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The Isles of Scilly, a picturesque archipelago off the southwestern tip of Cornwall, England, combines historical sites, beaches, charming nature and wildlife. Having around 140 islands, there are only five that are inhabited: St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, St Agnes, and Bryher. The climate is warmer and milder than the UK mainland owing to the effect of the Gulf Stream. So, the places to visit in the Isles of Scilly form a perfect retreat for those seeking a tranquil experience clubbed with breathtaking natural beauty. Quite easily accessible by ferries, planes, or helicopters from Cornwall, this spot is a traveller’s delight.
14 Best Places To Visit In The Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly’s coastal charm, unique sceneries, and peaceful experience delight tourists, and they cannot stop praising it. Let us have a look at the best places to visit in the Isles of Scilly.
1. St Mary’s Riding Centre
Photo: Rodhullandemu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The equestrian centre is a delight for beach lovers, offering serene rides, sea treks, and water sports. It offers the fun experience of riding amidst stunning island scenery. Moreover, St Mary’s Riding Centre has a riding school located on the largest of the Isles of Scilly. It is located off the coast of Cornwall, England. You can enjoy riding on horseback while exploring breathtaking landscapes, an experience of a kind. You can enjoy guided treks across sandy beaches, soaking in the scenic countryside. Younger riders need not be left out but enjoy pony rides.
Location: St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
Suggested Read: Popular Places To Visit Near UK For Your Next Escape
2. Bant’s Carn Burial Chamber
Photo: David Purchase / Wikimedia Commons
Among the places to visit in the Isles of Scilly, one location that embodies its history and culture is Bant’s Carn. There are hints of Bronze Age and Iron Age life at this site. It features a central burial chamber with a stone-lined entrance tunnel and provides insights into how early islanders built chambered tombs for community burial. These are among the best-preserved Neolithic burials in the Isles of Scilly and are believed to have been used for ancestor worship and rituals. The ruins that mark this site include walls, courtyards, and hearths.
Location: St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
3. St Martin’s Vineyard
Photo: Kmtextor / Wikimedia Commons
A source of organic wine production, St. Martin’s vineyard is family-run and committed to organic methods. The stunning island of St. Martin’s in the Isles of Scilly is the setting for this vineyard. Starting at a tourist centre, self-guided excursions lead you across the property and up to the top field, which offers expansive views of the eastern skyline. Things to enjoy here include a walk through the vines and learning about the winemaking process, along with the delight of wine tastings of a selection of white, rosé, and sparkling wines, a true escape into a world of taste and relaxation.
Location: St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
Suggested Read: Islands In UK
4. Cromwell’s Castle
Photo: Colin Park / Wikimedia Commons
Cromwell’s Castle was constructed in 1651 by the Parliamentarians following their conquest of the Isles of Scilly by the Royalists. Sitting on the island of Tresco, the castle is a 17th-century coastal stronghold that protects the slender passageway that connects Tresco with Bryher. One of England’s best-preserved Cromwellian fortresses, it provides breathtaking views of the sea, particularly from King Charles’s Castle, a nearby destroyed artillery fort. The castle’s breathtaking elevated vista against the sea captivates visitors. Additionally, when approaching the Castle of King Charles, a boat trip provides an excellent view of the castle’s location.
Location: Tresco, Isles of Scilly, UK
5. Tresco Abbey Garden
Photo: David Dixon / Wikimedia Commons
This one of the places to visit in the Isles of Scilly falls in the category of its gorgeous gardens. The garden finds its place near the ruins of Tresco Abbey, and was established in the 19th century by Augustus Smith. The elements that constitute its charm are a shell house, a pineapple fountain, and unique red squirrels. More than 20,000 eclectic, exotic plants, including species from South America, New Zealand, and South Africa, can be found in the garden. With its vivid and vibrant blossoms and tall palms, it’s a haven for botanists and nature lovers.
Location: Tresco, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In UK
6. Rushy Bay, Bryher
Photo: Thomas Hirsch / Wikimedia Commons
Rushy Bay is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on the Isles of Scilly. It is great for watching seabirds, seals, and rare wildflowers. It is the perfect spot for watching the delightful colours of Scilly, its wildlife and its waters. Its location is on the southern coast of Bryher. It offers golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of Samson Island. Pristine beaches with their soft sand, calm waters and peaceful atmosphere, are super relaxing. The clear waters are ideal for swimming, paddling, and kayaking, making it one of the tranquil places for Isles Of Scilly trip.
Location: Bryher, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
7. Porthcressa Beach, St Mary’s
Photo: Mark Percy / Wikimedia Commons
The most exquisite and unique beach of the Isles of Scilly, Porthcressa Beach, cannot be missed when mentioning the best places to visit in the Isles of Scilly. This is a crescent-shaped sandy beach lying south of Hugh Town, which is the primary settlement on St Mary’s. This, being the most popular beach here, is a prime spot for sunbathing and beach walks offering soft sand to bask on. Ideal for swimming, paddling, and kayaking owing to its calm waters and ideal for cycling owing to the soft sands, it is one of the best in Isles Of Scilly tourist places list.
