The "Off" Islands & general information

   

Four more islands to enjoy

  • Tresco - with the renowned Abbey Gardens or the clean, calm sands of Pentle Bay is a nice quiet alternative to St Mary's for a day out.

 

  • Bryer - an island of contrasts, a sheltered East coast for swimming and boating or the wild landscapes to explore in other parts of the island.

 

  • St Martin's - with its endless, uncrowded beaches and crystal clear waters is a must visit island, particularly for photographers or artists.

 

  • St Agnes - the smallest of the islands is a haven for birds and wildlife so will appeal to those who enjoy nature at its best.

Well worth a visit and all a short hop by boat from St Mary’s

Tresco

Whether you come to visit the world renowned Abbey Gardens or to find peace and solitude on the pristine sands of Pentle Bay,Tresco is a quite extraordinary island.

There are many other attractions to fire the imagination including the amazing landscape sculpted by the wind and waves, long silver sand beaches, glorious views of St Martin’s and historic sites from the 17th century civil war and World War One. The two hotels on the island are the New Inn and the Island Hotel.

Bryher

The sheltered east coast is ideal for swimming and boating with the island of Tresco a mere stones throw away. By contrast the unprotected west coast bears the landscape of severe westerly gales and fierce waters.

The north is home to wild landscapes and rocky heathlands magnificently illustrated by Shipman Head. The south is
dominated by the beach rolling softly to the uninhabited island of Samson. The highly regarded Hell Bay is the only hotel on this small island and has a reputation as one of the finest retreat hotels in the UK.

St Martin’s

Visible from all the other islands St Martin’s is dominated by glorious, uncrowded endless beaches. Artists appreciate the crystal clear light and visiting the two galleries on the island whilst birdwatchers flock to see many infrequently  seen  species.

But most of all visitors enjoy getting away from it all with gentle walks and long lazy days on the beach. St Martin’s on the Isle is regarded as the premier hotel of the Scillies and is the only one on the sland. Situated on a sandy beach with wonderful sunsets this hotel is a perfect venue to enjoy peace and solitude.

St Agnes

The smallest of the inhabited isles, St Agnes is a haven for rare birds and wildlife.

The natural traditional features of island life such as walking, wading, searching, listening, sitting, basking, leaning, eating and drinking are abundant on St Agnes.The most westerly of the isles this is a naturally beautiful and timeless place.Without a hotel on the island we can recommend guest house accommodation for your stay.

To check availability or to book please contact us on 01425 480600 or via email here

General Information

The Scilly Isles are one of the safest communities left in Britain today. The crime rate is virtually non-existent and the magistrates meet once every 3 months if required! There are a couple of banks on St Mary’s but only one cash machine! There are no banks on the”off ” islands. Several shops and pubs will offer cash back facilities and each island has a sub post office. Please note that credit cards are not always accepted and cash is often required particularly when purchasing tickets for boat trips.

All islands have an Anglican Church and there is a Methodist Church on St Martin’s. Dogs and responsible owners are welcomed on the Islands.

For golfers there is a 9 hole 18 tee course on St Mary’s and for shoppers there is a wide variety of shops, galleries, craft centres and gift shops to suit most tastes and budgets. Eating out is varied with quality restaurants on the islands with seafood an obvious speciality. The tourist information centre in Hugh Town will happily help with all kinds of enquiries from boat schedules and tide times to the expected weather conditions.