I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect St Martin’s to stop me in my tracks the way it did. I’d heard good things about the Isles of Scilly, but nothing quite prepares you for stepping off the tripper boat and finding yourself on a beach that looks like it belongs somewhere in the Indian Ocean – until the temperature of the water reminds you exactly where you are!
St Martin’s is one of five inhabited islands in the Isles of Scilly archipelago, sitting 28 miles off the tip of Cornwall. It has a population of around 120 people, no roads to speak of, and some of the best beaches in the UK. Manu and I based ourselves here for our trip and it was most definitely one of the most special places I’ve visited in the country.
This guide focuses on St Martin’s specifically, with everything I learned from our visit there: things to do, where to eat, how to get there, and how to make the most of island hopping while you’re based on the island.
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Getting to the Isles of Scilly
Getting to the Isles of Scilly is an adventure in itself. You can opt for a short flight from Exeter, Newquay, or Land’s End airports. Otherwise, you can take the Scillonian III passenger ferry from Penzance!
We flew from Exeter airport on board the Skybus, and honestly, it’s such an amazing experience I’d fully recommend flying if you can. The planes themselves are absolutely tiny and only fit around 12 passengers, you get lounge access with all the snacks your heart desires in Exeter airport and most importantly, the views you get as you come into the Isles of Scilly are just absolutely incredible!
There are also a few other combinations you can look at, such as sailing there and flying back. If you’re staying on Tresco Island I believe you can also arrive by helicopter! All the options are available through Isles of Scilly Travel.
How much does it cost to get to the Isles of Scilly?
I won’t sugarcoat it, getting to the Isles of Scilly is expensive but in my opinion it’s oh so worth it.
Here’s a rundown of all the options to get to the Isles of Scilly, with 2026 pricing:
Sailing
Duration: 2hrs 45 minutes Prices: Standard single from around £76.25 per adult, return day trip from £35 per adult
Flying
Duration: 20 minutes to an hour (price and duration varying from which airport you depart from: Land’s End, Newquay or Exeter) Prices: Vary by route and time of booking. Make sure to book early for the best prices, as prices are yield-managed and rise significantly in peak season. Land’s End is typically the cheapest departure point as it’s the shortest flight!
Note: For those looking at the helicopter, Penzance Helicopters flies year-round from Penzance to St Mary’s and Tresco, with standard tickets from around £149.50. It is the priciest option but the most reliable in foggy weather, which is worth considering if you are only going for a short stay.
How to get from St Mary’s Island to St Martin’s?
Regardless of which option you go for, your transport will take you to St Mary’s island, which is the main “hub” on the Isles of Scilly. Getting to the other islands from here is easy, thanks to the network of Tripper Boats connecting them.
To find departures from St Mary’s you can check the website for the St Mary’s Boatman Association, buying tickets is easy and can be done directly from the docks or on the boat itself as you board. It’s a short, scenic ride, so keep your camera ready.
Things to do on St Martin’s
1. Beaches Galore
St. Martin’s is famous for its beaches, and rightly so! The most famous beach is Great Bay, often voted one of the best in the UK, where you can laze around or take a dip in the clear waters.
Par Beach, tucked on the southern side of the island, is where you can hire kayaks and paddleboards directly from the beach, making it a practical base if you want to get on the water. Bread and Cheese Cove is another sheltered option worth seeking out, particularly good for rock pooling and for a quieter swim in peak season. Lawrence’s Bay is one of the best spots in Scilly for finding cowries and wentletraps, small and beautifully patterned shells.
2. Coastal Walks
The island is small enough to explore on foot, so lace up your walking shoes and set off along the coastal paths. The views are nothing short of spectacular, with the turquoise sea on one side and rolling hills on the other. Don’t miss a walk to the Daymark, a tall, red-and-white striped beacon that offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
3. Explore the Underwater World
If you’re into snorkelling or diving, you’re in for a treat. The waters around St. Martin’s are teeming with marine life. Head to Seal Cove for a chance to swim with seals, and there are also a few diving spots where you can explore shipwrecks and underwater reefs.
4. Visit the Vineyards
Yes, you read that right – St. Martin’s has its very own vineyard! They offer tours where you can learn about the wine-making process and, of course, sample some of the local produce. The vineyard is also a lovely spot for a picnic, with stunning views over the island.
5. Eat Local
You didn’t think I’d forget about the food, did you? St. Martin’s may be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to dining.
The Island Bakery is worth arriving at early, it sells out. Pasties, fresh bread, and whatever the day’s cake happens to be: these are the things worth planning your morning around. The Seven Stones Inn is the island’s pub and a genuinely good one, with local seafood, a terrace with views over the water, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes a two-hour lunch feel entirely reasonable. For lighter bites and a coffee with a view, the café at Karma St Martin’s hotel is open to non-guests and offers a beautiful spot to sit, particularly on a sunny afternoon.
