Guides & stories

Stories from the islands

Practical guides to what there is to do on each island, with when to go and what the tide needs to be doing. And longer reads on the history, the people and the seasons.

All guides and stories

Honesty Boxes on the Isles of Scilly
GuideSeasons & night

Honesty Boxes on the Isles of Scilly: What They Are and Where to Find Them

What is an honesty box, and do honesty boxes work? Our guide explains how Scilly’s unstaffed stalls work, where to find the best ones on each island, and how to pay the honest way.

9 min read · All islands
places to visit on the isles of scilly
GuideSightseeing

Places to visit on the Isles of Scilly

The best places to visit on the Isles of Scilly, island by island: Tresco Abbey Garden, Star Castle and the Garrison, Bronze Age tombs, Hell Bay, the St Martin's Day Mark, Troy Town Maze and the finest beaches.

8 min read · All islands
harrys wall isles of scilly
GuideHistory

Harry’s Walls, St Mary’s: Visiting Scilly’s Unfinished Tudor Fort

Harry’s Walls is a free, unfinished Tudor fort on a hill above St Mary’s harbour. Here’s where to find it, how to get there, what to look for and why it was never completed.

8 min read · St Mary's
St Marys Harbour
GuideBoats & water

St Mary’s Harbour, Isles of Scilly: A Visitor’s Guide to the Quay

St Mary’s Harbour is where most Scilly holidays begin. Our guide covers arriving on the quay, catching inter island boats, watching gig racing, the quay’s 400 year history and practical tips for visiting sailors.

10 min read · St Mary's
isles of scilly museum
GuideHistory

Isles of Scilly Museum: What to See Now and the New Museum Opening in 2027

The Isles of Scilly Museum’s old building is closed, but the collection is still out and about. Here’s where to see it now, what’s on this autumn, and what the new Town Hall museum offers.

10 min read · St Mary's
Fishing and Crabbing on the Isles of Scilly
GuideBoats & water

Fishing and Crabbing on the Isles of Scilly: A Simple Guide

Mackerel trips from St Mary’s, quiet quays for crabbing and the rules you need to know in 2026. Our simple guide to fishing and crabbing on the Isles of Scilly for families and keen anglers.

10 min read · All islands
swimming on the Isles of Scilly
GuideBoats & water

Swimming on the Isles of Scilly: Best Spots, Sea Temperatures and Safety

Clear water, white sand and sheltered bays make the Isles of Scilly a swimmer's dream. Here are the best spots, sea temperatures by month, seal snorkelling, swim events and the safety basics to know.

12 min read · All islands
isles of scilly seal trips
GuideWildlife

Isles of Scilly Seal Trips: Where, When and How to See Grey Seals

Plan your Isles of Scilly seal trips with 2026 fares, the best boat routes from St Mary's, seal snorkelling on St Martin's, pupping season dates and simple tips for watching wild grey seals responsibly.

10 min read · All islands
isles of scilly boats
GuideBoats & water

Isles of Scilly Boats: Inter Island Times, Fares & Tips

How the Isles of Scilly inter island boats work, who the boatmen are, 2026 fares and typical boat times from St Mary's. Check today's live timetable on Scilly Live before you go.

5 min read · From St Mary's
isles of scilly walks
GuideWalks

Isles of Scilly Walks: Coast Path Circuits on Every Island

Walk the coast path around every inhabited island on the Isles of Scilly. Distances, times, highlights, tide tips for Gugh, dog rules, guided walks and the Walk Scilly festival, all in one practical guide.

5 min read · All islands
kayaking Isles of Scilly
GuideBoats & water

Kayaking on the Isles of Scilly: Hire, Tours and Where to Paddle

Everything you need for kayaking on the Isles of Scilly: where to hire, guided tours from St Mary's, Eastern Isles routes, seal etiquette, closed islands, tides, weather limits and how to bring your own kayak.

4 min read · All islands
tresco abbey gardens
GuideGardens

Tresco Abbey Gardens: Opening Times, Prices and Visitor Guide 2026

Plan a day at Tresco Abbey Gardens, the subtropical garden on the Isles of Scilly. Find 2026 opening times, ticket prices, boat and helicopter routes, the Valhalla figureheads and local tips for your visit.

5 min read · Tresco
bronze age tombs
GuideHistory

Isles of the Dead? The Story of Scilly’s Bronze Age Tombs

Scilly has around 80 Bronze Age tombs, more than almost anywhere in Western Europe. Discover who built them, the drowned farmland below, and where to stand beside them on St Mary's today.

5 min read · St Mary's & off-islands
Snorkelling with Seals on the Isles of Scilly
GuideWildlife

Snorkelling with Seals on the Isles of Scilly: What to Expect and How to Book

Snorkelling with seals is one of the best wildlife trips on Scilly. Here is how the St Martin's trips work, who can go, what they cost and how to get to the Eastern Isles.

