Home > What's on Scilly ... a guide from the official Isles of Scilly Tourism website > Activities ... from golf to fishing to art workshops

Activities ... from golf to fishing to art workshops

The Islands offer a diverse choice of outdoor leisure pursuits and activities, for all ages and abilities.

When you first arrive on the Isles of Scilly, you may not realise just how much there is to do. Under the surface, you will discover an individual get-away, with a "what suits you" (not a one-size fits all) approach.

Take a leisurely stroll ... Enjoy the space to be yourself, come and go as you please, and do your own thing. Explore the nature trails, heathlands, beautiful beaches, verdant pastures and craggy vantage points at your leisure, enjoying tranquil roads and gentle hills. Our coastline is a place of wild walks, rugged cliffs and rural backdrops.

Any journey around an island will find, just around the corner, a panoramic vision which opens out to offer stunning vistas and clear views of the coastline as it folds in and out on itself.

It's easy to see where our local artists gain their inspiration! For a place of such small dimensions, the walking country is staggeringly rich and diverse, with over 60 miles of trails, paths, and walking routes, maintained for the most part by the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. Away from the coast, the varied countryside suits cyclists and walkers, with space to lose yourself where you'll rarely see another person, even in the height of summer.

Have an adventure ...discover the fascinating world beneath the sea; enjoy a day of boating from island to island; dive the wrecks frozen in time; learn to kayak or windsurf. If you are looking for an adrenaline kick, centres on two Islands offer courses and lessons in windsurfing, sailing, diving and rock-climbing, for all ages and abilities.

Launch a kayak or dinghy from the Islands' beaches, or hire windsurfing or sailing kit from one of the bases. Learn how to row in a gig.

Snorkelers and divers can plunge into the aquamarine depths to explore forests of kelp, colourful sea life, and a myriad of shipwrecks scattered across the ocean floor. You may snorkel with seals and watch fish of all shapes and sizes dart through Scilly's spectacular underwater kingdom, or enjoy a trip on a rib around some of the outer Isles, to see the best of the marine life from on the water.

With an amazing landscape and a stunning coastline, tailor-made for a variety of activities, it's no wonder that more and more visitors come to the Isles of Scilly to indulge in a favourite pastime or special activity. Some of the great reasons to come and explore the Islands include:

 

 

 

Golfing: on the UK's most south-westerly golf course

Sailing and Boating: on our translucent seas, around secluded islets and coves. Island Sea Safaris offer "Shipwrecks, Seals, and Seabirds" rib safaris around the islands and rocks of Scilly; friendly and informative commentary. See www.islandseasafaris.co.uk for further details. Scilly Fishing offers stunning marine adventures aboard the Kingfisher, including: reef fishing, shark fishing, birdwatching, and wreck fishing. See www.scillyfishing.co.uk for further details. The ten boats of the St. Mary's Boatmen's Association offer a comprehensive service to the Off-Islands together with a selection of wildlife and sightseeing trips. See www.scillyboating.co.uk for further details. If you are staying on an Off-Island, there are regular boat services every day of the week. If you are staying on St. Agnes, you can contact St. Agnes boating at www.st-agnes-boating.com. If you are staying on Bryher or Tresco, you can contact Bryher Boats at www.bryherboats.co.uk

Diving: over 900 wrecks lie beneath the waves, challenging all abilities. St. Martin's Dive School offers snorkelling with seals and a wide range of other diving opportunities. All experiences catered for www.scillydiving.com

Kayaking: tranquil explorations around headlands and beaches

Windsurfing: getting between the Islands has never been so much fun

Fishing: anglers have never had it so good. Scilly Fishing offers local fishing excursions, see www.scillyfishing.co.uk

Bird watching and wildlife: unique species and special migrants

Walking: enjoy our annual walking festival or roam alone at your own pace

Cycling: from easy lanes to more testing trails, there are two hire shops to fit your cycling desires. St. Mary's Bike Hire is an ideal way to explore the beauty of St. Mary's at your leisure. Call: 07796 638506. Book a Bike on Scilly will deliver the bikes to you, as to save you time and add convenience to your hire. Call: 01720 422786 or 07887841033. More information available at www.bookabikeonscilly.co.uk

Horse-riding: trek vivid purple heathlands or along a beach

Special Interest: everything from Line Dancing to Bowls

 

 

 

 

 

Favourites:
The Isles of Scilly boast a marine environment second to none. Dolphins, basking sharks, seals, over 900 shipwrecks, and hundreds of coves and islets to explore: it's no surprise that water pursuits are popular on Scilly.

Don't miss:
- guided walks and boat trips, getting you out and about and informed about the best of Island life
- learn a new skill, take a course, discover new talents
- each island has its own unique character, no two are alike. Explore one and you will develop a taste for the others