Isles of Scilly Day Trip

With limited time, it may not be possible to visit the other islands of the Scillies. Feel free to enquire to the local boat operators, although many of them leave St Mary’s around 10am on their early trips and return at 4.30pm on their later trips which unfortunately won’t quite work with our timings, but may not be the case for all of them.

However, there is so much to do in your few hours on the island of St. Mary’s. From a stroll through Hugh Town, you’ll reach Porthcressa Beach where you’ll also find the Tourist Information Centre to give you some tips to the best things to see and do during your visit. The Tourist Information Centre is closed on a Sunday, but the Silver Street Gallery have offered their wealth of local knowledge, so if you pop in, someone will gladly give you some advice on highlights around the island and point you in the right direction. On Sundays, some of the shops and cafes on the main high street you first reach when you leave the harbour may be closed, however, do not worry as there is still plenty open and lots of places to explore (and eat!).

From Porthcressa, you can head up to Buzza Tower to admire the view or walk around the headland to Peninnis Head Lighthouse and onto Old Town where there are a couple of eateries; passing by the stunningly peaceful church yard where Lord Harold Wilson is buried. The Old Town beach is also a perfect spot for beachcombing.

An alternative short walk from the Quay, you can head for Garrison Hill for a beautiful walk around the heavily fortified headland, steeped in history, surrounding the Star Castle. The Garrison offers terrific views of the entire archipelago to give you a sense of what Scilly has to offer, as well as of course the opportunity for a bite to eat at the historic Star Castle Hotel itself.

Alternatively if you want to explore further afield, you can hire a bike or an electric golf buggy and head off (advanced booking required). There’ll be plenty of time to check out the Iron Age and Bronze Age settlements at Bant’s Carn and Halangy Village and discover the sublime beauty and peacefulness of Scilly’s stunning more remote beaches. Taxis will be very willing to provide a tour of St. Mary’s but you will need to contact them in advance.

If you’re feeling active and want to hit the water, the sailing centre offers hire of kayaks, SUPs, windsurf gear, dinghies etc. Give them a call in advance to check availability.

If you’re after lunch with views, try Juliet’s, overlooking Porthloo Beach, or Porthcressa Beach-side tapas at Dibble and Grub. Take in the surrounds of a traditional pub in town, with The Mermaid being the most traditional and closest to the harbour. Finish by popping into a local shop to gift buy before heading back to the harbour to board the boat.

Make sure you bring comfortable footwear for the island, a warmer jacket in case it gets chilly while the boat is travelling, water/drinks and snacks for the journey as well as your camera and binoculars if you have them in case you spot any exciting wildlife on the journey!