Local story
Atlantic archipelago
The Isles of Scilly are a group of islands about 28 miles south west of Land's End. There are over 140 islands, and five are inhabited: St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, Bryher and St Agnes. About 2, 100 people live here.
St Mary's is the largest island and the main gateway for visitors. Hugh Town is the capital, with the main harbour. Tripper boats run between the islands, so island hopping is easy.
The Scillonian III ferry sails from Penzance to St Mary's from March to November, weather permitting. The crossing takes around 2 hours 45 minutes, and dolphins and seabirds can sometimes be seen on the way. Skybus flies to St Mary's from Land's End all year, and Penzance Helicopters flies from Penzance to St Mary's and Tresco.
The islands have more than 35 beaches. Visitors come for walking, cycling, paddleboarding and kayaking, and for wildlife such as puffins, shearwaters and grey seals. Tresco Abbey Garden dates from the 1830s.
The whole archipelago was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1975. The islands have mild winters, and frost and snow are rare. Accommodation is limited, so book well ahead.
Use Cornish.co.uk to find places to stay, food and drink and things to do around Isles of Scilly. Open the interactive map for pins, including nearby beaches, or jump to Cornwall walks and local services. Discover & connect lists neighbouring towns and parishes.
