Duration
All day
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.
Great for
Families or couples
Activity
Horse Riding
Food and drink
Cafe stop
Day trip
Scillonian
Full itineraries
Transport
Sail on Scillonian III
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. On arrival into the harbour take a walk into Hugh Town and you can catch the islands bus to St. Mary's Riding Centre.
Activity
Horse riding on St. Mary's
If this is your first time riding, the riding stables on St. Mary's offer a one-hour hack (a horsey-term for a ride). Across farms tracks and then onto the beach for a paddle in the sea, which is wonderful. You will have an instructor with you at all times. The centre also offer longer rides for more experienced riders.
Lunch
Scillonian's on-board cafe or lunch in Hugh Town
We recommend having an early lunch from aboard Scillonian III in one of the on-board cafes Western Rocks Coffee Co, the cafe sells a selection of hot drinks and fresh snacks. If you'd prefer lunch once you've disembarked, stop at the cafe on St. Mary's Quay or there's a whole selection of places to eat in Hugh Town.
Highlights
Seeing Scilly from a whole new perspective
On horseback you get to see a lot of St. Mary’s in just an hour. This ride covers around three to four miles, and you have the time to look around and take it all in. You simply can't beat riding across the beach on an island. The beach that this ride covers is just below the flight path for Skybus - look up and see what you can spot above!
Sample itineraries
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 in 1651 and is one of the few surviving Cromwellian fortifications in Britain. Read on to find out more. Find out more
Itinerary
Walk the coast - St Agnes
What to do on St Agnes island?
One of our favourite walks is to the back of the island and furthest westerly point, there’s only one quay on the island so once disembarked from the boat keep walking straight on and not to the left into town. We've pulled together a handy guide to help you catch a snippet of St Agnes in just a few short hours, read on to find out more. Find out more
Itinerary
Lunch with a view -Bryher
What to do on Bryher Island?
In the summer, Bryher may look more like heaven – with Atlantic waves lapping the edges of the cove, and sandy beaches fringing the grass and wild flowers. But come here in a storm, when the breakers sweep in from the ocean and meet the first land for two thousand miles, and you’ll see Hell Bay is aptly named. And it’s one of the contrasts that makes Bryher so unique. Find out more
Itinerary
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
Itinerary
Hire bikes and explore St. Mary's
Cycling Adventure on Scilly Isles
On St. Mary’s Island, 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
Itinerary
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
Itinerary
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
Itinerary
Snorkel with seals
Snorkelling with Seals on the Isles of Scilly
For nature lovers and water enthusiasts it doesn’t get any better than snorkelling with seals in their natural environment. Head to the island of St. Martin’s, and you'll find the Scilly Seal Snorkelling Co who offer excursions to the Eastern Isles to swim with the seals and make memories to cherish for a lifetime. This trip is suitable for families from age 8 upward and couples. Find out more