Scilly Isles food and drink: A culinary journey through the islands

This article has been written by Scilly Escapes

November 27, 2023

Nestled amidst the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Isles of Scilly beckon with a promise of unparalleled natural beauty and a culinary adventure like no other. In this article, we’re about to embark on a gastronomic journey celebrating the exquisite world of Isles of Scilly food and drinks.


The Isles of Scilly, often dubbed as a paradise on Earth, are a haven for stunning landscapes and a treasure trove of culinary delights. From the freshest seafood harvested from the surrounding waters, iconic dishes that epitomize the island’s charm, and a spectrum of beverages ranging from locally brewed ales to artisanal spirits, we’ll delve deep into the delectable world of Scilly Isles food and drinks.


Whether you’re a passionate foodie seeking the next palate-pleasing adventure or a traveller yearning to explore a unique gastronomic culture, this article is your gateway to discovering the mouthwatering treasures in the Isles of Scilly. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind the culinary wonders of this picturesque archipelago, where every bite and sip is a journey unto itself.


Fresh Seafood


The Isles of Scilly are renowned for their proximity to the sea, which is most evident in their culinary offerings. The islands offer an abundance of fresh seafood, making it a seafood lover’s paradise. You can enjoy succulent crab, tender lobster, and sweet scallops, all caught from the surrounding waters. Many local restaurants and pubs serve these delectable dishes, often prepared with minimal fuss to let the flavours of the sea shine.


The Iconic Scilly Crab Sandwich


When it comes to iconic dishes, the Scillonian crab sandwich takes centre stage. A freshly baked, crusty roll or sandwich is piled high with locally caught crab meat, dressed with a touch of mayonnaise, and seasoned with a squeeze of lemon. It’s a simple yet divine combination that allows the sweet, delicate crab flavour to shine through. Many restaurants and cafes will have their own take on this classic from all over the islands.


Traditional Cream Teas with a Scilly Twist


The Isles of Scilly, being part of Cornwall, you are always close to an establishment serving the classic cream tea. Served with fresh clotted cream and homemade jam, the scones and tea are complemented by the island’s stunning scenery. Many cafes and tearooms provide this delectable afternoon treat, making it a must-try experience on the Isles. Be sure to put the jam on first, as is the Cornish way, as the locals say, “You spread the jam and show off the cream”.


Local Produce and Artisanal Goods


In addition to seafood, the Isles of Scilly are home to numerous farms and producers. You can find locally grown vegetables and homemade preserves. Farmers’ markets are regular, allowing you to sample and purchase local goods. On Wednesday mornings on St Marys, farmers and fishermen gather for a fantastic local market with farmed and caught local goods. Along with delightful baked goods like Scillonian tatty cake


Island Pubs: A Haven for Local Brews


Island life isn’t complete without a visit to one of the charming pubs that dot the Isles. These establishments offer a cosy atmosphere and serve a selection of local ales, ciders, and spirits. Be sure to try some Scilly-made brews by The Ales of Scilly, crafted with care and reflect the unique island character. Not to mention the Scillonian cider from Carn Friars Farm, the award-winning Island gin, and St Agnes gins.


Hearty Pasty Fare

The traditional Cornish pasty is a go-to option for a hearty and portable meal. Packed with a filling of meat, vegetables and seasoning, this hand-held delight is perfect for picnics and outdoor adventures. You can find them in local bakeries, and they make for a satisfying on-the-go meal. The Deli, Mr B’s butchery and Old Town Cafe are the best to visit in St Marys.


Scilly Ice Cream: A Sweet Delight


The Isles of Scilly are known for their creamy and delectable Troytown farm ice cream made on the island of St Agnes from high-quality milk; you can indulge in a wide range of flavours that reflect the island’s natural bounty, from honeycomb to blackberry ripple. Strolling along the beach with a cone of Scilly ice cream is a quintessential island experience. You can buy this lovely treat from the farm, but it is also sold throughout the islands at various establishments.


Festivals and Culinary Events


The Isles of Scilly hosts various food and drink events throughout the year. These celebrations highlight local produce, cuisine, and the island’s vibrant culinary culture.

Whether it’s the Taste of Scilly Festival or a special seafood-themed event, these gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to explore the local food scene. There are two low tide festivals yearly on the lowest tides between the two islands of Bryher and Tresco. Here, amid the bands and bars, they set up an extravaganza of local cuisine, most aptly, the seafood paella cooked in front of you on the dry sea bed.


