Discover the Isles of Scilly: A Travel Guide
If hell is other people, heaven is the Isles of Scilly. Located 28 miles to the west of Cornwall’s Land’s End, this spectacular archipelago will make your heart leap with joy. It’s like Cornwall before the real estate boom, where islanders welcome you as long-lost friends, and the ice-cream-white beaches remain blissfully deserted. The air is fragrant with sun-drenched salt and sweet narcissi. For every dazzling wild marigold, you’ll find an honesty box brimming with home-grown vegetables, just-laid eggs, and crumbly fudge.
On these islands, the daily grind of life fades away, replaced by a slower pace and friendlier faces. Days are often filled with unbroken sunshine, and the night skies, free from city-light pollution, glow beautifully. For anyone who visits, it’s a revelation. Just like the gentle ebb and flow of the tide, you’ll find yourself promising to return.
The Isles of Scilly consist of over 140 islands, with five inhabited. The remaining islands serve as nesting grounds for storm petrels and manx shearwaters. Each island has a unique and captivating charm: St Mary’s, the largest, features Hugh Town as its capital; Tresco is the pristine favorite, leased to the Dorrien-Smith family since 1834; while Bryher is wild and rugged. You can also explore the quaint, flower-filled St Martin’s and the tranquil, remote St Agnes.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Scilly Isles?
The Isles of Scilly boast some of the mildest and warmest conditions in the UK. Even during the off-season, frost is rare, and spring comes early. The hedgerows explode with vibrant Bermuda buttercups, and carpets of white wild garlic bloom around every border. July and August attract more visitors due to their reliable weather, but the beaches remain quieter than those of the mainland. September usually brings cloudless skies and that lingering late-summer feeling. Once October arrives, temperatures drop, and autumn hues begin to appear, making it a popular month for birdwatchers. From November onward, many restaurants and hotels close until early April, creating a serene atmosphere for winter visits.
A Guide to the Best Islands in the Scilly Isles
St Mary’s
Often the first port of call for visitors to Scilly, St Mary’s houses the main airport and the dock for the Scillonian passenger ferry. As the most populated island with the only gasoline station, it boasts a comforting rhythm around the harbor. Experience the hustle of boatmen gathering on the quay and the exciting trips to off-islands.
Don’t miss the nostalgic walk around Hugh Town, characterized by its charming cluster of gift shops, galleries, and local restaurants.
