Activities on and around the Islands
Get Active
There are many ways to get out and about on the islands. Choose from guided tours and excursions or just head out with a map and explore on foot.
Use St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association to island hop - you can explore an island per day.
For the more adventurous, have a go at kayaking, sailing or paddleboarding; coasteer the coastline if you dare, venture out for a guided sea swim, dive the wrecks, or perhaps book yourself a unique opportunity to swim with seals.
Tours and Sightseeing
There is a host of guided tours on offer through the year. From island walks and archaeological explorations to wildlife and marine excursions, and sunset trips.
Explore Nature
The wildlife and habitats of Scilly make it a truly fascinating place to visit whatever the season.
Scilly hosts one of Europe’s most important breeding populations of Atlantic Grey Seals. There are also many rare seabirds nesting on the islands, with a significant percentage of the world’s Manx shearwater population and European Storm Petrels. The Scilly Shrew is a species that is unique to the islands.
Elms are thriving on Scilly and you will find many elm lined lanes and paths which is a rare sight in the wider UK mainland.
Scilly is a recognised “dark sky” location - suitable for star gazing.
Attractions
You will not find any formal “tourist” attractions on Scilly - no theme parks etc. Instead you will find a wealth of outstanding natural attractions to admire.
From the world famous Tresco Abbey Garden with its 20,000 exotic species from around the world to Elizabethan castles and fortresses, Bronze Age remains and burial chambers, famous shipwreck landmarks and incredible lighthouses, including Bishop Rock.
History and Heritage
Scilly might be small but believe it or not it hosts no fewer than 239 scheduled monuments. That is a greater density than anywhere else in the UK. These monuments cover shipwrecks, treasure, Bronze Age burial chambers and deserted villages.
Spa and Wellbeing
If you are looking for some wellbeing, Scilly is a great place to come. There are many options to choose from including:
The spa on Tresco island includes an indoor swimming pool with a jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
Karma St. Martin’s and Hell Bay Hotel also deliver a selection of treatments for visitors to enjoy. After your treatment, why not stay for a delicious lunch to gaze into the distance, watching the curl of the waves and ebb and flow of the tide.