4 min read · St Martin's
isles of scilly birds
GuideWildlife

Isles of Scilly Birds: A Birdwatching Guide to Seasons, Sites and Sightings

From October rarities to summer puffins on Annet, Scilly is one of Britain's best places to watch birds. Here is when to come, where to go and how to follow the latest sightings.

4 min read · All islands
star castle and garrison walls
GuideHistory

Star Castle and the Garrison Walls: A Walking and History Guide

Walk the historic Garrison Walls above Hugh Town. Discover how Star Castle guarded Scilly from Spain, what to see on the full circuit, and how to eat, drink or stay inside the castle.

5 min read · St Mary's
isles of scilly food and drink
GuideFood & drink

Isles of Scilly Food and Drink: Where to Eat, Drink and Shop Local

Crab landed that morning, Troytown ice cream, St Martin's vineyard, and a brewery on St Mary's.

5 min read · All islands
dark skies
GuideSeasons & night

Dark Skies on the Isles of Scilly: 9 Things to Do After Dark

From Tuesday nights at the COSMOS observatory to evening seabird trips and meteor showers, here are nine things to do under Scilly's dark skies, plus how to plan your night around the boats.

4 min read · Off-islands
The Garrison walls circuit, Hugh TownGuided walk · 1.4 miles
GuideWalks

The Garrison walls circuit, Hugh Town

A guided walk on St Mary's with 7 stops, about 1.9 miles (3 km). Your phone takes you round and tells you about each stop as you reach it.

4 min read · St Mary's
Peninnis Head and Old TownGuided walk · 3.7 miles
GuideWalks

Peninnis Head and Old Town

A guided walk on St Mary's with 8 stops. Your phone takes you round and tells you about each stop as you reach it.

4 min read · St Mary's
St Mary’s north and east coast, Porthloo to Porth HellickGuided walk · 5.5 miles
GuideWalks

St Mary’s north and east coast, Porthloo to Porth Hellick

A guided walk on St Mary's with 10 stops. Your phone takes you round and tells you about each stop as you reach it.

4 min read · St Mary's
Tresco circular the castles, Piper’s Hole and Old GrimsbyGuided walk · 5 miles
GuideWalks

Tresco circular: the castles, Piper’s Hole and Old Grimsby

A guided walk on Tresco with 9 stops, about 3.5 miles (5.6 km). Your phone takes you round and tells you about each stop as you reach it.

4 min read · Tresco
Bryher circular Watch Hill, Hell Bay, Shipman Head and Rushy BayGuided walk · 4 miles
GuideWalks

Bryher circular: Watch Hill, Hell Bay, Shipman Head and Rushy Bay

A guided walk on Bryher with 8 stops, about 4.3 miles (7 km). Your phone takes you round and tells you about each stop as you reach it.

4 min read · Bryher
St Martin’s circular Higher Town, Daymark, Great Bay, Lower Town and Par BeachGuided walk · 5.7 miles
GuideWalks

St Martin’s circular: Higher Town, Daymark, Great Bay, Lower Town and Par Beach

A guided walk on St Martin's with 8 stops, about 5.7 miles (9.2 km). Your phone takes you round and tells you about each stop as you reach it.

4 min read · St Martin's
St Agnes and Gugh circularGuided walk · 4.5 miles
GuideWalks

St Agnes and Gugh circular

A guided walk on St Agnes with 10 stops, about 4 miles (6.4 km). Your phone takes you round and tells you about each stop as you reach it.

4 min read · St Agnes
holidays to the isles of scilly
StorySeasons & night

Holidays to the Isles of Scilly: How to Plan Your Perfect Trip in 2027

Everything you need to plan holidays to Scilly, from ferries, flights and helicopters to choosing an island, getting between them and picking the right month. Updated for the new Scillonian IV in 2027.

12 min read · All islands
scillonian 4 isles of scilly
StoryIsland life

Scillonian 4 (Scillonian IV): Latest News, Launch Date and What’s On Board

Scillonian IV has passed technical acceptance and leaves Vietnam on 31 October 2026. Here is the latest Scillonian 4 news, when she enters service, how she compares with Scillonian III and what’s on board.

Updated 16 Oct 2026 · 12 min read · All islands
Best Beaches in Scilly
StorySeasons & night

Best Beaches in Scilly: 13 Top Picks, Island by Island

Discover the best beaches in Scilly, from Great Bay on St Martin’s to Porthcressa on St Mary’s. Thirteen top picks with walking times, what3words addresses, dog rules and tide tips for every island.

12 min read · All islands
Scillys Seabirds in Trouble
StoryIsland life

Scilly’s Seabirds in Trouble: What the Latest Survey Found and How You Can Help

Scilly has lost almost half its seabirds in 30 years, yet Manx shearwaters have doubled where rats were removed. Here is what the latest survey found and how visitors and islanders can help.