Special food and drink mentions on each Island


St Agnes

The Turks Head pub, a fabulous setting just off the slip with fantastic views over the cove to Gugh, offers a great menu with local Ales to compliment the view. They run supper boats on a Thursday night for St Marys if you are not staying on St Agnes.


Bryher

The Crab Shack, simple local seafood cooked to perfection in this rustic barn where aprons are donned, and friends are made on the long wooden tables. Served in copper cataplana pots, Bryher crab and lobsters with garlic butter are the mainstays – best to get cracking. This is open from May to September and is not to be missed.


St Martins

Adams Fish and Chips is a locally owned establishment just off the beach. Offering incredibly fresh fish and chips where the pollock was caught that day by Adam, the owner, and the chips were cut from potatoes grown a stone’s throw away. Simple, fresh and delicious. Just off the cricket pitch, it’s fantastic to do on a summer evening. Grab a beer and a fish and chips and watch a local game of cricket.


Tresco

The Ruin Beach Cafe – in a beautiful setting right on the beach- offers a fantastic seafood-strong menu, hand-rolled, wood-fired pizzas, and some signature cocktails—a delightful way to spend a night with family and friends.

St Marys-Star Castle Hotel. Set up on the garrison, this four-star hotel has two restaurants presided over by head chef Billy Little-John, whose culinary skills can best be described as classically French with a modern, British twist. Whether enjoying the turbot with scallops in the seafood-inspired Conservatory restaurant or preferring the seared Cornish venison in the Castle dining room restaurant, we are sure you’ll find all Billy’s dishes delicious. To go with Billy’s food, the Star Castle wine list is extensive and hand-picked by the hotel’s owner, Robert Francis, and you will struggle to find a better value for money anywhere in the UK.

The Isles of Scilly are a paradise for nature lovers and a treasure trove for food and drink enthusiasts. The rich maritime heritage and the island’s lush gardens and fertile fields provide a diverse and flavourful culinary landscape. From fresh seafood to iconic dishes like the Scilly crab sandwich, the Isles offer a taste of the sea and the land.

Exploring the local food and drink scene is an integral part of experiencing the unique culture and lifestyle of the islands. Whether you’re sipping local cider in a cosy pub, indulging in a traditional cream tea, or sampling artisanal goods at a farmers’ market, you’ll discover that the flavours of the Isles of Scilly are as captivating as their breathtaking scenery. So, take a culinary journey through this enchanting archipelago and savour the flavours of island life that make the Isles of Scilly a truly exceptional destination for food and drink enthusiasts.


Savour the Full Scilly Experience – Book accommodation in the Scilly Isles with us


As we dive deeper into the culinary wonders of the Scilly Isles, it’s essential to remember that indulging in this gastronomic journey is not just about savouring the local delicacies; it’s also about creating lasting memories on these captivating islands. To truly immerse yourself in the world of Isles of Scilly food and drinks, it’s important to have the perfect accommodation for your adventure.


Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the ocean waves, knowing that a day of delectable discoveries awaits you. Picture stepping out of your cosy accommodation, ready to explore the vibrant food markets, charming tearooms, and inviting pubs that define the island’s culinary scene. Whether travelling with family or furry friends, the right accommodation in the Scilly Isles can elevate your experience.


At Scilly Escapes, we offer a selection of island accommodations that complement your food and drink exploration. Our properties are strategically located, ensuring you’re never too far from the gastronomic treasures of the islands. From quaint cottages overlooking the sea to boutique hotels with fine dining options, we have various options to suit your preferences.


By booking your stay through Scilly Escapes, you not only secure a comfortable and convenient base for your adventure but also gain access to our local insights and expertise. Our team is passionate about the Isles of Scilly, and we’re dedicated to ensuring that your stay is as memorable as the cuisine you’ll taste.


So, why settle for a mere visit when you can fully immerse yourself in the world of Isles of Scilly food and drinks?



Please explore our website, discover the perfect Scilly Ilses accommodation for your needs, and prepare for a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you with a deep appreciation for the magic of these beautiful islands. Your gastronomic journey begins with a simple click – book your stay with Scilly Escapes and experience the Scilly Isles in all their delicious glory.




