A New Way to Scilly
Words by Jamie Crocker
Discover the Isles of Scilly in 2027, as a new ferry prepares to carry visitors across the Atlantic.
Just 28 miles off the Cornish coast, the Isles of Scilly offer a holiday influenced by the sea, with white-sand beaches, clear Atlantic waters and coastal paths leading to views across the surrounding islands. For anyone considering a visit, 2027 brings an added reason to start planning, with the introduction of Scillonian IV, a new passenger ferry that will carry the familiar Scillonian name into its next chapter.
The archipelago has five inhabited islands, each with a distinct character. St Mary’s, the largest, provides a natural starting point, with its harbour, independent shops and streets of Hugh Town. Beyond it, inter-island boats open up the rest of the archipelago, where days can be spent walking the coast, watching seabirds, exploring historic sites or finding a beach to enjoy for an afternoon.
The islands lend themselves to different kinds of holidays. Some visitors arrive for a day trip, taking in the harbour and a stretch of coastline before returning to the mainland. Others stay for a week or longer, allowing time to discover several islands and appreciate their individual charms. Either way, getting there is part of the experience, and there are options to suit different preferences and itineraries.
For Bath and Bristol travellers, the passenger ferry from Penzance to St Mary’s offers time to settle into the journey. As the Cornish coast recedes, the open water becomes the focus, with the islands eventually appearing on the horizon.
The crossing forms a natural transition from mainland routines to island life, giving visitors time to relax before arriving in Hugh Town.
March 2027 is the scheduled introduction of Scillonian IV, marking a significant development for a route that has connected the mainland and the islands for generations. Scillonian III has served the crossing since 1977, becoming a familiar presence in Penzance and St Mary’s and part of countless family holidays, day trips and journeys home. The new vessel will continue that essential connection while bringing a contemporary passenger environment to the service.
At 72 metres long, Scillonian IV has been designed for the particular demands of the route and will carry up to 600 passengers. Its facilities will include comfortable seating across three decks, larger windows to make the most of the sea views, a café and retail area, and lifts providing access to all passenger deck areas. Anti-roll technology is intended to improve stability, while the vessel’s optimised design aims to make the crossing more efficient.
These developments are as important to island residents as they are to holidaymakers. The ferry carries people, mail and essential supplies, making it an important part of everyday life in Scilly. Investment in the service therefore supports the continuing connection between the islands and the mainland, while giving visitors a better way to make the crossing. For returning passengers, the arrival of Scillonian IV will bring a fresh experience to a well-established journey; for first-time visitors, it offers another reason to discover the archipelago.
The ferry is not the only way to reach the islands – travellers can also take to the skies with Skybus. Flights to St Mary’s operate from Land’s End, taking approximately 20 minutes, with services throughout the year. Seasonal flights from Exeter take around an hour, providing another option for those travelling from further east. The choice between sea and air allows visitors to plan their journey around the time available and the sort of trip they have in mind.
For anyone already planning a holiday in Cornwall or Devon, the Isles of Scilly can make a rewarding addition to the itinerary. A few days on the mainland followed by a crossing to the islands creates an opportunity to experience two distinctive parts of the South West in one trip. Visitors can also build a longer holiday around the archipelago itself, using St Mary’s as a base and travelling between islands by boat.
Each island offers its own reasons to explore. St Mary’s combines accessible coastal walking with the activity of Hugh Town, where cafés and restaurants provide places to stop after a day outdoors. The island also has beaches and historic sites to discover, making it a useful introduction to the wider archipelago. Visitors can spend a morning exploring on foot, then return to the harbour before heading out on another excursion.
Tresco is known for its subtropical gardens and beaches, offering a different setting for a day out. St Martin’s has broad stretches of sand and clear water, while Bryher has a more rugged landscape that rewards exploration on foot. St Agnes has a close-knit island community and its own distinctive character. Together, the islands provide plenty of variety for visitors who want to explore beyond St Mary’s, with inter-island boats making it possible to experience more than one during a stay.
The surrounding waters and coastline also make Scilly appealing to anyone interested in wildlife. Seabirds can be spotted around the islands, while the marine environment offers opportunities to look out for wildlife offshore. Walkers will find coastal routes with open views across the Atlantic, and those interested in food can discover a distinctive local scene shaped by produce from the islands and the surrounding sea. The combination gives visitors scope to plan active days outdoors, punctuated by time spent enjoying a meal overlooking a harbour or stopping at a café in Hugh Town.
The islands are well suited to a holiday that leaves room for individual choices. A day trip offers an introduction to island life, with time to explore St Mary’s and enjoy the journey itself. A longer stay makes it possible to visit several islands, return to favourite places and take advantage of changing weather and conditions. The experience will depend on the season and the itinerary, but the range of landscapes and activities means there is plenty to discover.
For those who have travelled aboard Scillonian III, 2027 will bring a new vessel to a route that may already hold personal memories. For first-time visitors, it is an opportunity to discover a destination that remains closely connected to the sea and to the communities who live there. Scillonian IV will introduce new passenger facilities and a different onboard experience, while continuing the long-standing service between Penzance and St Mary’s.
Planning a trip begins with deciding how to travel and how long to stay. The sea crossing allows visitors to take in the approach to the islands, while Skybus provides a faster alternative from selected mainland airports. From St Mary’s, inter-island boats make further exploration possible, whether the aim is to spend a day on another island or to use a longer stay to see more of the archipelago.
With Scillonian IV scheduled to enter service in March 2027, the coming year offers a great opportunity to plan a visit. The Isles of Scilly are within reach of the Cornish coast, yet their beaches, island communities and Atlantic setting give them a character all of their own. Whether the plan is a day trip or a longer escape, the journey can be the beginning of an unforgettable holiday.