13 Oct 2026 · 7 min read · All islands
Autumn Tide Festival 2026 on Tresco and a Dark Skies Week Round Up
StoryIsland life

Autumn Tide Festival 2026 on Tresco and a Dark Skies Week Round Up

Tresco’s Autumn Tide Festival brings food, music and island walks to Scilly until 17 October. Plus, a round up of Scilly Dark Skies Week and how you can still visit the St Martin’s observatory.

13 Oct 2026 · 7 min read · St Martin's
Isles of Scilly Local Plan
StoryIsland life

Isles of Scilly Local Plan 2026 to 2041: What It Means for Islanders and How to Have Your Say

The Isles of Scilly Local Plan 2026 to 2041 will shape housing, nature and island life. Here is what it covers, the full timetable and how islanders and second home owners can have their say.

13 Oct 2026 · 9 min read · All islands
SS Headlands Torpedoed South of Scilly
StoryHistory

SS Headlands: Torpedoed South of Scilly

On 12 March 1915 the steamer Headlands, bound for Bristol with ore and fruit, was torpedoed by U 29 south of Scilly. Her crew all survived.

3 min read · South of Scilly
isles of scilly ghost stories
StoryHistory

Isles of Scilly Ghost Stories: Legends, History and Where to Find Them

A cursed admiral, a singing ghost on the Western Rocks and a cave that swallows people. Discover the Isles of Scilly ghost stories, the real history behind them and the places you can visit today.

12 min read · All islands
St Agnes Only Inhabited Island on Scilly Without a Hotel
StoryHistory

St Agnes: The Only Inhabited Island on Scilly Without a Hotel

St Agnes is the only inhabited island on Scilly with no hotel. Visitors stay in small B&Bs, holiday cottages or the campsite at Troytown Farm, and that keeps the whole island wonderfully quiet.

5 min read · St Agnes
Troy Town Maze
StoryHistory

Troy Town Maze: The Pebble Labyrinth of St Agnes

On the west side of St Agnes is a small labyrinth of beach pebbles. Tradition says a lighthouse keeper's son laid it out in 1729, though it may be far older than that.

5 min read · St Agnes
SS Indian City The Day U 29 Came to Scilly
StoryHistory

SS Indian City: The Day U 29 Came to Scilly

On 12 March 1915 a German submarine sank three British steamers around Scilly. The new Indian City went down south of St Mary's, and all her crew survived.

3 min read · Off St Mary's
sir cloudesley shovell fleet st sgnes
StoryHistory

Shovell’s Fleet: The 1707 Sailors Buried on St Agnes

After the 1707 naval disaster on the Western Rocks, bodies washed ashore across Scilly for days. Many of the drowned sailors are said to lie under the playing field on St Agnes today.

5 min read · St Agnes
St Agnes Lighthouse
StoryHistory

St Agnes Lighthouse: One of Britain’s Oldest Lighthouse Towers

St Agnes Lighthouse was first lit in 1680, burning coal in an iron brazier on the tower. It guided ships safely past the Western Rocks for over 200 years until Peninnis took over in 1911.

5 min read · St Agnes
Beady Pool
StoryHistory

Beady Pool: The Shipwreck Beads of St Agnes

On the southern shore of St Agnes is a small cove where tiny beads from a 17th century shipwreck still turn up in the gravel. Here is the story, and how to look for them.

5 min read · St Agnes
Annie F. Conlon The Schooner That Would Not Sink
StoryHistory

Annie F. Conlon: The Schooner That Would Not Sink

In October 1917 a German submarine shelled an American schooner off Scilly, but she stayed afloat. Towed into Crow Sound, she ended her days on St Martin's.

3 min read · Crow Sound and St Martin's
Cairns of Shipman Head Down Bryher
StoryHistory

The cairns of Shipman Head Down

More than 130 low stone cairns are spread across the heath at the north end of Bryher, with older burial chambers on Samson Hill and Gweal Hill. Here is how to read them.

4 min read · Shipman Head Down, Bryher
Shipman Head cliff castle
StoryHistory

Shipman Head cliff castle

A stone rampart cuts off the storm battered headland at the north tip of Bryher. Nearby, in 1999, a farmer found an Iron Age grave holding a sword and a bronze mirror together.

4 min read · Shipman Head, Bryher
The drowned fields of Green Bay
StoryHistory

The drowned fields of Green Bay

Bryher, Tresco and Samson were once joined as one island. When the tide drops in Green Bay, lines of old field walls appear on the sand, farmed by islanders thousands of years ago.

3 min read · Green Bay, Bryher
SS Setiembre The Boiler on the Hats
StoryHistory

SS Setiembre: The Boiler on the Hats

In March 1911 a Spanish ore steamer struck the Hats ledge in Crow Sound. She was abandoned within weeks, and her boiler still shows at low water.

3 min read · Crow Sound
The Civil War battery at Works Point
StoryHistory

The Civil War battery at Works Point

At the southern tip of Bryher, a low bank of earth and stone is all that is left of a Civil War gun battery. It once guarded the channels between Bryher, Samson and Tresco.