6. Kayaking and Paddleboarding
The calm, clear waters around St. Martin’s are perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding. You can rent equipment on the island and set off on your own adventure, exploring the coastline and spotting wildlife along the way. It’s a great way to see the island from a different perspective.
7. Stargaze at the COSMOS Observatory
One of the quieter secrets of St Martin’s is that it has some of the darkest skies in the United Kingdom. With a population of around 120 people and virtually no road traffic or artificial lighting, the island sits in a designated Dark Sky Discovery Zone and registers below 1 on the Bortle Scale, which measures light pollution. In practical terms, that means the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye on a clear night.
The community-run COSMOS Observatory, located in the middle of the island between Higher Town and Lower Town, is open to visitors on Tuesday evenings from mid-May through to the end of October, with tickets priced at £5 per adult. Each year in early October, the island also hosts Scilly Dark Skies Week, a week of walks, talks, workshops, and nightly observation sessions with guest speakers from the world of astronomy. Tickets for individual events are around £10 for adults and £6 for under sixteens.
It’s worth noting that if you want to attend evening events at the observatory, staying on St Martin’s is the only realistic option. Tripper boats don’t run after dark for safety reasons, so day trippers from St Mary’s can’t attend. This is actually one of the best arguments for booking accommodation on the island rather than treating St Martin’s as a day trip!
8. Island Hopping
While St. Martin’s itself is a gem, one of the great things about the Isles of Scilly is how easy it is to hop between the islands. Make sure to carve out a day or two for some island hopping.
Tresco Island and Abbey Gardens
Tresco is a privately owned island and renowned for the Abbey Gardens, a sub-tropical paradise that feels like stepping into another world and probably my favourite day from our time in the Isles of Scilly. With over 20,000 exotic plants from all corners of the globe, it’s a haven for plant lovers and anyone who appreciates natural beauty. The gardens are a lush, vibrant contrast to the wild coastal scenery and are home to the Valhalla Museum, where you can see a collection of figureheads from shipwrecks around the Isles.
Other Islands to Explore
While you’re at it, consider hopping over to St. Mary’s, the largest island, to explore its historical sites, or Bryher for its rugged, untamed beauty. Each island has its own unique character and charm, so don’t be afraid to explore.
Island hopping is easy with regular boat services running between the islands. You can even book a guided tour to learn more about the history and ecology of each island. Just remember, no matter where you go, you’re never far from a stunning view or a secluded beach.
Where to Stay
St. Martin’s offers a range of accommodation options, from cosy cottages to charming guesthouses. We stayed in Karma St. Martin’s, which is a luxurious hotel that’s perfect if you’re looking to splurge, while Churchtown Farm offers self-catering cottages that are ideal for families or groups. For something a bit different, try Scilly Spirit, where you can stay in a yurt or safari tent.
Accommodation on St Martin’s books up very quickly, particularly for July and August. If you’re hoping to visit in peak season, start looking around 6 months ahead!
Best Time to Visit
The Isles of Scilly are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is warm, and everything is in full bloom. Keep in mind that this is also the busiest time, so book your accommodation and travel in advance.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, this idyllic archipelago has something for everyone. Plan your journey in advance, pack your sense of wonder, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in this true paradise on Earth. Happy travels!
FAQs
How do you get to St Martin’s from St Mary’s?
Tripper boats run regularly between St Mary’s and St Martin’s throughout the season, operated by the St Mary’s Boatman Association. You can buy tickets at the quay on arrival or check the St Mary’s Boatman Association website for current departure times. The crossing takes around 20 to 30 minutes depending on the route.
How long should you spend on St Martin’s?
Two to three nights is the minimum to feel settled and see the highlights without rushing. If you want to include the COSMOS Observatory, island hopping to Tresco and St Agnes, and a few proper beach days, aim for at least four or five nights.
Is St Martin’s suitable for children?
Very much so. The beaches are safe, shallow, and calm in sheltered bays, and the pace of life makes it a genuinely restful family destination. The seal snorkelling with St Martin’s Dive School is a particular highlight for older children.
Can you drive on St Martin’s?
No. There are no public roads on St Martin’s, only footpaths. The island is small enough to explore entirely on foot, and a quad or tractor might occasionally offer a lift, but the walking is genuinely one of the pleasures of being there.
Is the Isles of Scilly expensive?
Getting there is the biggest cost, whether by ferry, Skybus or helicopter. Once you are on St Martin’s, prices are relatively modest. The Seven Stones Inn and Island Bakery are both very reasonably priced, and many of the best activities, walking the coastal paths, beachcombing, swimming, are completely free.
