Get to know the region:
• The Isles of Scilly are England’s only archipelago, located 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall.
• Scilly includes more than 200 islands, islets and rocks, including St Mary’s, St Martin's, Tresco, Bryher and St Agnes.
• Scilly has been part of the Duchy since the beginning of the 14th century.
• The whole archipelago is a National Landscape and Conservation Area.
• In 1975, the Isles of Scilly were designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• Nearly 70% of the islands 2,500 permanent residents are employed by tourism.
• Scilly includes more than 200 islands, islets and rocks, including St Mary’s, St Martin's, Tresco, Bryher and St Agnes.
• Scilly has been part of the Duchy since the beginning of the 14th century.
• The whole archipelago is a National Landscape and Conservation Area.
• In 1975, the Isles of Scilly were designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• Nearly 70% of the islands 2,500 permanent residents are employed by tourism.
Thriving communities
We own approximately 75% of the landmass and about a third of the residential housing. Tresco, although part of the Duchy land holdings is let on a long lease and is managed in its entirety by the Dorrien-Smith family.
The main farming enterprise has been Narcisssi farming since the 1860’s. Although there has been a drop in production since the mid 20th century, when the Scillonian flowers were being sent to markets in London multiple times a week. Today the small fields and high hedges still support this unique industry.
The main farming enterprise has been Narcisssi farming since the 1860’s. Although there has been a drop in production since the mid 20th century, when the Scillonian flowers were being sent to markets in London multiple times a week. Today the small fields and high hedges still support this unique industry.
Remarkable wildlife
The islands are some of the most highly designated areas within the country. There are 26 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Marine Conservation Zones and Special Areas of Conservation.
The combination of climate and location has enabled the Isles of Scilly to enjoy a rich and versatile flora and fauna. From rare migratory birds to no Dutch Elm Disease, the islands' biodiversity is unique, and with the help of a number of major stakeholders and the island communities, well maintained.
The Duchy’s largest tenant on the islands is the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. They manage around 60% of the islands, mostly focusing on the coastal margins and the uninhabited islands for the protection and enhancement of the islands and their natural landscape. The Trust undertake all of this work for the rent of one daffodil per annum.
The combination of climate and location has enabled the Isles of Scilly to enjoy a rich and versatile flora and fauna. From rare migratory birds to no Dutch Elm Disease, the islands' biodiversity is unique, and with the help of a number of major stakeholders and the island communities, well maintained.
The Duchy’s largest tenant on the islands is the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. They manage around 60% of the islands, mostly focusing on the coastal margins and the uninhabited islands for the protection and enhancement of the islands and their natural landscape. The Trust undertake all of this work for the rent of one daffodil per annum.
Small is Beautiful
The whole of the Isles of Scilly is part of Defra’s Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), Landscape Recovery programme. The project 'Small is Beautiful' aims to restore and enhance the natural environment of the Scilly Islands through sustainable farming and habitat restoration.
The initiative focuses on creating and maintaining landscapes that are beneficial for both the environment and local farming communities.
The initiative focuses on creating and maintaining landscapes that are beneficial for both the environment and local farming communities.
Popular hotspot
The Isles of Scilly are particularly popular during the long summer season when approximately 100,000 visitors come to the islands. Tourism and farming are the main industries found on Scilly today and make up 80% of all annual income on the islands.
Conservation organisations work closely with the tourism industry to ensure that these visits are carefully managed to safeguard the environment and wildlife.
Conservation organisations work closely with the tourism industry to ensure that these visits are carefully managed to safeguard the environment and wildlife.
St Mary's Harbour
Nestled in the heart of the archipelago, the bustling harbour serves as a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike. From daily boat trips to explore the crystal-clear waters and secluded beaches to bustling local markets showcasing local crafts and produce, St. Mary’s Harbour offers you access to a diverse range of activities and experiences.
As the traffic hub of the Isles of Scilly, the harbour caters for a range of maritime activities such as fishing vessels, inter island passenger launches, visiting yachts and private craft, local boat owners, and of course the ships used for the Isles of Scilly mainland connections.
As the traffic hub of the Isles of Scilly, the harbour caters for a range of maritime activities such as fishing vessels, inter island passenger launches, visiting yachts and private craft, local boat owners, and of course the ships used for the Isles of Scilly mainland connections.
Other locations