3 min read · Works Point, Bryher
All Saints’ Church, Bryher Isles of Scilly
StoryHistory

All Saints’ Church, Bryher

Bryher's small granite church was first dedicated in 1742, enlarged in 1822 and given its tower in 1860. For more than a century it also served the farming families living on nearby Samson.

3 min read · Bryher
when the whales came on Bryher
StoryHistory

When the Whales Came on Bryher

Michael Morpurgo's novel was filmed on Bryher in 1988, starring Helen Mirren and Paul Scofield. The birdman's cottage stood on Samson Hill, and in the story local boys burn it to the ground.

3 min read · Bryher
Minnehaha Tragedy Below Peninnis Head
StoryHistory

Minnehaha: Tragedy Below Peninnis Head

In January 1874 the Liverpool barque Minnehaha struck the rocks off Peninnis Head. Ten men drowned, and the survivors escaped by climbing out along her rigging.

3 min read · St Mary's
Obadiah’s Barrow and the Old Man of Gugh
StoryHistory

Gugh’s Ancient Monuments: Obadiah’s Barrow and the Old Man of Gugh

Cross the sandbar from St Agnes at low tide and you reach Gugh, a tiny island with a Bronze Age burial chamber, a leaning standing stone and some of the oldest finds on Scilly.

6 min read · Gugh, St Agnes
churches isles of scilly
StoryHistory

Churches of the Isles of Scilly

Six island churches, one parish and 900 years of history. Discover Old Town Church, where Harold Wilson lies, the shipwreck story behind St Agnes, Tresco’s memorial to Augustus Smith and when to join a service.

11 min read · All islands
Two Churches of St Martins
StoryHistory

The Two Churches of St Martin’s: A Short History of Higher Town

St Martin’s has two historic churches in Higher Town. One was rebuilt in 1866 after lightning struck. The other was built by islanders themselves. Here is their story and what to see when you visit.

8 min read · St Martin's
SS Serica The Steamer That Named a Rock
StoryHistory

SS Serica: The Steamer That Named a Rock

In November 1893 a damaged coal steamer left St Mary's and struck a rock the charts had wrong. She was run ashore below the Garrison, and the rock now bears her name.

3 min read · St Mary's
Isles of Scilly Football League
StoryHistory

Isles of Scilly Football League: The World’s Smallest League

Meet the Garrison Gunners and Woolpack Wanderers, the only two teams in the world’s smallest football league. Discover the history, the Beckham and Gerrard visit, the 6mm trophy and how to catch a Sunday match.

12 min read · All islands
Mumfords Hugh Town Isles of Scilly
StoryHistory

Mumfords, Hugh Town: The Corner Paper Shop at the Heart of St Mary’s

For 120 years the Mumford family sold Scilly its papers. Discover the story behind the name, the Grade II listed Duchy terrace their shop called home, and why its closure in 2024 mattered.

10 min read · St Mary's
St Martin’s Chapel Down and the Stone Face
StoryHistory

Chapel Down, St Martin’s: The Lost Chapel and the Stone Face

Explore Chapel Down on St Martin’s, where the footings of an early medieval chapel lie beside the Daymark and a mysterious carved stone face was found, lost and rediscovered in the late 1980s.

11 min read · St Martin's
Friar Tuck The Tea Clipper on Newford Island
StoryHistory

Friar Tuck: The Tea Clipper on Newford Island

A hurricane in December 1863 drove the Aberdeen tea clipper Friar Tuck onto Newford Island. Her crew were saved, and her figurehead and geese live on.

3 min read · St Mary's
St Martin’s Daymark
StoryHistory

St Martin’s Daymark: The Story of Scilly’s Red and White Tower

Discover the story of St Martin’s Daymark, the red and white tower built in 1683 by Thomas Ekins. Learn why its door says 1637, why it changed colour, and how to walk up there.

9 min read · St Martin's
St Martin’s Cairns and Entrance Graves
StoryHistory

St Martin’s Cairns and Entrance Graves: Cruther’s Hill and White Island

Walk among 4,000 year old burial cairns on Cruther’s Hill and cross the tidal bar to White Island’s entrance graves. Here is what to look for on St Martin’s, and how to visit safely.

9 min read · St Martin's
Cita Wreck
StoryHistory

The Cita Wreck: Scilly’s Famous 1997 Shipwreck Story

In March 1997 a sleeping officer let the container ship Cita run onto rocks off St Mary’s. Trainers, golf bags and toilet seats washed ashore. Here is the full story and how to dive her.

10 min read · St Mary's
SS Earl of Lonsdale Fog Below Troy Town
StoryHistory

SS Earl of Lonsdale: Fog Below Troy Town

In June 1885 a cargo steamer bound for Bristol ran in among the rocks of St Agnes in thick fog. Her crew survived, and her cargo of beans fed island livestock.