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View from a small plane flying over islands and turquoise water under an overcast sky.

How to get to the Isles of Scilly: By Air

By Scilly Escapes • November 27, 2024
There are multiple ways to get to the Isles of Scilly, the most popular being air travel. When travelling to the Scilly Isles via plane, you can fly from Exeter, Newquay or Lands End. The Skybus is a 16-seater plane with a dog box. They allow up to 15kg of luggage per person and a small cabin bag each. In this article, we tell you how you can get to the Isles of Scilly by plane or helicopter and the pros and cons of each airport. Lands End Lands End Airport is a 20-minute drive from Penzance. This airport is the cheapest way to fly via air to the islands and is perfect for those getting the train to Penzance. The Isles of Scilly Travel company offer bus transfers from Penzance Train Station and car parking at Lands End Airport. How long is the flight? The flight is 15 minutes long, so ideal for making the most of your time on the islands. When can you fly? Flights are usually each hour Monday-Saturday. What does it cost? Flights are from £121.50 for a standard ticket, £91.25 for a child ticket, £27.25 for an infant ticket and £46.75 for a dog ticket. They also offer day trip returns discounted from the usual ticket prices. Newquay Newquay airport is 5 miles outside of Newquay central. This is the perfect option if you’re flying from the top of the country into Newquay and want to go straight to the islands. The Skybus flights line up with a lot of the UK domestic flights. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on flights from Newquay. Car parking is available at Newquay airport; you can book this directly through the airport. Please note there is airport security as usual at Newquay airport, so all liquids must be in a sealed clear bag. How long is the flight? The flight is 30 minutes long. When can you fly? Flights from Newquay are limited, with planes only flying Monday, Friday and Saturday. There are usually 1-2 flights on the days of flying. What does it cost? Flights range from £171.25 for a standard ticket to £128.50 for a child ticket and £44.00 for an infant ticket. Exeter Exeter Airport is located 6 miles outside of Exeter central. This airport is perfect if you want to avoid travelling down to Cornwall. Most UK airports fly to Exeter, so it’s a great option if you want to fly direct to the UK. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on flights from Exeter. Car parking is available at Exeter airport, which you can book directly through the airport. Please note there is airport security as usual at Exeter airport, so all liquid need to be in a sealed clear bag. How long is the flight? The flight is an hour long. When can you fly? Flights from Exeter are usually 2-3 times per day, Monday-Saturday. What does it cost? Flights range from £236.50 for a standard ticket to £117.50 for a child ticket and £69.25 for an infant ticket. Penzance Helicopter When travelling to the Isles of Scilly via helicopter, the heliport is located in Penzance. This mode of travel is the most reliable if fog is around. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on the helicopter. The helicopter is a twin-engine AW139 helicopter that seats up to 12 people and travels directly to St Mary’s and Tresco. There is a car park at the heliport, or they offer a shuttle bus from Penzance train station. How long is the flight? The flight duration is 15 minutes long. When can you fly? Flights from Penzance heliport are usually every couple of hours, Monday-Saturday. What does it cost?  Flights are from £149.50 for a standard ticket.
Boats docked in a harbor, next to a stone wall and buildings, with a large white ship in the background.

