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Isles of Scilly Travel
Penzance Helicopters

Where your journey is part of the experience - how to spend a day on Scilly

Make the most of a day on the islands

If you fancy dipping your toes into Scilly for the first time, then why not take a day trip? The islands are close enough to visit for the day, and there’s plenty to do (or not, if you’d prefer!).

From idyllic beaches and wonderful wildlife to island hopping and the freshest local food, a day trip to the islands is an experience you will never forget – and it’s easier than you may think.

Travelling on the iconic Scillonian III passenger ferry takes 2 hours 45 minutes from Penzance Quay, arriving at St. Mary's around midday. You can relax in the onboard café and take in views of Cornwall’s spectacular coastline, including the world-renowned open air Minack Theatre, Land’s End and St Michael’s Mount. The ship is regularly joined by pods of dolphins, a raft of seabirds and occasionally even basking sharks – in fact, the route has been named the UK’s highest diversity ferry crossing for wildlife spotting. It’s the most popular way to visit Scilly for the day.

Flying to the Isles of Scilly gives you more time to enjoy the islands. By air, Scilly is just 15 minutes away, meaning you’ll get even longer to explore – but who’s clock-watching when the journey is as memorable as the destination? You can fly with Skybus, the Isles of Scilly’s own airline for more than 30 years, or Penzance Helicopters, putting the whole archipelago within easy reach.

Board a Skybus flight from Land’s End direct to St. Mary's or Penzance Helicopter from Penzance Heliport to St. Mary's or Tresco. Both take just 15 minutes and gives you around eight hours on the islands – enough time to relax, explore and plan your next visit. You could even fly into one island and back from the other to enjoy a true island-hopping adventure.

For the best of both worlds, fly with Skybus to the islands and sail home on board Scillonian III. The Fly + Sail round trip gives you more time on Scilly and the chance to experience Skybus and Scillonian III (with Isles of Scilly Travel) in a single break; fly out to the Isles of Scilly, then sail back to the mainland, looking out for sea life and enjoying the views of the Cornish coast as it approaches. More below for day trip travel options.

On your arrival in Scilly you have a choice. Do you immediately head to one of the off islands (Tresco, St. Martin’s, St. Agnes or Bryher) for lunch and a stroll, visit the Abbey Garden on Tresco, or do you soak up the Scillonian atmosphere of St. Mary’s? The choice is yours, but if you do choose an off island, be sure that you can get a boat back to St. Mary’s Quay to arrive no later than 4pm to make the Scillonian III connection back to Penzance (it usually leaves at 4.30pm).

Should you choose to stick to St. Mary’s, there’s much to be accomplished in your few hours on the island. From a stroll through Hugh Town, you’ll reach Porthcressa Beach and the Tourism Information Centre. From there you can head up to Buzza Tower to admire the view or walk around the headland to Peninnis Lighthouse and on to Old Town where there are a couple of eateries and a stunningly peaceful church yard where Lord Harold Wilson is buried.

Or why not hop aboard the Island Rover tour bus which leaves Holgate's Green on the Strand at 10.15 for an hour and 10 mins informative tour of St. Mary's?

Or from the Quay, you can head for the Garrison for a beautiful walk around the heavily fortified headland, steeped in history, surrounding the Star Castle. The Garrison offers amazing 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 hotel itself.

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

Of course if you fly in and out of the Isles of Scilly for the day (or combine air and sea travel) you’ll have a few more hours to enjoy our outstandingly beautiful islands!

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Day Trip Travel Options

Your journey to the Isles of Scilly is where your adventure begins. A scenic flight or leisurely sail gets you to this stunning sub-tropical archipelago that’s a world away from the rest of England. It’s so easy to visit and small enough to appreciate its incredible beauty and rich island heritage in just one day. Treat yourself to a day to remember: Sail from Penzance or fly from Land’s End with a Fly + Sail ticket, both Isles of Scilly Travel, or take the helicopter with Penzance Helicopters.
Day Trips - Gifts, Tips & Getting Here

Let us help you experience the best day of your life with our handy Scilly guide. From gift buying, tips and how to get here - we have it covered!
Day Trips - To impress your Friends

Just being on a remote island in the middle of the Atlantic might be enough to impress the most discerning. However, these top 5 experiences are sure to make a big splash.
Day Trips - Family Days Out!