3 min read · St Agnes
Scilly Birding
StoryWildlife

Scilly Birding: A Guide to Birdwatching on the Isles of Scilly

Scilly birding guide covering the six bird hides with a map, the best months, puffin and pelagic boat trips, top spots on each island and where to check Isles of Scilly bird sightings.

12 min read · All islands
Scilly Daffodils
StorySeasons & night

Scilly Daffodils: Scented Narcissi and St Martin’s Flower Delivery

Scilly’s famous winter daffodils are really scented narcissi. Learn why they bloom in midwinter, how the island flower trade began, and how to order St Martin’s flower delivery by post from Churchtown Farm this season.

11 min read · St Martin's
sailing to the scilly isles
StoryBoats & water

Sailing to the Scilly Isles: Passage Tips, Moorings and Dinghy Hire on Bryher

Thinking of sailing to the Scilly Isles? How far it is, how to time the tides, where to moor in 2026, where to find fuel and how to hire a sailing dinghy on Bryher.

11 min read · All islands
SS Longships Christmas on the Seven Stones
StoryHistory

SS Longships: Christmas on the Seven Stones

Just before Christmas 1939 the Glasgow coaster Longships struck the Seven Stones reef. The St Mary's lifeboat saved all her crew, and the ship broke in two a week later.

3 min read · Seven Stones
Pirates, Smugglers and Treasure on the Isles of Scilly
StoryHistory

Pirates, Smugglers and Treasure on the Isles of Scilly: The True Story

Scilly never met Calico Jack, but its real history is stranger. Discover Royalist privateers, the 335 Years War, hidden smugglers' caches, Smugglers Ride in Hugh Town and the sunken treasure of the Association.

11 min read · All islands
RNAS Tresco
StoryHistory

RNAS Tresco: The First World War Seaplane Station at New Grimsby

Discover RNAS Tresco, the First World War seaplane station at New Grimsby. Flying boats hunted U-boats here from 1917 to 1919, sinking UC-66. Find out what happened and where to see the slipway today.

10 min read · Tresco
Valhalla Figureheads at Tresco Abbey Garden
StoryHistory

Valhalla Figureheads at Tresco Abbey Garden: Scilly’s Shipwreck Collection

Tucked inside Tresco Abbey Garden, the Valhalla museum holds around 30 figureheads from ships wrecked on Scilly. Discover the stories behind them, who started the collection and how to plan your visit in 2026.

11 min read · Tresco
SS Brinkburn Cotton on Maiden Bower
StoryHistory

SS Brinkburn: Cotton on Maiden Bower

In December 1898 the steamer Brinkburn, carrying Texas cotton to France, ran onto Maiden Bower in fog. Her crew reached Bryher, and her cotton was salvaged through the winter.

3 min read · Bryher
Augustus Smith Tresco Abbey Garden
StoryHistory

Augustus Smith and the Birth of Tresco Abbey Garden

In 1834 Augustus Smith took the lease of the Isles of Scilly. On a bare, windswept Tresco he built an abbey home, raised walls against the gales and began one of England's great gardens.

12 min read · Tresco
cromwells castle history
StoryHistory

Cromwell’s Castle: How Admiral Blake Took Scilly in 1651

In 1651 Admiral Robert Blake landed on Tresco's far side and took the Isles of Scilly for Parliament. Then he built Cromwell's Castle at the water's edge, partly from an older castle's stone.

9 min read · Tresco
King Charles's Castle Tresco
StoryHistory

King Charles’ Castle: The Tudor Fort Built in the Wrong Place

High on Castle Down above New Grimsby, King Charles's Castle was built to stop a French fleet. It was set too high to work. Here is its story, and how to visit it today.

9 min read · Tresco
SS King Cadwallon Fog on the Hard Lewis Rocks
StoryHistory

SS King Cadwallon: Fog on the Hard Lewis Rocks

In July 1906 the coal steamer King Cadwallon struck Hard Lewis Rocks off St Martin's in fog. Her crew rowed clear before she slid into deep water.

3 min read · St Martin's
Ruins in Tresco Abbey Garden
StoryHistory

The Story of the Ruins in Tresco Abbey Garden

Hidden among the palms of Tresco Abbey Garden are the arches of St Nicholas Priory. Discover the monks, pirates and gardeners behind this 900 year old ruin, and how to see it.

11 min read · Tresco
Bant's Carn and Halangy Down
StoryHistory

Bant’s Carn and Halangy Down: A Bronze Age Tomb and Iron Age Village on St Mary’s

High above Halangy Point on St Mary's, a Bronze Age tomb looks down on an Iron Age village. Here's the story of Bant's Carn and Halangy Down, plus how to visit both for free.

10 min read · St Mary's
harold wilson grave old town isles of scilly
StoryHistory

Harold Wilson’s Grave on St Mary’s: The Prime Minister Who Chose Scilly

Harold Wilson led Britain twice, yet chose a simple grave on St Mary's. Discover his decades of Scilly holidays, the famous shorts on Samson, and how to find his grave at Old Town Church.

