Travel to the Isles of Scilly and other FAQs
If you have never been to the Isles of Scilly or stayed on an 'off island' before you may be wondering how it all works. Below is a list of the questions people most frequently ask but of course if your question isn't covered please get in touch.
Questions covered below
How can I find about travel to the Isles of Scilly? What do I do when I get to the airport on Scilly? If I come on the Scillonian ferry, what do I do when I arrive on St Mary's? Where do I find out the boat times for St Martin's? What do I do if I am going to arrive after the last boat has left or in the winter? What happens when I arrive on St Martin's? What about shopping on St Martin's? How do I get to other islands and explore Scilly? Can I bring my car? Are there any taxis? Travelling to the Scilly Isles by air from Exeter? Places to stay and eat in Penzance Is there Internet access in the cottages and on St Martin's? Are there any facilities for disabled people? |
How can I find about travel to the Isles of Scilly?
You have various options - boat from Penzance, aeroplane from Lands End, Newquay and Exeter or helicopter from Penzance. Visit Isles of Scilly Travel for more information about the boat and aeroplanes or Penzance Helicopters for the other option. What happens when I get to the airport on Scilly? Catch the minibus to St Mary's quay where you can either leave your luggage in the waiting room and go for a wander before catching the boat to St Martin's. If you fly into Tresco there will be a transfer to the quay and you will need to arrange a boat to St Martin's with Tresco Boats - 01720 423 373. |
If I come on the Scillonian ferry, what do I do when I arrive on St Mary's?
Before you get on the boat in Penzance make sure your luggage has a RED St Martin's label on it ( you can pick these up on Penzance quay) and has been put in the St Martin's container on the Scillonian. As long as you attached your red labels, your bags will automatically be transferred to the boat going to St Martin's. Please make sure you travel at the same time as your bags as you will need to help move your luggage on St Martin's. |
Where do I find out the boat times for St Martin's from St Mary's and how much does it cost?
The boat to St Martin's is run by the St Mary's Boatmen's Association. The times of boats going to St Martin's can be found on the St Martin's community website and on the boat boards on St Mary's quay. You can pay on-board or purchase tickets in advance from the little stone kiosk at the town end of St Mary's quay. What do I do if I am going to arrive after the last boat has left or in the winter or I am flying into Tresco? When there are no scheduled boats from St Mary's or you are arriving on Tresco you will need to book a 'special', this is like a water taxi. To do this ring or email Tresco Boat Services 01720 423 373 / [email protected] to book a boat. |
What happens when I arrive on St Martin's?
When you are on board your boat to St Martin's, ask the boatman which quay you will be going to, Highertown or Lowertown, then ring the farm on 01720 422169 and let us know you are on your way. If you call we will meet you and take you and your luggage to your holiday cottage. What about shopping on St Martin's? We have a general stores on the island, which can provide most of your holiday needs. You can pre-order shopping which we will be happy to collect so it is ready in your holiday home when you arrive. There is also a bakery, cafes and a fish and chip shop. |
How do I get to other islands and explore Scilly?
From Easter to October there are boats on most days to all the other inhabited islands depending on tides/weather. This service is provided by the St Mary's Boatmen's Association. You will be picked up and taken to St Mary's where you can connect with boats going to other islands. The cost includes your connecting travel from St Martin's. |
Can I bring my car?
No, it isn't really possible to bring your car to the Scilly Isles, as all large freight must be craned on and off the Scillonian. You really don't need your car, as the road on St Martin's is less than a mile long. Perfect for exploring on foot! Are there any taxis? There are no taxis on the 'off islands', including St Martin's, but there are on St Mary's. If travelling to the Scilly Isles by air from Exeter you might find this useful. Exeter Airport Parking. |
Places to stay and eat in and around Penzance
If you need to break your journey with a stay or a meal in or near Penzance we recommend the following: Keigwin B&B This very friendly B&B is in one of Penzance's large Victorian villas set just back from the sea front. It is run by Stu and Fran who used to live on Scilly and Stu works for the company who runs the helicopters to the islands, so they understand the needs of guests travelling to Scilly. Hotel Penzance Penzance's smartest hotel, a stones throw away from the Railway station with an excellent restaurant. Artist Residence Penzance A quirky boutique hotel located in the quiet, back streets of Penzance with superb restaurant and bar. Premier Inn Penzance Handy for the train station and just a short walk to Penzance quay but lacking local character. |
Premier Inn Hayle A great option of you are coming by car, parking is easy, normally a little cheaper than the above and only 10 miles to Penzance. They have an on-site restaurant the Loggans Moor Brewers Fayre.
Travelodge Hayle Almost nextdoor to the Premier Inn Hayle, see above! Park & Stay with Scilly Parking Car parking service and luxury overnight accommodation in Penzance. They will collect you and your luggage and take you to your departure point and collect you on your return. Discounts offered when you book parking and accommodation together. Is there Internet access in the cottages and on St Martin's? Yes, there is free WiFi in both cottages and also at the Island Hall and most of the places you can eat. |
Are there any facilities for people with disabilities?
We would love everyone to be able to access and enjoy a holiday on St Martin's but due to our very remote location that can only be reached by small passenger boats, boarded via steep steps some mobility issues are hard to accommodate. Whatever your requirements if there is something you think we can help with that makes it is easier for you to enjoy your stay please talk to us and we will advise. We have accessibility guides for the cottages that can be viewed on the Visit England website but please understand the proforma used doesn't really suit our unique circumstances so it doesn't really tell you much more than - please get in touch. |