Things to do & places to visit in Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom

Isles of Scilly #90 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.59 based on 2.290 traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 22:53.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 St Mary's Riding Centre (243 reviews)
- Bucket List Tick
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Horse Tracks • Horseback Riding Tours

Horse riding treks for all abilities along the beaches and coastline of St. Mary's in the beautiful Isles of Scilly. British Horse Society Approved, fully licenced and insured with qualified instructors. Quiet and well mannered horses and ponies. Lessons also available. Age from 4 years. Prices start at £20pp-£65pp. The only horse riding establishment in the Isles of Scilly. See more..
5.0 Garrison Walls (110 reviews)
- Time and space
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Walking Areas

A great walk with history—the likes of Cromwell, etc. Step into the Star Castle Hotel on route, at least to read the history lessons in the entrance passageway: non-guests are welcome around. The Garrison walk has options—be aware that gorse can be a problem on the otherwise delightful inner paths (I’d prefer the islands to be gorse free). Various ancient cannons are still in place: it’s a tardisial walk, as well as being scenic. There are quite a few benches along the way—for some it might be a wee bit long and taxing. See more..
5.0 Porthcressa Beach (42 reviews)
- Beautiful sandy beach with small rocky outcrops
Beaches

On the south side of Hugh Town is Porthcressa Beach, a mainly sandy stretch of beach with small rocky outcrops at its western edge. In Hugh Town there are two main beaches and Porthcressa seemed to be the nicest out of the two and was pleasant when we visited in October and probably even nicer in the summer months. The Beach is a must see and worth exploring when on the island. See more..
5.0 Rushy Bay (41 reviews)
- Magical Island
Beaches

Stayed a week on Bryher and spent our time walking around the Island. It is so beautiful, wild in the north and softer in the south, with so many beautiful beaches and coves. Rushy Bay is the very best of them. Soft silver sand and crystal clear water, and very peaceful as well. The walks around Bryher are on gentle footpaths as roads are virtually non-existent. There is one shop, but quite a few stalls selling fruit, vegetables and flowers. An island for peace and tranquillity! See more..
5.0 St Martin's Watersports (37 reviews)
- Fantastic experience - great place to kayak and paddle board
Spent 2-3 hours Gear Rentals

We believe the best moments happen at sea! Visit uninhabited islands by kayak to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Eastern Isles. Discover deserted beaches, neolithic settlements, and incredible wildlife including grey seals who may even follow your kayak! Head out on a paddleboard on crystal clear waters and explore the shoreline of St Martin's. Whether you're new to paddle boarding or an experienced paddler we have options to suit everyone's ability. With double and four person stand up paddle boards why not share your supping experience with family and friends? We are open from April to October, Sunday to Friday from 09.30, always weather permitting! and all the equipment that you need to be out on the water safely is provided. We offer a variety of hire periods, from one hour to six days, and with over twenty years of local knowledge, will provide you with all the information you need to plan your adventure out on the water. See more..
5.0 Island Gin (12 reviews)
- Absolutely amazing
Distilleries

We flew down from London without any plans and whilst walking from the airfield to St Mary’s port we spotted this gin distillery. Drawn in by the beautiful blue bottle design of their Navy strength gin we vowed to return before flying home. Both the wife and husband owners of this distillery were so friendly and charming. Loved seeing it and talking to them, hearing their story, their awards and achievements. We bought the blue bottle gin and on getting home later, tried it. Absolutely delicious and faultless. I’m a gin drinker only and have a large collection, and this truly stands our. At 57% proof you only need a single shot with a straight forward non flavoured tonic. Outstanding, truly outstanding. If you cannot get ti the Scilly Isles to buy it in person, I’d truly recommend buying it online. I regret not buying their other two as I have no doubt they are equally as good. See more..
5.0 The Day Mark (9 reviews)
- Fabulous Views
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

