Attractions and Places To See on the Isles of Scilly - Top 20

The Isles of Scilly are rich in history, offering numerous ancient and defensive sites. You can visit the extensive 16th-century Star Castle and Garrison Walls on St Mary's, built to guard against invasion. On Tresco, explore the 17th-century Cromwell's Castle and the 16th-century Old Blockhouse. The islands also feature a remarkable density of ancient burial chambers and settlements, such as Bant's Carn Burial Chamber and Halangy Down Ancient Village on St Mary's, and the Innisidgen Entrance Graves with striking views towards St Martin's.

Absolutely. A major highlight is the Tresco Abbey Garden, often called 'Kew without the glass,' which flourishes with over 20,000 exotic plant species from around the globe. Within the garden, the Walhalla Museum houses shipwrecked figureheads. For a taste of local produce, visit the St Martin's Vineyard and Winery. The Isles of Scilly Museum on St Mary's displays artifacts, including Roman offerings from the Nornour site.

The Isles of Scilly are renowned for their pristine sandy bays and crystal-clear waters. On St Mary's, Porthmellon Beach offers white sand, turquoise waters, and views towards Tresco and Samson, popular for watersports. Porthcressa Beach, also on St Mary's, is a sandy paradise with shallow waters. Great Bay Beach on St Martin's is highly recommended, and Higher Town Bay is another accessible option on St Martin's.

The islands are a haven for wildlife. You can spot internationally important breeding seabird colonies, including Manx shearwaters, storm petrels, puffins (especially from April to July), and shags. Atlantic Grey Seals are a significant population, often seen around the coast. Keep an eye out for the unique Scilly shrew, an island speciality.

Yes, walking and hiking are popular ways to explore the Isles of Scilly. You can enjoy coastal paths like the Garrison Walls Trail on St Mary's or explore the diverse landscapes of other islands. At low spring tides, it's even possible to walk between several islands, such as from Tresco to Bryher, Samson, and St Martin's, or from St Martin's to White Island. For more detailed routes, check out the Hiking on the Isles of Scilly guide.

Beyond hiking, the Isles of Scilly offer various outdoor activities. Cycling is a fantastic way to see the islands, with easy loops available on St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, Bryher, and St Agnes; find routes in the Cycling on the Isles of Scilly guide. For adventure seekers, coasteering at Peninnis Head on St Mary's is recommended. Horse riding is also available, with St. Mary's Riding Centre offering beach rides and hacks along bridleways.

Many attractions on the Isles of Scilly are suitable for families. The beautiful beaches like Porthmellon Beach and Porthcressa Beach are perfect for children. The Tresco Abbey Garden offers open spaces and interesting plants for all ages. Island hopping by ferry is an exciting adventure, and exploring ancient sites like Bant's Carn can be educational and engaging for older children.

The Isles of Scilly benefit from the Gulf Stream, allowing exotic plants to flourish. Spring sees flowers blooming weeks before the mainland, and autumn offers vibrant seasonal colors. For wildlife, puffins are typically seen from April to July. The mild climate generally makes it pleasant for sightseeing from spring through early autumn, but even in winter, many plant species are in bloom in the Abbey Garden.

Island hopping is a popular and essential activity to explore the unique charm of each island. Small ferry boats regularly operate between the inhabited islands. Additionally, at low spring tides, you can experience the unique opportunity of walking between some islands, such as Tresco to Bryher, Samson, and St Martin's, or St Martin's to White Island.

While the rugged terrain of some areas can be challenging, certain spots offer better accessibility. Higher Town Quay on St Martin's and St Mary's Harbour are noted as wheelchair accessible. Many of the main towns and flatter coastal paths can also be enjoyed. It's advisable to check specific attraction details for the most up-to-date accessibility information.

Visitors frequently praise the Isles of Scilly for their peaceful tranquility, stunning natural beauty, and unique blend of heritage and maritime history. The subtropical gardens, pristine beaches, and opportunities for inter-island exploration are often highlighted. The sense of being in the middle of the Atlantic, surrounded by vibrant ferry traffic and picturesque bays, creates a dreamlike experience for many.

Beyond the main attractions, you can discover several intriguing spots. Piper's Hole Cave offers a challenging but rewarding exploration. The Old Man of Gugh, an Iron Age hill fort, provides commanding views, and you can walk to Gugh from St Agnes at low tide to see Obadiah's Barrow. St Agnes itself, with its pretty cottages, flower fields, and a stone labyrinth, offers a charming, less-crowded experience.