Discover the magical Isles of Scilly on The Cornwall Experience

The magical Isles of Scilly…

I’ve been spending time in Cornwall for 20 years, but only vaguely heard about the Isles of Scilly. Then in 2016 we met a man in Cornwall who raved about the Isles of Scilly. He had traveled extensively worldwide and described the Isles of Scilly as his favorite place of all. Charley and I were intrigued and visited the following year for five days… we were also captivated by the natural beauty and the simple lifestyle of this island paradise. We expanded our planned seven-night Cornwall trip to include two nights in these very special islands and then a last night back on the mainland, creating a 10-night trip. I love going back every year to the magical Isles of Scilly. Our time in the Isles of Scilly is one of the most unique experiences in all of our trips.

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The Cornwall Experience begins with a week in Penzance, a historic waterfront town a few miles from the southwestern tip of England. During our seven nights in Penzance, we explore traditional fishing villages, busy waterfront towns, prehistoric archaeological sites, historic homes, lush gardens, and scenic coastal landscapes. We dine on delicious meals of freshly-caught seafood, learn about the history of tin mining, and enjoy a musical evening with the inspiring Mousehole Male Voice Choir.  Penzance provides the perfect base to discover Cornwall’s rugged coastal scenery and unique history and culture.

View from Cape Cornwall – Grand Prize winner, 2024 Photo Contest, by Marguerite from California

Journey to the Isles of Scilly

After a week in Cornwall, we board the Scillonian ferry, making its daily round trip between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.

The Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago located approximately 28 miles off Cornwall’s coast. Although they have their own local government, the Isles are a part of the county of Cornwall. The Isles of Scilly consist of about 140 islands and islets, only five of which are inhabited, and are home to a year-round population of around 2,200 residents. The Duchy of Cornwall (now under the guardianship of Prince William) owns most of the land and nearly a third of the residential buildings on the islands.

Rich History, Unique Culture, and Natural Beauty

The Isles of Scilly have been inhabited since the Stone Age and many prehistoric sites still remain, offering fascinating insights into ancient history.

The islands were an important defensive post in Tudor times, and many structures from that era still remain.

The Isles of Scilly also have a rich and often tragic maritime history due to their location at the entrance to the English Channel and the treacherous reefs surrounding them. There have been over 1,000 recorded shipwrecks around the islands.

One of many historic defensive structures on the islands

Today the Isles of Scilly are renowned for their stunning white sandy beaches; scenic sea views; rugged, undeveloped coastlines; tropical plants; and tranquil lifestyle. The natural beauty and the simple, laid-back atmosphere create the magical experience that draws us back to the Isles of Scilly. We love sharing this special place with our travelers.

View from our hotel on St. Martin’s

Mild Climate and Unique Flora

The islands enjoy the warmest temperatures in England, a climate influenced by the Gulf Stream and which enables tropical plants and bulbs to thrive.  Today tourism is the major component of the local economy, but there continues to be some agriculture, particularly the production of cut flowers and bulbs.  The islands are especially famous for producing the scented narcissi flowers, which thrive in the narrow fields and mild climate.

Flower fields on St. Mary’s

Island Adventures

Our voyage from Penzance to the islands takes about two hours and 45 minutes and is part of the adventure. I always enjoy chatting with other passengers, many of whom make this trip annually. We travel first along the scenic coastline and then head into open sea, often spotting dolphins, sea birds, and other marine life. After we arrive at the harbor at St. Mary’s, the largest island, we take a small boat to St. Martin’s, where we enjoy a two-night stay at a small seaside resort known for its warm hospitality.

The Scillonian in the harbor at St. Mary’s island

During our stay, we explore three of the five inhabited islands—St. Martin’s, Tresco, and St. Mary’s—each offering unique experiences and natural beauty.

St. Martin’s: A Tranquil Island Retreat

St. Martin’s is an idyllic island with a population of just 136 residents, less than a square mile in size. It features a single paved road connecting the hamlet of Lower Town to the slightly larger hamlet of Higher Town. There are also numerous grassy and sandy footpaths, including several that lead to the distinctive red and white striped Day Mark on a remote area of the island.

Soon after we arrive we invite the group to join us for a leisurely walk along the paved road. We pass the Seven Stones Inn (the island’s quaint pub), the Anglican church and cemetery (first built in the 17th century), small farms with livestock, a flower business, several cottages, and the village store and post office.  There’s an artisan jeweler near the pub and several honesty-boxes and small unattended shops.

Along the one paved road on St. Martin’s

That evening we gather for dinner at our hotel, usually enjoying a spectacular sunset from the windows.

Another spectacular sunset from St. Martin’s

Tresco: Seaside Charm and a Lush Garden

The next morning we take a private cruise around the islands, circling a lighthouse on its lonely rock and watching for seals and sea birds on the rocky uninhabited islands. Our cruise ends at Tresco, a privately-owned resort island. There aren’t any cars on Tresco; visitors explore on foot or on bicycles and golf carts, making their way along paved roads and grassy paths.

A picturesque cottage on Tresco

Tresco’s famous 17-acre Abbey Gardens includes over 20,000 plant species from 80 countries, cultivated under a mild climate and protected by high walls. The original garden was developed in the 18th century around the ruins of a 12th-century abbey. The gardens also feature the Valhalla Museum, showcasing ship carvings and historic relics from wrecked ships.

In the abbey ruins – Tresco Abbey garden

St. Mary’s: History, Culture and Amazing Views

On our last morning, we return to St. Mary’s and Hugh Town, the only “town” in the Isles of Scilly.  We explore part of the island with a guide, climbing to the ruins of the 16th- and 17th-century fortifications of the Garrison and then circling a point with amazing views.

Exploring St. Mary’s with our April 2025 group

After lunch at a waterfront pub, we transfer to the St. Mary’s airport for our 20-minute flight back to the mainland, flying low over the islands, the sea, and then the stunning coastline of the mainland. The journey to and from the Isles of Scilly is a meaningful part of the experience!

Headed back to the mainland – St. Martin’s from the air

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Join us for The Cornwall Experience in April 2026!

We’d love to have you join us for an unforgettable experience in Cornwall and the magical Isles of Scilly next year. You’ll discover the natural beauty, rich history, outstanding cuisine, and proud culture of this unique area of England.  Learn more about this special trip on our website at www.european-experiences.com/cornwall-england

Enjoy our other posts about The Cornwall Experience:

Garden Experiences in Cornwall and the Cotswolds

A Cornwall Experience: The Wonderful Food!!

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We’re about to begin our Fall 2025 season and still have a few openings in our upcoming trips, including another magical trip: The European Christmas Experience.  See what’s available here and contact us about special last-minute discounts.

We’re also booking now for our 2026 trips including The Cornwall Experience, The Morocco Experience (also very unique trip!) and other beautiful places in France, Italy, and England.

Along with her husband Charley, Kathy Wood founded European Experiences in 2006, offering week-long “slow tours” in some of the most beautiful areas of Europe. European Experiences' trips include The Luberon Experience in Provence, France, named one of the top 50 tours in the world by National Geographic Traveler magazine. Kathy has personally organized and hosted over 170 Experience groups. She hosts Experience weeks in the Luberon, the Chianti region of Tuscany, Puglia, Alsace, the Dordogne, Normandy, Cornwall, and the Cotswolds, Charley is now retired but will continue to occasionally be a "special guest" on trips with Kathy Kathy has been traveling in Europe for 30+ years and loves sharing her special places in Europe with other travelers. The Woods have a second home in their beloved village of Bonnieux in the Luberon. Read more about Kathy here. Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.