Scilly Islands: A Photographer’s Paradise
When you step off the ferry or descend from the Skybus onto St. Mary’s, the largest of the Scilly Islands, there’s a moment of disbelief: Is this really still England? Turquoise waters, creamy beaches, windswept headlands, and subtropical gardens—it feels like the Mediterranean met the English coast and decided to stay forever.
As a travel photographer with two decades of field experience, I’m always chasing the light and the story. The Scilly Islands are not just a location—they’re a quiet meditation on texture, weather, and isolation. And St. Mary’s offers everything I look for in a photographic destination: history, nature, and a slow rhythm of life that invites patience behind the lens.
Getting to St. Mary’s
St. Mary’s is the gateway to the Scilly archipelago. You can get there by the Scillonian III ferry from Penzance (around 2h45), or via Skybus flights from Land’s End, Newquay, or Exeter. I flew from Newquay—just 30 minutes in the air, and the aerial views were a photographer’s appetizer: rocky islets floating like ancient stones in a jade pool.
Hugh Town – Color, Character, and Coastal Charm
Most visits begin in Hugh Town, the island’s compact hub and harbor village. I always arrive with camera in hand, especially in the early morning. Fishing boats bob in the calm waters of the quay, pastel-colored houses reflect the soft Atlantic light, and friendly locals greet you like a long-lost friend.
Best photo spots in Hugh Town:
- The curve of the harbor just after sunrise
- Boats and lobster pots stacked on the pier
- Reflections in puddles after a storm
Don’t miss the tiny Strudel café for a quick bite and a warm local welcome. It also makes a great indoor fallback for rainy moments—yes, even on the Scilly Islands, clouds have a voice.
Porthcressa & Porthmellon Beaches – Coastal Simplicity
Just a few minutes’ walk in either direction from Hugh Town will bring you to two of the island’s loveliest beaches.
Porthcressa Beach is my go-to for golden hour shots: wide, west-facing, often framed by seaweed textures and clean lines of the tide. Porthmellon is wilder and better for long exposure work when the waves pick up.
Pro tip: Bring an ND filter to blur the motion of incoming tides. The minimalist nature of these beaches offers ample negative space for clean compositions.
The Garrison Walls – History and Height
One of the best walks on St. Mary’s loops around The Garrison, a 16th-century fortification offering elevated views over Hugh Town and the harbor.
From a visual perspective:
- You get elevated golden hour shots of the town
- The old cannons and mossy stonework provide rich textures
- If you’re lucky, Atlantic squalls will roll in for dramatic skies
Pack a wide-angle lens for these high perspectives, especially around Star Castle, now a hotel with historical charm and excellent afternoon tea (perfect light break!).
Halangy Down & Peninnis Head – For the Adventurous Eye
For photographers who want to connect with ancient landscapes, head north to Halangy Down Ancient Village, a Bronze Age site scattered across a grassy slope. The structures offer abstract shapes, and the site is often deserted—perfect for drone work or wide shots without human interference.
Then, swing south to Peninnis Head. Here, the coastline becomes raw and elemental. Giant granite tors stand like sentinels against the Atlantic, and seabirds cut across the wind in elegant arcs. Use a telephoto lens to compress the cliffs and sea, or go ultra-wide to exaggerate the drama of the landscape.
Beyond St. Mary’s – Island Hopping for Photographers
St. Mary’s is a great base, but boat trips to other Scilly Islands like Tresco, Bryher, or St. Agnes are essential for varied visuals. Colorful cottages, white sand coves, and sub-tropical gardens await.
Local boats leave from Hugh Town daily (weather permitting). Pack light but always bring extra batteries—these islands eat memory cards like seagulls eat pasties.
Where to Stay & What to Eat on a Budget
Accommodation can be pricey in the Scillies, but a few affordable options stand out:
Longstone Lodge: Stylish, self-catering with budget options
Bell Rock Hotel: A basic but central choice in Hugh Town
For cheap eats:
- The Mermaid Inn offers pub meals with sea views
- Schooners Bistro has lunch specials and a terrace
- Try the Co-op in town for DIY picnics on the beach
Final Photography Tips for the Scilly Islands
- Best season: May–June or September—fewer tourists, stunning light
- Bring weather protection for gear—Atlantic winds shift fast
- Dawn and dusk are magical—always plan for at least one sunrise session
- Talk to locals—they’ll point you to hidden spots no guidebook knows
Why the Scilly Islands Matter to Photographers
The Scilly Islands are a reminder that sometimes the best stories unfold quietly. No dramatic skyscrapers, no neon lights—just light, water, wind, and time. On St. Mary’s, you don’t shoot fast. You slow down, breathe, and let the island tell you when to press the shutter.
