You’ve booked your accommodation in the Isles of Scilly, the itinerary is set, and now you’re trying to decide all the things you need to pack.
This holiday packing guide will help you with everything you need to enjoy your trip to the Scilly Isles.
The Essentials
Comfy shoes for walking are an absolute MUST when visiting the islands. These don’t have to be professional hiking boots, but they must be comfortable enough to wear throughout the day and waterproof in rainy weather. Trainers and comfy flip-flops would also be adequate, depending on how much walking you plan on doing and if the weather is predicted to be sunny for your stay.
A lightweight rain jacket is recommended, ideally one that can pack away compact in your bag if it isn’t required. The weather on Scilly can often change very quickly. You can wake up with the weather drizzly and foggy in the morning and then be sunning yourself on the beach by lunchtime.
Even though the weather can be unpredictable, suncream is an essential item. Even when overcast, the sun on Scilly can still shine through, so make sure you protect your skin whilst you’re here.
Swimwear is essential if you’re planning on getting into the gorgeous sea here in Scilly. I wouldn’t worry about bringing a wetsuit unless you plan to swim long distances daily, as you can rent them from the local Watersports centre at Porthmellon Beach.
Cash is recommended for shopping at your favourite honesty shops. Local makers have honesty shops and stalls dotted around the island, and although some offer card payments, most prefer cash. You can get cash from the post office; however, to avoid long summer queues, we’d advise bringing some, as our local bank recently closed.
Example Packing List for one week holiday on the Isles of Scilly
Comfy Footwear
Waterproof Jacket
Clothing & underwear for 7 days
Toiletries
Swimwear
Jumper
Flip Flops
Sunglasses
Suncream
Hand sanitiser
Phones, cameras and chargers
ID for the plane/ferry
Travel Insurance
Cash
Things you can get on the Island
You don’t need to pre-book boat tickets. You can purchase these at The Quay on arrival to the islands or before your boat journey.
Groceries are readily available here on the island. The local Co-operative is located in town in addition to The Store and Old Town Store. You can order a click-and-collect from the Co-op. The Store offers a delivery service to your accommodation.
If you’re looking for clothing, including sun hats, waterproof jackets and socks, you can get this in addition to gift ideas from The Foredeck and various other shops on the island.
Wetsuits, paddle boards and other large Watersport equipment are available for rental at Porthmellon Beach.
Maps will be available in your accommodation if you’re staying in a Scilly Escapes property; however, if not, you can pick up a map from the Tourist Information Centre located on Porthcressa Beach.
Things you can rent from Scilly Escapes
Beach towels are highly recommended on Scilly, especially if you plan on visiting the beach. You can rent these in addition to beach chairs and pop-up tents - everything you need for sunning yourself on white sands.
Beach toys & floats, including the all-important bucket & spade, are available daily or weekly.
Room fans were impossible to find during the July heatwave this summer, so we have stocked up on these for the 2023 season. You can rent these weekly.
Fancy a beach barbecue but don’t get on with the disposable ones? We’ve got portable coal barbecues available to help you cook up a storm. Pair this with a cool box for drinks, and you’re sorted for the day.
Travel cots, bedding and high chairs to ensure the comfort of your little ones during your stay. These will be set up in your property before arrival, so no naps are missed.
Fishing rods with reel and line are available for all your fishing needs. We’ll also give you a map with all the best locations for fishing on the islands.
Snorkel & masks are available if you want to look at what is under the sparkling ocean here on Scilly.
Visit our accommodation booking extras page for more information.