

Championing all things water-based – adventure, wildlife, heritage, and island spirit – with events happening on, in and above the water.

From coasteering and sea safaris, sea swims and coastal saunas, to live talks and guided shipwreck walks, there will be something for everyone to look forward to.

Low Tide Event - Friday 11 September 2026