The designation as the Isles of Scilly National Landscape covers the entire archipelago: inhabited and uninhabited islands, as well as the rocks. On the Isles of Scilly, you’ll encounter protected landscapes, distinctive wildlife and traces of a long island history—spread across an archipelago whose islands and coastlines each have discoveries of their own.
Landscape and wildlife
More than 35 beaches are spread across the Isles of Scilly. Coastal paths, nature trails, flower fields and island walks offer opportunities to explore the landscape on foot all year round. You can also cycle along the winding paths; along the way, views open up over clear waters, rugged cliffs and quiet beaches.
Wildlife is also part of the character of the archipelago. Atlantic grey seals form one of Europe’s most significant breeding populations on Scilly. A significant proportion of the world’s Manx shearwater population also breeds here; the Scilly shrew is a species unique to the islands. On marine wildlife-watching trips, you may see puffins, storm petrels, common guillemots and Atlantic grey seals. Sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. Trips to the Eastern Isles are offered for seal watching; tours and schedules may vary by season.
On foot, on the water and between the islands
Guided tours include island walks, archaeological explorations, wildlife- and marine-watching trips, and sunset tours. Which activities are available depends on the season and the operators. Resident archaeologist Dr Katharine Sawyer regularly leads historical walks on all the islands. If you prefer to explore independently, the coastal and nature trails, which are accessible year-round, offer other ways to discover the landscape.
On the water, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing are available as activities. Coasteering and guided sea swims are also experiences you can enjoy on Scilly. The range of options gives your trip different focuses: you can make island trails, historical walks or wildlife watching at sea the centrepiece, without following a fixed itinerary for the archipelago.
Tresco Abbey Garden combines a garden visit with island exploration. Plants from all Mediterranean climate zones grow there, along with 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 and make day visits possible. Tides, weather and seasonal schedules affect boat services, so check the timetable for your planned visit.
Discover archaeology and history
At Halangy Down Ancient Village, the remains of almost a dozen interconnected stone houses have been preserved. The settlement dates from the Iron Age and Roman period. The houses’ connection to one another makes the site particularly interesting for anyone interested in early settlements and archaeological traces on the Isles of Scilly.
Harry’s Walls tells a different story: the site consists of 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 up to the site; Harry’s Walls is best visited on foot or by bike. As trail conditions may change temporarily, it’s worth checking the latest notices before your visit.
Visitors can also walk along most of Garrison Walls. Paths and surfaces may change, so checking the latest notices can be helpful when planning. At the Isles of Scilly Museum, twelve pop-up exhibitions explore topics related to the five islands. The museum’s public archives are housed at the Porthmellon Enterprise Centre and are accessible by appointment; check the appointment arrangements in advance.
Getting there and travelling between the islands
The Isles of Scilly can be reached by the Scillonian III ferry, on Skybus flights or by a combination of both. For travel between the islands, the St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association is a group of ten independent boat operators. The operators and schedules may change; checking the latest services will help you plan your stay.
Discover more destinations: Hugh Town, St. Mary’s, Tresco, Somerset, Devon, Wiltshire, Bath And North East Somerset, Torbay.
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