Useful Information about Scilly

Traveling to the Islands

The islands sit at the most South Westerly corner of the UK just 28 miles (45 kilometres) from Land’s End. You can fly to the islands from Land’s End, Newquay and Exeter airports and you can go by sea on the Scillonian 111 ferry from Penzance. The ferry travels to the islands Monday to Saturday from March to the end of October and 7 days a week in the main season. It normally leaves at 9.15am arriving around midday and returns from St Mary’s leaving at 4.30pm and arriving back at Penzance at 7.00pm. It is always wise to double check when booking as the times can change due to tidal restrictions. Book by phone 0845 7105555 or online at www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk.

Parking areas for travellers can be found at all the airports and parking fees will be determined by each provider. If you are traveling by ferry parking your car in Penzance for anything longer than a day trip can be difficult. We suggest that you use a parking company that will deliver you and your luggage to the boat, look after your car while you are on holiday, pick you and you luggage up from the boat on your return and take you back to your car. This takes all the hassle out of your arrival and departure and is a great start and finish to your holiday. This service can be found by calling Nigel and Denise on 01736 740 277, mobile 07855 739060 or booking online at www.scillyparking.co.uk. They will also drop you at Penzance Station so you can pick up the transport to Land’s End airfield.

If you are travelling by ferry you should clearly mark your bags with your holiday address before they are put in the containers. They will then be picked up by the carriers on St Mary’s and delivered directly to your holiday address. There is a small per bag charge for this service but when you pay your bill at the carriers office at some point during your holiday you can book a ‘pick up’ so that your bags will be picked up from your holiday accommodation on the morning that you leave the islands and will be put in the out going container so that you will pick them up when you arrive back at Penzance Quay. This service allows you to make the most of your last day on the islands without the worry of wondering what to do with your bags until the ship sails.

Just one word of caution if you are taking the ferry; If you are not a good sailor we suggest that you do take some form of seasickness protection. Because the harbours at both ends of the journey are tidal the ferry has a shallow draft and as such, in heavier seas, has an odd motion which can catch you out if you are not prepared for it. Forewarned is forearmed as we do want you to start your holiday in the best of ways. It has to be said that going to the islands by ferry does give you some fabulous views of the West Cornwall coast and when you have passed the furthest point of Cornwall you can see some really interesting marine life.

Which ever way you choose to travel we hope that the journey is an enjoyable part of your holiday and we do encourage you to book your travel early as there are often discounts for early booking.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is a must when you are coming to Scilly. Do be aware that some insurance companies will not pay out if there is a problem and you have to make a claim as they maintain that you can’t be held up within the same postal code area (Truro TR1 St Mary’s TR21). So do make sure that your insurance will cover you particularly if you are flying from Land’s End or taking the ferry from Penzance.

Hold Up’s

Hold up’s or cancellations can occur due to adverse weather conditions so occasionally you will need overnight accommodation. We have compiled a Travel Directory for you so Click Here for a printable list that will help in time of need.