UK Hidden Gem: Why the Isles of Scilly should be on your list
- May 4
- 12 min read
In partnership with Visit Isles of Scilly
You know what's funny? I’ll happily fly halfway across the world in search of somewhere extraordinary, yet it turns out I’d been overlooking something just as compelling much closer to home.
The Isles of Scilly had always felt slightly out of reach. Not in distance, but in perception. The kind of place you hear about in passing, often described with a hint of disbelief, but never quite prioritise. And yet, just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, it offers a version of the UK that feels entirely unexpected.
There’s a moment when you arrive where it doesn’t quite register that you’re still in Britain. The water is impossibly clear, the sands pale and untouched, and the light has that soft, almost tropical quality I’d usually associate with destinations far further afield. It’s subtle, understated, and all the more special for it.
What makes the Isles of Scilly so captivating isn’t just the scenery, but the shift in pace. Life feels slower here, shaped by the tide, the weather, and little else. It’s a place that invites you to pause, to explore, and to appreciate the kind of beauty that doesn’t need to shout.
In April, I had the chance to experience it properly. From the journey itself to island hopping, coastal walks, and long, unhurried afternoons by the sea. I’ll share more on that shortly, but safe to say, it left a lasting impression.
💡 Useful tips before heading to Isles of Scilly
When to Go
The Isles of Scilly truly come into their own between late spring and early autumn. From May through to September, you can expect long, light-filled days, milder temperatures, and the kind of settled weather that makes island hopping and time by the sea especially enjoyable.
Summer brings the warmest conditions, often ranging between 18–24°C, though it’s the quality of the light and the clarity of the water that make this time of year feel so special. Even outside peak summer, the islands benefit from a slightly milder microclimate than mainland Cornwall, making them a lovely option for a quieter, off-season escape.
As you might expect, accommodation is limited and in high demand, so it’s worth planning ahead, particularly during the summer months.
Getting Around
Reaching the Isles of Scilly is part of the experience, and there are a couple of memorable ways to make the journey.
From London, you can take the overnight GWR Night Riviera Sleeper to Penzance, before continuing by air with Penzance Helicopters. The flight itself is short but incredibly scenic, offering sweeping views of the Cornish coastline and the islands as you approach.
Once on the islands, getting around is refreshingly simple. Walking is often the best way to explore, particularly on smaller islands like St Martin’s, where quiet paths lead you between beaches and along the coastline.
To travel between islands, local boats run regularly, making it easy to spend your days exploring different corners of the archipelago. Sailing excursions are also a wonderful way to experience the islands from the water, often with the chance to spot wildlife along the way.
Where to Stay
Accommodation across the Isles of Scilly leans towards the boutique and independent, with a focus on understated comfort and exceptional locations.
During my stay, I checked into Karma St Martin's, a relaxed coastal retreat set just steps from the beach. Its position on St Martin’s makes it an ideal base for exploring quieter stretches of coastline, enjoying long walks, and embracing the slower pace of island life.
Each of the inhabited islands offers something slightly different, so where you choose to stay will shape your experience. St Mary’s is the largest and most connected, while St Martin’s, Tresco, Bryher, and St Agnes each offer their own distinct charm, from subtropical gardens to rugged, windswept landscapes.
What to Pack
Packing for the Isles of Scilly is all about layering. Even in summer, the weather can shift throughout the day, so lightweight layers, a knit, and a windproof jacket are all worth bringing.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for coastal paths and sandy trails, while swimwear is a must if you’re tempted by those clear, inviting waters. A good book, sunglasses, and a picnic blanket will also go a long way here.
Food & Drink
Dining on the Isles of Scilly is shaped by its coastal setting, with a strong emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Seafood naturally takes centre stage, from crab and lobster to freshly caught fish, often served simply to let the flavours speak for themselves.
You’ll find a mix of relaxed beachside cafés, traditional pubs, and a handful of more refined dining spots, all reflecting the islands’ laid-back yet considered approach to food. Long lunches and early evening dinners, often with a sea view, quickly become part of the daily rhythm.
Pace Yourself
The Isles of Scilly are not a destination to rush. Days tend to unfold slowly, shaped by boat schedules, the tide, and the weather. Mornings might be spent exploring neighbouring islands or setting out on a sailing trip, while afternoons lend themselves to beach walks, quiet swims, or simply finding a spot in the sun and staying there a little longer than planned.
Day One-Two: A journey with Great Western Railway
Travel days rarely feel this seamless. With an 11:45pm departure from London Paddington, the journey began aboard the GWR Night Riviera Sleeper. There’s something quietly indulgent about boarding a train late in the evening and heading straight to bed, knowing you’ll wake up somewhere entirely different.
We opted for a double cabin, complete with bunk beds for two. Compact but thoughtfully designed, it had everything needed for a comfortable night’s sleep. And somewhat surprisingly, the bed itself was genuinely comfortable. That said, if you’re a light sleeper, I’d recommend packing ear plugs and perhaps an eye mask to make the most of it.
