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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

The Sensational Isles of Scilly

Nine-day Isles of Scilly island escape from London Paddington in First Class

Illustration of The Sensational Isles of Scilly

Great Rail Journeys' Sensational Isles of Scilly is a 9-day escorted tour that balances rail comfort with island exploration. You depart London Paddington in First Class, travel through the West Country to Cornwall, then ferry to St Mary's, the largest of the Isles of Scilly. Your base for seven nights is a 3 or 4-star hotel in Hugh Town, the island's main town. Days mix guided experiences and free exploration: a walking tour of St Mary's through cobbled Old Town streets with Georgian and Victorian granite houses; a boat trip to Tresco Abbey Garden, where 2,000 subtropical plants from around the world flourish around a ruined Benedictine Abbey; and island visits to St Agnes (the southwesternmost isle, 3,000 miles from America) and St Martin's, known for its clear waters and sandy beaches. You have full days at leisure to wander beaches, spot seals and dolphins, or visit galleries and shops. Return home via flight to Land's End and First Class train from Penzance to London. All breakfasts, dinners, transfers and guided tours are included. The tour runs in April, May, June, July, August and September 2027.

What to know before you look closer

  • Single room supplement is GBP 1,000 (roughly 36% above half the double room price), which is substantial
  • The final day includes a flight from St Mary's to Land's End followed by a coach journey to Penzance and First Class train back to London; this replaces a direct ferry return
  • St Mary's Hall Hotel or The Atlantic Inn options are listed for the seven-night stay; your final hotel depends on availability and tour tier

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Bodmin Jail Hotel, Cornwall

    By First Class rail to Cornwall

    Your Isles of Scilly holiday begins at London Paddington railway station where you are welcomed by the Tour Manager in the First Class lounge before boarding the midday train to Bodmin. Take in the changing scenery from the train window as we travel from the suburbs of London through the rural West Country and into Cornwall's wild, open landscapes. On arrival in the late afternoon, we are transferred by coach to the Bodmin Jail Hotel for an overnight stay and an evening meal. This four-star hotel occupies the iconic former 18th-century jail, tastefully renovated blending fascinating history with modern comfort.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: St Mary's Hall Hotel or The Atlantic Inn, Hugh Town

    A scenic crossing from Penzance to St Mary's

    After an early breakfast, we transfer by coach to Penzance to join the ferry to the beautiful Isles of Scilly. Sailing along the Cornish coastline with views of quaint villages and the rugged cliffs of Land's End peninsula. After travelling west from Land's End, our ferry docks at St Mary's, the largest of the Scilly islands. We transfer to historic Hugh Town and check in to our central townhouse hotel for seven nights. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to begin exploring Hugh Town with its eclectic shops, historic churches, characterful pubs, the new Isles of Scilly Cultural Centre and Museum, art galleries, craft studios and three beaches.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: St Mary's Hall Hotel or The Atlantic Inn, Hugh Town

    Discovering the hidden gems of St Mary's Island

    This morning we set out from our hotel in Hugh Town on a full-day guided walking tour of St Mary's, with the option of joining only half of the day's tour. Our guide introduces us to the tiny island covering just over 6 square miles, telling tales of its history and local legends. We wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, passing quaint cottages and Georgian and Victorian granite houses. The walking tour includes a visit to the historic church where the late British Prime Minister Sir Harold Wilson is buried, the unfinished fort of Harry's Walls, and the secrets of the Lower Moors nature trail.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: St Mary's Hall Hotel or The Atlantic Inn, Hugh Town

    Tresco Abbey Garden, a botanical paradise

    After breakfast, we take a short walk down to the harbour for a boat trip to Tresco's world-famous Abbey Garden. Built in the early 19th century around a ruined Benedictine Abbey, this exceptional garden is a sanctuary for around 2,000 subtropical plants from Mediterranean climates around the world. Exotic species from Brazil, Myanmar, South Africa and New Zealand flourish here. Abbey Garden is also home to red squirrels, golden pheasants and striking sculptures. You could also visit the Valhalla Figurehead Museum to see its collection of preserved ship figureheads from 19th-century ships wrecked on Scilly's rocky shores.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: St Mary's Hall Hotel or The Atlantic Inn, Hugh Town

