St.Martins ... information from the Official Tourism Website

Through the Gate The Island of St.Martin's is just two miles long, but has some of the finest white sand and crystal blue sea in the British Isles. On the sheltered south side of the island where an expanse of rock pools and sandy flats wait to be explored ... and contrast against the dramatic north side of the island with its steep cliffs and purple heather, there are numerous beaches, coves and coastal paths to enjoy.

For a small island, St.Martin's offers a wide range of places to eat or grab a snack. There are cafes, a hotel, and a pub with their own style, views, and wonderful locations. There is also a general store/ Post Office in Higher Town as well as a bakery. There are also several local fishermen who land their catches on St.Martin's who will be more than happy to supply you with exceptionally fresh fish and shellfish. Telephone Box

Things to Do on St.Martin's. There is always plenty to do on St.Martin's, with a range of planned pursuits such as tennis, diving, exploring the working flower farms, touring the vineyard,exploring the farm trail, and indulging in one of the two arts & crafts galleries.

Gift Shopping - There is a local gift shop, as well as the Post Office/General Store ... and around the island are various 'gate shops' and with honesty-boxes wherre you can pick up local produce, bulbs and plants. Fay Page Silver: beautiful, contemporary jewellery from Scilly. Handmade chains and charm bracelets with silver and gold shell charms. www.faypage.co.uk

Boat Trips - you may either charter your own trip or join a scheduled boat trip. Also, St. Martin's Dive School offers snorkelling with seals and a range of diving experiences. www.scillydiving.com.

Island Hall - In the middle of the island is the Island Hall and visitors are more than welcome to use this facility for watching television, playing games such as table tennis and reading, but please read the notices and follow the rules.

Community Events - The community of St.Martin's hold various events and run several different clubs throughout the year to which visitors are warmly welcomed. Information is posted on various notice-boards around the island.

Bakery across field

There is no public transport on St.Martin's, but most accommodation providers will be happy to meet you and transport you and/or your luggage to your accommodation, although they may charge for this service.

Please be aware there is a mile of concrete road and a hill between Higher and Lower Town quays. Boats running day trips will often, due to weather and tides, drop you at one quay and pick you up from the other, so you need to be able to cover this distance on foot.

Essentials: St. Martin's Store and Post Office can provide for all your holiday requirements. Send a grocery list in advance to have an order ready for your holiday on St. Martin's. www.stmartins-stores.co.uk.

St. Martin's Vineyard, Winery and Visitor Centre & Shop: Enjoy a conducted or self-conducted tour around St. Martin's Vineyard, and sample our white, red, and rose wines - or simply visit the shop/visitor centre. 01720 423418

Health: There is a mobility scooter available for hire on St.Martin's. Please call Mr Christopher Savill on 01720 423563 for more information. The Doctor visits St.Martin's once a week on Wednesdays. It is advisable to bring with you any medication you may need during your stay. The Post Office sells first-aid basics and there is a pharmacy at the Health Centre on St.Mary's.

Don't Miss:

- Enjoy local gastronomic delights, ranging from local wine to truly local fish and chips (the fish is caught to order and the chips are made from home-grown taties)
- Look for shells at low tide on Lawrence's Brow: The sand flats are favourite haunt of young and old and are perfect for whiling away a morning at low tide looking for the treasured cowries, limpets and shipwreck treasure.
- Search for seals and sea birds then land on St. Martin's: Cruise around the islets like Nornour, Ganilly and Menawethan where colonies of seals stare at you with their cheeky faces and where rafts of cormorants float by
Lane on St.Martin's

We've made a short list of some of the best beaches on St. Martin's:

Lawrence's Bay (St. Martin's):
This beach is a family haven. There are rock pools at low tide towards Old Quay, gently shelving sand that gives way to tepid shallows over St. Martin's Flats and soft dunes to protect that all-important picnic from the wind. The beach stretches from Lower Town all the way to Higher Town. At low tide, imagine the old causeway that used to link St. Mary's and St. Martin's in the Bronze Age.

Par Beach (St. Martin's):
This white sand crescent will instantly impress, as it is the first beach you see when you land at Higher Town. A great family beach with safe swimming, fabulous views, relaxing walks and long grasses to hide out and have a picnic! This beach is so wonderful that you will have to tear yourself away to explore St. Martin's other beaches.

Great Bay (St. Martin's):
There is a raw beauty and remoteness to this gorgeous beach nestled on the north side of St. Martin's. Great Bay is a vast expanse of creamy sand and was recently voted Best Beach in the UK; not to be missed!

Best beach for swimming: Great Bay, St. Martin's