Port information & tips for Hugh Town (St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly)
Hugh Town is the charming heart of the Isles of Scilly and enchants visitors as the idyllic gateway to this subtropical paradise off the coast of Cornwall. The relaxed atmosphere is characterized by crystal-clear waters, blooming gardens, and typical British island charm, making for a truly restorative experience. In the immediate vicinity, the historic fortifications of The Garrison with the prominent Star Castle and picturesque Porthcressa Beach invite exploration, while Hugh Street offers local boutiques to explore. Cruise ships use the central pier at St Mary’s Quay, which is usually reached comfortably by tender boat. From there, travelers can head directly into the center of Hugh Town, as the pier borders the lively main street and all key amenities.
Hugh Town is the main town on St. Mary's, the largest of the Isles of Scilly. Arrival is primarily via the Cornish mainland by ferry or plane, while cruise ships often use tender boats or smaller vessels dock at the quay. Thanks to the good connections to the mainland departure points, the island is easily accessible despite its location, though early planning is advantageous due to the island location and weather dependency.
Ferry from Penzance
A popular and picturesque arrival option is the ferry crossing with the Scillonian III from Penzance to Hugh Town Quay on St. Mary's. The crossing takes about 2 hours 45 minutes and offers beautiful views of the Cornish coast. The ferry operates seasonally from late March to early November. For drivers, Penzance is easily accessible via the A30. Various parking options are available in Penzance: The Scillonian Park and Ride (TR20 8TH) offers a shuttle service to the ferry terminal, with advance booking required 48 hours in advance and passengers and luggage must be dropped off at the quay beforehand. Alternatively, long-term car parks such as the Harbour Long Stay Car Park (TR18 2GB) are located about 800 meters (around a 10-minute walk) from the ferry terminal. For rail travelers, Penzance station is an important hub with direct connections from London Paddington; from there, the ferry terminal is easily reached in 5 to 15 minutes on foot.
Plane to St. Mary's Airport (ISC)
For a fast arrival, Isles of Scilly Skybus flights offer a direct connection to St. Mary's Airport (ISC). Flights operate year-round from Land's End Airport (LEQ) with a flight time of about 15 minutes, as well as from Newquay Airport (NQY) in around 30 minutes. Additionally, there are seasonal connections from Exeter Airport (EXT) with a flight time of approximately 60 minutes. After landing on St. Mary's, the airport is only about 1 to 2 kilometers from Hugh Town. A shuttle service from Island Transfers meets arriving flights and takes travelers to their destination on the island in a maximum of 15 minutes. A single ticket costs about 6 GBP, and advance booking is advisable for trips to the airport. Taxis are also available.
Arrival to the Mainland & Pre-Cruise Hotel
Guests from the DACH region can easily reach the departure points in Cornwall by car or train for their onward journey to the Isles of Scilly. The A30 motorway leads directly to Penzance, although increased traffic should be expected, especially on summer weekends. For rail travelers, Penzance station is the terminus for many train connections, including the Night Riviera Sleeper from London Paddington. From there, a shuttle bus enables a smooth transfer to Land's End Airport, which should be booked 24 hours in advance. Due to the longer journey from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and the potential weather dependency of ferries and small aircraft, a pre-cruise overnight stay on the mainland in Penzance or near one of the departure airports (e.g., Land's End) is highly recommended for a relaxed start to your cruise holiday. Some Park & Cruise providers in Penzance also offer practical overnight options on-site.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Hugh Town is the main town on St. Mary's, the largest of the Isles of Scilly. Arrival is primarily via the Cornish mainland by ferry or plane, while cruise ships often use tender boats or smaller vessels dock at the quay. Thanks to the good connections to the mainland departure points, the island is easily accessible despite its location, though early planning is advantageous due to the island location and weather dependency.
Ferry from Penzance
A popular and picturesque arrival option is the ferry crossing with the Scillonian III from Penzance to Hugh Town Quay on St. Mary's. The crossing takes about 2 hours 45 minutes and offers beautiful views of the Cornish coast. The ferry operates seasonally from late March to early November. For drivers, Penzance is easily accessible via the A30. Various parking options are available in Penzance: The Scillonian Park and Ride (TR20 8TH) offers a shuttle service to the ferry terminal, with advance booking required 48 hours in advance and passengers and luggage must be dropped off at the quay beforehand. Alternatively, long-term car parks such as the Harbour Long Stay Car Park (TR18 2GB) are located about 800 meters (around a 10-minute walk) from the ferry terminal. For rail travelers, Penzance station is an important hub with direct connections from London Paddington; from there, the ferry terminal is easily reached in 5 to 15 minutes on foot.
