Cornwall Living
The real season
Autumn escapes to the Isles of Scilly
As summer comes to an end, the Isles of Scilly take on a different character. The pace slows, the beaches and coastal paths become quieter and October offers the opportunity to experience the islands without the crowds of the main summer season.
For those living in Cornwall, Scilly is close enough to make a spontaneous few days away possible, but different enough to feel like a proper change of scene. Leave Penzance behind and, before long, the mainland slips below the horizon and the islands appear ahead. Even the journey becomes part of
the adventure.
Early autumn can still carry something of summer with it. September often brings lingering warmth and long days, while October can deliver bright, crisp weather that makes getting outdoors particularly enjoyable. Scilly’s famously milder climate means autumn days can be surprisingly gentle, and there is always the possibility of an Indian summer – those beautiful spells when the sun returns and it feels as though summer has decided not quite to leave.
It’s a season made for exploring. Walk the coastal paths without the heat of midsummer, cycle the quiet island lanes, discover beaches and coves, or simply find somewhere to sit and watch the sea. The changing light can make familiar landscapes feel completely different, while the quieter atmosphere gives visitors time to experience the islands without having to hurry.
For families, autumn brings another opportunity to discover Scilly. October half-term is a chance to trade the usual busy holiday attractions for an island adventure. There are beaches to explore, rock pools to investigate, wildlife to spot and plenty of space for children to run, climb and discover. The ferry crossing adds to the sense of adventure, making the journey to the islands part of the holiday rather than simply a way of getting there. For couples and those looking for a more peaceful break, autumn offers a different rhythm.
Days can be built around a long coastal walk, a leisurely lunch, exploring a new beach or simply doing very little at all. With fewer visitors around, there is more space to take your time and enjoy the simple pleasures of island life.
And while the season changes, Scilly’s connection to Cornwall remains. Travelling between Penzance and St Mary’s aboard Scillonian III is a journey that generations of visitors have made, and 2026 makes it particularly significant. This is Scillonian III’s final season before she retires and makes way for Scillonian IV, after nearly 50 years of service.
For anyone who has fond memories of sailing aboard her, an autumn crossing offers one more opportunity to experience the journey. For those who have never made the trip, there is still time to discover what has made Scillonian III such an important part of the Scilly experience for five decades.
Perhaps that is the real appeal of an autumn visit. Scilly doesn’t close down when summer ends; it simply changes pace. From a September escape while summer still lingers, to an October half-term adventure or a quieter break later in the season, there is plenty of reason to look across the water once the summer crowds have gone.
So, pack the walking boots, bring a jacket for the sea air, keep an eye out for those bright autumn days – and make this the season you discover Scilly
beyond summer.