Location: St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
Suggested Read: Beaches In UK
8. Carreg Dhu Garden
Photo: Mark Percy / Wikimedia Commons
A hidden treasure among the tourist attractions in the Isles Of Scilly is a beautiful community garden, the Carreg Dhu. Filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, the spot is a more woodland-style garden when compared to Tresco Abbey Garden, which features exotic stuff. Carreg Dhu, perfect for a quiet escape, is adorned by a tranquil setting including winding paths, shaded benches, and colourful blooms. With well-provided seating areas, it is a good picnic spot too. As a perfect garden, this too boasts to be a haven for songbirds, butterflies, and pollinators.
Location: St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
9. Phoenix Craft Workshop & Gallery
Photo: Vyacheslav Kirillin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Phoenix Craft Workshop & Gallery is a creative hub offering a way for visitors to explore local handmade artwork and unique souvenirs. The destination is a single facilitating location for seven creative firms, being one of the best among Isles Of Scilly tourist places. Every artist and craftsperson creates their unique pieces, which they then sell directly to customers. Both adults and children who visit the studios have a choice to learn from many of these artists. You can learn how to paint ceramics, stained glass, silk, or jewellery with beads.
Location: St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
Suggested Read: Must-Try Things To Do In The UK For Every Traveller
10. Garrison Walls
Photo: Andrew Abbott / Wikimedia Commons
This is one of the historical sites on the list of tourist places in Isles Of Scilly. Its historical relevance springs from being a part of the nationwide coastal defence strategy here, first established during the reign of Henry VIII. The Star Castle was built in 1593. A sense of antiquity fills you when you walk along the walls and see the historic cannons, artillery batteries, and Star Castle. With its expansive coastal views and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, this location truly captivates visitors. The waters around the Isles are frequently home to seals and dolphins.
Location: St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
11. Old Town Bay
Photo: Chris Gorringe / Wikimedia Commons
Old Town Bay on St Mary’s is a haven for peaceful beach lovers and history buffs alike. Tucked away from the bustle of Hugh Town, its crescent sands invite you to relax, stroll, and watch gentle waves lapping the shore. The surrounding landscape creates a romantic, tranquil escape, with old stone cottages dotting the hillside and a charming church nearby. As you wander, discover remnants of bygone times, including an ancient cemetery that adds fascinating character to the village. With sunsets that paint the water gold, Old Town Bay is ideal for leisurely picnics along its scenic shoreline.
Location: Birds Corner, Trench Ln, Old Town, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
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12. Green Porth Beach
Photo: Clem Onojeghuo / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Green Porth Beach, located on Bryher, is as picturesque as its name suggests. This sheltered cove boasts clear turquoise waters framed by lush greenery and rolling dunes, creating a natural playground for swimmers, kayakers, and children searching for shells. On sunny days, the sand glows invitingly, and you might spot wildflowers blooming at the water’s edge. The beach’s gentle slope makes it perfect for paddling, and its tranquil ambience offers sanctuary from crowds. Whether you’re up for a morning dip or dream of an afternoon spent basking in the sunshine, Green Porth Beach promises unforgettable, laidback island charm.
Location: Tresco, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
13. Richard Pearce Artist Studio
Photo: mali maeder / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Discover creativity at its source by stepping into Richard Pearce’s vibrant artist studio on Bryher Island. A treasure trove of colour and inspiration, the studio is brimming with original artworks that capture the unforgettable moods and landscapes of Scilly. Admire paintings that bring wild seas, dramatic skies, and serene beaches to life, all crafted with a distinctly local touch. Meet Richard Pearce himself for insights into his process and the stories behind each piece. This welcoming space is both a gallery and a creative hub, perfect for picking up a unique souvenir or simply soaking up the artistic spirit of Bryher.
Location: Great Par Bryher, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
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14. Bryher Island
Photo: Des Blenkinsopp / Wikimedia Commons
Bryher Island itself is a world apart, a place where rugged coastline meets tranquil escape. With fewer than 100 inhabitants, Bryher delivers raw, untamed beauty and intimate island hospitality. Venture along narrow lanes lined with flowering hedgerows or explore cliffs that tumble into foaming seas. Unwind at a cosy cafe, savour locally caught seafood, or seek adventure among windswept dunes. Bryher’s tidal flats and rocky outcrops provide endless spots for wandering and wildlife watching. Whether you come for nature, food, or friendly faces, you’ll find Bryher is a spirited, unforgettable slice of Scilly.
Location: Off the coast of Cornwall, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
The Isles of Scilly is a popular attraction that calls for tourists from all over the world every year. A mild climate, white sandy beaches, gardens, crystal-clear waters, and vivid wildlife are some of the elements that constitute its popularity. There are several scenic places to visit in the Isles of Scilly including museums and art stores. These extended options are best covered with a trip planned for you by TripXL.
Cover Photo: Annie Spratt / Unsplash
