EXPLORING ST MARTIN'S
Crystal clear waters, idyllic beaches and a prevailing sense of calm make St. Martin's a delight. With its iconic red and white Daymark, erected in 1683 by Thomas Ekins, it is the first island you spot as you cross from the mainland.
The island is just two miles long, yet it has some of the finest beaches in the British Isles, if not the world. Whether searching the rock pools in Lawrence's Bay, or taking a dip in the water off the sweeping Par Beach or simply chilling on Bread and Cheese Cove, Great Bay or Little Bay, they all jostle for the accolade! Additionally, the spectacular flowers, plant life, rare birds and sensational sea views along the heathery cliff path walks all add to the thrill of St. Martin's unmistakable beauty. Exploring the islets of Nornour, Ganilly and Menawethan from
St. Martin's also allows you to spot colonies of seals not so far off shore.
Behind these beautiful scenes, there lies an enterprising and diverse community. The 120 or so inhabitants are industrious folk – there's a flower farm and vineyard – both open to visitors, a fabulous dive school offering underwater adventures and snorkelling with seals, a flourishing bakery full of artisan breads and traditional, freshly-made savouries, a wonderful gallery showcasing local artists, a local store and various eateries offering sumptuous lunches, light snacks and cream teas.
To assist persons with mobility disabilities there are Mobility Scooters for hire, please contact Chris Savill
Tel: 01720423563 for more information.
A Fabulous way to see the islands are on bike. There are an abundance of cycle friendly routes for all the family.
An unforgettable experience swimming with the amazing wild seals that surrounds our beautiful islands. We offer trips out to our eastern islands where we give you the chance to swim with Atlantic grey seals as well as having a possible close encounter.
Sea swimming and adventure on the beautiful unspoilt coastline of Scilly - bursting with nature and wildlife - is where The Wild & Scilly Mermaids invite you to join them on their adventures and experience the islands from a different perspective.
What better way to explore the beautiful island of St Martin's than on foot. The spectacular flowers, plant life, rare birds and sensational sea views along the heathery cliff path walks all add to the thrill of St. Martin’s unmistakable beauty.
Exploring the islets of Nornour, Ganilly and Menawethan from St. Martin’s also allows you to spot colonies of seals not so far offshore.
See a working vineyard in action and take an informative tour, sampling a unique selection of locally produced
wines - or simply visit the visitor centre/shop.
Open Tues, Wed, Thurs (11.00-4.00pm), by appointment or when the gate is open!
SAILING/BOATING/HIRE
The Isles of Scilly are a watersports paradise.
St Martin's Watersports -Paddle Boards & Kayaks for hire from Par Beach. Paddle to the Eastern Isles to see the seals, visit Nornour or Little Arthur for a picnic or simply stay on the beach and have some fun in the water. Open April to October from 09:30 daily, weather permitting. Tel: 07470711857
Seaquest Glass Bottom Boat - Take a wonderful trip with Jo on Seaquest and experience the unique wildlife, landscape and history of Scilly. Book trips online alternatively Tel: 07884055122
The Sailing Centre based on both St. Mary's and Tresco, offer instruction in Sailing, Windsurfing and Powerboating.
Fully qualified and experienced instructors offer tuition for the total novice or coaching for the more advanced. They also offer taster sessions or full RYA courses in dinghy sailing, windsurfing and power boating.
With an abundance of sheltered bays and uncrowded waters the conditions here are perfect for the water sports enthusiast or anyone eager to have a go.
Bennetts Boat Yard based on Bryer hire Motor Boats and Sailing Dinghies and personally deliver to us here on St Martin's.
Our small island has joined forces and we now have our own community website. This website may have additional information including daily boat schedules which may be of interest.
However much we would like to, we cannot always guarantee the weather here on the Islands. In case of wet weather, the Hall is available which offers Gym facilities, table tennis, badminton, basketball, WiFi plus toys for small children.
COSMOS
Our Observatory - Community Observatory St Martin's on Scilly.
Join our amateur volunteers and experience the skies above. This wonderful new facility is well worth a visit. Opening hours and special events are found on their website.
TENNIS
We have a tennis court on St Martin's which is available to non residents Monday - Saturday 08.00-17.00 at just £4.50 per person per hour. Booking must be made in advance at St Martin's store.
St Martin's Stores & Post office are a general store with a wide range of groceries, off-licence and souvenirs.
If you are spending your holiday on St.Martins you are invited to send a shopping list in advance and they will have an order ready for your arrival.
For your convenience we can collect and place deliveries in your accommodation, just one extra little thing we do if you are staying with us at St Martin's Self Catering.
Whilst enjoying the joys of St Martin's why not experience
he wonders of Reiki.
©SMILE - original image
by Sue Lewington