While Neolithic settlers probably only visited Scilly sporadically, by the Iron Age settlers had arrived and made a life here, eking out a living by fishing and farming. The remains of one of their villages can still be seen on the edge of Halangy Down, consisting of one large courtyard house and several smaller roundhouses dating from around 200 BC, complete with hearths and exterior walls.
Like their modern-day descendants, they clearly liked a good sea view, even in the Iron Age.
1.54 MILES
Tresco's key attraction – and one of Scilly's must-see gems – is this subtropical estate, laid out in 1834 on the site of a 12th-century Benedictine…
2.36 MILES
Bryher is fringed by fabulous beaches, but Rushy Bay is the largest – and many would say the loveliest. South-facing and sheltered by the hummock of Watch…
2.57 MILES
On the remote north side of the island, this large expanse of sand is aptly named – it's great indeed, both in size and scenery. It feels wonderfully…
2.56 MILES
For the best views on the island, hike up to the top of Watch Hill, from where you can drink in a panorama right across the archipelago. It's a truly…
29.63 MILES
The northern end of Sennen's sands is the prettiest, a 150m curve of soft yellow sand. It's joined with the main beach at low tide, but it's a bit more…
29.26 MILES
This idyllic cove ticks pretty much all the boxes you can think of: sand, slipway, translucent blue water and tall cliffs – not to mention that all…
0.01 MILES
One of the best-preserved Neolithic chamber tombs in the Scilly Islands, on the northwest side of the island on the edge of Halangy Down. It's still…
1.3 MILES
Perched on the hill to the west of Hugh Town, this forbidding fort has a history stretching back almost 350 years. Though it was begun in Tudor times, the…
0.01 MILES
One of the best-preserved Neolithic chamber tombs in the Scilly Islands, on the northwest side of the island on the edge of Halangy Down. It's still…
0.7 MILES
A small west-facing beach within easy walking distance of Hugh Town, with good soft sand and a couple of offshore islands. It's backed by a working…
0.84 MILES
This dynamic little winery specialises in tutored wine tastings, but it's working on its own vines too (it produced its first vintage in 2014). The 'wine…
0.88 MILES
There's not much space at this minuscule cove, but it's a good destination if you're planning on sunbathing in solitude. A minor road leads fairly close…
1.18 MILES
The small Isles of Scilly Museum explores the islands' history, with an eclectic mix of archaeological finds and artefacts from shipwrecks. Among the…
1.25 MILES
Climb the hill behind Hugh Town for a great sunset spot. There's also a small chamber tomb here.
1.27 MILES
For many day-trippers to St Mary's, Hugh Town's big, sandy, south-facing beach is as far as they ever explore – and it's hard to blame them. It's a fine…
1.28 MILES
A secluded beach on the east side of St Mary's, accessible from the coast path. It's generally quieter than the island's other beaches, and has a mix of…
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