St Martins and the Isles of Scilly in general have plentiful fabulous walks. The walk to the Daymark does not disappoint. We visited whilst doing a circular walk and the views are stunning in all directions especially from the Daymark which is surprisingly large and very colourful! Well worth the effort to visit. See more..
5.0 The Old Man of Gugh (1 review)
- Great ancient menhir!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Awesome standing stone! The Old Man was placed probably 3000 years ago! Great views from here of this rugged island, which is accessible from the sand bar from St Agnes at lower tide times. Gugh itself is incredible too! Be careful to keep to the paths as many birds nest here in the rocks and heather. This is not on St Mary's by the way, as the listing says on TripAdvisor, it is actually located on Gugh, which is an island attached to St Agnes via a sandbar, so you can only travel across at lower tides. See the map photo I uploaded, it was on a tourist sign in Hugh Town. See more..
5.0 St Mary's Riding Centre (243 reviews)
- Bucket List Tick
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Horse Tracks • Horseback Riding Tours

Horse riding treks for all abilities along the beaches and coastline of St. Mary's in the beautiful Isles of Scilly. British Horse Society Approved, fully licenced and insured with qualified instructors. Quiet and well mannered horses and ponies. Lessons also available. Age from 4 years. Prices start at £20pp-£65pp. The only horse riding establishment in the Isles of Scilly. See more..
5.0 Garrison Walls (110 reviews)
- Time and space
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Walking Areas

A great walk with history—the likes of Cromwell, etc. Step into the Star Castle Hotel on route, at least to read the history lessons in the entrance passageway: non-guests are welcome around. The Garrison walk has options—be aware that gorse can be a problem on the otherwise delightful inner paths (I’d prefer the islands to be gorse free). Various ancient cannons are still in place: it’s a tardisial walk, as well as being scenic. There are quite a few benches along the way—for some it might be a wee bit long and taxing. See more..
5.0 Porthcressa Beach (42 reviews)
- Beautiful sandy beach with small rocky outcrops
Beaches

On the south side of Hugh Town is Porthcressa Beach, a mainly sandy stretch of beach with small rocky outcrops at its western edge. In Hugh Town there are two main beaches and Porthcressa seemed to be the nicest out of the two and was pleasant when we visited in October and probably even nicer in the summer months. The Beach is a must see and worth exploring when on the island. See more..
5.0 Rushy Bay (41 reviews)
- Magical Island
Beaches

Stayed a week on Bryher and spent our time walking around the Island. It is so beautiful, wild in the north and softer in the south, with so many beautiful beaches and coves. Rushy Bay is the very best of them. Soft silver sand and crystal clear water, and very peaceful as well. The walks around Bryher are on gentle footpaths as roads are virtually non-existent. There is one shop, but quite a few stalls selling fruit, vegetables and flowers. An island for peace and tranquillity! See more..
5.0 St Martin's Watersports (37 reviews)
- Fantastic experience - great place to kayak and paddle board
Spent 2-3 hours Gear Rentals

We believe the best moments happen at sea! Visit uninhabited islands by kayak to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Eastern Isles. Discover deserted beaches, neolithic settlements, and incredible wildlife including grey seals who may even follow your kayak! Head out on a paddleboard on crystal clear waters and explore the shoreline of St Martin's. Whether you're new to paddle boarding or an experienced paddler we have options to suit everyone's ability. With double and four person stand up paddle boards why not share your supping experience with family and friends? We are open from April to October, Sunday to Friday from 09.30, always weather permitting! and all the equipment that you need to be out on the water safely is provided. We offer a variety of hire periods, from one hour to six days, and with over twenty years of local knowledge, will provide you with all the information you need to plan your adventure out on the water. See more..
5.0 Island Gin (12 reviews)
- Absolutely amazing
Distilleries

We flew down from London without any plans and whilst walking from the airfield to St Mary’s port we spotted this gin distillery. Drawn in by the beautiful blue bottle design of their Navy strength gin we vowed to return before flying home. Both the wife and husband owners of this distillery were so friendly and charming. Loved seeing it and talking to them, hearing their story, their awards and achievements. We bought the blue bottle gin and on getting home later, tried it. Absolutely delicious and faultless. I’m a gin drinker only and have a large collection, and this truly stands our. At 57% proof you only need a single shot with a straight forward non flavoured tonic. Outstanding, truly outstanding. If you cannot get ti the Scilly Isles to buy it in person, I’d truly recommend buying it online. I regret not buying their other two as I have no doubt they are equally as good. See more..
5.0 The Day Mark (9 reviews)
- Fabulous Views
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

