NEXT STOP ISLES OF SCILLY
Take the Night Riviera Sleeper train to paradise and trade the daily grind for time to reflect and unwind
VisitIslesofScilly.com
WELCOME to Scilly
A low-lying archipelago 28 miles off Land’s End in Cornwall, where islands dot the Atlantic like a string of hidden jewels waiting to be discovered.
Throughout the year, the islands are painted in celestial hues, and beneath deep, dark skies their maritime heritage quietly whispers through the air. Rich in wildlife, cloaked in verdant vegetation, and fringed with untouched beaches, this serene archipelago is a hidden gem of the British Isles. Five inhabited islands sit nestled among a scattering of uninhabited islets, forming a close-knit cluster where life moves at its own gentle pace.
Here, time slows, inviting travellers to wander, reflect, and immerse themselves in the islands’ quiet magic, where every step reveals a new delight for body, mind, and soul. Slow adventures unfold naturally — from island-hopping by boat and coastal walks shaped by sea air, to unhurried swims in crystal-clear waters and moments of stillness beneath wide, open skies.
TIME FOR YOU
On Scilly, mornings drift with the light, days unfold with gentle adventures, and every path leads to quiet discoveries. Surrounded by sea and sky, time softens, and each moment is full of quiet wonder and discovery.
Across the islands, life moves with the rhythm of tide and sky. Days are shaped by wandering along hidden coves, cycling past heather-clad landscapes, or paddling through turquoise waters. Discoveries abound in wildflower meadows, endless birdsong, and sundrenched beaches. Local flavours, historic sites, and small island communities add texture to every adventure. Surrounded by endless horizons and moments of almost sacred silence, even the smallest experiences feel expansive. Beneath vast skies and starlit nights, you don’t just visit the islands - you become part of their rhythm. Here’s a little inspiration to help you start your journey through this remarkable archipelago.
Get into rhythm
A SANCTUARY BY THE SEA
As part of a slow-adventure escape, the Karma Spa on St. Martin’s offers a serene island sanctuary where treatments nurture and restore. Using ethically sourced, paraben-free ingredients, expert therapists guide guests into deep relaxation. For a truly indulgent experience, try a full-bodied aromatherapy relaxation massage or a 45-minute Indian head massage - perfect for easing the mind and soothing the soul. For more moments to truly unplug, step outside and in just a few strides find yourself embraced by the hotel’s natural beauty, where sea, sand, and sky unfold, inviting effortless calm.
FIND YOUR FLOW
Recharge and rejuvenate with five tranquil nights on Tresco, guided by island yogi Gem Hansen and guest tutor Will Harrigan. Through yoga, meditation, and breathwork, find balance and serenity, while leisurely exploring the island by pedal bike, wild swim, or quiet sunset—an ideal slow-adventure escape this autumn. For retreats, Tresco’s Festival of Wellness takes place every March or book an Autumn Yoga & Meditation Retreat this October.
DRIFT INTO SERENITY
Guests at Tresco’s Island Spa drift into a world of calm, where time slows and the sea whispers nearby. Heated pools, a Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room invite gentle immersion, while holistic therapies and tennis beneath open skies nurture body and soul—a serene pause in life’s current. For a truly dreamy escape and spa treatments, try the Phoenix & Providence Experience. Begin with a gentle sea salt and seaweed scrub, awakening and detoxifying the skin. Drift into a deeply nourishing fullbody massage that eases tension, then finish with a revitalising facial, leaving the body radiant, refreshed, and harmoniously renewed (90 mins).
Tresco Island, James Bowden
Tresco Island, James Bowden
Tresco cocktails, Rob Besant
Tresco Island
THE ART OF BEING
WINDOW TO YOUR SOUL
The Isles of Scilly are dotted with magical spots to pause, breathe, and simply be. Quiet beaches, rocky outcrops, and hidden coves invite moments of stillness, where the gentle rhythm of island life takes over. On Tresco, wander to Pentle Bay, discover historic ruins or meander through the flowerfilled paths of the Abbey Garden. Across St. Martin’s, stroll the open heathlands, visit the UK’s oldest daymark, or discover a secluded beach with soft, powdery sandswhere solitude encourages reflection, wonder, and a deep connection to the islands’ timeless beauty.
