Why West Cornwall Pairs So Well With Scilly
Every journey to the Isles of Scilly begins in West Cornwall. The Scillonian ferry sails from Penzance Harbour, the Penzance Helicopter lifts off from a heliport on the edge of town, and Skybus flies from Land's End Airport near St Just — all within a few miles of each other at the very tip of the Cornish mainland. Rather than treating that arrival as a simple transit point, many travellers build in a day or two on either side and turn a single crossing into a fuller West Country trip.
The same qualities that draw people to Scilly — wild coastline, prehistoric sites, a slower pace and a sense of being at the edge of the map — run right through West Cornwall. The landscapes don't stop at the water; they continue across the sea. Here's how to plan a mainland extension that sits naturally alongside your island stay.
Penzance
The ferry and helicopter port. A working harbour town with galleries, a historic chapel and the national rail terminus — the easiest base if you are crossing by sea or air from Penzance. Penzance to Scilly guide →
Land's End
The Skybus departure point and the literal western tip of Cornwall. Base yourself near St Just or Sennen for an early flight. Land's End to Scilly guide →
A Two-Day West Cornwall Itinerary
Day 1 — The Western Tip
Start in Penzance with a morning walk along the promenade and a visit to the art deco Jubilee Pool. Drive or take a tour west to Land's End, calling at Cape Cornwall and the engine houses of the tin-mining coast. If you're flying out with Skybus, end the day near St Just so you're close to Land's End Airport for an early crossing.
Day 2 — Cross to Scilly (or the reverse)
Take your ferry, helicopter or flight to the islands. If you're extending after Scilly instead, reverse the route: return to the mainland in the morning and spend a day exploring West Cornwall before heading home. Either way, keep luggage in mind — Skybus and the helicopter both have tighter weight limits than the Scillonian.
Mainland Cornwall Experiences
These are tours and experiences on the mainland, not on the Isles of Scilly. They're well suited to the day before or after your island crossing, when you're already in West Cornwall with time to explore.
The Cornwall experience links below are affiliate links via Viator. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Explore Cornwall Experiences
Browse Viator's full range of Cornwall tours, day trips and experiences — a starting point for things to do on the mainland before or after your Scilly crossing.
View on ViatorPrivate Tour of West Cornwall
A private guided tour of the western tip — the same coastline you'll cross to reach the islands. Ideal as a mainland extension, tailored to your interests and pace.
View on ViatorWhere To Stay on the Islands
Island accommodation is limited and books up fast — arrange it before you lock in your mainland extension. Use the map below to browse places to stay across the Isles of Scilly; availability and pricing are shown by the provider and change over time, so always confirm details directly before booking.
Some accommodation links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
If the map doesn't load, open the Isles of Scilly accommodation map in a new tab.
Star Castle Hotel
Check availabilityPractical Logistics
- Penzance railway station is the national rail terminus — a 5-minute walk from the ferry and a short taxi from the heliport.
- Land's End Airport is near St Just, about 9 miles west of Penzance; allow 25–30 minutes to drive.
- If you take a private tour, plan it for the day before your crossing so you finish near your departure point.
- Remember luggage limits: Skybus 15kg, helicopter 20kg (soft bags), Scillonian 25kg. Pack accordingly if you're touring before you cross.
We independently suggest these mainland Cornwall experiences and island stays as part of a wider Scilly trip. We are not affiliated with Viator, Stay22 or any tour operator or accommodation provider. Always confirm current details, inclusions and terms directly before booking.