St Martins and the Isles of Scilly in general have plentiful fabulous walks. The walk to the Daymark does not disappoint. We visited whilst doing a circular walk and the views are stunning in all directions especially from the Daymark which is surprisingly large and very colourful! Well worth the effort to visit. See more..
4.5 Tresco Abbey Garden & Valhalla Collection (700 reviews)
- Beautiful gardens
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Gardens • History Museums

The sub-tropical Abbey Garden is a glorious exception; a perennial Kew without the glass, home to thousands of exotic plants from around the world flourishing right here on the Isles of Scilly... Here off the coast of Cornwall, spring comes early, autumn stays late and winter hardly exists at all. Truly a subtropical paradise, Tresco Abbey Garden is brimming with plants that would stand no chance at all just 30 miles away on the Cornish mainland. The beautiful garden, built in the 19th century around the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey, is home to species from across the world’s Mediterranean climate zones, from Brazil to New Zealand and Burma to South Africa. It’s quite easy to while away a day meandering among sheltered glades of tree ferns or strolling along sunny terraces, gazing out across the borders to the ocean views beyond. Even non-gardeners cannot fail but wonder at the array of scents, sights and sounds that await around every corner. See more..
4.5 Bant's Carn Burial Chamber and Halangy Down Ancient Village (261 reviews)
- really interesting place, found on a coastal walk.
Ancient Ruins

finding it by accident was the best part really. it's further along the coastal path from Juliet's Garden. near the entrance to Juliet's was a sign showing the route to it. at first you might think not much to see. but there are illustrations on a board of how the village looked and it was easy to imagine the houses. just a calm place with a true feeling of connecting with the past. talked to people there who were taking a nostalgic visit. a lady who holidayed there many time on probably her last trip. everyone on Scilly is friendly and has time to talk. See more..
4.5 Isles of Scilly Tourist Information Centre (168 reviews)
- Helpful and uncluttered
Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

The Isles of Scilly Tourist Information Centre provides a range of information and services for visitors and local residents. This includes boating times & tickets, weekly 'What's On' sheet and short term accommodation availability. We also stock our own brand of merchandise, maps, guides and postcards. See more..
4.5 Cromwell's Castle (135 reviews)
- Marvellous vista from the Lord Protector's Fort
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Castles

After the Tudor foundation Charles' Castle had been destroyed by its surrendering Royalist defenders a new artillery emplacement was needed to guard the channel between Tresco and Bryher. Cromwell's military engineers constructed this on a site less suited to repel and land attack , and with surprising limitations on the fields of fire of the cannon, especially on the uppermost battery. But the living and working arrangements in the castle are clearly shown on the various notices, no charge is levied on those with the stamina to walk to it, and the highest observation post rewards those with a head for heights with views second to none. Going up there is a reminder of how warfare has changed, modern target acquisition technology rendering any observer similarly placed on a modern battlefield very vulnerable to sniper or drone fire. But as a reminder of what the New Model Army could achieve in its day Cromwell's Castle inspires. See more..
4.5 St Mary's Bike Hire (91 reviews)
- Electric bike hire . AMAZING
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gear Rentals

Bicycle hire for all the family. The best way to cycle tour St Mary's. We supply Bicycles, trailers, tag a longs, tandems, maps and information for everyone. See more..
4.5 Isles of Scilly Museum (89 reviews)
- A real gem Not to be missed
Speciality Museums • History Museums

Exhibits of local interest from pre-history to the present day: the Romano-British brooches and coins from Nornour; the Bryher Sword and Mirror; the Civil War in Scilly; finds from many shipwrecks; model boats; collections of birds, shells and clay pipes; an old Scillonian kitchen and much, much more. The Museum is in Church Street, Hugh Town, St Mary's, half-way between the Town Hall and the Parish Church. We have an excellent reference library and a growing collection of family history records, accessible to the public by appointment with the Curator. See more..
4.5 Phoenix Craft Workshop & Gallery (82 reviews)
- Beautiful, unique keepsakes
Art Galleries

