Facts for Kids

The Isles of Scilly are a group of beautiful islands located off the southwestern tip of Cornwall, England, 🇬🇧. There are about 140 islands, but only five are inhabited: St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, Bryher, and St Agnes. These islands are known for their stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and incredible wildlife. The total area of the Isles is only 16 square kilometers (6.2 square miles), making them quite small! 🏝

️ Most people who live and visit these islands enjoy outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and birdwatching, making it a perfect adventure spot for kids! 🌈

The Isles of Scilly are rich in plant and animal life! 🌼

There are about 300 different types of flowers, including the famous Scilly Bluebell, which only grows on these islands! 🐦

The islands are a haven for birds, especially seabirds like the guillemot and puffins! You can also find seals resting on the rocks. The islands' gardens are filled with palm trees and tropical plants because of the warm climate. 🌴

Nature lovers will have a fantastic time exploring the beautiful landscapes and spotting unique wildlife here!

The Isles of Scilly host several exciting events and festivals throughout the year! 🎉

One favorite is the Scilly Sea Festival, celebrating the islands' rich maritime history with boat races and fun activities! 🚤

There’s also the St. Agnes Festival, where locals and visitors enjoy music, art, and delicious food from local vendors. The festivals are not only a great time for everyone, but they help everyone remember their island heritage and traditions! With so much fun happening, there's always something special to look forward to when visiting the Isles of Scilly! 🎊

The Isles of Scilly have a mild, mild climate, with warm summers and cool winters. ☀

️ The islands are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, giving them beautiful sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. 🌊

Their unique location makes it a perfect home for many different plants and animals! The tallest point is on St Mary's, called Telegraph Hill, which is 64 meters (210 feet) tall. For a fun fact, the islands are only about 28 miles (45 kilometers) away from Cornwall, so you can easily visit by boat or plane! 🚢✈️

The people of the Isles of Scilly have their unique customs and traditions! 🎊

One special event is the Scillonian Day, where locals celebrate their island life with music, craft stalls, and delicious food! 🍴

People also enjoy telling stories about the islands' history and legends, especially those involving shipwrecks and pirates! ⚓

As a fun activity, children often participate in beach games and treasure hunts! The local community is tight-knit, and everyone joins together to celebrate their rich culture and love for the Isles of Scilly!

The economy of the Isles of Scilly is largely based on tourism, which means people visit the islands to enjoy their beauty! 🌞

Many locals work in hotels, shops, and restaurants, providing visitors with yummy food and comfortable places to stay. Fishing is also important, especially catching crabs and lobsters. 🦞

Some residents grow flowers and vegetables in gardens, which are sold to shops or used in restaurants. The small population helps create a friendly atmosphere, where everyone supports each other to ensure the islands thrive and continue to welcome visitors for years to come!

The Isles of Scilly are a fantastic place to visit! 🏖

️ Tourists love to explore the stunning beaches, like Porthcressa Beach on St Mary's, where you can build sandcastles and splash in the clear waters! Some popular attractions include Tresco Abbey Garden, a beautiful garden filled with exotic plants, and the Garrison Walls, which have a fascinating history. 🧭

Kids can enjoy fun activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and birdwatching! 🦉

With so many things to do, families are sure to create unforgettable memories while exploring these magical islands! 🌟

Taking care of the environment is super important for the Isles of Scilly! 🌳

Projects have been started to protect their beautiful landscapes and wildlife. The council encourages locals and tourists to recycle and reduce waste. 🌊

The islands are also home to many marine protected areas, which help keep the oceans clean and healthy! Children learn about preserving nature and protecting various plant and animal species. Schools often organize beach clean-ups to keep the shores tidy, creating a safe space for wildlife to thrive! 🌸

Together, everyone pitches in to help care for this special place!

Getting to the Isles of Scilly is an adventure all on its own! 🛳

️ You can take a ferry called the Scillonian from Penzance, which takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. There is also a small airport on St Mary's with flights from Land's End and Newquay, making it easy to travel. ✈

️ Once you're there, you can walk, cycle, or take a local bus to explore the different islands. Many paths are perfect for families to wander and enjoy the scenery. 🚴

‍♂️ With no cars allowed on some islands, it's a peaceful place for everyone to enjoy nature!

The Isles of Scilly are governed by the Council of the Isles of Scilly, which helps to make important decisions for the islands. 🏛

️ They focus on keeping the islands safe, clean, and happy for everyone living there! Local services include schools, healthcare, and waste management. 📚

The islands have a primary school for younger children. The council works closely with the community to ensure everyone can share their thoughts and ideas to improve life on the islands! Kids often learn about the importance of community and being involved in local activities! 🤝

The Isles of Scilly have a fascinating history that goes back thousands of years! 📜

People have lived here since prehistoric times. The Romans visited in 55 BC, and there are even stone structures called standing stones that were built by ancient peoples! The famous shipwreck of the Association happened in 1707, leading to the construction of The Star Castle, which you can still see today! 🏰

In 2012, archaeologists discovered an ancient burial site on St Mary's, showing that people have called these islands home for a long, long time!