Isles of Scilly

Peace and tranquillity away from the crowds... The Isles of Scilly form an archipelago of five inhabited islands - St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, Bryher and St Agnes - and numerous other small rocky islets 28 miles off Lands End - the most South Westerly point of the British Isles.

Cheap flights, accommodation and holidays to the Isles of Scilly

With a total population of just over two thousand, an exceptionally mild climate, and countless golden sandy beaches, Scilly is a beautiful haven of peace and tranquillity loved by visitors and locals alike.

The islands' position produces a place of great contrast - the effect of the sea means there is rarely any frost or snow, which allows local farmers to grow flowers well ahead of those on mainland Britain while the exposure to the Atlantic winds means spectacular winter gales lash the islands from time to time.

Scilly has been inhabited since stone-age times and its history has been one of subsistence living until this century with people living from the land and the sea. Farming and fishing continues today, but the main industry now is tourism.

Feel the sea breezes in your hair, and taste the salt on your lips as you explore the beautiful coastline of St. Mary’s, the largest of the islands, and home to about three quarters of Scilly's population. Hugh Town is the 'capital' of the islands, situated on the sandbar which separates the Garrison from the rest of the island. The ship to Penzance and the fleet of colourful inter-island launches to the off-islands operate from the quay.

Discover secret coves at St Mary’s once used by smugglers, listen to the cries of seabirds and maybe spot the odd seal on the beach. Inland you’ll find woodland, heaths and marshland and sand dunes thick with wild agapanthus flowers from Africa. St. Mary's has many hidden secrets and the walks around the coast and across the island are a delight.

If you love an active outdoor life, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied on St. Mary’s. Facilities available include squash, golf, cycling, tennis, horse-riding, windsurfing, sailing, scuba-diving and fishing. Visitors are' also welcome to join in the cricket matches with the other islands.

On Tresco, the second largest of the islands, you might just forget you are still in the British Isles as you wander among the palm trees of the magnificent sub-tropical Abbey Gardens spotting rare and unusual plants which can’t be grown anywhere else in the country

St. Martin's is the third largest of the islands and is the first land you see, with the distinguishing Daymark, when crossing from the Mainland by sea or air. For the visitor who wants a quiet holiday there is much to offer. There is a choice of some of the finest sandy beaches with safe bathing, secluded coves, and many interesting walks along the cliffs and downs where purple heather and golden gorse grow in profusion.

St Agnes is one of those rare places which can honestly claim to be unspoilt. It is a small flower farming community which has not been robbed of its tranquillity by commercialisation. This beautiful island, about a mile across, welcomes those who want a simple holiday away from the stress and pollution of the mainland. The sea is crystal clear, ideal for snorkelling and diving, and at night the stars can appear remarkably bright in the clear air.

The downland areas on both St Agnes and Gugh, where birds, butterflies and wild flowers abound are maintained, by the Isles of Scilly WildlifeTrust, as sites of special interest.

Bryher, the smallest community of the Isles of Scilly welcomes the visitor to share its peaceful, yet spectacular island. In spring there is a profusion of colour with wild flowers - daffodils and narcissi in every hedgerow and field corner. In autumn many migratory birds use Bryher as a resting place and gales frequently lash the western coast making Hell Bay an awe-inspiring sight.

Whether you're looking for a day trip to the Isles of Scilly, a weekend break to the Isles of Scilly, or a longer holiday to the Isles of Scilly, please call to speak to our dedicated travel team.