From wellness retreats and guided island walks to creative workshops, low tide festivals, stargazing and world class rowing, the Isles of Scilly host some of the most inspiring events in the UK. Each season brings its own blend of nature, food, adventure and community, all set within the islands’ picturesque landscapes.
Whether you’re looking to dive into Scilly’s creative spirit, an adrenaline adventure or a vibrant celebration of island life, 2026 is filled with unforgettable experiences across the archipelago.
To make planning your getaway even easier, Isles of Scilly Travel is offering a range of exclusive discounted travel options for selected events throughout the year*. Here’s your guide to Scilly’s standout festivals and special events for 2026.
Festival of Wellness | 14th-23rd March
The Isles of Scilly are known as a natural wellness destination. A place to disconnect from day‑to‑day life, reconnect with yourself and soak up a generous dose of vitamin sea. There’s no better setting to celebrate all things wellness than here.
Celebrate the spring equinox on Tresco with a week of wild wellbeing guided by island practitioners and guest experts. Experience meditative morning yoga, spa therapies distilled from the island’s crystal-clear waters, gentle introductions to trail running and cold-water immersion, as well as breathwork, gardening and floristry. Click here for more event information.
Walk Scilly Festival | 10th-19th April
With expert-guided walks and experiences tailored for springtime, participants can look forward to discovering the unique flora and fauna of each island while gaining insights into the local communities.
Exploring the five inhabited islands as well as some uninhabited ones offers a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems to discover. Whether it’s traversing coastal paths, delving into ancient history or learning about unique species.
Choose to wander at your own pace or join an immersive guided walk along miles of coastal trails with ever‑changing views of the sea and neighbouring islands. Even if you’ve explored Scilly many times, this is a chance to rediscover the islands through fresh perspectives, guided by those who know them best. Uncover the stories of shipwrecks, island history and hidden details you might have passed by before.
Travel discount: Use the code WKSC0426 for 10% off travel between 09/04/26 and 19/04/26 (Penzance and Land’s End routes only). Click here for more event information.
Low Tide Festival Spring | 17th April
When powerful spring tides pull back the sea, the channel between Tresco and Bryher empties just enough to walk between the islands. It’s a rare Scillonian spectacle — and the perfect setting for a mid‑channel pop‑up festival. Step onto a stretch of seabed that’s usually underwater, soak up the lively atmosphere, enjoy delicious island food and be part of this truly one‑of‑a‑kind experience. Click here for more event information.
World Pilot Gig Championships | 1st-3rd May
One of Scilly’s most electric weekends, the Gig Championships bring hundreds of rowers and spectators to St Mary’s for three days of fast‑paced racing and festival atmosphere. Crews from around the globe compete in traditional wooden gigs, so expect an unbeatable buzz. Journey on Scillonian III, the ship that has carried hundreds of gigs to the islands since 1990, and passengers since 1977, and be part of this iconic weekend. Click here for more event information.
Creative Scilly | 16th-26th May
Experience Scilly’s vibrant creative scene as local artists and makers open their doors for hands‑on workshops in fused glass, watercolour, polymer clay, lino‑cut printing and more. This spring, the festival expands even further, welcoming theatre, live music and poetry to the islands for an inspiring celebration of arts in all forms.
It’s hard not to feel creative on the Isles of Scilly, where serenity, open horizons and coastal views spark the imagination. Discover what has inspired generations of island artists, meet local creatives, and find your own inspiration in this unique setting.
Travel discount: Use the code CRSC0526 for 10% off travel between 16/05/26 and 26/05/26. Click here for more event information.
Ocean Scilly | 22nd-30th August
A nine-day nautical festival celebrating the sparkling seas that surround the Isles of Scilly. Championing all things water-based – adventure, wildlife, heritage, and island spirit – with events happening on, in and above the water. The perfect chance to do what you love, or try something new, in a new setting.
