The Isles of Scilly are around 23 miles off the Cornish coast (go by ferry from Penzance). Stunningly beautiful, they look more like Caribbean islands, with white sandy beaches and clear blue seas. But don’t be fooled – this area has many shipwrecks, to show waters can be treacherous.
The islands are slightly warmer than elsewhere. And many birds like to stop here for a rest, when migrating from or to Africa. The islands are very popular with painters.
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
If at the coast, read our post on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
One sailor stranded on an island for a few days was shocked to find dead marine wildlife, many due to oil and litter.
This caused him to found Clean Ocean Sailing, a team of volunteers that remove plastic waste from the coast in all of Cornwall.
Visit Scilly Organics, one of England’s best micro box schemes (the founder is also a sustainability expert, who offers carbon consultancy for other organic farmers). Check out his free carbon calculator tool.
A Quick Guide to the Main 5 Islands
St Mary’s: The Hub of Island Life
St Mary’s is both the heart and busiest corner of Scilly. Its lively harbour at Hugh Town greets nearly all visitors. Cobbled streets wind between cafés, galleries, and old stone buildings. Car-free footpaths lead out to sandy beaches and craggy headlands.
Tresco: Gardening Heritage and Exclusive Retreats
Tresco’s reputation springs from its sub-tropical Abbey Garden. Rare palms, exotic blooms, and succulents layer across terraces—all warmed by Scilly’s gentle climate.
Red squirrels, absent from most of England, make this island their home (there’s no need to cull grey squirrels with proper habitats).
St Martin’s: Wild Beauty and White Sands
St Martin’s brings together some of Britain’s clearest waters and softest sands. Low-tide reveals wide expanses, while steep dunes and heathered cliffs shelter wildflowers and butterflies.
With only a handful of shops and a single pub, it keeps things simple. The island has become known for its vineyard and the only flower farm in Scilly open to visitors.
St Agnes and Bryher: Untamed Edges
St Agnes, smallest of the main inhabited islands, feels the most remote. Rocky outcrops, old lighthouses, and sweeping sea views create a world apart.
Ancient chapels, and hidden coves make St Agnes a haven for walkers.
Bryher – a Peaceful Undisturbed Air
Bryher stands close by, just a short boat ride from Tresco, but its mood can shift in moments. One side meets the wild Atlantic in crashing surf, the other lies calm and sandy.
Tiny hamlets, scattered fields, and a single hotel give this island an ideal space, for quiet and wide coastal skies.
Home to Many of our Native Seals
Grey and harbour seals are both found here, giving birth and resting on beaches. Never play frisbee on beaches (seals get trapped in them) nor jet ski near any marine creatures.
New seal pups can’t swim, so never disturb them, you could spook them into the sea. Often they are hidden by their mums in sand dunes, so keep dogs on leads and avoid walking near seals, in breeding season.
Keep at least 100 metres away (the same as a football pitch size). If a seal is looking at you, you’re too close.
If you see a marine creature in distress, call British Divers Marine Life Rescue for help (01825 765546).
While you wait for help, stand between the pup and sea (to stop pups drowning or freezing). Read more on how to help our native seals.
Warmer Weather (later blooming flowers)
The Scilly Isles have longer growing seasons, due to warmer weather. Just know that all bulbs (including daffodils) are not safe near pets.
Learn how to create pet-friendly gardens (and never face indoor foliage to gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows).