GOLDEN HOUR PHOTOS
From the first glow of sunrise to the golden warmth of sunset, Tresco and St. Martin’s shimmer with a gentle, ever-changing light. On Tresco, Muffin’s Bay, Pentle Bay, and Old Grimsby Harbour come alive at dawn, while the Abbey Garden, Cromwell’s Castle, and the quiet corners of Samson’s shore offer magical twilight moments. Across St. Martin’s, the heathlands, St. Martin’s Daymark, and secluded arched beaches reveal panoramic views bathed in soft evening light. These are moments of stillness and wonder— perfect for strolling, reflecting, or quietly revelling in the islands’ timeless splendour.
LAZY MORNINGS
On Scilly, the art of slowing down comes naturally. On Tresco, start the day with a coffee or brunch at The Flying Boat Café & Deli, a local favourite, before wandering gently through the world-famous Abbey Garden, where subtropical blooms and shaded paths set a calm, meditative rhythm. As the afternoon drifts by, find a quiet spot by Old Grimsby Harbour to read, or watch the light dance across Appletree Bay’s sparkling waters.
On St Martin’s, take your time on the terrace of Karma St. Martin’s with a morning coffee, or sink into the cosy bar while gazing out over the ocean. Meander along the soft, expansive beaches from Lower Town to Higher Town with a favourite book, or follow the island’s gentle trails where sea and sky meet in quiet harmony. Pause for a cocktail or two as the day drifts by between lazy beach strolls.
These islands invite you to slow down completely, soak in the scenery, and savour the restorative rhythm of island life.
PURE CONNECTION
NATURE WATCH
The Isles of Scilly are a birdwatcher’s paradise, where every walk and coastal stroll brings the chance to spot rare and colourful species. From May to June, puffins return to the islands’ cliffs, their bright beaks a delightful splash of colour against the sea. Across dunes, heathlands, and sheltered coves, warblers sing, terns wheel gracefully above the sparkling waters, and waders probe the shoreline at low tide. With minimal crowds and expansive skies, each moment invites you to slow down, watch, and immerse yourself in the quiet wonder of the islands’ feathered visitors.
→ visitislesofscilly.com/experiences/ wildlife-and-nature
There are endless reasons to discover the islands and witness the seasons gently unfold through a carefully curated calendar of events. Each festival carries its own rhythm and spirit, bringing warmth and vibrancy to island life, and encouraging you to stay awhile, soaking up the creativity, community, and natural beauty of the archipelago.
LEISURELY PAWS
Planning a trip to the islands with your four-legged companion? The Isles of Scilly offer a dreamlike escape for dogs and their owners alike. Amble along quiet, sandy beaches where your dog can run and play freely, or take gentle, peaceful strolls through tranquil paths and coastal scenery. With endless long walks, calm corners to explore, and welcoming places to stay, both you and your furry friend can truly unwind and savour idyllic island life.
→ visitislesofscilly.com/ ideas-and-inspiration/dog-friendly
BLUE PLANET ENCOUNTERS
Immerse yourself in a truly magical adventure swimming with seals, gliding through the crystal waters around the Eastern Isles. Playful Atlantic grey seals drift curiously alongside, offering an intimate, Blue Planet–like encounter that lingers in memory long after you leave the sea.
WALK SCILLY 10th – 19th April
An eclectic mix of guided walks across the islands.
LOW TIDE EVENTS 17th April & 11th September
Pop-up festival along the sand bar between Tresco and Bryher.
WORLD PILOT GIG CHAMPIONSHIPS 1st – 3rd May
An annual gig racing event held across the islands.
CREATIVE SCILLY 16th – 26th May
An inspiring celebration of culture and creativity.
OCEAN SCILLY 22nd – 30th August
A tribute to the ocean with thrilling watersports and unforgettable coastal adventures.
TASTE OF SCILLY 11th – 20th September
Indulge in local flavours and fresh produce straight from our islands.
DARK SKIES WEEK 4th – 9h October
Stargazing, guest speakers and more on St. Martin’s.
