Plan a CruiseSt. Mary's is the largest and most populated island within the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago off the Cornish coast in the South West UK. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1975, it serves as the commercial and tourist heart of the islands, with a population of approximately 3000 residents. Cruise ships anchor in St. Mary's Roads or Crow Sound, and passengers are tendered ashore. The tender drop-off point is conveniently located just a quarter-mile from Hugh Town, the main center of activity on the island. This destination offers a unique, less crowded experience compared to mainland Cornwall, as tourist numbers are naturally limited. Hugh Town is where most commerce and tourism infrastructure are concentrated, providing a relaxed atmosphere for exploration.
Getting Around from the Port
The tender landing is a short and easy walk, approximately ¼ mile, directly into Hugh Town, making the main center highly accessible on foot. For exploring beyond Hugh Town, local taxi operators can be found in the center of town. To visit other islands, a network of inter-island launches operates daily from April 1st through the end of October. These launches offer direct trips between islands and circular sightseeing tours, which highlight the extensive local wildlife, including large colonies of Atlantic seals and seabirds. For instance, a "Three Islands day tour" might visit Bryher, St. Mary's, and St Agnes, allowing 1-2 hours ashore on each island for walking and discovery.
Attractions and Activities
Given 8-10 hours in port, here are some options:
- Explore Hugh Town (Walkable): Start by walking from the tender dock into Hugh Town. Here you'll find numerous galleries, craft studios, and artist workshops. Pick up free 'roam-alone' gallery and studio walking leaflets from the Tourist Information Center (TIC). Hugh Town is also home to shops, cafes, 2 banks, a cash point, and the post office.
- Visit Tresco Abbey Gardens (Inter-Island Launch): Take an inter-island launch to Tresco to experience the famous Abbey Gardens. Check launch schedules near the tender dock for timings.
- Island Hopping & Wildlife Spotting (Inter-Island Launch): Utilize the inter-island launches to visit other nearby islands like Bryher or St Agnes, allowing an hour or two to walk and explore. Alternatively, opt for a circular sightseeing tour focused on the islands' extensive wildlife, including Atlantic seals and seabird colonies. These tours often visit multiple islands, such as the "Three Islands day tour" example. Launches operate from April 1st to the end of October.
Dining & Shopping
Hugh Town serves as the primary hub for dining and shopping on St. Mary's. You'll find numerous shops and cafes offering a variety of goods and refreshments. The Tourist Information Center, two banks, a cash point, and the post office are all conveniently located here. For unique souvenirs, look for local art and crafts in the many galleries and studios. Shopping hours generally run from 10 am to 6 pm for small stores, which often open 6 or 7 days a week.
Safety
No specific safety concerns are noted for St. Mary's. The local emergency telephone number is 999; the EU-wide 112 can also be used.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Pound (£), often referred to colloquially as 'quid'. While Scottish banknotes are sometimes not accepted in other parts of the UK, this is generally not an issue with standard English banknotes. Cash machines (ATMs), informally known as 'holes in the wall', are widely available, typically dispensing £10 and £20 notes. There is a cash point located in Hugh Town. Major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro are widely accepted by most shops and restaurants. English is spoken throughout, and many cafes and restaurants offer free WiFi.