Morning arrived gently, with breakfast served on board as the train made its way along the Cornish coastline. Waking up to soft sea views and a slower pace felt like an extension of the journey rather than a transition.
From Penzance, we continued by air with Penzance Helicopters, a short 20-minute flight to St Mary’s that quickly became a highlight in itself. Lifting off over the coastline, the views stretch endlessly, with shifting shades of blue below and the islands gradually appearing on the horizon. It’s as much an experience as it is a transfer.
After landing on St Mary’s, we made the final leg by small boat across to St Martin’s, arriving by sea in a way that feels entirely fitting for the setting.
Our base for the stay was Karma St Martin's, set just moments from the shoreline. After checking in, we spent the afternoon exploring on foot, wandering through the island’s small villages, following quiet coastal paths, and getting our bearings in this beautifully unspoilt corner of the UK.
There’s an immediate sense of calm on St Martin’s. No rush, no crowds, just open space, sea air, and that distinct feeling of having arrived somewhere truly special. It was the perfect introduction to the Isles of Scilly, and a gentle start to the days ahead.
Day Three: Embracing the island rhythm
The Isles of Scilly have a way of reminding you that plans are best kept flexible. We had originally intended to spend the day out exploring with a beachside picnic, but a slightly windier forecast encouraged a gentler pace. If anything, it felt entirely in keeping with the rhythm of the islands, a place where you learn to follow the weather rather than resist it.
Instead, we leaned into a slower day at Karma St Martin's, settling into the kind of unhurried moments that are easy to overlook elsewhere. Mornings drifted into afternoons over board games, followed by tea and freshly baked scones, a simple pleasure that somehow feels elevated in this setting, with the sea never far from view.
It also proved to be the perfect opportunity to experience the spa. After a day of travel, the timing couldn’t have been better. The treatment combined pressure point work, a full body massage, a head massage and a mini facial. It was deeply relaxing and exactly what was needed. The therapist here has built quite the reputation, with many guests returning time and again specifically for her, which speaks volumes.
As evening arrived, we eased into dinner at the hotel, where locally caught fish took centre stage. There is something particularly special about dining this close to the source, the flavours simple and fresh, best enjoyed at a slower pace as the light softens outside. It may not have been the day we originally planned, but it was exactly the kind of day the Isles of Scilly does best.
Day Four: Exploring St Martin’s at its best
By day three, the Isles of Scilly had one more surprise in store. We woke to clear skies and sunshine, the kind that instantly shifts the mood and invites you outdoors. It felt like the perfect opportunity to experience the islands at their very best.
We took advantage of the calmer start to the day with a morning sail, setting out across those impossibly clear waters and weaving between quiet coves and uninhabited islets. Seeing the islands from the water offers a completely different perspective, one that really highlights their untouched beauty. Along the way, we were lucky enough to spot seals, and depending on the season, puffins can also be seen here, adding to the sense that this part of the UK feels wonderfully wild and unspoilt.
Originally, we had planned to spend the morning kayaking, which is something you can do on St Martin’s, but the conditions were still a little too choppy. It’s a gentle reminder that plans here are best kept flexible and, more often than not, the alternative turns out to be just as rewarding.
Later in the day, we made our way to Great Bay, where the views open out across wide stretches of pale sand and turquoise water. We paused here for a light picnic, sharing the space with a few quietly grazing cows, which only added to the charm of it all. From there, we continued on to St Martin’s Vineyard & Winery, enjoying a relaxed wander through one of the UK’s most southerly growing regions. It’s a small but characterful spot, perfectly in tune with the island’s slower pace, and well worth a visit if you have the time.
Back at Karma St Martin's, the afternoon eased into something even more relaxed, with fish and chips enjoyed right on the beach, simple, classic, and somehow all the better with the sea just a few steps away. As the day drew to a close, we settled in for dinner, a final chance to enjoy the island’s fresh, locally sourced produce and reflect on a stay that had quietly exceeded expectations at every turn.
Day Five: Farewell to the Isles
There’s a certain stillness to the final morning on the Isles of Scilly. A quieter kind of appreciation, knowing you’re about to leave somewhere that has, in a short space of time, completely shifted your sense of pace. Breakfast at Karma St Martin's was a fitting send-off, unhurried and indulgent, with the now much talked-about lobster benedict living up to expectations.
We made our way back to St Mary’s by boat, gliding over those same clear, turquoise waters for one last time. With a little time before our onward journey, we used it as an opportunity to explore. The islands are wonderfully walkable, which makes moments like this easy to enjoy. We wandered through the town, stopped by the beaches, and found a spot for a relaxed lunch, making the most of those final hours. Soon after, we took to the skies once more, watching the islands gradually fade into the distance below, a view that stays with you long after you leave.
