Top Things to do in St Mary's
- 1. Bant's Carn Burial Chamber and Halangy Down Ancient Village
- 2. Isles of Scilly Camera Obscura and Cabinet of Curiosities
- 3. Isles of Scilly Tourist Information Centre
- 4. St Mary's Bike Hire
- 5. Phoenix Craft Workshop & Gallery
- 6. Garrison Walls
- 7. Kayak Scilly
- 8. Isles of Scilly Museum
- 9. Carreg Dhu
- 10. The Bourdeaux Shop
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10 Things to Do in St Mary's That You Shouldn't Miss
St. Mary’s is a postcard-perfect jumble of castles and coves. It’s the largest island of the United Kingdom’s Isles of Scilly, an archipelago that’s been inhabited for thousands of years. Ancient stone structures, Spanish windmills, lush gardens and breathtaking wetlands all draw visitors longing for a quaint Cornish holiday that’s steeped in history and modern charm.
Restaurants in St Mary's
1. Bant's Carn Burial Chamber and Halangy Down Ancient Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By damasinnas - Norwich, United Kingdom
Proved interesting, even for the younger members of our party. Some plaques give useful information as to the history behind these stones and a map indicating the layout which proves of benefit when trying to make out the houses.
Can be approached from the coastal path or via the road above. We cycled down from the road, looking out for anybody walking.
2. Isles of Scilly Camera Obscura and Cabinet of Curiosities
Overall Ratings
5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Eileen M - London, United Kingdom
If it wasn't for Trip Advisor I would not have heard of this camera obscura but it was a fascinating way to spend a morning (it closes at 1pm). We were treated to a view of the entire island from the top of an old windmill. At first it just looked like a beautiful painting and then I realised that I could see the people on the beach moving and the odd seagull flying past - quite extraordinary. It would be fantastic to visit on a day when the sea is rough. The entry price is £4 for adults and it is worth every penny.
3. Isles of Scilly Tourist Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
The Isles of Scilly Tourist Information Centre provides a range of information and services for visitors and local residents. This includes boating times & tickets, weekly 'What's On' sheet and short term accommodation availability. We also stock our own brand of merchandise, maps, guides and postcards.
Reviewed By 284scb - Billingshurst, United Kingdom
The TIC is an example to all TICs. Publishes a weekly programme of activities for walkers, families, less mobile visitors etc. Entertaining talks by Will Wagstaff on birds and Dr Catherine Sawyer on history and archeaology of the Islands both with splendid slides.Thank you very much for your lovely review. We are happy you found all the information that you required and hope you had a lovely holiday. Many thanks.
4. St Mary's Bike Hire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Bicycle hire for all the family. The best way to cycle tour St Mary's. We supply Bicycles, trailers, tag a longs, tandems, maps and information for everyone.
Reviewed By Derek V
We've used St Mary's bike hire in previous visits to Scilly but what s welcome change this year.
The place is under new management and completely different to the experience received with the previous owner. The old tatty worn out bikes have gone and there is a choice of reasonable bikes of all kinds, even electric bikes if you want and easy time up the hills!
The new owner is very helpful and friendly and gave us an excellent deal on 3 bikes for 10 days.
We'd pretty much given up on the previous owner but are delighted the place has been given a new face. We'll definitely be hiring in future years.
Highly recommended.
5. Phoenix Craft Workshop & Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
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.).
Reviewed By vuepoint - Leyland, United Kingdom
This craft workshop offers a range of crafts printed textiles, unique hand printed scilly scarves, glass work, silver smith, and limited edition art work. The workshop is located on a small industrial estate but it is worth the effort to pay it a visit. The...MoreJulia's work is indeed beautiful and very original. Sadly, she only has one day a week in the studio as she has other commitments.
6. Garrison Walls
Overall Ratings
5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Cathey W - Halesworth, United Kingdom
Talk a walk up to the Garrison Walls andalso the Star hotel will not dissapoint. Yes you will be out of breah when you have climed up ther but dont miss doing it. Its fasinating history of the military occupation of the garrison spands back hundreds of years. Also from this high vantage point the views are unrivalled.
Pop into the hotel for a drink in their bar, very different! also walk around the battlements of the castle.
7. Kayak Scilly
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By ruthcollings - Norwich, United Kingdom
Before we got to Scilly we knew we liked the idea of going kayaking, so we contacted Chris in advance. He has been very friendly, helpful and supportive throughout our contact with him. We hired a tandem kayak (a Prijon) for a day and managed to go a lot further in it than we'd anticipated. When we returned we called Chris and he meet us at Porth Thomas again to check we'd had a good day and sort out the kit. Chris and Kayak Scilly come highly recommended.
8. Isles of Scilly Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Bernard H
The staff we're very helpful, they had stair lifts for the disabled all the way round the museum there were chairs to sit on. The history of the Isles was displayed in chronological order with all the ship wrecks, war info, birds, Lighthouses etc. Wish we had more time there as was only open to 12 noon as before good Friday.
9. Carreg Dhu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Reg P - Cornwall, United Kingdom
A wildly beautiful and peaceful place in the centre of St Mary's. Great spot for contemplation, meditation...or a picnic with friends! Well worth the walk from town. Only a few minutes walk from the Longstone cafe.
10. The Bourdeaux Shop
This is the island's 'must visit' destination gift shop for the largest range of classic souvenirs and giftware. Mugs and Tea towels fridge magnets and guide books.Cornish ice cream and fudge! Also a select range of wines and spirits and the island's largest range of guide books, cards and holiday Reading material. This is also the home of the IOS Jumper bears!
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