Wild swimming off the rocks and beaches of St Mary’s, Scilly is one of the best things to do on Scilly. Here are some of our favourite spots:
Peninnis Head, St Mary’s
A wild and rugged promontory at the island’s southern tip made up of other-worldly-shaped granite tors. There is a 15 minute walk to the Head from Hugh Town, with a short, easy scramble down to the ledge to enter the water. The location can frequently pick up swell and chop as it faces St Mary’s Sound and the wider Atlantic (Drop into the water at GR SV 909 093)
Porth Cressa Bay, St Mary’s
A golden sand beach near Hugh Town. With frequent calm waters, sheltered on both sides by rocks, it offers generally safe swimming. Cafes and restaurants line the promenade here, providing quick post-swim refreshments (Drop into the water at GR SV 903 104)
Pelistry Bay, St Mary’s
An idyllic sandy beach, in the more remote north east of the island with the lovely Carn Vean Tearooms closeby (Drop into the water at GR SV 929 119)
Visiting St Mary’s
Check out our island page for St Mary’s for more information
You might also be interested in:
- Walk the coastal path around the whole island – see our Islandeering route
- Watch a gig race
- Walk The Garrison
- Flowers of St Mary’s
- Visit islets off St Mary’s
- Scilly Swim Challenge & inter-island swims
- Coasteering on St Mary’s
- Visiting ancient and historic sites
- Sea kayaking
- Spotting whales and dolphins
Islands nearby
The other Scilly Isles are also excellent destinations and all within easy reach of St Mary’s using the characterful inter-island boats.
St Helen’s
Annet
Other islands of the British Isles
We have explored nearly 600 islands in the British Isles and are trying to write them up as fast as we can. Check more here or contact us as we are happy to share our info.
Further information
Our two books are stacked with more ideas on what to do in the Channel Islands and more more info here
