There are plenty of things to do in the Scilly Isles for people of all ages and interests. If you like sporting or adventurous activities, then you can benefit from a great range of opportunities. There are also a number of outlets for cultural, architectural and historical interests, as well as a wealth of resources for admirers of natural beauty. And as for the great food and drink, well that suits us all! The Isles of Scilly may not offer the completeness or total diversity of an urban metropolis, but amidst the tranquillity of a relaxing escape they still provide something engaging for everyone.

From shell collecting, sun bathing and sand-castle building on deserted white sand beaches, to swimming in the sparkling sea and paddling in rock pools; from windsurfing and kayaking to sailing in the fresh sea breeze, the Isles of Scilly offer an exciting coastal experience to families, couples and individuals of all ages.

Looking in-land the luscious interior makes walking and cycling a delight, whilst nature-lovers abound with the protected wildlife areas and the wide array of bird watching prospects. And after all that activity you can relax with a game of pool, a pint at the pub, and a good night’s sleep in any one of the amazing hotels and guest houses.

Here is a quick bullet point run-down of all the main activities you can pursue on the Scilly Isles:

Sports and Leisure Activities

There a range of sporting, physical and leisure activities available for adults and children on the Scilly Isles. This includes a whole host of water-based pursuits, as well various things to do for the more grounded amongst you. If you are an active, athletic or adventurous person, just take a look at this list to see what excites you.

Water Sports

  • Sailing
  • Kayaking
  • Snorkelling
  • Diving
  • Swimming
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Windsurfing

Land Sports

  • Football
  • Tennis
  • Rock climbing
  • Cycling
  • Golf
  • Jogging
  • Pool

Active Leisure

  • Walking tours
  • Boating tours
  • Cycling tours

Historical and Cultural Activities

If you are not a sporty person, do not despair. There are still plenty of activities for everyone else on the Scilly Isles, with numerous outlets for historical and cultural interests. Have a quick browse through this list to see what takes your fancy in the way of cultural pursuits:

Historical Landmarks

  • Museums
  • Castles
  • Churches
  • Ruins
  • Monuments
  • Lighthouses
  • Burial chambers
  • 130 listed buildings

Arts, Music and Drama

  • Arts and crafts workshops
  • Art galleries
  • Open air theatrical events
  • Art exhibitions
  • Art and jewellery courses
  • Jazz and folk music concerts
  • Play piano at Bryher community centre

Education and Learning

  • Harold Wilson Lifelong Learning Centre
  • Career and skills development courses
  • Read books at Bryher community centre
  • Vineyard tour!

Entertainment and Leisure Activities

If you find museums boring and galleries dull, then you will still find plenty to occupy you on the Isles of Scilly. This may not be Oxford Street, but there should still be enough to keep most people entertained. Here is a quick run-down of the main entertainment and leisure activities available.

Shopping

  • Fashion stores on St Mary’s
  • Gift and book shops on St Mary’s
  • Newsagents and supermarket on St Mary’s
  • Local Produce Market on St Mary’s
  • Post office and grocery stores on various islands
  • Local farm produce on various islands

Drinking & Dining

  • Fine dining, three course meals
  • Hearty pub lunch classics
  • Assortment of bars and pubs
  • Cafes, tea rooms and kiosks
  • Local produce available

Nature, Wildlife and Landscapes

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Scilly Isles is its awesome natural beauty, with heavenly beaches, rocky coastlines and scenic interior.

Beaches

  • Rushy Bay and Green Bay on Bryher
  • Lawrence’s Bay and Great Bay on St Martin’s
  • Covean and the Bar at St Agnes
  • Pelistry and Porthcressa on St Mary’s
  • Appletree Bay and Rushy Porth on Tresco

Landscape

  • See cliffs, sand dunes and beaches
  • See heathland, grassland and wetlands

Wildlife

  • Bird watching and ornithology
  • See the seals (boat trip)
  • See the dolphins (boat trip)
  • See the porpoises (boat trip)
  • Find the lesser white-toothed shrew
  • Discover wild ponies and cattle
  • Visit Tresco’s botanical garden

That just about rounds up this bullet point list of the main things to do in the Scilly Isles. If you are satisfied with the general range of activities on offer, then why not narrow this down by finding out more about the specific islands? Just click here to read a broader overview about the different places to visit, and the types of activities on offer in each area.