Sailing Holidays in the Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly boasts a plethora of dramatic, rugged coastlines – steep rock faces and deep inlets caused by the continuous pounding of huge rollers coming in from the Atlantic Ocean. These stunning islands feature large stretches of deserted white sandy beaches, dramatic rocky coves, stunning seascapes, amazing archaeological sites, beautiful walks and scenery along miles of coastal and country paths and nature trails. You’ll leave longing to return and questioning how somewhere like this could be part of the UK.

Composed of five inhabited islands – St. Mary’s, St. Martin’s, St. Agnes, Bryher and Tresco (with its world-famous Tresco Abbey Garden )– the entire archipelago is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it’s easy to see why! There are also numerous uninhabited isles to explore too, each offering a safe haven for wildlife and seabirds.

St Martins

Usually the first island you’ll see on the horizon with its red and white Daymark erected in 1683 welcoming you to Scilly,  St Martins is just two miles long yet it has some of the finest beaches in the British Isles, if not the world.

St. Mary’s

The Isles of Scilly’s largest island (population 1,800) and the gateway to the rest of the islands, st Mary’s main settlement is Hugh Town where you’ll find shops, pubs and a post office and plenty of places to sit with an ice cream and take in the view.

Bryher

The smallest of the inhabited island on the Scillies, Bryher has some beautiful walks and scenery and just 80 people are lucky enough to call it home. Hell Bay Hotel or the Fraggle Rock Pub for a light refreshment is a must for all guests.

Tresco

The second-largest of the islands, Tresco is a subtropical gem and home to the famous Abbey Garden, established in the 1830s by Augustus Smith. This horticultural paradise hosts a spectacular collection of more than 20,000 exotic plants from all corners of the world – many of which cannot be grown anywhere else in Britain.

St Agnes

The southernmost and smallest populated island of the Isles of Scilly is totally unspoilt and astonishingly peaceful. An island of extreme contrasts, with rocky outcrops on its exposed western side to serene beaches with the tranquillity of the sandbar between St. Agnes and Gugh on the other side.

Along with these main islands, there are also a plethora of smaller uninhabited islands that pilot cutter Pellew loves to explore during the summer months. Anchoring away from the hustle and bustle of island life and experiencing the wild side of Scillies.