9 min read · St Mary's
Earl of Arran The Packet Steamer on Nornour
StoryHistory

Earl of Arran: The Packet Steamer on Nornour

In July 1872 the Penzance packet Earl of Arran tried a shortcut through the Eastern Isles, struck a ledge and was beached on Nornour. Everyone was saved, and her boilers are still there.

3 min read · Eastern Isles
SS Schiller
StoryHistory

The SS Schiller: The 1875 Shipwreck Behind the Old Town Graves

In May 1875 the German liner SS Schiller hit the Retarrier Ledges in thick fog. Around 335 died. Here is the story of the wreck, the rescue and the Old Town graves on St Mary's.

9 min read · St Mary's
Isles of Scilly Hydrofoil
StoryIsland life

Isles of Scilly Hydrofoil: Could a One Hour Electric Ferry Be Coming?

An electric hydrofoil ferry could link Newlyn and St Mary's in just over an hour, even in winter. Here is what the September 2026 trials showed and when it could start.

2 Oct 2026 · 10 min read · All islands
isles of scilly steamship company troubles
StoryIsland life

Isles of Scilly Steamship Company: Skybus Troubles, Leadership Changes and What Comes Next

A turbulent year for the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company: Skybus route cuts, a new chief executive search, island voices on the board, Menawethan in service and Scillonian IV due in March 2027.

Updated 4 Oct 2026 · 9 min read · All islands
SS Zelda A Maiden Voyage Ends on Maiden Bower
StoryHistory

SS Zelda: A Maiden Voyage Ends on Maiden Bower

In April 1874 the new steamer Zelda, on her first voyage from Liverpool, ran onto Maiden Bower west of Bryher in thick fog. Everyone was saved, and her cargo was salvaged over the summer.

3 min read · Bryher
StoryIsland life

Isles of Scilly Dark Skies: Where and When to Stargaze

Scilly has some of England's darkest skies. Here is where to stargaze on each island, how to visit the COSMOS observatory on St Martin's and what is on during Dark Skies Week 2026.

Updated 10 Oct 2026 · 11 min read · All islands
Menawethan isles of scilly
StoryIsland life

Menawethan: Meet the Isles of Scilly’s New Freight Ship

Menawethan took over the Penzance to St Mary's freight run in July 2026. Here is how Scilly's new cargo ship compares to Gry Maritha, and what she means for islanders and visitors.

2 Oct 2026 · 7 min read · All islands
world pilot gig championships
Story

World Pilot Gig Championships 2027: Dates, Results and How to Watch

Every May, hundreds of crews race into St Mary's Harbour for the World Pilot Gig Championships. See the expected 2027 dates, the 2026 winners, how the racing works and where to watch.

8 min read · All islands
SS Mando The Liberty Ship at Golden Ball
StoryHistory

SS Mando: The Liberty Ship at Golden Ball

In January 1955 the Panamanian steamer Mando, a wartime Liberty ship laden with coal, ran aground near Men a vaur north of Tresco. The St Mary's lifeboat saved her entire crew.

3 min read · Tresco
Sir Cloudesley Shovell
StoryHistory

Sir Cloudesley Shovell and the Scilly Naval Disaster of 1707

In October 1707, four Royal Navy warships were wrecked on Scilly's Western Rocks. Over 1,300 men died, including Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell. Here's what happened, and where to find the story today.

7 min read · Western Rocks
isles of scilly flowers
StoryHistory

Isles of Scilly Flowers: The Story of Scented Narcissi

For around 150 years, Scilly's winter fields have filled with scented narcissi. Discover how one box to Covent Garden grew into a trade, why the flowers thrive here, and where to buy a bunch.

5 min read · All islands
low tide event isles of scilly
StorySeasons & night

Low Tide Event Isles of Scilly: 2026 and 2027 Dates and Guide

Walk across the seabed between Tresco and Bryher to a party on the sand. Find the 2027 Low Tide Event dates, how to reach the sandbar, and tips for the day.

4 min read · Tresco & Bryher
SS Minnehaha The Liner That Got Away
StoryHistory

SS Minnehaha: The Liner That Got Away

In April 1910 the Atlantic liner Minnehaha ran onto Scilly Rock in fog. Her passengers were landed on Bryher, her cattle swum to Samson, and after four weeks she was refloated.

3 min read · Bryher
gig racing
StoryBoats & water

Gig Racing on the Isles of Scilly: When and Where to Watch

Gig racing is Scilly's national sport. Find out when island crews race on summer evenings, how to follow them by boat, and what to expect at the World Pilot Gig Championships in May.

5 min read · St Mary's
New Homes and a New Hospital How St Mary’s Is Changing
StoryIsland life

New Homes and a New Hospital: How St Mary’s Is Changing

A new health and care centre, Duchy homes at Telegraph and 27 affordable homes at Carn Thomas. Here is what is changing on St Mary’s in 2026 and what it means for island life.

