Isles of Scilly: Nature, Trails and Island History

The Isles of Scilly bring together coastal scenery, nature watching and history across an archipelago. As the Isles of Scilly National Landscape, the protected landscape encompasses the inhabited and uninhabited islands as well as the rocks. More than 35 beaches are spread across the archipelago. Coastal paths, nature trails, flower fields and island paths are available year-round for walks and hikes.

Landscape and Wildlife

You can also explore the islands by bike along winding paths. Along the way, there are views of clear water, rugged cliffs and quiet beaches. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing are among the activities on the water. Depending on the season and provider, guided tours range from island walks and archaeological explorations to wildlife and marine excursions, as well as sunset tours.

The Atlantic grey seals on the Isles of Scilly form one of Europe’s most significant breeding populations. At the same time, a significant proportion of the world’s Manx shearwater population breeds here. The Scilly shrew is a species found only on the islands. These distinctive features make nature watching a focus in its own right alongside beach days and hikes.

On trips to observe marine wildlife around Scilly, you may see puffins, storm petrels, common guillemots and Atlantic grey seals. Sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. If you are planning such a trip, take the season into account and check dates with the provider.

Historic Sites and Island Culture

Harry’s Walls comprises two artillery bastions and a section of the curtain wall of an unfinished fort. Construction began in 1551 during the reign of King Edward VI. A rising footpath leads there; the site is best explored on foot or by bike. Path conditions may temporarily affect access, so it is worth checking conditions before your visit.

At Halangy Down Ancient Village, the remains of almost a dozen interconnected stone houses have been preserved. The settlement dates back to the Iron Age and Roman period. Together with the unfinished fort at Harry’s Walls, it offers a different perspective on the islands’ past: here, traces of a settlement spanning two periods; there, the surviving parts of a military structure whose construction had begun.

Resident archaeologist Dr Katharine Sawyer regularly leads historical walks on all the islands. Availability and dates may vary. Other guided activities include archaeological explorations and island walks, as well as wildlife and marine excursions. This range is useful when planning, but as tours depend on the season and provider, you should not assume they will be available without checking dates in advance.

The Isles of Scilly Museum presents twelve pop-up exhibitions about the five islands. Its public archives are located at the Porthmellon Enterprise Centre and can be visited by prior appointment. So arranging an appointment is part of planning an archive visit; the exhibitions and archives offer different ways to explore island history.

A Visit to Tresco Abbey Garden

Tresco Abbey Garden is home to plants from all Mediterranean climate zones, as well as more than 2,000 exotic species from the Southern Hemisphere and the subtropics. The garden can be reached by boat from the other inhabited islands. Services run on most days, making day visits possible. However, sailings depend on tides, weather and seasonal timetables. Check the current timetable if you are making a firm plan to visit the garden.

Getting There and Connections Between the Islands

The Isles of Scilly can be reached by the Scillonian III ferry, by flights with Skybus, or by a combination of both. For connections between the islands, the St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association comprises ten independent boat operators. Membership and timetables may change. So check connections and times for your travel dates, especially if a day trip or guided tour depends on them.

When choosing your hotel base, it helps to consider the focus of your trip alongside the connections you will need. Paths can be used year-round; some excursions, however, depend on the season, provider or boat timetable. If specific tours or a visit to Tresco are part of your plans, factor their dates and connections into your decision.

Discover more destinations: Hugh Town, St. Mary’s, Tresco, Wiltshire, Dorset, Swindon, Torbay, Devon.

Return to the main travel overview: South West England.