Accessibility
Guidance for travelling to and around the Isles of Scilly with reduced mobility or additional access needs.
Photo: Hugh Town harbour, St Mary's (26 August 2006) — Chris Gorringe · CC BY-SA 2.0. Display may be cropped. Photo details.
Independent guide — not affiliated with any operator. All prices, times and policies are indicative. Verify with operators before booking. Editorial Policy · Research · Disclaimer
Sources: Isles of Scilly Travel, Penzance Helicopters, Visit Isles of Scilly
Accessibility on Scilly
The Isles of Scilly are a wonderful destination, but travel to and between the islands involves small vessels, small aircraft and stepped boarding. All three mainland operators aim to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility, but what is possible varies by service and can change. This guide is a starting point only — always confirm arrangements directly with the operator before booking.
Important
By Mainland Service
Scillonian Ferry
The Scillonian III can carry wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility. Contact Isles of Scilly Travel in advance and complete any required mobility aid request form (typically at least 48 hours before travel). Guide and assistance dogs are permitted. Boarding and facilities are subject to current arrangements — confirm before booking.
Skybus
Skybus operates very small aircraft (Twin Otter and Islander) with limited cabin space and stepped boarding. Contact the Isles of Scilly Travel Passenger Relations team before booking to discuss your needs and what mobility aids can be carried. Assistance dogs are generally accepted with advance notice.
Penzance Helicopter
Penzance Helicopters can provide mobility assistance, but boarding involves a stepped entry into a compact cabin. Flights are loud — ask the operator about suitable hearing protection and support before booking. Contact the operator before booking to confirm what they can arrange. Assistance dogs are generally accepted with advance notice; pet dogs can be carried onboard subject to the operator's current rules (book by phone; crate rules apply).
Inter-Island Boats
Travelling between islands is by small open or semi-enclosed tripper boats, usually boarded via a stepped gangway at St Mary’s Quay and island quays. Some island quays dry out at low tide, which can change where you board or land. If stepped or unstable access is a concern, contact the relevant boat operator in advance (for example the St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association) to discuss what is possible on the day. See our inter-island travel guide for more detail.
On the Islands
- The off-islands (Tresco, St Martin's, Bryher and St Agnes) have no public cars — they are explored on foot, by bike or by boat.
- Terrain is generally flat but includes unpaved lanes, sand, shingle and some stepped coastal paths.
- St Mary's has some taxis and minibuses that can assist passengers with reduced mobility; book in advance.
- Not every accommodation, restaurant or attraction is step-free — confirm directly with the provider before booking.
- The islands are small and distances are short, but surfaces are uneven in places.
Before you book
Contact each operator directly to confirm current accessibility arrangements and to book assistance. This guide is general and not a guarantee of access.
FAQ
Accessibility — FAQs
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