Escape with the kids this summer for an adventure like no other. From the best picnic spots, to exploring rock-pools and water-side activities, we look at 5 of the best!
Day Trips - Space to Breath

If you’re hoping to escape to a place of beauty, with a sense of freedom rarely found elsewhere, coupled with boundless wildlife and secluded hotspots, then we’ve just the thing. Our open spaces provide the perfect playground to recharge and rebalance, and whatever you choose, we know it will be exhilarating and life affirming.
Day Trips - For Big Discoveries

A trip to Scilly is an experience that will change you, even in a day! Here we go off-grid and explore some of the more secret and iconic parts of this tiny archipelago. Get discovering now!
Day Trips - To Reboot your Life

There's nowhere better, or more unique, than to explore what's on your doorstep, especially on a day trip to Scilly. Let us help you reconnect with yourself and your loved ones in a single day on these tiny set of islands, afloat at the foot of Cornwall.
Day Trips - in 3 Hours

It's amazing how much you can achieve in just 3 hours spent on Scilly. Hop to an off island, take a tour or get your walking shoes on - you'll be spellbound, even in the brief time you're here. Check out these 3-hour suggestions across all 5 inhabited islands.

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Scilly Yacht Charters

Address

3 Buccabu, Lower Strand, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly

Telephone
01720 422188

scillyyc@outlook.com

St. Mary’s

A truly unique experience, why not make your holiday complete by spending a day sailing the crystal clear, azure waters of Scilly aboard our 50 foot Bermudan cutter 'Jekamanzi'

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Scilly Sea Safaris

Address

Telephone
07884365375

scillyseasafaris@gmail.com

St. Mary’s

Why not treat yourself to a unique island sea safari aboard Rib Firebrand IV with skipper and photographer Dave McBride.

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Raptor Boating

Address

Mayford Marine, Peninnis Farmhouse, King Edward's Road, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0HE

Telephone
07729 127877

raptor@mayfordmarine.co.uk

St. Mary’s

Travel the islands in comfort & style at a time that suits you! Raptor Boating provides wildlife & scenic tours, water taxi & private charter services.

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Scilly Rockpool Safaris

Address

Telephone
07530 304374

scillyrockpoolsafaris@gmail.com

St. Mary’s

Have you ever wondered what animals live under the crystal clear waters of Scilly? Join us on a rockpool safari - follow the falling tide, step into the wild, and discover the amazing marine animals that live along our…

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Kernow Coasteering

Address

Peninnis Farm, Church Road, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0NA

Telephone
07734 343 954

info@kernow-coasteering.co.uk

St. Mary’s

For adventure lovers, no trip to the Isles of Scilly is complete without a coasteering adventure at Peninnis Head, on the main island of St. Mary’s.

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Hut 62 Watersports Hire

Address

Bryher, ISLES OF SCILLY, TR23 0PR

Telephone
07979393206

book@hut62.co.uk

Bryher

Come to Hut 62 for the ultimate Scilly experience
At Hut 62 we have motor boats, sailing boats, stable sit on top kayaks, transparent kayaks, SUPs and pedalboards available to hire by the hour, day or week.
We’re based…

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St. Mary's Riding Centre

Address

St. Mary's Riding Centre, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0NU

Telephone
01720 423855

claire@horsesonscilly.co.uk

St. Mary’s

A warm welcome awaits you at St Mary's Riding Centre.
The only horse riding establishment in the Isles of Scilly.

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HolyVale Vineyard & Winery

Address

Holy Vale, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0NT

Telephone
01720 422317

info@holyvalewines.co.uk

St. Mary’s

Situated in the tranquil and beautiful Holy Vale on the Nature Trail at the heart of St. Mary’s, the Vineyard and Winery is a must visit location during your stay on St Mary’s.

