Beach Guide
When people picture tropical beaches, destinations like the Caribbean or the Maldives often spring to mind. Yet just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall lies a group of islands with powder-white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water and some of the cleanest beaches in Britain.
The Isles of Scilly are home to dozens of beautiful beaches, each with its own unique character. Some are ideal for families, others are perfect for wildlife spotting or peaceful walks, while a few feel so remote that you may have them entirely to yourself.
Whether you're visiting for a day or planning a week-long island escape, here are the beaches you shouldn't miss.
Why Are the Isles of Scilly Beaches So Special?
Unlike many beaches on mainland Britain, the Isles of Scilly benefit from exceptionally clear water thanks to their offshore location and relatively low levels of pollution.
The archipelago is made up of over 140 islands and rocky islets, with five inhabited islands: St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, Bryher and St Agnes. Each island offers its own collection of beaches, from wide sandy bays to tiny hidden coves.
Many visitors are surprised by just how clear the sea can be on calm summer days, when the water often takes on brilliant shades of turquoise and emerald green.
Pentle Bay
Tresco
If you only visit one beach during your trip, Pentle Bay should be near the top of your list. Stretching along the eastern side of Tresco, this spectacular beach offers soft white sand, crystal-clear water and panoramic views across to St Martin's. On sunny days it is easy to mistake it for a Mediterranean beach.
Best for
Rushy Bay
Bryher
Rushy Bay is on the south side of Bryher and faces towards Samson. Enjoy the beach and views, and check wind, tide and local conditions before swimming or paddling.
Best for
Great Bay
St Martin's
Great Bay is on the north side of St Martin's, with a northeast-facing shore. It is a broad sandy beach near Little Bay, reached on foot. Check conditions before swimming.
Best for
Porthcressa Beach
St Mary's
Located just a short walk from Hugh Town, Porthcressa is one of the easiest beaches to reach. Its sheltered position makes it a popular choice for families and visitors staying on St Mary's. Facilities, cafés and shops are all within walking distance.
Best for
Old Town Bay
St Mary's
Old Town Bay combines beautiful scenery with fascinating history. The sheltered beach sits close to Old Town Church and offers lovely views across the bay. You'll often see local boats moored offshore while seabirds patrol the coastline.
Best for
Periglis Beach
St Agnes
Periglis Cove is on St Agnes, beside the pond and cricket field. It is on a different island from Porthcressa and Hugh Town on St Mary's; visiting from St Mary's requires an inter-island boat journey.
Best for
Green Bay
Bryher
Green Bay is on Bryher, south of the quay. It is a place for a beach walk or kayaking when conditions allow. Check local advice before going on the water.
Best for
Appletree Bay
Tresco
Appletree Bay is another spectacular beach on Tresco. Less visited than Pentle Bay, it rewards those willing to explore with beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings. The beach faces west, making it an excellent place to watch the sunset.
Best for
Quick Reference
Which Beach Is Best?
Best Family Beach
🏆 Porthcressa Beach
Its calm waters, nearby cafés and easy access make it ideal for families.
Best for Swimming
🏆 Pentle Bay
Beautiful clear water and soft sand make it one of the finest swimming beaches in Britain during suitable conditions.
Best Hidden Beach
🏆 Green Bay
Less visited than many of the better-known beaches and wonderfully peaceful.
Best for Photography
🏆 Pentle Bay
Early morning and late afternoon light creates incredible colours.
Best Sunset
🏆 Appletree Bay
The west-facing aspect often provides stunning evening skies.
Beach Safety
Although the Isles of Scilly enjoy some of the cleanest bathing waters in the UK, visitors should always take sensible precautions.
- Swim within your abilities.
- Be aware of tides and changing sea conditions.
- Some beaches have no lifeguards.
- Strong currents can occur in certain areas.
- Never dive from rocks unless you know the depth.
- Check local advice before swimming or paddleboarding.
Always supervise children closely near the water.
Can You Visit All These Beaches?
Yes. Thanks to the excellent inter-island boat services operating during the main season, many visitors enjoy exploring several islands during their stay. Island hopping is one of the highlights of any visit and gives you the chance to experience beaches with completely different scenery and atmosphere.
If you're staying for several days, consider dedicating one day each to Tresco, St Martin's and Bryher to experience some of the finest beaches in the archipelago.
FAQ
Beach FAQs
Final Thoughts
The beaches of the Isles of Scilly are among the most beautiful in Britain. Whether you're searching for a family-friendly bay, a secluded cove or a stretch of white sand that rivals destinations much further afield, you'll find it here.
One of the greatest pleasures of visiting the islands is discovering your own favourite beach. You may arrive planning to spend an hour by the sea and end up staying all afternoon, captivated by the clear water, peaceful atmosphere and unforgettable scenery.
We recommend allowing plenty of time in your itinerary simply to explore. Some of the islands' finest beaches aren't the biggest or the most famous — they're the ones you stumble across while wandering the coast paths.
Beach locations checked: 9 September 2026
Source: Visit Isles of Scilly beach guide
Editorial note: Beach locations were corrected following reader feedback. This guide has been independently researched by Isles of Scilly Compare using information from official tourism resources and local knowledge. Beach conditions, facilities and access may change over time — always check local information during your visit and respect the islands' natural environment.
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