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Historic fortification
Garrison Walls
Coastal defences around the Garrison headland spanning 350 years; the full circuit takes about two hours, with an exhibition in the Powder House.
A mini guide to
St Mary's & Hugh Town
The largest island, with the quay, the airport, the Garrison and most of the places to eat and stay
Photos
1 / 3Welcome to the area
The largest island, with the quay, the airport, the Garrison and most of the places to eat and stay
St Mary's is the largest of the Isles of Scilly and where every ferry and plane arrives. Hugh Town, between the harbour and Porthcressa beach, has the quay, shops, pubs and most of the islands' hotels and guest houses. Above the town, the Garrison headland is ringed by artillery walls that English Heritage says span 350 years of history.
Beyond Hugh Town the island is small fields, heath and coves, crossed by quiet lanes and about 30 miles of coastal paths, according to Isles of Scilly Travel. Bronze Age burial chambers at Bant's Carn, Innisidgen and Porth Hellick Down are free to visit, and the Wildlife Trust looks after Peninnis Head and the Lower Moors wetland. Boats to the other islands leave from the quay.
Highlights
Start here
If you only have a few hours, these are good places to begin.
Historic fortification
Harry's Walls
Two artillery bastions and a curtain wall from a fort begun in 1551 and left unfinished when Star Castle was built instead.
Prehistoric site
Bant's Carn and Halangy Down
A Bronze Age burial mound above the remains of an Iron Age village in the north-west of the island; free in daylight hours.
Directions Website Report a problem with Bant's Carn and Halangy Down
Prehistoric site
Innisidgen Burial Chambers
Two Bronze Age communal burial cairns with views over the islands; the upper cairn is especially well preserved.
Directions Website Report a problem with Innisidgen Burial Chambers
Prehistoric site
Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber
A large Bronze Age entrance grave from about 2000 BC, with its kerb, inner passage and burial chamber all clearly visible.
Directions Website Report a problem with Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber
Nature reserve
Peninnis Head
Granite cliffs and tors on the southern tip of St Mary's, with heathland, a lighthouse and migrant birds; a Wildlife Trust reserve.
Find your way
On the map
The map shows St Mary's & Hugh Town and the streets around it. The Getting there page lists nearby stops and stations.
Insider tips
Before you go
1
Allow two hours for the Garrison
English Heritage says the full circuit of the Garrison walls takes about two hours. The Powder House exhibition is opposite the main gate.
2
Read the boat boards
Boat times to the off-islands depend on the tide and are chalked on boards at the quay. Check where your return boat leaves from.
3
Take care on Peninnis Head
The Wildlife Trust says paths can be uneven, rocky and steep; King Edward's Road is the easiest way onto the headland.
4
Wellies for Lower Moors
The Lower Moors path can be narrow and puddled after rain, especially in winter. Dogs must be on a lead.
Tips from the Britlens editors
Explore this guide
Everything for St Mary's & Hugh Town
Photo credits
- St Mary's & Hugh Town (area photo): Chris Gorringe, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Garrison Walls: Andrew Abbott, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Harry's Walls: Mike Prince from Bangalore, India, CC BY 2.0, source
- Bant's Carn and Halangy Down: Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Innisidgen Burial Chambers: David Purchase, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber: Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Peninnis Head: Malcolm Neal, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Porthcressa Beach: Mike Prince from Bangalore, India, CC BY 2.0, source
- St Mary's Old Church: Martin Southwood, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- St Mary's Church, Hugh Town: Andrewrabbott, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Tresco, Bryher, St Martin's & St Agnes: Tom Corser, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
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