Updated 16 Oct 2026 · 7 min read · St Mary's
SS Isabo The Bryher Boats at Scilly Rock
StoryHistory

SS Isabo: The Bryher Boats at Scilly Rock

In October 1927 the Italian steamer Isabo broke in two on Scilly Rock in fog. Bryher families in small boats and the St Mary's lifeboat saved 32 of her crew.

4 min read · Bryher
SS Delaware The Gale and the Gig Albion
StoryHistory

SS Delaware: The Gale and the Gig Albion

In December 1871 the steamer Delaware sank in a gale off Bryher with almost all her crew. Two survived, and Bryher men carried a gig across two islands to reach them.

4 min read · Bryher
Torrey Canyon The Supertanker on the Seven Stones
StoryHistory

Torrey Canyon: The Supertanker on the Seven Stones

In March 1967 the supertanker Torrey Canyon ran onto the Seven Stones reef between Scilly and Land's End. Her oil spill was the worst Britain had seen, and it changed the law of the sea.

4 min read · Seven Stones
Falkland The Barque That Struck the Bishop Rock
StoryHistory

Falkland: The Barque That Struck the Bishop Rock

In June 1901 the four masted barque Falkland was driven onto the Bishop Rock in a gale, so close that her yard struck the lighthouse. Six drowned and 27 were saved.

2 min read · Bishop Rock
SS Italia The Collier Lost Below Wingletang
StoryHistory

SS Italia: The Collier Lost Below Wingletang

On a foggy day in May 1917 the Italian collier Italia ran onto the rocks south of St Agnes, unnoticed while islanders helped another wreck. She was identified again in 1964.

2 min read · St Agnes
SS Plympton The Grain Ship on the Lethegus Rocks
StoryHistory

SS Plympton: The Grain Ship on the Lethegus Rocks

In August 1909 the steamer Plympton ran onto the Lethegus Rocks south of St Agnes in fog. Her crew got ashore safely, but two islanders died when she capsized during salvage.

2 min read · St Agnes
River Lune The Barque Lost in Summer Fog
StoryHistory

River Lune: The Barque Lost in Summer Fog

In July 1879 the empty iron barque River Lune found herself surrounded by rocks in thick fog west of St Agnes. Her crew escaped, and her figurehead was saved.

2 min read · Off Annet
SS Castleford The Cattle Ship on Crebawethan
StoryHistory

SS Castleford: The Cattle Ship on Crebawethan

In June 1887 the steamer Castleford ran onto Crebawethan in fog with hundreds of cattle aboard. Islanders rowed out by gig, saved the people, and took the cattle to Annet.

2 min read · Western Rocks
Thomas W. Lawson The Seven Masted Schooner Lost off Annet
StoryHistory

Thomas W. Lawson: The Seven Masted Schooner Lost off Annet

The only seven masted schooner ever built was driven onto Shag Rock off Annet in a gale in December 1907. Two of her crew survived, and a St Agnes pilot died with the rest.

3 min read · Annet
SS Thames The Dublin Steam Packet Lost on Jacky’s Rock
StoryHistory

SS Thames: The Dublin Steam Packet Lost on Jacky’s Rock

In January 1841 the steam packet Thames was wrecked on the Western Rocks in a gale. Despite brave efforts from St Agnes and St Mary's, only a few of those aboard survived.

4 min read · Western Rocks
Hollandia The Dutch Silver Ship Lost off Annet
StoryHistory

Hollandia: The Dutch Silver Ship Lost off Annet

On her maiden voyage in 1743 the Dutch East Indiaman Hollandia struck Gunner Rock and sank with all aboard. Her silver lay hidden until 1971.

3 min read · Broad Sound, off Annet
HMS Colossus The Nile Veteran Lost off Samson
StoryHistory

HMS Colossus: The Nile Veteran Lost off Samson

Home from the Battle of the Nile, the 74 gun Colossus dragged her anchors onto rocks off Samson in 1798. Almost all aboard were saved, but a famous collection of Greek pottery was lost.

3 min read · Samson
Wheel Wreck The Mystery Cargo of Crow Sound
StoryHistory

Wheel Wreck: The Mystery Cargo of Crow Sound

In Crow Sound lies a protected wreck whose ship has never been named, known only by its cargo of Cornish mining wheels and pumping gear.

3 min read · Crow Sound, Eastern Isles
Bartholomew Ledges Wreck Bells and Lead in St Mary’s Sound
StoryHistory

Bartholomew Ledges Wreck: Bells and Lead in St Mary’s Sound

Beneath the red beacon in St Mary's Sound lies an armed ship from the late 1500s, perhaps Spanish, that carried church bells and lead. Its name is still unknown.

