St Mary's
St Mary's is the largest of the Isles of Scilly, but it measures only two and a half by one and three-quarter miles. If you travel inland on any of the winding roads, it is possible to find working farmland and wooded valley's where, uniquely for the Islands, you might forget that you are so close to the sea.
Further from the island's heart you'll find nature trails, coastal paths, heaths, wetlands, dunes and headlands. Like the roads, many of the buildings scattered about St Mary's date from Medieval or earlier times. In the summer, coach, bus and car tours explore these roads, as do guided walks. Bird-watchings are also very popular in the mild autumns.
Hugh Town is Scilly's largest settlement, as well as its commercial and administrative centre. Most of its granite buildings are built low and close together, to protect them from winter's gales and salt spray. The town has a mix of small shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs, and is an ideal holiday base. St. Mary’s also hosts the island's major airport where the majority of aircraft to Scilly land. The islands ferry service also docks at St. Mary’s from April-October at the main harbour and fishing port.
Windsurfing, sailing, fishing and scuba diving are all perfectly suited to the clear blue seas around St Mary's. You can also try squash, cycling, horse riding, tennis, snooker and shooting, or play golf on a spectacular nine-hole course with panoramic views of the other islands. Scilly's most popular sport, however, is gig-rowing, which you can watch throughout the summer. The St Mary's Gig Club website has information about all things gig related. Scilly also hosts the annual World Pilot Gig Championships during early May.
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