The Phoenix Craft Workshops comprise seven creative businesses under one roof. All the artists and craftspeople make their own, original work which they sell direct to the public. Any purchases are very well packed to take back to the mainland! Many of these artists also teach their skills to people visiting the studios, both adults and children. You can learn silk painting, stained glass, beaded jewellery or ceramic painting. Prices start from £8.50. It is advisable to phone beforehand if you would like to participate in a class, but it is sometimes possible to just drop in on the offchance. The workshops are only 10 minutes walk from the centre of town, or 15 from the quay. (You can use the Tripadvisor app to locate them.). See more..
4.5 The Scilly Cart Co (77 reviews)
- Great way to see the island
Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals

We hired a 6 seater cart for 3 days and it was a great way to see the island. Although it's a small island, it was nice to be able to leave Hugh Town and explore, even if it meant doing a few repeat laps. The service was excellent. We had to fill in a bit of paperwork on arrival and Mark explained how to drive the cart, with a bit of humour thrown in too. They were easy to drive, even if my long legs made using the brake a bit tricky. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend. See more..
4.5 Carreg Dhu (50 reviews)
- Very pretty garden near Hugh Town.
Gardens

From Harry's Walls we continued on to the main sight we (Deb) wanted to see on the island, Carreg Dhu Community Garden. As its name suggests, this is run by volunteers and also shows the spread of a common pre-Saxon language as the words Cennan and Dhu are also used in Welsh and Gaelic. Fascinating fact I'm sure you'll agree. The gardens were a little overgrown but lovely to walk around, especially with no one else there! There were some amazing colours and also a Narcissus collection of historic varieties that were now out of commercial use. I didn't realise that for a long time the wealth of the islands was largely derived from flower selling. See more..
4.5 St Martin's Vineyard (32 reviews)
- We’ll be back
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

A vineyard offering self-guided tours and wine tastings. Self guided tours begin at our visitor centre and take you through the site and up to the top field with panoramic views out over the Eastern Isles before returning returning for al fresco wine tasting in front of the winery. The nine Vine Stops will introduce the site, the vines, the wine making techniques and the unique aspects of the site as well as some of the fauna and flora which call this vineyard their home. The wine tasting is an opportunity to try our still white and rose wines, created from the grapes you will have seen on your tour. There is the opportunity to buy the wine as well as our vineyard apple juice and other local produce at the end of your tour. Children and well behaved dogs welcome! See more..
4.5 Silver Street Gallery (20 reviews)
- Lovely
Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Lovely gallery, stunning collection of paintings, prints and smaller items (such as coasters etc). Service with Skybus to take purchases home. See more..
4.5 Garrison Gate (20 reviews)
- Historic fortified gate in Hugh Town
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Garrison Gate is located on the western edge of Hugh Town at the start of the Garrison Walls on the Headland. The fortified gate was built along with the other defences including the original defence walls and fortifications before the rest of the headland was surrounded by Garrison Walls. Garrison Gate is easily accessible from Hugh Town and is worth visiting along with the other preserved fortifications on the Headland. See more..
4.5 Innisidgen Lower and Upper Burial Chambers (9 reviews)
- well preserved burial chamber
Ancient Ruins

Well preserved burial chamber not far form the sea. You can go inside. You can walk from Hugh Town and visit as well the Garrison Walls, the Bant's Carn Burial Chamber and the Halangy Down Ancient Village. See more..
4.5 Old Blockhouse (7 reviews)
- Go on a clear day for the fabulous views.
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

This old fort is well worth visiting. Enjoy the views on a clear day and it is easy to imagine why the fort was built here in the first place. See more..
4.5 Rocket House (7 reviews)
- History
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Battlefields

Well laid out and maintained with excellent information regarding the history. Very worthwhile visit. See more..