Isles of Scilly
Information about the Isles of Scilly

Information for yachtsmen and visiting craft

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Isles of Scilly

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The Isles of Scilly lie 28 miles south west of Cornwall's Land's End. To
fully appreciate the unique atmosphere of the islands you must visit them. The experience is breathtaking as you approach them by either sea or air and it is not a feeling which can easily be captured in words.

The Islands are officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty(AONB) with a very special mix of plant and animal life. A species of shrew exists in the Islands which is not found in any other location - the Scilly Shrew. The Islands are famous for their birdlife, particularly for Puffins and Storm Petrels, who breed here. Rare migrants are an important feature on the Islands, particularly during the Autumn migration but rare birds are seen on the Islands at other times of the year.

For those visitors with an interest in botany, the Isles of Scilly have a great diversity of plants including the rare Dwarf Pansy.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Islands managed by the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust that are closed all year include Annet,Western Rocks, Norrard Rocks, Men-a-Vaur and the eastern of the Eastern Islands – Menawethan, Great and Little Innisvouls, Mouls and Hanjague.

Other sites which include important breeding and roosting sites for birds are closed from the15th of April to the 20th August and include North Hill Samson; the southern shore of Samson; White Island, Green Island and Stony Island – Samson; Shipman Head; Carn of Works and north-east shore of Gugh; the south of Great Ganilly; and also Peashopper, Foreman’s Island and Crow Island.

Travelling to the Isles of Scilly

Welcome to British International
The Penzance to St Mary's route has been operated by helicopter since 1964 and has achieved the distinction of becoming the world's longest running scheduled helicopter service. The Tresco service was inaugurated in 1983 and therefore 2004 marks two major milestones in in the history of the company.

The Isles of Scilly is a wonderful holiday destination. Alternatively a day trip to either St Mary's or Tresco often proves to be the highlight for those staying in the West Country. For this ultimate day trip experience, you will board our Sikorsky S61-N helicopter at Penzance Heliport. View the stunning scenery of the West Cornwall Peninsula whilst we transport you to the beautiful islands.

We fly six days a week. Please contact reservations for a selection of fares/excursions. Experience the wonder of flying by helicopter at www.islesofscillyhelicopter.com

Books:
The Scilly Guidebook R.L. Bowley ISBN 0 900184353 £3.00
The Fortunate Islands: the story of The Isles of Scilly R.L. Bowley
ISBN 0 900184272 £7.50
Scilly at War R.L. Bowley ISBN 0 900184345 £9.60
Cornovia Ancient Sites of Cornwall and Scilly C Weatherhill
ISBN 0 906720125

Click here to buy Books about the Isles of Scilly online

Websites:
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty www.ios-aonb.info
The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust www.ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk
Birdlife www.scillybirding.co.uk
Weather www.meto.gov.uk/weather/europe/uk/devoncornwall.html

Further Information:
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty(AONB) Tel: +44 (0) 1720 423486 Email: ldavey@scilly.gov.uk
The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust Tel: +44 (0) 1720 422153 Email: enquiries@ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk

There are 56 small islands but only 6 of them are inhabited: St Mary's; Tresco; St Martin's; St Agnes; Bryher; and Gugh.

Into Cornwall Area Map: Isles of Scilly

ST MARY'S

St Mary's is the largest of the islands at 2.5 miles (4km) by 1.75 miles (2.81km) and is home to three quarters of the population with around 1500 inhabitants. It is the terminus for the majority of transport links with the mainland. The capital, Hugh Town, includes most of St Mary's commercial facilities including banks, a post office and a variety of shops.

There is an Anglican Church, Roman Catholic Church and Methodist Chapel on St Mary's

Accommodation including guest houses and self catering facilities can be found in Hugh Town and at other points arouns St Mary's.

St Mary's has many fine archaeological remains including a Courtyard House settlement at Bant's Carn dating from around the 1st Century BC, several Scillonian Chamber tombs from the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age and the Mount Flagon standing stone (known locally as a menhir), nearly 9 ft (2.7m) tall which dates from the Bronze Age.

