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St Martin'S

Attractions and Places To See around St Martin'S - Top 20

Attractions and places to see around St Martin'S, one of the Isles of Scilly, offer a unique blend of natural beauty and historical sites. This island destination features subtropical gardens, historic fortifications, and picturesque quays. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, from lush plant collections to coastal beaches and ancient castles. The region provides opportunities for exploring unique island life and maritime history.

Best attractions and places to see around St Martin'S

  • The most popular attractions is Tresco Abbey Garden,…

Last updated: June 22, 2026

Tresco Abbey Garden

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Garden Island on the Scilly Isles. Extensive parkland on the island of Tresco. Entrance fees are reasonable by English standards.

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Bryher Low Water Quay

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The Firethorn transports visitors from St Mary's to Bryher and neighbouring Tresco. Boats run every day, but tides and weather alter the timing, so check the timetable for your travel …

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The coastal path leads past the end of the runway. You can not get closer. A traffic light (allegedly the only one on St Mary's) and a signal sound warns of planes taking off or landing.

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Piper's Hole Cave

Highlight • Natural Monument

Around this cave entrance myths and legends entwine. It is located at sea level and can only be reached by climbing on the rocks. (This happens at your own risk …

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Higher Town Quay

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One of two boat moorings on St. Martins

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Wolf Beyenburg
September 7, 2025, Tresco Abbey Garden

A wonderful collection of tropical plants in a perfectly landscaped park. Easily accessible by bike from the pier via the paved road along the coast, it's a must-see for day trips.

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Original and unusual crossing of the runway head, regulated by traffic lights and horn 🛫

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Pay attention to the acoustic warning signalling aircraft take-off and do not walk on the runway

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A beautiful island with a campsite

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51m
August 3, 2023, Bryher Low Water Quay

The Firethorn transports visitors from St Mary's to Bryher and neighbouring Tresco. Boats run every day, but tides and weather alter the timing, so check the timetable for your travel days, this is posted at the pier the day before. There is always a boat from St Mary's to Bryher about half an hour after the Scillonian arrives from Penzance. Boats land at either the low water quay here or the high-water quay a bit further south on the same coast. The timetable boards will tell you which one to expect.

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Beautiful ancient gardens laid out by Augustus Smith, Lord Proprietor of the Scillys, next to his stately home in the 19th century. Today the garden is home to over 2000 species of tropical and subtropical plants.

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The Firethorn transports visitors from St Mary's to Bryher and neighbouring Tresco. Boats run every day, but tides and weather alter the timing so check the timetable for your travel days, this is posted at the pier the day before. There is always a boat from St Mary's to Bryher about half an hour after the Scillonian arrives from Penzance. Boats land at either the low water quay here or the high-water quay a bit further south on the same coast. The timetable boards will tell you which one to expect.

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51m
May 16, 2023, Higher Town Quay

There are two piers where the inter-island boats land on St Martin's, here at Higher Town and one at Lower Town. They are both used depending on the weather and tides. Boats sail from St Mary's and back every day, the times are posted at the pier the day before so check when you need to travel. There is always a boat that leaves St Mary's about 30mins after the Scillonian arrives so you will always be able to get to St Martin's if you are staying there.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly attractions around St Martin'S?

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Tresco Abbey Garden is a popular choice with its extensive plant collections and red squirrels. Additionally, the quays like Bryher Low Water Quay and Higher Town Quay serve as transport hubs and offer access to beautiful island settings, ideal for leisurely family outings.

What historical sites can I explore near St Martin'S?

You can delve into history at Tresco Abbey Garden, which was created in the 19th century and houses the Walhalla Museum with shipwrecked figureheads. Another significant historical site is Star Castle, an old fort with a colorful history offering panoramic views and opportunities to walk along its Garrison walls.

What natural features are prominent around St Martin'S?

The region boasts unique natural beauty. Tresco Abbey Garden is a natural monument featuring over 20,000 plant species. For a more adventurous natural experience, Piper's Hole Cave presents a challenging exploration opportunity at sea level, surrounded by myths and legends.

Where can I find easy walking routes near St Martin'S?

There are several easy walking routes available. You can explore options like the 'St Mary's Prehistoric loop via Bant's Carn & Innisidgen Burial Chamber' or the 'Cromwell's Castle – Gallery Tresco loop from Tresco'. For more details and other easy routes, refer to the Easy hikes around St Martin'S guide.

Are there any challenging hikes or natural monuments to explore?

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Piper's Hole Cave is a natural monument described as challenging, accessible only by climbing on rocks at sea level. It's important to exercise caution and inform someone before attempting to explore it.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near St Martin'S?

Beyond exploring attractions, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. Hiking is very popular, with routes ranging from easy to moderate. There are also dedicated running trails. For more information on routes and their difficulties, check out the Hiking around St Martin'S guide and Running Trails around St Martin'S guide.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around St Martin'S?

Visitors frequently praise the unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The subtropical gardens of Tresco Abbey Garden are a highlight, as are the panoramic views and historical insights offered by Star Castle. The picturesque quays like Bryher Low Water Quay are also appreciated for their beauty and role in island transport.

Are there any accessible attractions for visitors with mobility needs?

Yes, Higher Town Quay is listed as wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for those with mobility needs to enjoy the coastal views and island atmosphere. It serves as a landing point for inter-island boats.

Can I find viewpoints with scenic vistas around St Martin'S?

Absolutely. Star Castle is a prominent viewpoint, offering beautiful panoramic views overlooking the water, sailing boats, and lively ferry traffic. It provides a fantastic perspective of the surrounding islands and the Atlantic.

How can I travel between the islands to visit different attractions?

Inter-island boats are the primary mode of transport. Quays like Bryher Low Water Quay and Higher Town Quay are landing points. Boat timings are adjusted for tides and weather, so it's advisable to check the timetable posted at the pier the day before your travel.

What is the difficulty level of hiking trails around St Martin'S?

Hiking trails around St Martin'S vary in difficulty. You can find easy routes like the 'Lower Town Quay – View of St Martin’s Flats loop' and moderate options such as the 'Lower Town, St Martin's Head & Higher Town loop'. For a comprehensive overview of routes and their difficulty grades, consult the Hiking around St Martin'S guide.

Are there any unique gardens to visit?

Yes, Tresco Abbey Garden is a truly unique destination. This 19th-century subtropical garden, located 48 km off the coast of Cornwall, features an astounding 20,000 plants from various Mediterranean climate zones, with over 300 species often in bloom even during winter.

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