Isles of Scilly Guide

The Isles of Scilly is an archipelago of five inhabited islands set amongst countless tiny outcrops and other islets. Despite being only twenty-eight miles from the tip of Land’s End, Cornwall, these islands have a surprisingly mild climate making them a haven for plants and wildlife.

It was at least 4,000 years ago when the first Cornish settlers arrived, leaving monuments that still exist today. Nornour, an uninhabited island, has evidence of Roman occupation, a presence that lasted for three centuries. But it was not until the middle ages that real interest in the islands brought fortifications to protect them from the various sea-faring enemies of Britain.

The Islands

St. Mary’s is the largest island and the centre of the isles’ community, but even though its capital, Hugh Town, caters for all the important amenities, it is barely larger than a village. The second largest island, Tresco ranges from the barren north to the world renowned Abbey Garden, and then to the wonderful beaches in the south. Likewise, Bryher has its rugged side facing the Atlantic, and sheltered side protected by the channel between it and Tresco. The furthest south-west of the five islands is St. Agnes, extremely peaceful and traditional.

The Isles of Scilly Heritage

There is a museum on St. Marys that contains many of the artefacts found on the other islands such as some of the Roman coins and brooches. The extensive maritime history of the islands is also well documented. Galleries and workshops are plentiful across the islands. Arts and crafts abound, with even a perfumery workshop.

The Isles of Scilly provide an ideal year round destination for a wide variety of holidays and activities including :

• sailing
• swimming
• surfing
• windsurfing
• kayaking
• gig racing
• fishing
• walking
• bird-watching.

There is a good choice of restaurants, pubs, cafes and bars to suit all budgets.