Where should I stay on the Isles of Scilly?

Most visitors stay on St Mary's, the main island, which has the widest range of accommodation. Tresco is ideal for a more exclusive, self-contained stay. St Martin's, Bryher and St Agnes have limited but charming accommodation for those wanting a quieter experience.

How far in advance should I book accommodation on Scilly?

Very early. Accommodation on the Isles of Scilly is limited and popular properties book out months in advance — sometimes a full year ahead for peak summer dates. Book as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.

Is Scilly accommodation expensive?

It varies considerably, from campsites to luxury hotel stays. Prices are generally higher than mainland Cornwall, reflecting the remote nature of the islands and the cost of supplying goods there. Budget travellers should consider camping or self-catering options.

Can I stay on Tresco?

Yes. Tresco Estate operates the accommodation on Tresco, including inn rooms and self-catering properties. It has a distinctly exclusive character — cars are not permitted and the island is privately managed. Bookings are made directly through Tresco Estate.

Is there camping on the Isles of Scilly?

Yes. The most notable campsite is on St Mary's, run from The Garrison. There are also campsites on St Martin's and other islands. Camping provides a budget-friendly option with an extraordinary coastal setting.

Isles of Scilly Accommodation Guide | Where To Stay

Where To Stay on the Isles of Scilly

Accommodation on the Isles of Scilly is limited — intentionally so. The islands have maintained a careful balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the character that makes them special. This means planning ahead is essential. The good news is that whatever accommodation you choose, you are never far from extraordinary scenery, excellent food and a pace of life that feels genuinely different from anywhere on the mainland.

Where To Stay: By Island

St Mary's

The largest and most accessible island, St Mary's has the greatest concentration of accommodation — from hotels and guest houses to self-catering cottages and the island campsite. Hugh Town is the main settlement, with shops, restaurants and the inter-island boat quay.

Tresco

Managed by Tresco Estate, Tresco offers a more exclusive, car-free experience. Inn rooms and self-catering properties offer a range of accommodation. Access is by helicopter (direct) or boat from St Mary's.

St Martin's

A peaceful island with a small number of guest houses, B&Bs and self-catering properties. Known for its extraordinary beaches — arguably the finest in the archipelago. A wonderful choice for those seeking real tranquillity.

Bryher

The smallest inhabited island, Bryher has limited accommodation including Hell Bay Hotel, one of the finest hotels in the Scilly archipelago. A wild, unspoilt island with dramatic western-facing coastline.

St Agnes

The most southerly inhabited island, St Agnes has a small number of cottages and guest accommodation. Exceptional for birdwatching and walking.

Types of Accommodation

Hotels

A small number of full-service hotels, most notably Star Castle (St Mary's) and Hell Bay (Bryher). Excellent food and sea views as standard.

Guest Houses & B&Bs

Family-run properties across St Mary's offering personal hosting and local knowledge. Often excellent value.

Self-Catering

Cottages and apartments across several islands — ideal for families or longer stays. Book very early.

Campsites

The Garrison campsite on St Mary's and sites on other islands offer a budget-friendly option with an extraordinary coastal setting.

Luxury Stays

Tresco's Flying Boat Club and Hell Bay Hotel on Bryher represent the pinnacle of Scilly luxury.

Hostel & Budget

Limited budget options exist. Self-catering and camping are typically the most affordable overnight choices.

Some accommodation links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Explore accommodation on the map

Use this interactive map to browse places to stay across the Isles of Scilly. Availability and pricing are shown by the provider and change over time — always confirm details directly before booking.

If the map doesn't load, open the Isles of Scilly accommodation map in a new tab.

Star Castle Hotel

Check availability

Booking Advice

Book as early as possible — popular properties fill 6–12 months in advance for summer
Check the official Visit Isles of Scilly website for the most comprehensive listings
Consider shoulder season (May/June or September) for better availability and quieter beaches
Coordinate your accommodation booking with your travel booking — the two are linked
Note that luggage restrictions on flights may affect how you pack for longer stays

Browse Official Listings Compare Travel Options

Featured Accommodation

Selected Scilly places to stay will appear here as paid featured placements launch. In the meantime, browse the live Stay22 map above or the official Visit Isles of Scilly directory.

We don’t list featured accommodation businesses here yet. You can browse live availability on the independent Stay22 map on this page, or see the official Visit Isles of Scilly directory.

Interested in being featured?