Plane to St. Mary's Airport (ISC)
For a fast arrival, Isles of Scilly Skybus flights offer a direct connection to St. Mary's Airport (ISC). Flights operate year-round from Land's End Airport (LEQ) with a flight time of about 15 minutes, as well as from Newquay Airport (NQY) in around 30 minutes. Additionally, there are seasonal connections from Exeter Airport (EXT) with a flight time of approximately 60 minutes. After landing on St. Mary's, the airport is only about 1 to 2 kilometers from Hugh Town. A shuttle service from Island Transfers meets arriving flights and takes travelers to their destination on the island in a maximum of 15 minutes. A single ticket costs about 6 GBP, and advance booking is advisable for trips to the airport. Taxis are also available.
Arrival to the Mainland & Pre-Cruise Hotel
Guests from the DACH region can easily reach the departure points in Cornwall by car or train for their onward journey to the Isles of Scilly. The A30 motorway leads directly to Penzance, although increased traffic should be expected, especially on summer weekends. For rail travelers, Penzance station is the terminus for many train connections, including the Night Riviera Sleeper from London Paddington. From there, a shuttle bus enables a smooth transfer to Land's End Airport, which should be booked 24 hours in advance. Due to the longer journey from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and the potential weather dependency of ferries and small aircraft, a pre-cruise overnight stay on the mainland in Penzance or near one of the departure airports (e.g., Land's End) is highly recommended for a relaxed start to your cruise holiday. Some Park & Cruise providers in Penzance also offer practical overnight options on-site.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Hugh Town on St. Mary's offers an excellent starting point and allows direct access to the charming island center as well as the surrounding natural paradises.
On Foot
You can reach the city center of Hugh Town and the idyllic Porthcressa Bay in about 2 to 5 minutes. Thanks to the compact size of the island capital, all important sights and shops are within easy walking distance of the pier.
Water Taxis and Island Ferries
The boats of the St. Mary's Boatmen's Association are ready directly at the pier and connect Hugh Town with the neighboring islands. These traditional means of transport allow you a quick crossing to Tresco or St. Agnes and also offer charming views of the coastal landscape.
Taxis and Island Buses
Directly at St. Mary's Quay, there are spaces for local taxis and the starting point for the island bus. These transport options offer a comfortable way to reach even the more remote parts of St. Mary's and the island airport easily and conveniently.
To make the most of your stay on St. Mary's, a relaxed walk through charming Hugh Town combined with a short boat trip to the botanical treasures of the neighboring island is recommended.
Hugh Town & Porthcressa Beach
The island's vibrant center impresses with its maritime atmosphere and, with the directly adjacent Porthcressa Beach, offers a dreamlike white sandy beach that is ideal for a short walk along the crystal-clear water and a visit to small local boutiques.
The Garrison
This historic fortress hill above the harbor allows for a journey back in time thanks to its well-preserved fortifications and the imposing Star Castle, while simultaneously offering a spectacular panoramic view over the entire archipelago.
Tresco Abbey Garden
Just a short boat ride from Hugh Town, this world-famous subtropical paradise awaits you with exotic plants from all over the world; furthermore, the extensive gardens invite you on an inspiring tour of discovery thanks to their mild microclimate.
Porthcressa Beach
The dreamlike Porthcressa Beach is located just a five-minute walk from the pier in Hugh Town and impresses with its brilliant white sand and wonderfully clear, azure blue water. Thanks to its prime location right on the pretty waterfront promenade, this sheltered bay offers a perfect infrastructure with cozy cafes and well-maintained public facilities for a carefree stay. It is best to visit the beach directly after your ship's arrival to fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the island, and plan your return to the harbor about sixty minutes before the last tender ride to end the day in a relaxed manner in the small boutiques of Hugh Town.
Returning to St. Mary’s Quay is very relaxed on this compact island, and thanks to the central location of Hugh Town, you can always reach your ship effortlessly. Since cruise ships here mostly anchor offshore and use tender boats, you should plan for the last boarding time at the quay for a punctual return.
On foot
The stroll through the picturesque alleys of Hugh Town to the pier takes only a few minutes, and thanks to the flat paths, you will reach the port area at the end of the main street completely effortlessly. Orientation is easy, as the way to St. Mary’s Quay is well signposted from every point in the village as well as from nearby beaches like Porthcressa Beach.
Island bus and shuttle
The local island bus departs regularly from near the Town Hall and brings you comfortably back to the center of Hugh Town from more remote points on the island. In addition, small electric shuttles and community buses operate, which take you directly near the quay, allowing for a relaxed arrival in time for the departure of the tender boats.
Taxi
Taxis are available in limited numbers at the central square near the bank and can also be easily reserved in advance by telephone through local providers such as DJ Cars or Toots Taxi. For trips from the outer sights of the island, a timely booking is recommended so that you reach St. Mary’s Quay safely and without time pressure.
