Great for
Families
Itinerary
Beach day and lunch with a view
Discover the Beaches on St Marys Isles of Scilly
Sometimes we all just need a day relaxing on the beach, on St. Martin’s there’s ample choice of safe and sheltered beaches for the family to enjoy. The only difficult thing about a stay on St. Martin’s is deciding which beach you’ll visit. All around the island, you’ll find white, sandy coves that slope gently into crystal-clear water. It’s a tantalising choice.Extra services
Duration
Full day
Activity
Beach day and lunch with a view
Food and drink
Local pub or quirky café
Day trip
Fly + Sail
Full itineraries
Transport
Fly out, sail back, enjoy the best of both worlds
The best of both worlds, fly out, then sail back. Flying lets you spend more time on the islands and sailing back to Penzance is a relaxed way to end your day. It couldn’t be easier. Simply park in Penzance – or arrive by train – and meet our perfectly-timed transfer to your outward flight. And when you get back to the mainland, you’re already in the right place to continue your journey home.
Activity
Perfect family beach days
If you land at Lower town quay, step literally onto the beach and walk around past Southward Carn stacks to Middle Town beach, at low tide this is a haven for young swimmers and rock poolers. Alternatively, on the northern shore of the island is Great and Little Bay, which is a long expanse of white sand and the perfect place to enjoy a swim.
Lunch
Choose between a quirky cafe or a traditional pub
Stop at Little Arthur Café, this is the place to be for home-made scones, vegetarian dishes and a quirky dining experience. To get to the cafe, you've got to go through the Cricket Pitch by the beach, but the trek is worth it. Or for amazing views, The Seven Stones Inn is your destination; Savour amazing views, real ale and good lunchtime food.
Highlights
Un-inhabited islands reachable at low tide
The boat ride to St Martin’s will entertain the kids from the off, look out for wildlife on the route and from the shores. If making your way to St Martin’s Bay, there’s a wonderful little island- White Island, jutting off the coast and reachable at low tide.
Sample itineraries
Itinerary
Horse riding on the beach- St. Mary's
What to do on St Mary's Isles of Scilly?
Trotting across white sands, cantering along bridal paths and splashing in the bays – travelling on horseback is a wonderful way to experience the incredible coastal scenery around St Mary’s. And with the stables just a couple of miles from both the airport and the harbour, horse riding is the ideal activity if you’ve just arrived. Find out more
Itinerary
Discover Tresco's castles
Explore Cromwell's Castle on Tresco
Tresco is the second largest inhabited island on Scilly and whilst it's home to the sub-tropical gardens, un-spoilt beaches and fine food it's also full of walking routes, ancient monuments and historic castles. Cromwell's Castle stands tall guarding the channel between Bryher and Tresco, it was built between 1548- 1550 and is one of the few surviving Cromwellian fortifications in Britain. Read on to find out more. Find out more
Itinerary
Foodies day out on St. Agnes
Dine at Restaurants on St Agnes Isles of Scilly
To the east of St. Agnes, across the narrow channel by the Turk's Head, you'll see the mysterious island of Gugh. But here's another secret; wait for low tide, and a sand bar appears... you can simply walk across, and explore to your hearts content. There's more information below. Find out more
Itinerary
A snippet of Bryher
Sample Bryher Restaurants
Bryher is a small elongated island and like all of the other islands on Scilly, has it's own special charm. It's contrasted by the sheltered channel between Tresco and Bryher with several sheltered beaches and coves, the other side is the wild and rugged Shipman’s Head renown for its big seas and exposed cliffs. As Scilly’s smallest inhabited island, walking around Bryher is easy and accessible for most people. Find out more
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Hire a golf buggy on St. Mary's
Fun Alternative to Car Hire
If walking and cycling seem a bit energetic, a golf buggy is a fun and easy way to explore the island in comfort. It’s something out of the ordinary for the whole family – and up to eight can ride – but be aware there are age limits on who can drive. What better way to see the best of St. Mary's then touring the sights in a golf buggy. Find out more
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Hire bikes and explore St. Mary's
Cycling Adventure on Scilly Isles
St. Mary’s, you’ll be as close as the Isles of Scilly get to being busy. With beaches, shopping, countryside paths and coastal trails and with largely traffic-free roads and gentle slopes, the Isles of Scilly are perfect for exploring under pedal power. Find out more
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Walking route - St. Mary's
How long to walk around St Mary's Isles of Scilly?
St. Mary’s is criss-crossed by 30 miles of nature trails, paths and other walking routes. To see a snapshot of St. Mary’s, this walk will take you through tracks, lanes, woodland and across beaches. Read on for the full itinerary. Find out more
Itinerary
Tresco Abbey Gardens
Tresco Abbey Gardens
A visit to Scilly is not complete without appreciating the amazing flora and fauna, although this can be seen across the islands the best place to view thousands of tropical species is at the Tresco Abbey Gardens on Tresco island. The 19th century garden is home to some 20,000 sub-tropical plants. Find out more
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Walk the coast - Tresco
Top things to do on Tresco
Like anywhere on the Isles of Scilly, Tresco also has its share of beaches, panoramas and secluded spots. Pentle Bay is especially peaceful, the rugged north-east coast boasts historic forts named for both sides of the English Civil War. It’s possible to walk the length of Tresco in a few hours, read on for our guide to explore the cosmopolitan island. Find out more