    A free day in Hugh Town

    With a day at leisure, you can continue exploring the Scilly Isles at your own pace. You could catch a ferry to the smallest Scilly Isle, Bryher, with a population of around 80, this untamed island was the setting of Michael Morpurgo's novel Why the Whales Came. Discover rocky coves, unwind on the tranquil sandy beaches of Rushy Bay, or climb the small granite hills and watch the Atlantic waves crash into Hell Bay. If you prefer to stay on St Mary's, visit churches, galleries and cafés of Hugh Town, walk up Garrison Hill to the Star Castle, stroll along the Porthcressa promenade, or walk along one of the many pristine beaches.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: St Mary's Hall Hotel or The Atlantic Inn, Hugh Town

    Experiencing the wild beauty of St Agnes

    This morning, we walk down to the harbour to catch the boat to St Agnes, the most south-westerly of the Scilly islands at the very tip of the British Isles. With nothing but 3,000 miles of Atlantic Ocean between here and America's shores, this remote outpost offers panoramic views, Bronze Age burial sites and the Bishop Rock lighthouse. The island is easy to explore on foot. You could visit the Pot Buoys Gallery, the Turks Head pub, Toy Town Ice Cream Farm, the Coastguards Café, or Covean Cottage. We sail back to St Mary's harbour in the afternoon.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: St Mary's Hall Hotel or The Atlantic Inn, Hugh Town

    Exploring the serene island of St Martin's

    A boat trip to St Martin's, a two-mile-long island with some of the best beaches in Europe. Activities range from snorkelling or beachcombing to peaceful relaxation. Take a dip in the clear blue waters of Par Beach or stroll along the soft sands of Great Bay, Little Bay or Bread and Cheese Cove. St Martin's also has a great arts and crafts scene with independent shops and galleries. You could lunch on local lobster at the Seven Stones Inn, pick up a home baked pasty from the Island Bakery, or order a cream tea from the tearooms. We sail back to St Mary's at the end of the afternoon.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: St Mary's Hall Hotel or The Atlantic Inn, Hugh Town

    A final day in St Mary's

    Today is our last full day on peaceful St Mary's island, free to enjoy as you please. Take a final leisurely stroll along one of the island's picturesque beaches such as Porthcressa or Old Town Bay. Options include a boat trip around the island to spot seals and dolphins, walking along the stunning coastline, visiting an archaeological site, or following a nature trail. This is also your last chance to enjoy lunch at one of St Mary's highly rated eateries, from fresh crab sandwiches at the Tanglewood Kitchen Company to traditional dishes at the Star Castle Dining Room. This evening, enjoy the final dinner of the tour at our hotel restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, we transfer to the airport to board a flight to Land's End, where we drive back to Penzance station. There is time in Penzance to find lunch independently, before we board our train to London Paddington, travelling in First Class. On arrival into London, your holiday draws to a close and you are free to continue your journey home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the midday train at London Paddington in the First Class lounge and travel through rural West Country and into Cornwall's wild landscapes
  • Day 2Ferry from Penzance along the Cornish coastline with views of rugged cliffs and the Land's End peninsula, arriving at St Mary's
  • Day 3Guided walking tour of St Mary's through cobbled streets of the Old Town, past quaint cottages and Georgian and Victorian granite houses
  • Day 4Boat trip to Tresco Abbey Garden, a 19th-century garden around a ruined Benedictine Abbey with 2,000 subtropical plants from Brazil, Myanmar, South Africa and New Zealand
  • Day 6Boat journey to St Agnes, the most south-westerly Scilly island with views of Bishop Rock lighthouse and 3,000 miles of Atlantic Ocean to America

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 8 nights' 3 & 4-star hotel accommodation
  • First Class rail travel
  • All rail, ferry and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Flight from St Mary's to Land's End
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • Group luggage transfers between all hotels
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Free entry to Tresco Abbey Garden

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. First Class rail from London Paddington to Bodmin and back from Penzance to London Paddington is included, along with all ferry and coach transfers.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager throughout the 9 days.
What is included for meals?
Breakfast and dinner are provided each day. Lunch is not included, giving you freedom to explore local restaurants and cafes.
How many nights do you spend in the Isles of Scilly?
Seven nights, all based on St Mary's at either St Mary's Hall Hotel or The Atlantic Inn in Hugh Town.
Are there free days to explore independently?
Yes. Day 5 is completely free; you can explore at your own pace or take optional ferries to other islands. Day 8 is also free.
What is the physical activity level?
The tour includes a full-day guided walking tour of St Mary's (with an option to join half-day only) and walking on other islands. Most activity is moderate walking; boat transfers do the heavy lifting between islands.

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