For all events, go to visitislesofscilly.com
Dream Retreat
Karma St. Martin’s, @solarpoweredblonde
Tresco Island, James Bowden
Tresco Island, James Bowden
Karma St. Martin’s
Taste of Scilly, Danny North
“ONE OF THE MOST MAGICAL COASTAL SPOTS IN THE UK IF NOT, DARE I SAY IT, THE WORLD”
Coast Magazine
SALTWATER MOMENTS
Whether you seek gentle paddles along calm bays, quiet exploration of hidden coves, or mindful moments onshore, Scilly offers the perfect setting in the UK for slow, water-based adventures.
Drift across sparkling waters by kayak, SUP, or sailing dinghy, letting the islands reveal secret beaches, sheltered inlets, and tranquil corners of the sea. Unwind with sunrise yoga on the sand, snorkel among playful seals, float beneath the golden glow of sunset, or linger for a serene dip. As night falls, gaze at unspoiled skies, dotted with stars, and let the islands’ serene magic guide body, mind, and soul on an unforgettable journey.
SET ADRIFT
Glide gently between the islands by kayak (transparent options available), paddleboard or boat, letting the rhythm of the sea guide your journey. Drift from one hidden cove to the next, wander across uninhabited islets, and discover a stretch of pristine white sand all to yourself—perfect for a quiet swim or a leisurely picnic. As the day softens, float in the warm embrace of golden light, letting the islands’ calm, hidden wonders reveal themselves one quiet moment at a time.
St Martin’s Watersports offer the freedom to explore crystal-clear seas at your own pace. Kayaking and paddleboarding reveal vibrant marine life along sheltered bays and white sandy beaches. Calm conditions make it ideal for gentle adventures, perfect for both beginners and experienced explorers.
→ stmartinswatersports.co.uk
ALL ABOARD THE NIGHT RIVIERA SLEEPER
ADVENTURE SCILLY
Adventure Scilly offer a wood-fired, atmospheric sauna by the sea, guided sea swims & dips, and meditation & yoga in wild spaces as well as retreats. They love to share the raw beauty, serenity, and dramatic contrasts of the archipelago with visitors to the islands. Find your inner peace!
→ adventurescilly.as.me
GLIDE WITH THE TIDE
For those seeking a more personal experience, selfswims around the islands offer the chance to explore the waters at your own pace. Slip into the clear, bracing sea and feel the gentle sway of the currents, the salt on your skin, and the sun sparkling on the waves. Glide past hidden coves, quiet beaches, and rugged coastline, discovering the islands from an entirely new perspective. Each swim is a chance to slow down, immerse yourself in nature, and embrace the liberating calm of the open sea.
From London life to island bliss, step aboard the Night
Riviera Sleeper with Great Western Railway (GWR) at London Paddington and settle in for one of the most memorable and unhurried journeys of your life.
Why wait to reach the Isles of Scilly to start your holiday?
With GWR’s Night Riviera Sleeper, it begins the moment you arrive at Paddington.
More than a train, it’s a hotel on wheels - fall asleep in a solo or twin cabin and wake refreshed for your Scilly adventure.
Enjoy complimentary drinks in the First-Class Lounge before boarding, then relax on board as the journey unfolds.
Arriving in Penzance, you can connect straight to Scilly or take time to freshen up and explore the town - even extend your trip with a stay in Cornwall. With regular GWR services linking Penzance to London and beyond, the journey is as seamless as it is memorable.
GETTING TO SCILLY
Thrilling Journeys
Tempted? Here’s
ONWARDS
At Penzance, the Sleeper timetable connects with onward travel options to the Isles of Scilly. BOOK YOUR SLEEPER ADVENTURE
gwr.com/sleeper
Once in Penzance, the journey gently shifts from land to island. A short shuttle ride brings you to Penzance Heliport, where your flight with Penzance Helicopters awaits. In just 15 breathtaking minutes you’ll lift from Cornwall’s coast, glide over the Atlantic’s shimmering blues, and arrive on the Isles of Scilly, touching down on either St. Mary's or Tresco — a short but unforgettable journey that feels like the true beginning of your island adventure.
Wanders Tresco Island, James Bowden
YOUR CORNWALL ADVENTURE
Fancy a few days in Cornwall before your island adventure?
