Day trips to the Isles of Scilly

Is there really a tropical island off the coast of Cornwall? Yes! The Isles of Scilly have those beautiful white sands and turquoise waters you dream about but they’re within easy reach if your holiday is on the west coast of Cornwall. You can travel by ferry from Penzance or fly from Land’s End, giving you the chance to explore the islands without staying overnight.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to get to the Isles of Scilly for the day – the perfect addition to your Cornwall holiday, whether it’s better to fly or take the ferry, what you can see and do, and which island works best for a day trip.

Can You Visit the Isles of Scilly for the Day?

If you’re planning a holiday in West Cornwall, a day trip to the Scilly Isles is a ‘must’. The easiest options are the Scillonian III ferry from Penzance or a Skybus flight from Land’s End.

If you’re travelling to the ferry terminal by car, approximate journey times from nearby West Cornwall destinations are:

Penzance: 5–10 minutes
Newlyn: 5–10 minutes
Mousehole: 10–15 minutes
Marazion: 15–20 minutes
Praa Sands: 20–25 minutes
Hayle: 25–30 minutes
St Ives: 30–35 minutes

Allow a little extra time during busy summer periods, particularly when travelling towards Penzance.

The ferry is the more leisurely way to travel and takes you across Mount’s Bay before arriving at St Mary’s. Flying is much quicker, giving you more time to explore the islands during the day.

For a first visit, St Mary’s is a good choice. It’s the largest island and has plenty to see within easy reach of Hugh Town, including beaches, coastal walks, shops and places to eat. If you have time, you can also use the inter-island boat services to explore further.

Travelling to the Isles of Scilly by Scillonian III

The Scillonian III ferry terminal is at South Pier in Penzance harbour, making it straightforward to reach from Mousehole, Newlyn and Penzance itself. If you’re staying in Penzance, the terminal is an easy walk from the town centre and railway station. From Newlyn, it’s a short drive or taxi journey along the coast, with local buses also useful. Mousehole is only a little further around the coast; driving or taking a taxi via Newlyn is straightforward, while the local bus provides an alternative.

Marazion is a little further east and is easily reached by car or taxi via the A30; buses also run into Penzance. If you’re driving, remember that you can’t park on South Pier itself, so check your parking arrangements before travelling. Whichever direction you’re coming from, allow plenty of time before sailing — particularly if you’re unfamiliar with Penzance harbour or have luggage — and you’ll soon be on your way across Mount’s Bay to the Isles of Scilly.

What is the Scillonian III?

The Scillonian III is the passenger ferry that sails from Penzance to St Mary’s, the largest of the Isles of Scilly. The crossing takes around two hours and forty minutes, depending on conditions.

The ferry leaves from Penzance harbour, making it particularly convenient if you’re staying in Penzance, Newlyn, Mousehole or nearby. There are parking options in and around Penzance, although it’s worth arranging this before you travel, especially during the busy summer months.

Is the Scillonian a good choice for a day trip? It certainly can be. The journey across Mount’s Bay is part of the experience, and on a calm day you’ll have wonderful views back towards the Cornish coast. The main consideration is that the ferry journey takes longer than flying, so you’ll have less time on the islands.

If you enjoy being on the water and don’t mind a slower start and finish to your day, the Scillonian is a lovely way to begin your Scilly adventure.

Is it Better to Fly or Take the Ferry to the Isles of Scilly?

It depends on what you want from your day. Flying is the quickest option, so you’ll have more time to explore the islands. Flights from Land’s End take around 15 minutes.

The Scillonian III takes longer, but the journey across the water is part of the experience. You’ll see the Cornish coast from a different perspective and, if the sea is calm, it’s a lovely way to arrive in Scilly.

If your priority is maximum time on the islands, fly. If you enjoy travelling by sea and want to make the journey part of your day, take the Scillonian.

What Can You Do on the Isles of Scilly in One Day?

There’s plenty to see, but don’t try to fit everything in. St Mary’s is the easiest island to explore on a day trip, particularly if you’re travelling by Scillonian, as the ferry arrives at Hugh Town.

You can walk along the coast, visit the beaches, explore Hugh Town, stop for lunch or simply spend a few hours enjoying the slower pace of island life. If you arrive early enough and plan ahead, you can also take a boat to another island.

For a first visit, though, we’d recommend choosing one island and enjoying it properly rather than spending the day watching the clock.

Cottages close to the Scillonian ferry terminal

Our collection of Penzance cottages, Newlyn cottages, Marazion cottages and Mousehole cottages are all within easy reach of the Scillonion ferry, offering you a selection of wonderful bases from which to explore the Scilly Isles and all that this stunning part of the UK has to offer.