An island escape

Words by Hannah Tapping

Easy to reach but impossible to forget, the Isles of Scilly are a world away from everyday life.

These spectacularly beautiful islands, nestled just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, are surely the jewel in the UK’s crown. Wild and unspoilt, each of the five inhabited islands that make up the archipelago has its own touch of magic.

Once on the islands, fondly known as simply ‘Scilly’ by locals, you can really get away from it all. Think secluded beaches, captivating scenery and wonderful wildlife. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London, the Isles of Scilly are close enough to visit for a long weekend, with seamless connections from the capital.

Whether you prefer the convenience of air travel or the scenic rail and ferry journey, there are several options to choose from. For those seeking an affordable and leisurely journey to the Isles of Scilly, the passenger ferry Scillonian III is an ideal option. Departing from Penzance in Cornwall it takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach St Mary’s and boasts awe-inspiring views along Cornwall’s iconic coastline as you sail to the islands. During this captivating journey, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings from the comfort of reclining seats and pick up refreshments in the on-board cafe.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to reach the Isles of Scilly is by plane and Skybus offers a convenient and efficient air travel option for visitors. With multiple daily flights departing from airports in Newquay, Exeter and Land’s End, travellers can easily reach the island of St Mary’s to begin their adventure, with short flight durations ranging from just 20 minutes from Land’s End to one hour from Exeter. In addition, with Exeter being just two hours from London Paddington with Great Western Railway, you can enjoy a car-free escape with plenty of time to explore the Isles of Scilly, even if you only have a weekend to spare.

If you’d prefer to travel completely by air, simply fly from London Gatwick, Southend or Stansted into Cornwall Airport Newquay and then hop on a 30-minute connecting Skybus to the islands. For a slower pace of travel, Rail and Sail packages allow you to travel in comfort from London Paddington to Penzance, with an average travel time of approximately five and a half hours. From here, board Scillonian III and experience the most magical cruise across Cornish waters, arriving at St Mary’s in just under three hours. Steaming out from Penzance Quay with the iconic Mount’s Bay in view, views of west Cornwall’s rugged cliffs pass by before Scillonian III turns seaward toward Scilly. Renowned for its wildlife spotting opportunities, passengers have been rewarded with sightings of dolphins, grey seals, sunfish and basking sharks.

However, enough of the journey, as wonderful as it is… the real draw is the islands themselves. There is a real slowing of pace on Scilly. The moment you set foot on the islands, its sights, sounds and smells transport you to a time gone by, one where demands on time are limited only to where to walk, swim or eat next. Simply put, you could be a world away.

For those who prefer a more active escape, there’s the quintessential – possibly all-time favourite – activity of island-hopping. Just jump on board an inter-island boat from St Mary’s Quay and head off to the off-island communities, where you’ll be welcomed with the emptiest of white-sand beaches, swathes of fern-lined coastal paths, the freshest local seafood, tiny honesty stalls, pubs with views to-die-for, watersports in the clearest of clear seas and so much more. You could snorkel with resident seals, hire a kayak or paddleboard, hop on a wildlife safari, explore by bike, play a round of golf, take a vineyard tour, go horse riding along the shore, visit a gallery or try somewhere new for lunch. These small islands really pack a punch as far as activities are concerned.

The islands are also famously dog friendly – and so is Isles of Scilly Travel, with dogs welcome on Skybus and Scillonian III – so there is no need to leave your four-legged friend at home. Each of the five inhabited off-island has its own unique identity and allure. St Mary’s is the largest and the hub of archipelago, combining natural beauty with historic sites and a host of wonderful eateries. Tresco is known for its subtropical Abbey Garden, attracting those seeking a combination of elegance and tranquillity. St Martin’s boasts some of the best beaches and a strong artisanal spirit, with vineyards, flower farms and craft studios in abundance. Bryher is rugged and wild on one side, calm and serene on the other, offering a contrast that reflects its quiet, untamed identity. St Agnes is the southernmost and most remote, proudly independent and deeply traditional, with a close-knit community and dramatic seascapes. Whichever you choose, the Isles of Scilly have much to offer; experiencing the archipelago is something you will never forget.

islesofscilly-travel.co.uk