Boats to the other islands operate from the town quay and there are trips around the islands to view the birdlife, fishing trips etc.

TRESCO

The island of Tresco is famous for the diversity of its natural environment. Its landscape is hugely varied for such a small island with exposed heathland and granite outcrops in the north, farmland in its centre giving way to the sub tropical splendour of the amazing Abbey Gardens and in the south and east magnificent beaches which remind the visitor of a tropical paradise.

Famous for both its plant and bird life, Tresco offers visitors specialist holidays to ensure you get the most from your stay on the island. Accommodation for these holidays is provided in one of Tresco's two hotels and its Inn.

Self catering accommodation is available in holiday cottages on the island. Local facilities available include a post office, general store, laundry, church and bike hire facilities.

Tresco is home to a most unusual archaeological feature: a Roman altar which was brought here after being found in Hugh Town on St Mary's. The altar is 2.6 ft (0.8m) tall. It now stands in the Abbey Gardens.

A helicopter service operates all year round from Mon - Sat between Penzance and Tresco. Alternatively, visitors can arrive at St Mary's and travel to the island by boat.

ST AGNES

St Agnes is a beautiful and peaceful island only 1 mile (1.6km) in diameter. It is an ideal location for walking and relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Flower growing is the principal occupation of the small community.

Many rare birds can be seen on the island, particularly during their Autumn migration.

A variety of accommodation is available: camping; self catering and guest house accommodation.

Local facilities include a pub, post office, general store, church and two cafes.

BRYHER

Bryher has a very small resident population. It is a great place to visit in any season since it offers the visitor a contrast between the wild and magnificent Atlantic on its west coast and the calmer more sheltered waters to the east, where it overlooks the island of Tresco.

A wide range of accommodation is available with the choice of a hotel, guest houses, self catering in chalets or cottages or camping facilities.

Local facilities include a post office stores, craft studio and church.

Bryher has many fine walks. From Watch Hill there is a wonderful panoramic view of the island and the surrounding area. And for birdwatchers, Great Pool is an ideal observation point.

A boat service operates to and from Bryher all year round.

ST MARTIN'S

St Martin's is beautifully situated with excellent views and long magnificent beaches of white gold sand. The island is 2 miles (3.2km) long. There are ample opportunities for the walker and botanist with fine walks around the island.

A wide range of accommodation is available with a hotel, guest houses, self catering in cottages or chalets and a camp site.

Local facilities include a pub, post office stores, church, chapel, 2 galleries, bakery, tea room, souvenir shop and a fruit and vegetable store. Special hire boats are available for fishing and other activities.

A boat service is available daily between Easter and October ferrying visitors to the other islands.

Cruther's Hill on St Martin's is crowned by impressive Scillonian Chamber tombs which are believed to date from around 2500 BC, the late Neolithic period or the early Bronze Age, 4500 years ago.

GUGH

Gugh is accessible from St Agnes at low tide across the sandbar between the two islands.

The Old Man of Gugh (a Bronze Age standing stone)

Accommodation is available on St Agnes. Gugh is a beautiful place for walking with magnificent views and interesting archaeological features such as the The Old Man of Gugh, a Bronze Age standing stone (known locally as a menhir) , 9ft (2.7m) tall which is situated at the foot of Kittern Hill.

ANNET

Annet, while not inhabited by a human population has a massive bird community with its most famous inhabitant being the Puffin. The island which is a designated bird sanctuary contains many burrows in its cliffs made by these most fascinating birds, members of the auk family, who breed here every year.

A puffin swimming near Annet's coast

Landing on the island is restricted and boats from St Mary's take visitors on a sea tour around the sanctuary to view its bird population.

Depending on the time of year the Puffins can be seen standing outside their burrows or swimming around diving for fish. The boatmen always try to ensure that their visitors get a good chance to view the Puffins.

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