Scilly Isles, Cornwall Beach Resort Guide

Introduction

This idyllic archipelago of 140 tiny islands is like another world. The islands lie 45km (28 miles) off Lands End, the most southwesterly point of the British Isles, and have a mild climate and miles of peachy sand beaches. This is the place to head if you harbour dreams of Robinson Crusoe-style solitude, or crave adventure and back-in-time family holidays.

Who goes there?

Those looking for a more quiet and remote alternative to the other busy Cornish resorts explore the Scilly Isles, including families and nature lovers.

When to go?

The climate is temperate with warm summers and cool wet winters. The hottest months of the year, and the best time for hitting the beach, are from June to September, with temperatures reaching an average high of 26°C (78°F) in August. However, English summers are often unreliable and rainfall can be frequent throughout the year, so always remember to pack a jumper in case skies become overcast.

Beach

The best beaches are found on the third-largest island of St Martin's. In fact, a contender for Britain's best is the tropical-seeming, white-sand Par Beach. Other brilliant beaches are Lawrence's Bay and Great Bay - from where you can walk across to White Island at low tide. 

St Mary's is the largest island, and has several attractive spots, including the sandy Town and Porthcressa beaches. Less-inhabited Tresco has lovely Appletree Bay and the gentle sandy arc of Pentle Bay. Wild Bryer island feels the most remote and harbours the tranquil Rushy Bay.

Beyond the beach

Over on the mainland, visit one of the world's most extraordinary theatres, above beautiful Porthcurno Bay, around 14km (9 miles) southwest of Penzance. The cliff-edge auditorium of the Minack Theatre (www.minack.com) is set on the rocks, while the stage is backed by endless views of sea and sky. It was built by a theatre-loving Englishwoman, Rowena Cade, who created it for a performance of The Tempest in her back garden. The season runs from around May to September, though you can visit all year.

Family fun

Aside from swimming, sand and surf, there are plenty of adventures to be had here. Check out the amazing Abbey Garden (www.tresco.co.uk/stay/abbey-garden) on Tresco, which includes a wealth of botanical riches and artefacts found from shipwrecks. You can arrange diving, speedboat rides and snorkelling trips on St Mary's; diving and snorkelling is particularly good around Bryer. Scilly Walks (www.scillywalks.co.uk) has nothing to do with Monty Python, but arranges themed walks around the isles.

Retail therapy

There are quite a few studios and souvenir shops, especially on St Mary's, where you can buy the work of local artists and appropriate Scilly mementoes. Artwork focuses on local scenery, and can be seen at galleries such as former boathouse Gallery Tresco (New Grimsby Harbour) and Harbour Gallery (Thorofare) on St Mary's.

A night on the town

People don't tend to head to these remote islands for nightlife, but the pubs on the larger islands have a great cosy atmosphere, such as the New Inn on Tresco or the Turk's Head on St Agnes.

Eating out

There are plenty of places serving fresh produce and fish. On St Mary's, try the sunny Dibble & Grub, housed in the old fire station on Porthcressa Beach, offering delicious food and named after a quote from the 1970s children's show Trumpton. Britain's most southerly pub, the Turk's Head, on St Agnes, offers great fish dishes served in a wood-lined bar.

Getting around

Travel between the islands on one of the boat trips, which run year round. To reach the islands, you can take a slow ferry (journey time - 2 hours 40 minutes; www.ios-travel.co.uk), fly on the Isle of Scilly Skybus (www.ios-travel.co.uk) or take a helicopter trip (see Splashing Out). Newquay Cornwall Airport (NQY) offers flights, with spectacular views, and Penzance has a range of connections to the islands.

Splashing out

For the most dramatic approach, take a helicopter (www.islesofscillyhelicopter.com) from Penzance to one of the major islands, including Bryer and Tresco. Day returns are available, or you can buy a saver return (May to October) in advance.

Flying in

Newquay Cornwall Airport (NQY)
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