England, UK
Layers make the main strategy for dressing on the Isles of Scilly. A waterproof and windproof outer layer always comes recommended. For Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November), choose lightweight, moisture-wicking Base layers. A Fleece jacket or warm sweater adds warmth as a mid-layer. A Waterproof and windproof jacket and Waterproof trousers protect from sudden rain and strong winds. Hiking trousers or sturdy jeans make good bottoms. A Warm hat, Gloves, and a Scarf prove useful for cooler days.
For Summer (June-August), lightweight t-shirts and shorts suit warmer days. A light fleece or cardigan suits cooler evenings. A lightweight, Packable waterproof jacket remains helpful for occasional rain. Pack Swimwear for beach activities. For Winter (December-February), thermal tops and bottoms provide warmth. Heavy-duty waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers offer full protection. Warm, water-resistant trousers prove helpful. A woolen hat, warm gloves, and a thick scarf are useful for staying warm in cold, windy conditions. No specific cultural dress code exists beyond general Western norms.
Comfortable, supportive, and waterproof walking boots or shoes prove paramount for exploring coastal paths and rugged terrain. You will spend much time walking.
Trainers or sturdy Sandals work for casual wear on St Mary's and lighter walks.
Water shoes or old trainers help for exploring rock pools or walking on pebble beaches.
Keeping your documents organized and safe prevents problems during your trip. Create both physical and digital copies of important papers.
The UK uses 230V, 50Hz, with Type G (three rectangular pins) plug outlets. A UK travel adapter is needed for all your electronics. Most modern smartphones work with UK networks (GSM 900/1800MHz, 3G/4G/5G). Purchase a local UK SIM card upon arrival on the mainland (e.g., from providers like EE, Vodafone, O2, Three) for cheaper data and calls. Coverage on the Isles of Scilly varies, with St Mary's having the best service. Some remote areas or smaller islands may have limited signal; EE often has the strongest signal.
A Mirrorless camera or Compact digital camera works well for landscapes, wildlife, and general travel photography. A zoom lens is useful for bird and seal watching trips. Bring extra batteries and memory cards. A Dry bag or Waterproof case protects cameras on boat trips. A Portable power bank for devices is highly recommended. Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos and important documents. A small Portable hard drive offers another backup option.
Google Maps or Apple Maps (download offline maps). OS Maps for detailed walking maps.
The Met Office app for forecasts. Scillonian III (Isles of Scilly Travel app) and Skybus app for updates.
XE Currency for exchange rates.
Pack a personalized health and wellness kit. This prepares you for common ailments and specific island conditions. A Destination-specific first aid kit: standard items like Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen), antihistamines, sterile gauze, adhesive tape, small scissors, tweezers (for splinters/ticks), blister plasters. Motion sickness medication (if prone to seasickness). A tick removal tool is useful. Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip, with original packaging and a copy of the prescription or a doctor's letter.
Over-the-counter medications for common issues like antacids, Anti-diarrhea medication, and cold/flu remedies. For seasickness, Dramamine or Bonine. An Insect repellent effective against ticks (with DEET or picaridin) for walking in grassy areas. High SPF Sunscreen, Lip balm with SPF, sunglasses, and a Sun hat are necessary due to sun reflection off the water. Water purification is not needed for tap water; if wild camping, a Portable water filter is advisable. Bring specific brands of toiletries or feminine hygiene products if you have particular preferences.
A quality Hiking backpack, a waterproof pack cover, and Trekking poles (optional for stability on uneven terrain). Hiking boots are best brought if you own quality ones.
For snorkeling/swimming, bring a Snorkel mask and fins (a shorty wetsuit might be desirable). For kayaking/paddleboarding, a dry bag for electronics and water shoes are helpful. Kayaks/paddleboards can be rented (limited availability).
For birdwatching, binoculars (8x or 10x magnification recommended). A Headlamp is useful for exploring trails or walking at night on less illuminated paths, especially on the off-islands. Street lighting outside Hugh Town is minimal. A Waterproof phone case is also smart.
Improve comfort during travel with a Travel pillow for the ferry journey, and an Eye mask and earplugs for quiet rest. A good book or e-reader. For security, a Small padlock for luggage, a Money belt or hidden pouch for passport and cash. An RFID-blocking wallet or sleeves protect your cards.
A Reusable water bottle helps reduce plastic waste and saves money. A Reusable coffee cup. A Reusable shopping bag for purchases. Region-specific essentials: a pair of Binoculars for birdwatching or spotting seals from the coast. A Waterproof phone case for peace of mind near the sea. Specialized hiking gear, specific camera equipment, prescription medications, high-quality waterproofs are difficult or expensive to purchase locally.
Reduce plastic waste, stay hydrated.
For your daily brew on the go.
For local purchases and groceries.
Keep devices powered for exploration.
Pack light for ease of movement between islands. Utilize packing cubes to organize your luggage and maximize space.
Roll your clothes to minimize wrinkles and save space. Label all your bags, especially if using ferry freight services.
