Travel to the Scilly Isles and other FAQs
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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 St. Mary's? 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 and how much does it cost? 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? Places to stay and eat in Penzance Can I bring my car? Are there any taxis? Are there any facilities for disabled people? Is there Internet access in the cottages and on St. Martin's? Travelling to the Scilly Isles by air from Exeter? |
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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 Helicoptors for the other option. |
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What do I do when I get to the airport on St. Mary's or the Tresco heliport?
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 423373.
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 and has been put in the St. Martin's container on the Scillonian. Then it will automatically be transferred to the boat going to St Martin's when you dock on St Mary's and you won't have to handle your luggage. 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 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 - £5 / adult or £4.50 if purchasing 20 tickets in advance from the little stone kiosk on the left at the town end of the quay on St Mary's. If you do this it is important to say you are staying in St Martin's to ensure you are sold the correct type of ticket.
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 / trescoboats@tresco.co.uk 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 an general stores on the island, which can provide most of your holiday needs. There is also a bakery, cafes and a fish and chip shop. We are more than happy to place a grocery order for you and collect it so it is ready in your holiday home when you arrive.
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 boating association. You will be picked up and taken to St Mary's where you can connect with boats going to other islands. The cost is £5 / adult one way, this includes your connecting travel from St Martin's. But if you purchase 20 tickets in advance from the little stone kiosk on the left at the town end of the quay on St Mary's it will cost £4.50. If you do this it is important to say you are staying in St Martin's to ensure you are sold the correct type of ticket.
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 (£35 - £60pp) - 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 (from £114pn) 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.
Travelodge 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.
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.
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.
Are there any facilities for disabled people?
Define disabled? If there is something you think we can help with that means it is easier for you to enjoy your stay talk to us and we will advise. There is a mobility buggy for hire on St. Martin's and we have an access statement for the cottages; please contact us for a copy.
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.
If travelling to the Scilly Isles by air from Exeter you might find this useful.
Exeter Airport Parking.
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 423373.
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 and has been put in the St. Martin's container on the Scillonian. Then it will automatically be transferred to the boat going to St Martin's when you dock on St Mary's and you won't have to handle your luggage. 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 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 - £5 / adult or £4.50 if purchasing 20 tickets in advance from the little stone kiosk on the left at the town end of the quay on St Mary's. If you do this it is important to say you are staying in St Martin's to ensure you are sold the correct type of ticket.
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 / trescoboats@tresco.co.uk 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 an general stores on the island, which can provide most of your holiday needs. There is also a bakery, cafes and a fish and chip shop. We are more than happy to place a grocery order for you and collect it so it is ready in your holiday home when you arrive.
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 boating association. You will be picked up and taken to St Mary's where you can connect with boats going to other islands. The cost is £5 / adult one way, this includes your connecting travel from St Martin's. But if you purchase 20 tickets in advance from the little stone kiosk on the left at the town end of the quay on St Mary's it will cost £4.50. If you do this it is important to say you are staying in St Martin's to ensure you are sold the correct type of ticket.
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 (£35 - £60pp) - 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 (from £114pn) 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.
Travelodge 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.
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.
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.
Are there any facilities for disabled people?
Define disabled? If there is something you think we can help with that means it is easier for you to enjoy your stay talk to us and we will advise. There is a mobility buggy for hire on St. Martin's and we have an access statement for the cottages; please contact us for a copy.
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.
If travelling to the Scilly Isles by air from Exeter you might find this useful.
Exeter Airport Parking.
