10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Isles of Scilly That You Shouldn't Miss

Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, Stand-up paddle boarding, instruction & hires. We are the only licensed water sports provider in the islands. Scilly is a watersports paradise!

St Mary's Boatmen's Association (SMBA)is a co-operative of ten boats that can carry up to 72 to 100 persons per boat. The Association operates between 1st April (or Easter if it falls in March) until 31st October annually. There are trips seven days a week with the boats operating on a rota system. The boats depart St Mary's for the other islands (direct trips)and to see wildlife and the outer rocks and islands (circular trips) at 10:15am and 2:00pm as a minimum. At busier times there are additional departures, particularly to Tresco which should also have services at 11:15 and 12:15. Tides and weather may affect services occasionally. 2014 Prices from £8.50 (child £4.30) return. Most expensive cruises are to Bishop Rock or The Seabird Special at £16. A child fare applies for kids over one year and under fifteen. Take advantage of our 'ten ticket' special offer - Ten direct tickets for £72 (a saving of £13). These tickets can be upgraded on the boats if you want to do a more expensive 'circular'.

Horse riding treks for all abilities along the beaches and coastline of St. Mary's in the beautiful Isles of Scilly. British Horse Society Approved, fully licenced and insured with qualified instructors. Quiet and well mannered horses and ponies. Lessons also available. Age from 4 years. Prices start at £20pp. The only horse riding establishment in the Isles of Scilly.

Exhibits of local interest from pre-history to the present day: the Romano-British brooches and coins from Nornour; the Bryher Sword and Mirror; the Civil War in Scilly; finds from many shipwrecks; model boats; collections of birds, shells and clay pipes; an old Scillonian kitchen and much, much more. The Museum is in Church Street, Hugh Town, St Mary's, half-way between the Town Hall and the Parish Church. We have an excellent reference library and a growing collection of family history records, accessible to the public by appointment with the Curator.

The Phoenix Craft Workshops comprise seven creative businesses under one roof. All the artists and craftspeople make their own, original work which they sell direct to the public. Any purchases are very well packed to take back to the mainland! Many of these artists also teach their skills to people visiting the studios, both adults and children. You can learn silk painting, stained glass, beaded jewellery or ceramic painting. Prices start from £8.50. It is advisable to phone beforehand if you would like to participate in a class, but it is sometimes possible to just drop in on the offchance. The workshops are only 10 minutes walk from the centre of town, or 15 from the quay. (You can use the Tripadvisor app to locate them.).