Summary of Getting to the Isles of Scilly
- 1.) Take a train down to one of three airports – Land’s End, Newquay Cornwall or Exeter Airport.
- 2.) Get a taxi or a bus from the train station to airport.
- 3.) Catch the Isles of Scilly Sky Bus flight over to the Island.
- 4.) Take a taxi or a shuttle bus from the airport to the harbour.
- 5.) At the harbour, take a boat heading towards your island.
- 6.) Once you arrive at your island (Tresco in our case), you then need a golf car or a pick up truck to get you and your luggage to where you need to go.
Riding the train to the Isles of Scilly had been on my travel list for quite some time!
This trip began with a clear desire to explore more of the UK and Ireland. While living in Edinburgh, I realized how much I took for granted the beautiful landscapes and rich culture right at my doorstep. This became especially apparent on my journey to the Isles of Scilly, a gem that closely resembles Caribbean beauty nestled next to mainland UK, just off the coast from Land’s End.
As noted in my previous photography posts, the Isles of Scilly are stunning. This is the first post of several showcasing my adventures across the islands, overflowing with picturesque photographs—and we’ll start from the beginning: How to get to the Isles of Scilly!
1.) Take a train down to one of three airports – Land’s End, Newquay Cornwall or Exeter Airport.
The train ride from London to Exeter takes approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. We opted for the First Great Western, a train service with nearly 200 years of history. This particular journey was my first time in First Class, and it offered a significant upgrade in comfort compared to standard class. The larger, reclining seats made the ride much more enjoyable as we passed through the beautiful British countryside.
2.) Get a taxi or a bus from the train station to the airport.
From Exeter St David’s train station, it’s convenient to catch a bus for less than £3 or opt for a taxi costing between £10 and £20.
3.) Catch the Isles of Scilly Sky Bus flight over to the island.
The flight offers a remarkable view, showcasing the patchwork fields of Cornwall!
4.) Take a taxi or a shuttle bus from the airport to the harbour.
If your destination is St Mary’s Island, simply take a taxi from the airport to your accommodation. In our case, we were heading to Tresco, so we made our way to the harbour.
5.) At the harbour, take a boat heading towards your island.
Boats run at specific times, so check the schedule carefully when island hopping.
6.) Once you arrive at your island (Tresco in our case), you then need a golf car or a pick-up truck to get you and your luggage to where you need to go.
Keep in mind that regular cars aren’t permitted on this island, adding to its unique charm.
In conclusion, just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying the stunning Isles of Scilly, which offer a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation!
