Know Before You Go
The practical essentials to sort before you travel to the Isles of Scilly.
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
Practical Preparation
A little preparation makes a Scilly trip smoother. The islands are wonderfully remote, which means some mainland conveniences are limited. Here’s what to sort before you travel.
Medication & Health
St Mary's has a pharmacy and health centre, but the off-islands have very limited facilities. Bring enough of any regular medication for your whole trip, plus a buffer for weather-related delays. Carry a small first-aid kit.
Travel Insurance
Strongly recommended. Weather can disrupt all mainland services and inter-island boats, and island accommodation can be non-refundable. Choose a policy that covers transport cancellation and extra accommodation costs.
Cash, Cards & Banking
St Mary's Post Office offers cash withdrawals for supported bank accounts. Check branch opening hours and your bank's limits, and bring some cash before travelling to the islands. Cash facilities on the off-islands are limited.
Mobile & Internet
Coverage has improved but is still variable, especially on the off-islands. Signal is generally best on St Mary's. Download maps, accommodation details and tickets before you travel.
Evening Meals
In peak season, island restaurants and pubs get very busy and may not accommodate walk-ins. Book ahead — especially on the smaller islands where options are limited.
Disruptions & Flexibility
Build flexibility into your plans. Weather can cancel the ferry, ground flights or stop inter-island boats. Avoid a tight, non-refundable first night if you can, and check operator service status before setting off.
Inter-Island Transfers
If you're staying on an off-island, onward tripper boats from St Mary's Quay are usually arranged with your accommodation, and luggage is often transferred from the Scillonian. See our inter-island travel guide.
Accessibility
If you have reduced mobility or additional access needs, contact each operator before booking to confirm arrangements. See our accessibility guide for service-by-service guidance.
Top Tips from Frequent Scilly Visitors
A few generic habits that seasoned Scilly travellers swear by. None of these name or favour any individual business — they’re practical pointers that apply wherever you stay, eat or travel on the islands.
- Pre-book evening meals in busy periods — island restaurants and pubs get full, especially in peak season and on the smaller islands.
- Shop earlier in the day where you can — stock and opening hours can be limited, particularly on the off-islands.
- Check Sunday opening times before you rely on a shop, café or service — hours often differ from the rest of the week.
- UV can be stronger than you expect on the coast and on the water, even on overcast days — bring high-factor sun protection.
- Pack layers and a waterproof — Scilly weather can change quickly and exposed coastal walks are windier than they look.
- Carry essentials and any medication with you for the day, including a small buffer in case of travel disruption.
- Check transport updates before you set off and allow contingency time — sailings, flights and boats can shift at short notice.
Traveller Tip
Check St Mary’s Post Office services and opening hours · Checked 9 September 2026.
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