Back on the mainland, the journey continued through Cornwall to Lostwithiel, where we arrived at a beautifully designed farmhouse cottage, part of the Duchy of Cornwall estate. Thoughtfully styled and fully equipped with everything you could need, it offered a different kind of escape, one that felt cosy, calm, and quietly luxurious.
We spent the evening unwinding with time in the spa and sauna before taking a walk across the estate’s beautifully kept grounds, with sweeping views towards the manor house. With Restormel Castle just nearby, the setting feels steeped in history as much as it does in tranquillity. Back inside, we lit the fireplace and settled in with a simple supper and a bottle of wine, the perfect way to end the day.
Day Six: A gentle return back to the big smoke
The final morning began with a short journey to the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, a place that feels as much a destination as it does a stop for breakfast. Set within beautifully kept grounds, it’s somewhere you could easily spend hours, wandering through the nursery, browsing at a leisurely pace, and simply enjoying being outside in the fresh Cornish air.
It has the feel of a true hidden gem, quietly tucked away yet undeniably special once discovered.
Breakfast here is not to be missed. The three-tier offering is particularly worth ordering, a thoughtfully curated selection of their finest breakfast dishes, served as a series of small, beautifully presented tasters. It’s indulgent without feeling heavy, and a lovely way to experience the quality of the produce in a more considered way.
From there, the journey back to London began. A short transfer to the station, followed by a relaxed train ride via Plymouth, offered time to reflect on the past few days. It’s often said that the journey home is where a trip truly settles in. And in this case, it was hard not to feel that something quietly unexpected had been discovered much closer to home than anticipated.
Final Thoughts: Is the Isles of Scilly worth it?
Is it really possible to find somewhere that feels this far removed without ever leaving the UK? Absolutely and if you’re considering it, my advice is simple. Go, and give yourself the time to do it properly. The Isles of Scilly are more than worth the visit and, if I could, I’d make this a regular UK escape. It’s the kind of place that quietly exceeds expectations without needing to shout about it.
That said, a little planning goes a long way. Accommodation fills up quickly, particularly during the summer months, so booking well in advance is essential. Packing smart is equally important. Even on the sunniest days, the islands are wonderfully open to the elements, especially out at sea, so a windbreaker is a must. Layers will serve you well year-round and make it much easier to adapt to the shifting conditions.
What stayed with me most was the pace of life. Everything feels slower, calmer, and far removed from the rhythm of the city, which is exactly what makes it so special. If you have the time, I’d highly recommend extending your stay to explore more of the islands like Tresco and Bryher, each offering something entirely different and adding another dimension to the experience.
And finally, don’t overlook the mainland. A night or two in Cornwall is well worth it, and for me, the Duchy of Cornwall cottages and the Nursery were highlights in their own right. Thoughtfully designed, beautifully kept, and the perfect way to ease back into everyday life. It may be close to home, but it feels a world away
🗺️ Where we visited during this trip (with Google Map links)
St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly
A peaceful, unspoilt island known for its white sand beaches, clear waters and slower pace of life. Ideal for coastal walks, sailing between islands and switching off completely.
🔗 Location
Karma St Martin's
A laid-back coastal retreat set just steps from the shoreline. A perfect base for exploring the island, enjoying beachside dining and embracing the rhythm of island life.\
🔗 Location
St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly The largest and most connected island, home to the main harbour, independent shops and a relaxed café scene. A great place for a final wander before onward travel. 🔗 Location
Great Bay, St Martin’s One of the island’s most beautiful beaches, with wide stretches of pale sand, turquoise water and grazing cows adding to its charm. Perfect for a relaxed picnic. 🔗 Location
St Martin’s Vineyard & Winery One of the UK’s most southerly vineyards, offering a small but characterful setting for a leisurely stroll and wine tasting overlooking the coast. 🔗 Location
Duchy of Cornwall Holiday Cottages
Beautifully designed countryside cottages set within the Duchy estate, offering a cosy and considered stay with access to spa facilities, scenic grounds and a slower Cornish pace of life.
🔗 Location
Duchy of Cornwall Nursery A hidden gem near Lostwithiel, known for its beautiful gardens and exceptional breakfast offering. The perfect final stop before heading back to London. 🔗 Location
Restormel Castle A striking historic landmark set within the Cornish countryside, offering sweeping views and a sense of the region’s rich heritage. 🔗 Location
🧳 Isles of Scilly Packing Checklist🧾 Essentials
👕 Clothing
🌊 Island & Beach Essentials
🚤 For Exploring
💊 Health & Practical Items
🔌 Electronics & Adapters The Isles of Scilly use standard UK plug sockets (Type G) with a 230V supply, so no adapter is needed for UK travellers. |
Looking for more inspiration for your travels abroad or in London?
Follow me on @maikenf on Instagram to see my journey.
This stay was in collaboration with Visit Isles of Scilly Tourism Board. All views and opinions here are as usual my own.
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