The Islands & general information

   

Islands to enjoy

 

  • St Mary's - most of our featured accommodation is in the islands capital, Hugh Town, an ideal base to enjoy mile upon mile of coastal paths and nature trails or to visit the "off" islands, all of which are accessable from the quay. St Mary's has a wealth of traditional pubs, restaurants and cafes in which to relax and unwind. 
  • 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. Here we offer The New Inn and the Flying Boat Club Beachfront houses or we also offer cottages.
  • 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. Here we offer Hell Bay Hotel.
  • St Martin's - with its endless, uncrowded beaches and crystal clear waters is a must visit island, particularly for photographers or artists. Here we offer St Martins on the Isle Hotel.
  • 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.

Each island has an individual charm

St Mary's

Many of our hotels, guest houses and apartments are located here on the largest and most vibrant of the five inhabited islands (2½ miles x 1¾)!

We feature Hugh Town, the island’s capital, a great base from which to explore the “off ” islands – boats depart from the quay – or the coastal paths and nature trails through heaths and woodlands where you’ll spot the amazing blue agapanthas flower. The Greeks call it the flower of love and there are a number of interesting venues licensed for marriages– including the historic Wesleyan Chapel.

St Mary’s has a good choice of traditional pubs, restaurants and bars in which to relax or make new friends.

Tresco

An amazing island of long silver sand beaches and historic sites from several wars. In 2011, The Daily Telegraph placed Pentle Bay in their selection of Britain’s Top 20 Beaches. This is where beach grass leads down to bleached white sands.

The most famous place on Tresco is Abbey Garden, a subtropical wonderland with 20,000 exotic plant species that defy botanical gurus by thriving amid salty breezes and even winter gales. Some experts have called it “Kew Gardens without the roof ” and it is a tumbling set of terraces, a flaming riot of colour and trees, well worth a visit.

More surprises from these amazing islands: Tresco has an award winning pub and a new spa.

Bryher

This is the smallest of the inhabited islands and one day there can be sheer wild beauty, the next gentle tranquillity. Bryher is an old Cornish word meaning “land of the hills”.

The sheltered east coast is ideal for swimming and  boating. Hire a glass bottomed boat to discover the colours of the sea anemones and kelp forests. The north coast is about wild landscapes and rocky heathlands and the south has a wide beach looking out to the uninhabited island of Samson.

Driftwood paintings are famous on Bryher so take one home. A day trip to Tresco by boat is easy or when the tide is very low you can walk to it from Green Bay across sandbars.

St Martin’s

Some of the finest white sand beaches in the Isles of Scilly are here. They’re endless and are never crowded.

Birdwatchers will enjoy the many species and there are escorted bird watching tours. Artists are always in search of that special light and several galleries have opened as a result of finding it here on St Martin’s.

This is a place for easy walks, lazy days on the beach and there are organised snorkeling trips with seals. These islands are full of surprises and never mind the salty breezes, St Martin’s Vineyard makes its own red, wine and rose wine often served in local eateries and there are guided tours of the vineyard.

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 or to order a printed brochure click here.