St Mary's, Isles of Scilly cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: Figures are from St Mary's Quay to the Town Beach side of central Hugh Town.

• Walk: about 5 minutes; realistic through compact Hugh Town on ordinary streets.

Sources: Visit Isles of Scilly, visitor information.

Orientation, not a walking route

This is a tender port. St Mary's Harbour confirms that cruise ships normally anchor in St Mary's Roads, between St Mary's and Samson, or in Crow Sound on the island's eastern side. Local passenger boats transfer visitors ashore; some cruise arrangements land passengers on an off-island instead.

Your ship's daily programme identifies the island and landing used by its boats. A visit labelled Isles of Scilly does not by itself establish that every passenger will begin in Hugh Town. For a St Mary's landing, the quay leads directly towards Hugh Town and its central shops.

Tides and weather affect the operation. Keep the ship's tender instructions separate from the public inter-island boat times. The distance of the anchored ship from shore does not tell you how long disembarkation will take.

About this port

St Mary's is the main arrival point for many visitors to the Isles of Scilly, off Cornwall. Hugh Town provides a useful base for a few hours ashore, with the harbour, beaches and the Garrison headland close together. Staying on this island leaves more time for walking and less dependence on additional boat connections.

The appeal is in the scale of the place: choose a headland walk, a beach and time in town rather than trying to cover the archipelago in one call. Tresco and the other islands are possible outings only when the cruise operation and local boats leave a comfortable margin for returning.

Getting Around

Walking is the simplest choice for Hugh Town, Porthcressa and the Garrison. From the quay, walk through town towards Porthcressa Beach for the tourist information centre in the Schiller Shelter. The official visitor information page gives its current details and directions.

For travel farther around St Mary's, ask the information team about taxis, cycle hire and island transport. Reserve a vehicle if your day depends on it, and allow for narrow lanes shared with local traffic.

If visiting another island, consult the tourism board's onward travel advice and the relevant boat operator. Agree the return island, quay and departure before going. An independent boat back to St Mary's still leaves a further tender journey to your ship.

Things to Do

• Hugh Town and Porthcressa: start with a look around the town, then cross to the beach side for a different view of the coast. This makes an adaptable plan if tendering has reduced your time ashore. Leave shopping and refreshments until the end so you remain close to the quay.
• The Garrison: follow a manageable section of the historic defensive circuit above Hugh Town. English Heritage explains the walls and provides visiting information. The headland involves an uphill approach and exposed coastal stretches, so shorten the route if conditions deteriorate.
• A longer island walk: use local advice to choose a route that matches your walking speed and return deadline. The tourism board's St Mary's day-trip guide is a useful starting point. Avoid assuming that the island's small size makes every coastal circuit a short stroll.
• Tresco Abbey Garden: this is an alternative requiring a separate island transfer unless included in your ship's landing plan. Consult the garden operator for access and admission, and give the boat connections priority when deciding whether it fits.

Getting back to your ship

If visiting another island, consult the tourism board's onward travel advice and the relevant boat operator. Agree the return island, quay and departure before going. An independent boat back to St Mary's still leaves a further tender journey to your ship.

Practical Information

Use pounds sterling (£); English is spoken. Call 999 or 112 in an emergency. Carry a waterproof layer, sun protection and footwear suitable for coastal paths. Take essential medication and enough water for your chosen walk.

Use the day's attraction and boat information when planning. Be back at the correct landing in time for the ship's return service.

Frequently asked

Can you walk from St Mary's Quay into Hugh Town? Yes. The Town Beach side of central Hugh Town is about a five-minute walk from the quay on ordinary streets.

How long does it take to walk from St Mary's Quay to Hugh Town? About 5 minutes to the Town Beach side of the centre.

Do cruise ships dock or tender at St Mary's, Isles of Scilly? They tender. Cruise ships normally anchor in St Mary's Roads or Crow Sound and use local passenger boats to land visitors.

Where is the visitor information centre on St Mary's? It is in the Schiller Shelter at Porthcressa Beach; from the quay, walk through Hugh Town and take the right-hand route after Hugh Street Café.