Attractions and Places To See around St Mary's - Top 20

Yes, St Mary's offers several family-friendly attractions. Tresco Abbey Garden is a natural monument with extensive parkland, suitable for all ages. Both Bryher Low Water Quay and Higher Town Quay are accessible settlements and beaches, perfect for a relaxed day out by the water.

St Mary's is rich in history. You can explore Star Castle, an old fort with a colorful history and panoramic views. Additionally, Tresco Abbey Garden was created around the ruins of a former Benedictine abbey, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The Walhalla Museum within the garden also houses shipwrecked figureheads, part of the National Maritime Collection.

The region around St Mary's boasts diverse natural features. Tresco Abbey Garden is a renowned natural monument featuring over 2,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants. For a more adventurous experience, Piper's Hole Cave offers a challenging exploration at sea level, surrounded by local myths and legends. The various quays like Bryher Low Water Quay and Higher Town Quay also provide beautiful coastal scenery and beach access.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, exploring Piper's Hole Cave is considered a challenging activity, as it requires climbing on rocks to reach its sea-level entrance. For hiking, you can find more challenging routes in the area, such as the "Cromwell's Castle – Innisidgen Burial Chamber loop from Hugh Town" which is a difficult 56.7 km route. You can find more details on various hiking options in the Hiking around St Mary's guide.

There are several easy walking options. The "Garrison Walls Trail" is an easy 3.6 km route, perfect for a leisurely stroll while taking in historical sights around Star Castle. Another easy option is the "St Mary's Prehistoric loop via Bant's Carn & Innisidgen Burial Chamber," which is about 5.9 km. For more easy routes, refer to the Easy hikes around St Mary's guide.

Visitors particularly enjoy the unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. The subtropical gardens of Tresco Abbey Garden are highly praised for their diverse plant species and year-round blooms. The panoramic views and historical significance of Star Castle are also a favorite. Many appreciate the tranquil coastal settings of the island quays like Bryher Low Water Quay and Higher Town Quay, noting the beautiful sea colors and island hospitality.

Yes, Higher Town Quay on St Martin's is noted as being wheelchair accessible. This quay serves as a landing point for inter-island boats and offers a pleasant coastal environment.

Yes, some attractions have facilities nearby. Tresco Abbey Garden has a tea room with free Wi-Fi attached to the gardens. Additionally, the settlements around quays like Higher Town Quay often provide access to local food and hospitality.

Inter-island boats are the primary mode of transport. For instance, the Firethorn transports visitors from St Mary's to Bryher and Tresco, landing at Bryher Low Water Quay or a high-water quay depending on tides. Similarly, boats sail daily from St Mary's to St Martin's, landing at Higher Town Quay or Lower Town, depending on weather and tides. Timetables are typically posted at the pier the day before travel.

Yes, St Mary's offers several routes suitable for running or jogging. Options include the "Old Town Bay – Peninnis Lighthouse loop from Hugh Town" (6.8 km, moderate difficulty) or the "Porth Loo Beach – Buzza Tower and Camera Obscura loop from Hugh Town" (5.7 km, moderate difficulty). You can explore more running trails in the Running Trails around St Mary's guide.

The Isles of Scilly, including St Mary's, benefit from a mild climate. For Tresco Abbey Garden, flowers bloom weeks before those on the mainland in spring, and in autumn, the seasonal colors are magnificent. Even at the winter solstice, over 300 plant species are typically in bloom, making it a year-round destination. Generally, spring through autumn offers pleasant weather for exploring outdoor sites and enjoying inter-island boat trips.