The Isles of Scilly are special for all ages but for families, it’s a great place to enjoy the simple things in life and appreciate all that the great outdoors has to offer.
And with Whitsun around the corner, there’s ample opportunity to explore the Isles of Scilly in one day.
If you haven’t been before, we’ve put together a handy itinerary to introduce you and your family to the islands.
How to get to the Isles of Scilly?
Travel to Scilly on Scillonian III and you’ll enjoy a wonderful 2 hour, 45-minute cruise to St. Mary’s. On your way, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy a stunning seaside view of Cornwall’s fishing villages, the famous open air Minack Theatre and the Land’s End peninsula. Quite often, the ship is joined by pods of dolphins, a raft of seabirds and occasionally even basking sharks.
What activities are family friendly on the islands?
Collect your bikes from St Mary’s Bike Hire, not forgetting a picnic from Hugh Town. Follow the road past the church and onto Old Town, the perfect pit stop to admire the view. Keep cycling and you’ll pass the airport on your right, before reaching the top end of the island. From here, you’ll have a choice of some of the islands most spectacular beaches- Bar Point and Pelistry.
Where to eat on the isles of Scilly?
Whether you choose to pick up a picnic from Hugh Town or you’ve stopped off for lunch in Old Town cafe, now’s about time to stop for a bite to eat and admire the views. There’s ample choice of fresh and local ingredients available in the shops or family-friendly cafes along the route.
Seeing the best that St Mary’s has to offer from a different perspective, the white sandy shores of beaches you’d never have imagined finding and perfect pitstops along the way. Finish your route and amaze the kids with an ice cream drink at Juliet’s garden overlooking the harbour before heading back to catch Scillonian home.
For further inspiration, check out our day trip film or visit our experience portal for family friendly ideas: