Visit St Mary's, Isles Of Scilly
A day trip to St Mary’s on the Scillonian III ferry offers a unique opportunity to explore the largest island of the archipelago. Departing from Penzance harbour, the crossing takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, providing views of the Cornish coastline including the Minack Theatre and Land’s End.
On a standard schedule, the ferry typically arrives at St Mary’s around 12:00 PM and departs at 4:30 PM, giving visitors roughly 4.5 hours to explore the island. Visitors are not permitted to bring vehicles to the island, and car hire is not available.
To maximize your limited time, transport options include hiring a bike from St Mary’s Bike Hire or renting a golf buggy from Scilly Carts (a valid driving licence is required). Alternatively, the ‘Island Rover’ bus tour and local taxis offer efficient ways to see key sights.
JV’s Comment – The iconic Scillonian III is making way for the new, state-of-the-art Scillonian IV, a modern vessel built to provide enhanced reliability and increased capacity for the Penzance to Isles of Scilly route; so 2026 will be your last opportunity to make this amazing journey on the Scillonian III.
Highlights
Key highlights for a day trip include:
- Hugh Town: The island’s central hub, featuring independent shops, galleries, and the Isles of Scilly Museum.
- The Garrison: A historic fortified headland offering panoramic views and a walk around the 17th-century Star Castle.
- Old Town Church: A picturesque site where former Prime Minister Harold Wilson is buried.
- Peninnis Head: A short coastal walk from Hugh Town leading to impressive granite rock formations and a lighthouse.
- Ancient Sites: Well-preserved historical landmarks such as Halangy Down Ancient Village and Bant’s Carn burial chamber.
Video
Experience a day trip to the Isles Of Scilly from Penzance on the iconic Scillonian III.