St. Mary's
Isles Of Scilly

St. Mary's is the largest island in the Isles Of Scilly, and is home to the islands' capital, Hugh Town. The town itself is a small, friendly place with plenty of welcoming pubs, bed and breakfasts, and small shops. The town is located between two beautiful beaches, only a few minutes walk apart. At the western edge of the island is the Garrison, a headland containing many battle turrets and walls. St. Mary's only campsite is also located on the Garrison. The rest of St. Mary's, less than 2 miles across, is a wealth of stunning countryside, ranging from wetland reserves, unspoilt beaches and unique flora and fauna. The next few pages display images from across the island of St. Mary's.

A view of Porthcressa beach, looking west to the Garrison headland. The golden sands are the southernmost beach, on which the capital, Hugh Town is located.

Quaint cottages in the centre of Hugh Town, opposite the main village green.

A panoramic view from the eastern side of Harbour Beach, on the northern side of Hugh Town. In the background in the Garrison and the main harbour. Please click here for a full-size photograph.

We opted to camp at the Garrison campite on St. Mary's. Here's our tent in 2003, as the sunshine blazed throughout the day.

...and a new tent for our 2004 trip!

Here's me, lugging our camping equipment to our pitch at the Garrison campsite.

Sunset, as viewed looking westwards from the Garrison on St Mary's. The southern hill of Samson can be seen on the right of the image.

A view out to sea from Porthcressa Beach.

With few cats on the islands, small birds that are in decline on the UK mainland, are thriving on Scilly. This was the view that greeted us every morning as we unzipped the tent door - song thrushes, blackbirds and sparrows waiting to share our breakfast!

The main street of Hugh Town has a couple of banks, a supermarket, and many specialist shops selling all manner of Scilly goodies!

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