From coasteering and sea safaris, sea swims and coastal saunas, to live talks and guided shipwreck walks, there will be something for everyone. Click here for more event information.
Low Tide Festival Autumn | 11th September
September on Scilly often holds onto a gentle warmth long after the mainland fades into autumn, thanks to its signature Indian summer climate. It’s the perfect moment to soak up the golden light and relaxed late‑season atmosphere at this rare event.
Occurring only when lunar forces create exceptionally low tides, the channel between Tresco and Bryher falls dry enough to walk across on foot. This fleeting pop-up celebration lasts just over an hour before the klaxon sounds, the signal to return to dry land as the sea slowly reclaims its stage. Click here for more event information.
Taste of Scilly | 11th-20th September
Ten days of mouth‑watering food and drink experiences celebrating the very best of Scilly’s local specialities. Expect fresh, farm‑to‑fork flavours at every turn, ingredients grown in island garden and ultra‑low‑food‑mile seafood landed just metres from where it’s served.
Enjoy fresh foodie experiences from tapas nights to Beehive Tour & Taster events. Across the rest of the archipelago, discover a diverse array of events and activities, from savouring Scilly tea and cake to indulging in sunset lobster nights.
Travel discount: Use the code TSSC0926 for 10% off travel between 11/09/26 to 28/09/26. (Penzance and Land’s End routes only). Click here for more event information.
Swimquest Scilly Swim Challenge | 17th and 18th September (2 day) / 20th September (1 day)
Covering 15km in five open‑water stages, with short walks between each, this is one of Scilly’s most spectacular, and toughest, challenges. It’s now sold out, but your cheers from the sidelines could make all the difference to the swimmers taking it on. Click here to see more event information.
Scilly Dark Skies Week | 4th-9th October
Scilly Dark Skies Week is a celebration of grassroots astronomy and the Isles of Scilly’s wonderfully dark night skies, hosted by the community observatory on St Martin’s. With minimal light pollution, the island offers some of the clearest and richest views of the night sky in the UK – even recently treating islanders to rare displays of the Northern Lights!
St Martin’s is a prime location for stargazers, photographers and anyone curious about what lies above us.
2026’s event will include walks, talks or practical workshops with nightly stargazing at the observatory.
Cost: Pay as you go. Individual event tickets guide donation: £10/£6 (under 16s).
Scilly Dark Skies Week is a non-profit event and all proceeds go back into this annual event and towards the ongoing upkeep of the community observatory. Click here for more event information.
Tresco Autumn Tide Festival | 10th-17th October
A week-long celebration of food, art and culture inspired by the shifting season. From garden strolls to sandbar walks and immersive experiences in this remarkable landscape. The New Inn will sit at the heart of the festival, with opportunities to meet our island producers, savour seasonal specials, taste a range of guest ales, and join locals for a yarn about island life.
Led by islanders, artisans, and nature lovers, the programme promises something for every soul: tuck into freshly caught seafood, sip locally brewed spirits, take an invigorating dip in the sea, or unwind to the sounds of live island music. Click here for more event information.
Scilly 60 Events
Each year, Scilly 60 Events brings people together through a shared love of the outdoors, offering incredible race experiences across the Isles of Scilly. With a packed programme for the year ahead, there are events suited to both newcomers and seasoned adventurers.
From coastal runs that trace the edges of both inhabited and uninhabited islands, to swim challenges in Scilly’s beautifully clear waters (and unique swimrun formats that combine both) every event is shaped by the islands’ unique landscapes and laid-back atmosphere.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best, ticking off a bucket-list challenge, or simply looking for an exciting way to explore somewhere new, Scilly offers a setting that turns every mile and every stroke into part of the adventure.
Explore the full programme of Scilly 60 events and find your next challenge.
*All of the event discounts apply for travel on Scillonian III and flights from and to Land’s End Airport. The discount can only be applied to new bookings and cannot be added to bookings retrospectively, is only for travel within the set dates, normal Ts&Cs apply for amendments and cancellations.