Top Things to do in Isles of Scilly
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Isles of Scilly, England
Discover the best top things to do in Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom including Garrison Walls, Old Blockhouse, The Day Mark, Tresco Abbey Garden & Valhalla Collection, Cromwell's Castle, Rocket House, Innisidgen Lower and Upper Burial Chambers, Bant's Carn Burial Chamber and Halangy Down Ancient Village, Garrison Gate, King Charles's Castle.
1. Garrison Walls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By timf250 - Sheffield, United Kingdom
A relatively gentle walk around the Garrison on St. Mary's helps to clear the head - it puts ones life into perspective when thinking about the lives and loves of the 18th century soldiers who inhabited these glorious islands centuries earlier. How did they move the cannons and guns, just how did the logistics work out?? Questions asked - must be answered.....
2. Old Blockhouse
3. The Day Mark
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By RebeccaS5985
Situated out on the Eastern headland of St Martin's, Isles of Scilly, this landmark stands out from neighbouring islands. Well worth the walk up from the Quay if visiting on a boat trip. On a clear day you can see Cornwall and gannets diving off-shore. The colours of heather and gorse change through the seasons setting off the Day Mark as a beacon to head for as you walk around the island's varied coastline.
4. Tresco Abbey Garden & Valhalla Collection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 654 reviews
The sub-tropical Abbey Garden is a glorious exception; a perennial Kew without the glass, home to thousands of exotic plants from around the world flourishing right here on the Isles of Scilly... Here off the coast of Cornwall, spring comes early, autumn stays late and winter hardly exists at all. Truly a subtropical paradise, Tresco Abbey Garden is brimming with plants that would stand no chance at all just 30 miles away on the Cornish mainland. The beautiful garden, built in the 19th century around the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey, is home to species from across the world’s Mediterranean climate zones, from Brazil to New Zealand and Burma to South Africa. It’s quite easy to while away a day meandering among sheltered glades of tree ferns or strolling along sunny terraces, gazing out across the borders to the ocean views beyond. Even non-gardeners cannot fail but wonder at the array of scents, sights and sounds that await around every corner.
Reviewed By susanwX433EF
We visited Tresco Abbey Garden as part of our cruise around the British Isles, and we were not disappointed! The garden are full of unusual and exotic plants, arranged beautifully on a series of terraces with wonderful glimpses across the bay from the top. Around every corner is an interesting vista, or a sculpture or pot of flowers. Even in September, when many gardens are winding down, there was plenty to see. A good restaurant and gift shop completed the visit. We loved it!
5. Cromwell's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By danielaU6133AK
An excellently preserved English Civil War castle. Walking up a short set of (modern) steps takes you to the gun battery, with excellent views of the bay across to Bryher and the sea. Inside there is graffiti on the walls that seemed to date from 1755. As a warning, the castle is reached on foot from New Grimsby along a rural footpath with a number of hills, stinging nettles and other hazards, so approach with caution.
6. Rocket House
7. Innisidgen Lower and Upper Burial Chambers
8. Bant's Carn Burial Chamber and Halangy Down Ancient Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By AlchemyT - Bushey, United Kingdom
We explored St Mary's on a cycle and rode right up to the location. The scenic views are breathtaking, the hilltops sanctified burial site overlooking the sea and white sandy beaches.
9. Garrison Gate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By paullegate - St Ives, United Kingdom
Garrison Gate is located on the western edge of Hugh Town at the start of the Garrison Walls on the Headland. The fortified gate was built along with the other defences including the original defence walls and fortifications before the rest of the headland was surrounded by Garrison Walls. Garrison Gate is easily accessible from Hugh Town and is worth visiting along with the other preserved fortifications on the Headland.
10. King Charles's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By paulap487 - Sidmouth, United Kingdom
Make the effort to climb up to this ruined castle on tresco. Stunning views over tresco and Bryher. Really lovely place to while away some time in between walking.
