Rediscover the magic of a British seaside day out
There’s something about a British seaside holiday that never really goes out of fashion.
The excitement of setting off for the coast, the first glimpse of the sea, sandy toes, an ice cream after a swim, rock pools to explore and fish and chips by the harbour. For many of us, they’re the simple things that make a summer feel like summer.
And if you love Cornwall, you’ll love Scilly. Just 28 miles off the coast, the islands have all the familiar pleasures of a British seaside break, but with a journey across the water, islands on the horizon and a slower pace once you arrive.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip from Cornwall or somewhere to spend a few nights, Scilly is made for summer.
A seaside day out, with a little more adventure
One of the best things about Scilly? You can experience a proper island escape in a day.
Leave Penzance on board Scillonian III and, as the Cornish coast fades behind you, look out for your first glimpse of the islands ahead. Arriving in St Mary’s, you’ve got the day to make your own before heading back across the water that evening.
Spend some time on the beach, hire bikes and explore the island’s lanes, walk the coast around the Garrison or head out on the water to see what you can spot along the way.
There’s plenty to keep the whole family busy, but there’s no need to pack everything in. Take your time over lunch, wander around Hugh Town, stop for an ice cream or settle down with fish and chips by the harbour and watch the boats come and go.
It’s the familiar stuff of a seaside day out, just in a setting that feels a little different.
Or stay a little longer
Of course, one day only gives you a taste of Scilly.
Stay for a few nights and there’s time to slow down even further, explore more of the islands and settle into island life. Spend a morning on the beach before lunch, take a boat to another island for the afternoon, or simply follow the coast and see where the day takes you.
With more time, you can discover the different character of each inhabited island, return to a favourite beach or take things at a pace that feels properly like a holiday.
Whether you come for a day or stay for longer, Scilly makes it easy to switch off and spend time outdoors.
Summer days made for families
For families, Scilly is a chance to spend time together without having to fill every minute.
Explore the coastline, discover rock pools, watch for wildlife or simply let the children run off some energy on the beach. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re visiting for the day or staying for a week.
And for anyone who remembers visiting Scilly as a child, there’s something particularly special about coming back. Perhaps you’ll revisit a favourite beach, show your own children the places you remember or simply recreate some of those summer days – this time with a new generation.
One last summer with Scillonian III
There’s an extra reason to make this summer the one you visit Scilly.
2026 is the final season of Scillonian III, before she retires after almost 50 years travelling between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.
For many people, the journey aboard Scillonian III is part of their Scilly memories. The excitement of boarding in Penzance, watching the mainland disappear and seeing the islands come into view has been repeated by generations of islanders and visitors.
So, if Scillonian III has been part of your childhood holidays, why not come back and do it one more time? Bring the family and make some new memories alongside the old ones.
And if you’ve never sailed on her before, there’s still time to experience Scillonian III for yourself before she makes her final crossing.
Make this summer a Scilly summer
Whether you have a day, a long weekend or a little longer, there’s still time to make the most of summer on the Isles of Scilly.
Step aboard Scillonian III in Penzance, leave the mainland behind and discover a British seaside break with a difference.
Make this one last summer on board Scillonian III