How To Get To Isles Of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly sit about 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, which sounds close until you remember the Atlantic is involved. You cannot drive there, unless your car is a...
The Isles of Scilly sit about 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, which sounds close until you remember the Atlantic is involved. You cannot drive there, unless your car is a boat and your satnav has a sense of adventure. The good news? You have three main options: ferry, plane, or helicopter.
Each one has its own personality. One is slow and dramatic. One is fast and tiny. One is a whirlybird with a view. Pick your poison, then pack a waterproof.
Three Ways to Get There
The Ferry, A.K.A. The Scillonian III
The Scillonian III sails from Penzance to St Mary's, usually taking around two hours and forty-five minutes. It is the classic, salt-in-your-hair way to arrive. It also carries luggage, dogs, and a surprising number of people who swore they don't get seasick.
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The crossing can be calm as a bathtub or lively as a washing machine. If the sea is rough, the crew hand out sick bags with the efficiency of a Michelin-starred restaurant. Pro tip: sit outside, look at the horizon, and avoid the full English breakfast on the way out.
Book ahead, especially in summer. The ferry runs seasonally, and popular sailings fill up faster than a Cornish pasty shop at lunchtime. Check the weather, because Mother Nature does not consult your itinerary.
Fly to St Mary's with Skybus
If you prefer your journey measured in minutes, not hours, take the Skybus. Flights leave from Land's End and take about 20 minutes. There are also services from Newquay and Exeter, which take a bit longer but save you the drive to the far end of Cornwall.
The planes are small. We're talking eight seats, maybe a curtain, and a pilot who might also help load your suitcase. It feels less like a commercial flight and more like hitching a ride with a friend who happens to own an aircraft.
Baggage limits are strict, so leave the kitchen sink at home. The views over Cornwall and the islands are gorgeous, unless you're gripping the seat and humming nursery rhymes. In that case, look up anyway. It's worth it.
Flights to the scilly isles from london 60 photos - Arptravels.com
Helicopter from Penzance
For maximum drama and minimum travel time, the helicopter from Penzance Heliport is the rock star option. It reaches St Mary's or Tresco in around 15 minutes. You get a smooth ride, a headset, and the smug feeling of arriving before the ferry has left the harbour.
It's not cheap, and it doesn't run in every weather condition. But if you've ever wanted to feel like a billionaire with a secret island lair, this is your moment. Just don't ask the pilot to do a loop-the-loop. They won't.
Which Island Do You Actually Land On?
Most transport arrives at St Mary's, the biggest island and the main hub. From there, you can take small inter-island boats to Tresco, Bryher, St Martin's, and St Agnes. These boats are charming, frequent in summer, and occasionally a bit bouncy.
If you fly by helicopter, you might land directly on Tresco, depending on the service. Otherwise, plan on St Mary's first. Think of it as the islands' airport lounge, but with more seagulls and better scones.
Practical Bits That Save You Tears
Book everything early. Accommodation, ferry, flights, and even some restaurants fill up months in advance. The islands are small, and word gets around.
Navigating The Enchanting Isles: A Guide To The Isle Of Scilly Map
Pack for four seasons in one day. Scilly has a mild, almost subtropical climate, which is why palm trees grow there. It also has Atlantic weather that can change its mind faster than a toddler.
Leave your car on the mainland. There are very few cars on the islands, and the roads are narrower than a Cornish hedge. Bring walking shoes, a raincoat, and a willingness to slow down.
A Few Surprising Facts Before You Go
The Isles of Scilly are made up of around 140 rocky islands, but only five are inhabited. That means plenty of empty coves, bird-filled skerries, and places to pretend you're a shipwrecked pirate. Just don't actually get shipwrecked; the ferry is more reliable.
The islands have no motorways, no traffic lights, and very few cars. You'll mostly walk, cycle, or hop on a boat. It's like someone took a Cornish village and dropped it into the sea, then added palm trees.
In summer, the ferries and boats run often, but in winter, services thin out. Always check timetables before you book that dreamy off-season escape.
Finally, remember that getting there is part of the adventure. Whether you're bobbing across the sea, buzzing through the sky, or whirring in a helicopter, you're heading somewhere special. The Isles of Scilly are worth every queasy minute.
