Living in Isles of Scilly

Community spirit is at the heart of life in the Isles of Scilly. A population of around 2,000 ensures that most islanders are familiar with each other, and newcomers are often welcomed with open arms. There are numerous local clubs, societies, and informal gatherings, ranging from sailing clubs to gardening societies and art groups. Annual traditions, such as the World Pilot Gig Championships and the Low Tide Festival, bring residents and visitors together in celebration.

The islands are rich in outdoor lifestyle opportunities. From walking the network of scenic coastal paths to birdwatching and watersports, the landscape offers endless options for recreation. The natural environment also supports regular farmers’ markets, local produce stalls, and small craft fairs, sustaining a distinct sense of place and self-sufficiency. Community halls on each island double as venues for film nights, concerts, and workshops, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of island life.

Safety is one of the defining features of life in the Isles of Scilly. The islands are among the safest communities in the UK, with extremely low crime rates and a longstanding reputation for being close-knit and secure. Incidents of serious crime are rare, and many residents leave their homes and bicycles unlocked without concern.

The local police presence is visible, and officers are known personally by many of the residents, fostering good relationships and prompt responses to any issues. The islands occasionally face minor challenges such as seasonal anti-social behaviour related to tourism, but these are addressed through community safety initiatives and partnerships with local businesses.

Neighbourhood watch schemes and an emphasis on communal responsibility further bolster the sense of security on the Isles of Scilly, contributing to a peaceful and reassuring environment for all age groups.

Parking in Isles of Scilly is a distinctly different experience compared to the mainland. There are very few cars on the islands, particularly on the off-islands, and on-street parking is mostly unnecessary. On St Mary’s, there are free public car parks for use by residents and visitors, as well as spaces at the main harbour. Permits are not usually required, and traffic congestion is virtually nonexistent.

Road access is limited to each individual island, and there are no bridges or causeways connecting them. Residents generally rely on walking, cycling, or local taxis. There is no direct road access to the mainland; vehicular access requires ferry transport. The islands' unique geography means that journeys to other locations are conducted by sea or air rather than by motorway or A-road.

Approximate distances to key locations from St Mary’s Harbour (including required boat/ferry connections):

• Penzance – 28 miles by sea
• Truro – Reachable in 3–4 hours via ferry and onward road
• Falmouth – Reached via ferry to Penzance and road (approx. 3–4 hours total journey)

The Isles of Scilly offer a unique food scene for such a small community, with a focus on fresh seafood and local produce. St Mary’s boasts a handful of well-regarded restaurants, such as Juliet’s Garden, featuring panoramic sea views and a menu built around locally-sourced fish. Traditional pubs like The Mermaid Inn and Atlantic Inn overlook the harbour, serving classic pub food and Cornish ales.

On the other islands, venues such as The New Inn on Tresco and Fraggle Rock Café on Bryher are popular with both locals and visitors. Scillonian cafés and tea rooms cater to daytime tastes, with fresh scones, cakes, and fairtrade coffee. While nightlife is generally quiet, periodic live music nights, pub quizzes, and seasonal events contribute to a gentle after-dark scene. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and sociable rather than lively, catering to tastes that value conversation, sea views, and fresh air.

School quality: The primary and secondary education on the Isles of Scilly is provided through the Five Islands Academy, highly regarded for its close-knit classes and supportive environment. Small school size ensures tailored attention for each child.

Parks and green space: The entire archipelago acts as an unparalleled playground, with pristine beaches, lush meadows, and wildlife reserves. Children can safely explore nature and outdoor activities with minimal traffic and pollution.

Childcare: There are nursery and pre-school services on St Mary’s and home-based childminders across the islands. Many families benefit from strong informal support networks among the community.

Safety: The Isles of Scilly are considered among the safest places to raise children in the UK. Low crime rates and an active, watchful community encourage outdoor play and a strong sense of security.

Family activities: Opportunities abound for water sports, island hopping, wildlife watching, gardening, and creative arts—all set against the beautiful natural backdrop of the archipelago. Regular events and festivals keep families engaged year-round.

The Isles of Scilly are welcoming to pets—dogs and cats are common companions on all inhabited islands. The abundance of open space, coastal paths, and beaches provides fantastic settings for dog walks, with most beaches permitting dogs outside of high summer season restrictions. The smaller islands are especially friendly for off-lead exercise, as vehicle traffic is minimal.

St Mary’s is home to a veterinary clinic supporting the whole archipelago, while pet supplies can be found in local shops or ordered in via regular freight links. Many holiday lets, guesthouses, and cafés are dog-friendly, and the laid-back community attitude ensures pets are generally well accommodated wherever possible.

The Isles of Scilly can be reached by air or sea, reflecting their remote location nearly 28 miles off the Cornish coast. The main point of entry is St Mary’s, home to the airport and ferry terminal. Skybus flights operate from Lands End (15 minutes), Newquay and Exeter Airports (30–60 minutes), connecting the islands to the UK mainland year-round, though services may be limited in winter months.

The Scillonian III passenger ferry links St Mary’s with Penzance (approx. 2 hrs 45 mins, seasonal operation). Smaller inter-island ferries provide daily connections between St Mary’s and Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher, and St Agnes. Local bus, taxi, and bicycle hire schemes operate on St Mary’s, although walking is the main mode of transport on the smaller islands. Footpaths, coastal trails, and limited roadways provide easy access across each island.

Approximate travel times from St Mary’s by public transport:

• Penzance – 2 hrs 45 mins via ferry (seasonal service)
• Exeter – 1 hour 5 mins via Skybus.
• London – Around 3.5–5 hours (combining train/bus to Penzance and onward boat/flight connections)

Primary Schools: The primary school provision for the Isles of Scilly is concentrated on St Mary's with The Five Islands Academy Lower School, which caters for younger children from St Mary's and the off-islands thanks to daily boat transport for pupils. The school provides small class sizes and a close community feel.

Secondary Schools: Secondary education is delivered through the Five Islands Academy Secondary Campus, also based on St Mary’s. Students from the smaller islands commute daily by boat. The academy is known for a supportive learning environment and is the only secondary school on the islands. The most recent Ofsted inspection rated the school as "Good" in 2019.

Colleges & Sixth Form: Post-16 provision is supported by the Five Islands Academy Sixth Form, but most students typically move to the mainland for broader course options at Cornwall’s further education colleges or sixth forms, such as Truro and Penwith College. Many island families maintain close links with mainland colleges, with formal support arrangements in place.

Universities: There are no universities on the Isles of Scilly. For higher education, students travel to the mainland, usually to prominent universities in towns such as Exeter, Plymouth, or Falmouth, using dedicated travel and accommodation support systems for young islanders.