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Tanglewood Table

Address

St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0PB

Telephone
01720 422454

eat@tanglewoodkitchen.co.uk

St. Mary’s

Euan Rodger, former manager at London's savoy, now cooks for up to 8 people sitting around what was once the post office sorting table.

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Facilities

Catering
- Take away service
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Bryher Gallery

Address

Bryher Gallery, Bryher Gallery, Isles of Scilly, TR23 0PR

Telephone
01720 423602

karenboorman@btinternet.com

Bryher

Bryher Gallery is a friendly independent space showcasing local and Cornish artisans. Our works include a range of original paintings by artists such as Bryher’s own Richard Pearce and one of Cornwall’s leading…

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Wine Tasting at HolyVale Vineyard

Address

Holy Vale, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0NT

Telephone
01720 420317

info@holyvalewines.co.uk

St. Mary’s

Join Holy Vale Vineyard owner and wine enthusiast Robert Francis for a delicious pre-supper treat. Enjoy a selection of fine wine tastings and accompanying canapes.

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Island Wildlife Tours

Address

Will Wagstaff, Sally Port, St Marys, Isles Of Scilly, Isles Of Scilly, TR21 0JE

Telephone
01720 422212

will@islandwildlifetours.co.uk

Isles of Scilly

Discover the natural beauty of the Isles of Scilly with Will Wagstaff, resident ornithologist and naturalist. Watch the passage of migrant birds; learn about the interesting local history and beautiful flora and fauna…

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Queen Elizabeth II Community Sports Hall

Address

Carn Gwaval, Old Town Road, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly

Telephone
01720 424400

enquiries@scilly.gov.uk

St. Mary’s

The Queen Elizabeth II Community Sports Hall includes a gym, MUGA and netball courts providing opportunities for a variety of sports and activities.

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St. Agnes Boating Wildlife Safaris

Address

St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly

Telephone
01720 422704

john@stagnesboating.co.uk

St. Agnes

St Agnes Boating is working with the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust to promote the island’s wildlife. Every Wednesday we have a Wildlife Trust Ranger onboard who is our guide. The Spirit travels to Annet, the protected…

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- Dog Friendly
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Tresco Bike Hire

Address

Smith Square, New Grimsby, Tresco, TR24 0QQ

Telephone
01720 422849

contactus@tresco.co.uk

Tresco

Two wheels must be one of the best ways to explore Tresco. With miles of quiet roads and dusty tracks to travel along, you can enjoy the freedom of the whole island.

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Seal Snorkelling Adventures

Address

Higher Town, St. Martin's, Isles of Scilly, TR25 0QL

Telephone
07340 055748

enquiries@sealsnorkellingadventures.com

St. Martin’s

This is a new business that is creating an unforgettable experience swimming with the amazing wild seals that surround our beautiful islands.

Sleeps:

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Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust

Address

Trenoweth, St. Mary's, TR21 0NS

Telephone
01720 422153

hello@ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk

Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust is Scilly’s only locally-run conservation charity responsible for looking after more than 50% of our beautiful Islands. With a small staff team who are effectively custodians of this…

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Isles of Scilly Golf and Bowling Club

Address

Carn Morval, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0NF

Telephone
01720 422692

islesofscillygolfclubbistro@gmail.com

St. Mary’s

The most south westerly course in England, its beauty is unique and must be seen if visiting St Mary's.

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Leisure Facilities
- Access to golf course
Catering
- Bar
- Restaurant
Establishment Features
- Non members welcome
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Gallery Tresco

Address

New Grimsby, Tresco, Isles of Scilly

Telephone
01720 424925

gallery@tresco.co.uk

Tresco

Nestled on the shoreline of New Grimsby harbour, this converted pilot gig shed now hosts art by some of Cornwall's most established artists, as well as a selection of unique giftware inspired by the islands.
Between…

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- Indoor Attraction
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Island Images

Address

info@ellietabron.com

Tresco

Meet Ellie - Mum of three, photographer and designer. Ellie offers an ever broadening range of products designed to bring island magic to your every day.

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