3 min read · St Mary's Sound
Tearing Ledge Wreck The Lost Warship by Bishop Rock
StoryHistory

Tearing Ledge Wreck: The Lost Warship by Bishop Rock

Beside Bishop Rock lies a protected wreck from the 1707 naval disaster, probably HMS Eagle. Here is what was found and why its identity is still debated.

3 min read · Western Rocks
Erik Rickmers Rice Ship on Scilly Rock
StoryHistory

Erik Rickmers: Rice Ship on Scilly Rock

In October 1899 the German sailing ship Erik Rickmers, 130 days out from Bangkok with rice, struck Scilly Rock in fog. The crew escaped to Bryher.

2 min read · Scilly Rock, west of Bryher
Bernardo The Captain Who Swam from Annet
StoryHistory

Bernardo: The Captain Who Swam from Annet

In March 1888 a gale drove the Italian barque Bernardo ashore on Annet. Her crew drowned when their boat capsized, and the captain survived alone by swimming to a rock.

2 min read · Annet, west of St Agnes
Maipu The Saltpetre Barque in Hell Bay
StoryHistory

Maipu: The Saltpetre Barque in Hell Bay

On 27 July 1879 the Liverpool barque Maipu struck rocks in Hell Bay, Bryher, in fog. Her crew survived, and the wreck was sold to islanders for £7.

2 min read · Hell Bay, Bryher
SS Aksai A Russian Steamer on White Island
StoryHistory

SS Aksai: A Russian Steamer on White Island

In November 1875 the Russian steamer Aksai, carrying Welsh coal to Odessa, ran onto White Island off St Martin's in fog. All her crew were saved.

2 min read · White Island, St Martin's
Palinurus The Rum Ship Lost off St Martin’s
StoryHistory

Palinurus: The Rum Ship Lost off St Martin’s

Two days after Christmas 1848 the barque Palinurus, homeward bound with rum from Demerara, was wrecked off St Martin's. None of her 17 crew survived.

2 min read · North coast, St Martin's
Douro The Doubtful Wreck of the Western Rocks
StoryHistory

Douro: The Doubtful Wreck of the Western Rocks

The Douro was lost with all hands on the Western Rocks in 1843. For decades a wreck full of manillas carried her name, but recent research suggests the divers found a different ship.

3 min read · Western Rocks
PS Brigand An Early Steamer on the Bishop Rock
StoryHistory

PS Brigand: An Early Steamer on the Bishop Rock

In October 1842 the Liverpool paddle steamer Brigand struck the Bishop Rock in haze, drifted for two hours and sank miles away. All her crew rowed to Scilly.

2 min read · Bishop Rock, Western Rocks
Nerina Three Days Inside an Upturned Hull
StoryHistory

Nerina: Three Days Inside an Upturned Hull

In November 1840 the French brig Nerina capsized off Scilly with five men trapped alive inside. Days later the hull drove ashore at Porth Hellick and four of them were pulled out.

3 min read · Porth Hellick, St Mary's
Rarau The Factory Ship on the Seven Stones
StoryHistory

Rarau: The Factory Ship on the Seven Stones

In September 1976 the fish factory ship Rarau ran onto the Seven Stones reef with 84 men aboard. All were rescued before she slid off into deep water.

2 min read · Seven Stones reef
MV Poleire Zinc Ore on Little Kettle Rock
StoryHistory

MV Poleire: Zinc Ore on Little Kettle Rock

In April 1970 the Cypriot motor vessel Poleire ran onto Little Kettle Rock off Tresco in fog, less than a mile from Round Island lighthouse. Her crew were all saved.

2 min read · North west of Tresco
Cité de Verdun Thirty Men on Rosevear
StoryHistory

Cité de Verdun: Thirty Men on Rosevear

In March 1925 the French trawler Cité de Verdun struck Rosevear in a snowstorm. Her 30 crew sheltered on the bare islet until the St Mary's lifeboat took them off.

3 min read · Rosevear, Western Rocks
SS Lady Charlotte The Collier at Porth Hellick
StoryHistory

SS Lady Charlotte: The Collier at Porth Hellick

On 11 May 1917 the coal steamer Lady Charlotte ran ashore near Porth Hellick on St Mary's in dense fog. Her crew escaped, and her boilers still lie in the kelp close inshore.

3 min read · Porth Hellick, St Mary's
Susanna The Cape Horn Survivor Lost on the Crims
StoryHistory

Susanna: The Cape Horn Survivor Lost on the Crims

The German sailing ship Susanna survived a famous 99 day struggle off Cape Horn, only to be wrecked on the westernmost rocks of Scilly in fog in August 1913.

3 min read · Western Rocks
Ardencraig The Wheat Ship That Sank in Broad Sound
StoryHistory

Ardencraig: The Wheat Ship That Sank in Broad Sound

In January 1911 the Glasgow sailing ship Ardencraig struck rocks in fog off the Western Rocks and rolled over in Broad Sound. Lifeboats stood by and all 31 of her crew were saved.

3 min read · Broad Sound, Western Rocks