How to get to the Isles of Scilly: By Sea

By Scilly Escapes • November 27, 2024
There are multiple ways to get to the Isles of Scilly, the oldest being by boat. You can either travel by the Scillonian or private charter. The Scillonian III The first Scillonian was built in 1924 by The Steamship Company. She completed her maiden voyage to St Mary’s on 25th January 1926 and her first time-tabled commercial trip on Thursday, 2nd February 1926, from St. Mary’s to Penzance. The second Scillonian was built in 1956, shortly followed by the Scillonian III in 1977. The Scillonian III is in use 8 months of the year and can transport up to 485 passengers and cargo for the islands. It is an essential lifeline for tourists and locals on the Isles of Scilly. Together with the Council of the Isles of Scilly, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group is working on securing funding for the much-needed Scillonian IV . The Scillonian runs Monday-Saturday from 1st March until 1st November, with Sunday sailings throughout July & August. There is one sailing a day with the boat departing Penzance at 09.15 and returning from St Mary’s at 16:30. There are occasionally double sailings when island events occur, for example, Pilots Gig Championship Weekend. How long is the Scillonian boat trip to the Isles of Scilly? The boat takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes and goes in most weather. It is only cancelled if the seas are extremely rough. The Scillonian is the most reliable method of transport to the islands as it isn’t affected by fog which is extremely common around the Isles of Scilly. What is the cost of the boat tickets? Standard tickets are available from £76.25, child tickets (2-11) from £42.75, infant (0-1) from £21.25 and dogs £11.00. The boat departs from Penzance Quay, a 10-minute walk from the train station. The overnight sleeper train from Paddington gets into Penzance in time to meet the Scillonian. There is also car parking available for those that drive down. What is the luggage allowance on the Scillonian? The luggage allowance is 2x hold luggage of no more than 20kg plus 1 x hand luggage of no more than 5kg. You can also book bikes and camping equipment. Once you arrive on the Isles of Scilly, if you have labelled your bags with your name and the name of the accommodation you’re staying, then they will automatically be delivered to your accommodation by our local courier company – Richard Hand. Should you travel down the night before, there are many hotels and B&Bs in Penzance for overnight accommodation. Food and drinks Two cafes on board serve a selection of drinks and snacks. Should you be susceptible to motion sickness, we recommend taking some travel sickness tablets before your journey. Private Charter The alternative way to travel by sea to the Scilly Isles is via private charter. The private charters usually only run when the flights are cancelled due to fog and if the sea conditions are calm. Two private charter companies work together on these trips; Falcon Boating and Raptor Boating . The private charter boats are priced at £100 per person each way. They take approximately two hours, depending on sea conditions. Day Trips If you’re not looking for places to stay on the Isles of Scilly and are only visiting for a day, a day trip is an option via the Scillonian III. The Isles of Scilly Travel offer exclusive day trip deals on the Scillonian III, making it the perfect option for anyone in Cornwall who wants to sample these islands or visit on a budget for the day. Once you arrive at the Isles of Scilly on the Scillonian, you can jump straight on a boat to an off island – perfect if you’d like to see Tresco Gardens in full bloom. Or you can spend the day on St Mary’s browsing the shops, walking the coastline and enjoying lunch with a view from the many restaurants and cafes. Once you’ve confirmed your boat trips, use our website to find accommodation on the Isles of Scilly . We hope that we’ve provided all you need to know about getting to the Isles of Scilly by Sea, but if not, please feel free to get in touch with Scilly Escapes or leave your question in the comments section below.  If this isn’t your preferred way of travel, check out our blog on how to get to the Isles of Scilly by air .
Brown dog panting on a path near a wooden fence and the ocean.

Take your dog to the Isles of Scilly: Travel, Accommodation & Essentials

By Scilly Escapes • November 27, 2024
Can you take your dog to the Isles of Scilly? In short, the answer is yes ! The Isles of Scilly is one of the most dog-friendly places to travel to in the UK. If you’re thinking about bringing your doggy friend, then keep reading to find out all you need to know. View our dog-friendly accommodation in the Isles of Scilly . Travelling with your dog to the Isles of Scilly Your dog can travel with you to the islands via plane or boat: Via Plane The plane from Lands End allows dogs to fly with you on an onboard crate. The crate fits either two small or one large dog, and you are seated right next to the crate to keep your dog company. The Isles of Scilly Travel will help you board first with your pet and help you get them into the crate – we recommend you bring some treats with you in your pocket. 😉 The price for the dog crate on the plane is £46.75 each way. Via Boat The Scillonian is incredibly dog-friendly and has multiple dog-friendly areas on board. You are allowed up to two dogs per person. Dogs must remain on leads; however, there are plenty of places to curl up for a snooze or get some fresh air. The price is £11 each way on the Scillonian. Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Isles of Scilly We have lots of dog-friendly beaches on the Isles of Scilly; Little Porth – located to the right of Porthcressa beach Town Beach -overlooks the harbour Porth Hellick – found via many local walks Pelistry Bay – located on the other side of the island Bar Point – located on the other side of the islands with 180 views of St Martins and the surrounding islands All beaches on the ‘off islands’ (St Martins, St Agnes, Tresco & Bryher) are dog-friendly. However, dogs have to remain on a lead whilst on Tresco. Dogs are not permitted on Porthcressa , Porthmellon and Old Town Bay beaches between the 1st of May and the 30th of September each year; however, in the winter, all beaches become dog-friendly.