Day Trip to the Isles of Scilly

Our Cornwall team recently had the chance to do something very exciting. Starting at Land’s End Airport, do you have any guesses as to where they went? We’ll give you a few clues, PLANE > ISLAND > FERRY…

Yes, you’ve guessed that right – the Isles of Scilly. Did you know that you can visit the stunning Isles of Scilly for just a day when staying in Cornwall?

Getting to the Isles of Scilly

It was a bright and early start, leaving Penzance train station to catch the complimentary shuttle bus to Land’s End Airport in time for our 8.30am Skybus. First things first, after checking ourselves and our luggage in, coffee was needed, so we went straight to the cafe and gift shop.

Courtesy of Isles of Scilly Travel, we hopped on the Skybus, explored the beautiful main island, St Mary’s, had a delicious lunch and made it home via the Scillonian ferry.

The Skybus was such a great experience, all nerves were eased as soon as we were belted in and the pilot had introduced himself and run through the safety checks. Exclusively only seating 19 people, the plane is very cosy but equally as exciting. The flight itself only takes a short 10 minutes, and run frequently throughout the day. There’s also a pet friendly cage on board, which is often occupied with much loved dogs, cats and rabbits! The Isles of Scilly really are somewhere all the family can enjoy, even the furry members. It was a little drizzly in Land’s End, but promising sunshine awaited in the Isles of Scilly.

Picture perfect postcards from the sky, beautiful tones of aqua and harbourside boats now in site – we had arrived!

It was a very peaceful morning in St Mary’s. A short shuttle bus journey from the airport and we found ourselves in the heart of the island. After a fresh croissant breakfast in a local café, it was time to explore Hugh Town. There were picture perfect spots at every turn, with wildflower pathways, pretty cottages and boats bobbing in the bay.

How to Spend a Day on St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly

There’s lots to do once you arrive in Hugh Town (the first stop from the airport). You have the choice of hopping on a boat ride to discover the surrounding islands of Tresco, St Martin’s, St Agnes or Bryher, hiring bikes to explore the entire island in a few hours, or set up camp on one of the beautiful beaches for a day in the sun.

We opted for the best of both land and beaches, hiring bikes from St Mary’s Bike Hire. Cycling here is really easy, and allows you to the freedom to explore at your own pace. Plus, the beautiful views you’ll pass are definitely worth the pedaling.

After a couple of hours cycling, we had definitely worked up an appetite, and what better place to stop for lunch than a waterside restaurant? We found Juliet’s Garden,  the views and location were perfect, and it was safe to leave our hire bikes outside in the entrance walkway too.

The tiny sparrows absolutely loved it here, flying around the garden hoping for little left over chips and forgotten crumbs. We were far too peckish to leave any chips this time, sorry little sparrows.

After lunch we were back on our bikes in search of a beachy spot to spend the afternoon. With 10 miles of coastline, there are loads of beaches to choose from, all with brilliant white sand and gin-clear water.

We returned our hire bikes, picked up a fresh glass of lemonade and headed to the beach for an ice cream, sea swim and sandy snooze before we were due to board the Scillonian Ferry back to Penzance.

Isles of Scilly by Ferry

We were so excited to return home on the Scillonian Ferry after flying over that morning – the best of both worlds. The journey back to Penzance from St Mary’s was around 2 hours 45 minutes, a little longer than our 20-minute flight, but the ferry allows you to see some of Cornwall’s most iconic coastline. On board the ferry, you can find comfortable recliner seating inside across 3 floors, or opt for a front row seat outside with sea view. Fully equipped with a café too, you have everything you need for a smooth summer’s evening ferry ride home.

What an adventure! We loved every minute of our day trip to the Isles of Scilly. If you’re staying with us in Cornwall this year, we’d recommend a day trip to the Isles of Scilly with the option of flying, sailing or both courtesy of Isles of Scilly Travel; it’s so easy and fun to do.

Search our collection of Cornish holiday cottages here.