The Isles of Scilly lie 28 miles from Lands End - the most South-Westerly point of the UK.

Scilly consists of 5 inhabited islands; St. Mary's, Tresco, St. Martin's, Bryher and St Agnes, with a combined population of about 2000, and many smaller uninhabited islands and rocky islets. The islands' position produces a place of great contrast - the ameliorating effect of the sea means we rarely have 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. This is reflected in the landscape, most clearly seen on Tresco where the lush Sub-Tropical Abbey Gardens on the sheltered Southern end of the island contrast with the low heather and bare rock sculpted by the wind on the exposed Northern end. 

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. Obviously the sea has always played a huge part in Scillonian history but it was in the nineteenth century that Scilly had its maritime heyday. Beaches which are now enjoyed by sunbathers were then factories for shipbuilding, the harbours now full of pleasure boats were once packed with local and visiting fishing and trading boats. 

St Mary's

St. Mary's is the largest of the islands at 2½ miles by 1¾ miles and is home to about three quarters of Scilly's population. It has the Town Hall, hospital / health centre, banks and most of the shops and larger hotels. 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. Although most of the accommodation is in Hugh Town, guest houses and self-catering accommodation may be found elsewhere on St. Mary's.

There is a circular bus service that operates from Easter through to October on the nine miles of road, linking most of the island's communities.  Various coach, minibus and vintage car tours run during the summer, bicycles may be hired and taxis are normally available throughout the year.

St. Mary's has an Anglican, Methodist and a Roman Catholic Church, five public houses, hotel bars, a social club, disco, cafes and restaurants.  A camp site is situated on the Garrison. St. Mary's has many hidden secrets and the walks around the coast and across the island are a delight with many contrasts from woodlands, heaths and marshland to sand dunes with marram grasses thick with wild agapanthus flowers from Africa. A particularly beautiful spot is the Carreg Dhu Community Garden in the centre of St Mary's.

There are many ancient monuments to be discovered on the island from a megalithic village and tombs to Civil War fortifications.  The small museum in Hugh Town and the Heritage Centre in the middle of the island, display much of Scilly's rich history.

In the evenings the visitor may enjoy the slide shows, variety concerts and plays from both the resident organisations and from touring companies, and no holiday would be complete without watching the exciting and colourful gig racing between the islands that take place on Wednesday and Friday evenings.

Sports enthusiasts are certainly not forgotten on St. Mary's. Facilities available include squash, golf, cycling, tennis, horse-riding, windsurfing, sailing, scuba-diving, fishing, snooker and shooting.  Visitors are' also welcome to join in the cricket matches with the other islands.  Islands provide natural attractions for artists and craftsmen and St. Mary's is no exception with many studios dotted about the island producing high quality pottery, paintings and crafts.  St. Mary's offers everything a visitor would require to enjoy a lifetime of holidays.

Tresco

Tresco is the second largest of the islands, with an amazing variety of scenery, from the wild and wind-swept North of the island, to the sub-tropical Abbey Gardens and numerous sandy beaches in the South.

It is also the only island which is privately leased from the Duchy by a single family - the Dorrien Smiths.

Most of the accommodation and facilities on Tresco are run by Tresco Estate, which has its own website which will tell you everything.

St. Martin's

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 we have much to offer. There is a choice of some of the finest sandy beaches with safe bathing, secluded coves, and many interesting walk along the cliffs and downs where purple heather and golden gorse grow in profusion, or walk along our self-built roadway from Highertown to Lowertown!

Accommodation consists of self-catering cottages and chalets, guest houses, hotel and a camp site. Take advantage of early and late holidays, come in the spring and see the late daffodils, or in the autumn when many feel the Islands are at their best and see some of the many birds on migration.

From Easter to October there is a daily boat service to other Islands as well as fishing trips and special hire. From early May enjoy the evening trips to watch the famous gig races. A more limited service is available from October to April, but trips can always be arranged.

There is plenty of scope for rock fishing, and dinghy sailing is popular in the sheltered waters of Highertown Bay. Occasional whist drives, country dances, slide shows, bowling etc. are held in the Reading Room. Cricket matches and clay pigeon shoots are also arranged.

There are two galleries, a Post Office and stores, a gift shop, a tea room, a pub, a bakery, a hotel and a fruit and vegetable shop on the island. Local farm produce and fresh fish are also available in season.

Regular Sunday services are held in the Parish and Methodist Churches.

(Taken from the St. Martin's brochure.)

St Agnes

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 tranquility by commercialisation. Our 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.

Walking around the island you will see very little traffic on our single track lanes, and there are many paths around the deeply indented coastline which provide a succession of views both varied and beautiful. The curving sandbar between St Agnes and Gugh is one of the finest beaches on Scilly, with fine white sand, contrasting with the magnificent granite outcrops on the wilder western end of the island. There are several other sandy coves with rock pools, including 'Beady Pool' where children and adults alike hunt for beads buried in the sand from a 17th century shipwreck.

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. There are also sites of archaeological significance. Take advantage of low off-season rates: in spring you can see daffodils flowering in every hedge and in autumn migrant birds frequent St Agnes, including many rare species.

There are guest houses, a variety of self-catering cottages and chalets and a camp site (see the where to stay on St Agnes page). There are two cafes, a pub, a bulb shop, Post Office / general store and the Island Hall can be rented for social functions, private hire or group activities. Available locally, depending on season, are Scilly new potatoes, fresh fish and shellfish. A boat service provides opportunity to visit the other islands and to follow the weekly gig race. Longer trips are also available to see birds and seals. Fishing, tennis and cricket can be enjoyed by visitors to St Agnes. Church services are held regularly, weather permitting!

(Taken from the St Agnes brochure)

St Agnes now has it's own community website

Bryher

Bryher, the smallest community of the Isles of Scilly welcomes the visitor to share its peaceful, yet spectacular island. It is an island of contrasts. 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. And, whereas the rugged west coast faces the full force of the Atlantic, the east coast overlooks the sheltered waters of the channel between Bryher and Tresco. We are unique among the islands as we have a year round launch service so the other islands are accessible to the Bryher visitor whatever time of year they choose to take their holiday.

Boating is an integral part of daily life. Each day our launches depart for the other islands, and there are trips every week to the lighthouses, seal and bird colonies, the gig races, and evening excursions to the pub. Launches can be privately hired for shark fishing, wreck or reef fishing and diving. Dinghy hire and sailing instruction is available.

Bathing from all our uncrowded beaches is safe and the clear waters of Scilly are ideal for diving and snorkelling. Rushy Bay ranks among the finest beaches of the islands.

Walking (with three quarters of the island open heathland and with very few vehicles) appeals to the rambler and beachcomber alike. The coastal paths follow the varied shore and the hills command splendid views of all of Scilly.

Accommodation of all types is offered on Bryher. There is a choice of hotel (with a restaurant and Pitch and Putt Golf Course open to non-residents), guest houses, self-catering cottages or chalets and a camp site. There are two cafes, a Post Office with stores and bakery and home-grown produce and a variety of local bulbs is available from farms. Bryher Church has regular services and details are always posted on the Church Notice Board.

Visitors are very welcome to join in any island activities held at the Bryher Community Centre, which also provides pool, table-tennis and other recreational facilities for both residents and visitors.

Bryher website.