Glamping rental Isles of Scilly - 1 glamping

England's Best-Kept Secret: An Archipelago of Pure Escape

Imagine waking up to crystal-clear turquoise waters that could rival the Caribbean, white sandy beaches that stretch endlessly before you, and a pace of life so delightfully slow that you will forget what day of the week it is. Welcome to the Isles of Scilly, a stunning archipelago located just 28 miles southwest of Land's End in Cornwall. These remarkable islands offer glamping enthusiasts an extraordinary base for exploring one of England's most enchanting destinations.

Where Exactly Are the Isles of Scilly?

The Isles of Scilly comprise approximately 140 islands and rocky islets scattered across the Atlantic Ocean. Only five islands are inhabited: St Mary's (the largest and main gateway), Tresco, St Martin's, Bryher, and St Agnes. The archipelago covers a total area of around 16 square kilometres, with St Mary's itself measuring just 2.5 miles by 1.75 miles. The total population stands at approximately 2,100 people, with most residents living on St Mary's and nearly half concentrated in the charming capital of Hugh Town.

The islands are composed of ancient granite, formed around 290 million years ago, and are part of the same geological formation as the Cornish mainland. Designated as a UK Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Isles of Scilly offer landscapes of exceptional quality and ecological significance.

Why a Glamping Holiday in the Isles of Scilly Will Transform You

A glamping escape to the Isles of Scilly offers benefits that conventional holidays simply cannot match:

• The mildest climate in the UK: Thanks to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, the islands enjoy a temperate oceanic climate with average temperatures ranging from 7°C to 19°C. Frost and snow are extremely rare, making it possible to enjoy outdoor adventures throughout the year.
• Unspoiled tranquillity: With no traffic jams, no crowds, and no rush, the islands offer the space to do as much or as little as you please. Life here is simpler, gentler, and refreshingly slow.
• World-class beaches without the long-haul flight: The beaches feature near-white sand lapped by clear azure waters. Many visitors compare them favourably to the Mediterranean or Caribbean, yet you can reach them in just 15 minutes by air from Land's End or around 2 hours 45 minutes by ferry from Penzance.
• Exceptional biodiversity: The islands serve as home to unique wildlife including Atlantic grey seals, the endemic Scilly shrew (found nowhere else on Earth), and an extraordinary variety of seabirds including puffins, Manx shearwaters, and rare roseate terns.
• Subtropical gardens in England: The mild climate allows an astonishing array of exotic plants to thrive, from South African agapanthus to Chilean Puya and Indian fan palms.

Highlights That Will Surprise You

Tresco Abbey Garden: Kew Without the Glass

Established in the 1830s by Augustus Smith among the ruins of a Benedictine priory, Tresco Abbey Garden is home to approximately 20,000 plant species from as far away as New Zealand, South Africa, and South America. The subtropical climate allows species to flourish that would struggle anywhere else in Britain. Within the gardens, you will also find the Valhalla Museum, displaying an evocative collection of figureheads salvaged from the many ships wrecked around the islands throughout history.

Walk Between Islands at Low Tide

One of the most magical experiences in the Isles of Scilly is possible thanks to the high tidal range (up to 5.99 metres at St Mary's). At extreme low tides, the shallow inter-island waters allow you to walk between several islands. From St Agnes, you can reach the island of Gugh via a natural tombolo (sand bar) at each low tide. During dramatic spring tides, you can even walk between Tresco and Bryher as the channel becomes dry enough to cross.

The Legendary Lost Land of Lyonesse

According to Arthurian legend, the mythical lost kingdom of Lyonesse once lay between Land's End and the Isles of Scilly before vanishing beneath the waves. This rich folk memory may reflect actual historical flooding, as evidence suggests that many of the islands were once connected as recently as 400-500 AD. Ancient field walls can still be seen beneath the water near some islands, and old farm remains discovered on what is now the tiny rocky island of Nornour hint at a landscape dramatically different from today.