Nestled in the heart of the Cornish countryside, the Restormel Estate is a serene escape for couples looking to unwind and savour the slower side of Cornwall before heading off to their island adventure. Just over 10 minutes from the historic port of Fowey and near the stannary town of Lostwithiel, the estate offers a selection of charming accommodations, from beautifully converted barns and characterful grand houses to a historic manor. Guests can relax on-site with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, games room, or tennis court, or take a gentle drive to the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery for a local gift, a houseplant, or a leisurely afternoon tea.
FIND OUT MORE
duchyofcornwallholidaycottages.co.uk
A DREAMY RETREAT ON SCILLY
Ready to find a place to settle into island time for a while?
Choose from sea-view apartments where the horizon greets you each morning, tucked-away island retreats wrapped in quiet and gentle sea breezes, or a charming, welcoming inn that feels like home from the moment you arrive. With so many special places to stay, the hardest decision is simply which view you’d like to wake up to.
FIND A PLACE
visitislesofscilly.com/accommodation
KARMA ST. MARTIN’S
Perched above the crystalline waters of St. Martin’s, Karma is Britain’s ultimate boutique coastal escape. With just 30 beautifully appointed rooms, sweeping sea views, and award-winning dining, it combines barefoot-luxury sophistication with a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can unwind, soak up the sun, and indulge in restorative island experiences, from tranquil spa treatments to leisurely beach strolls, making every stay an intimate and unforgettable escape.
karmagroup.com
THE NEW INN, TRESCO
Overlooking New Grimsby harbour, The New Inn features 16 beautifully refurbished rooms, each offering sea or countryside views. Unwind in the cosy residents’ lounge, listen to a Scillonian yarn or two in the driftwood bar and savour exceptional cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients. The Island Spa is just a stone’s throw away and provides the ultimate restorative experience, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the beaches, gardens and woodlands of Tresco.
tresco.co.uk
SEA GARDEN APARTMENTS, TRESCO
Located on the east of the islands, these luxurious self-catering retreats boast spectacular views and allow you to enjoy island life at your own pace. With wellequipped kitchens, comfy living areas, and outdoor terraces, they’re perfect for lazy breakfasts, evening drinks, or soaking up the sun. Ideal for couples and friends, they make a welcoming base, with the sanctuary of the sea garden spa on your doorstep, as well as the wilderness of the north end.
tresco.co.uk
DINE THE ISLES
Scilly showcases delightful locally grown produce, nurtured on the islands, embodying a microcosm of sustainable living and lifestyle. What could be tastier? Here are a few suggestions to tempt the tastebuds.
SEASONAL FAVOURITES WITH A TWIST
The New Inn invites guests to relax in the Driftwood Bar, terrace or Pavilion while enjoying seasonal British classics with a Tresco twist, locally sourced produce, live music, and harbour sunsets.
MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOURS
At The Ruin, the scent of woodsmoke welcomes you to take a seat and feast on woodfired dishes bursting with coastal flavours. Enjoy pizzas, seafood, and fresh seasonal ingredients, all paired with breathtaking sea views.
FROM TIDE TO TABLE
Culinary excellence defines the experience at Karma St. Martin’s. The two-Rosette Cloudesley Shovell Restaurant showcases hyper-local seafood and seasonal Cornish produce, celebrating the archipelago’s flavours and reinforcing the resort’s deep connection to its island surroundings.
LOW TIDE DELIGHTS
Visit the Low Tide Festival in April and September, nestled on a sandbar between Tresco and Bryher. This rare occurrence, only witnessed a few times annually during the striking spring tides, allows for a dry passage between the two islands. Indulge in a delectable array of offerings including seafood paella, crab, island gin, and much more amidst this unique setting.
A TASTE OF SCILLY FESTIVAL
Savour the Isles of Scilly during a 10-day celebration of food and drink, featuring local producers, pop-up dining, wildlife sails, kayaking picnics, honey tastings, and sunset lobster evenings.
Duchy of Cornwall Nursery
Mediterranean Bliss
Tresco Island, Rob Besant
Feast in Style
Karma St. Martin’s
visitislesofscilly.com
gwr.com
With support from our sponsors
duchyofcornwallholidaycottages.co.uk
penzancehelicopters.co.uk
tresco.co.uk
karmagroup.com