A 335-Year War That Never Fired a Shot

The Isles of Scilly hold a unique place in military history. In 1651, during the English Civil War, Dutch Admiral Maarten Tromp declared war specifically on the Isles of Scilly after Royalist forces based there refused to pay reparations for damaged Dutch ships. When the Parliamentarians took control just three months later, the Dutch fleet sailed home without signing a peace treaty. This oversight was only discovered in 1985 when local historian Roy Duncan wrote to the Dutch Embassy. The Dutch ambassador visited the islands on 17 April 1986 to sign a peace treaty, officially ending what some call the longest war in history. The ambassador joked that it must have been terrifying for Scillonians to know they could have been attacked at any moment.

The World's Smallest Football League

Football enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the Isles of Scilly are home to the world's smallest affiliated football league, officially recognised by Guinness World Records since 2016. The league consists of just two teams, the Garrison Gunners and the Woolpack Wanderers, who play each other between fourteen and twenty times per season on St Mary's. Team selection happens at a local pub before the season begins, with appointed captains selecting their players one at a time in a draft system similar to American sports leagues. The Lyonesse Cup, played annually against a team from Cornwall, features a trophy just six millimetres high, earning it the title of the world's smallest trophy. A replica is displayed at the FIFA Museum in Zurich.

Five Unexpected Things to Do on the Isles of Scilly

1. Stargaze under some of the UK's darkest skies: St Martin's is home to a Community Observatory with two observation domes, including a 14-inch telescope for deep sky viewing. With minimal light pollution, you can gaze upon Saturn, Jupiter, and the Milky Way with remarkable clarity.
2. Swim with Atlantic grey seals: Take a boat trip from St Martin's to swim alongside the curious grey seals that inhabit the uninhabited Eastern Isles. This unforgettable experience should be booked well in advance as it is extremely popular.
3. Explore ancient Bronze Age burial chambers: The islands contain remarkable prehistoric remains including barrows and burial chambers dating back to approximately 2500-800 BC. Sites such as Bants Carn on St Mary's and Porth Hellick Down offer fascinating glimpses into the islands' ancient past.
4. Visit the most southwesterly pub in the UK: The Turk's Head on St Agnes is blessed with one of the finest pub garden locations anywhere, overlooking the little harbour of Porth Conger. It is so beloved that residents of St Mary's have been known to island-hop just for a couple of pints.
5. Discover local artisan food producers: From Veronica Farm on Bryher, producing handmade vanilla fudge using St Agnes milk and clotted cream, to Holy Vale Vineyard on St Mary's offering self-guided tours and wine tastings, the islands are home to passionate food producers crafting exceptional products.

Practical Information for Your Glamping Adventure

Getting There

You have three options for reaching the Isles of Scilly:

• By ferry: The Scillonian III passenger ferry departs from Penzance and takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to reach St Mary's. The crossing itself offers wildlife-spotting opportunities, including dolphins, seabirds, and occasionally basking sharks. In fact, the route has been named the UK's highest diversity ferry crossing for wildlife spotting.
• By plane: Skybus flights operate from Land's End (15 minutes), Newquay (approximately 30 minutes), and Exeter (approximately one hour).
• By helicopter: Penzance Helicopters offers flights taking just 15 minutes to reach St Mary's or Tresco.

Getting Around the Islands

Once on the islands, regular inter-island launches connect all five inhabited islands. On St Mary's, you can hire bicycles or electric golf buggies to explore. The islands are perfect for walking, with scenic coastal paths offering spectacular views at every turn.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March to May): Ideal for flower enthusiasts, especially to see the famous narcissi that carpet the islands' small fields.
• Summer (June to August): Perfect for outdoor activities including walking, cycling, and water sports, with the clearest turquoise waters.
• Autumn (September to November): Fewer crowds, good walking weather, and exceptional birdwatching as migratory species pass through.
• Winter (December to February): The quietest time, perfect for a peaceful retreat, though some services may be limited.

An Island Escape Unlike Any Other

The Isles of Scilly represent something increasingly rare in our connected world: a genuine escape. Here, the biggest decision you will face is which stunning beach to visit, which island to explore by boat, or whether to simply sit and watch the ever-changing play of light on the water.

From its ancient history spanning over 4,000 years to its subtropical gardens, from its unique wildlife to its quirky claims to fame, this archipelago offers experiences that will stay with you long after you return to the mainland. Book a glamping now and discover why so many visitors to these remarkable islands describe them as the closest thing to paradise in England.