Isles of Scilly Crowned UK’s Best Islands in Major Travel Award
Local pride and coastal crowns: What the Condé Nast win means
Local pride is beaming across the Duchy after the Isles of Scilly were crowned the UK’s best islands in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Beating out tough competition from the Hebrides, Jersey, and Skye, the enchanting archipelago sitting 28 miles southwest of Land’s End took the top spot based entirely on reader votes. For those of us living on the mainland, the win comes as no surprise. Our coastal neighbours offer an idyllic escape where life slows down to a gentle rhythm. From the bustling hub of Hugh Town on St Mary’s to the subtropical beauty of Tresco Abbey Garden, the five inhabited islands showcase the very best of British island life. The prestigious accolade highlights the seamless travel links powered by local businesses, including passenger sailings from Penzance harbour aboard the iconic Scillonian III and direct flights departing from Land’s End Airport. While mainland hotspots like Fistral Beach attract surf lovers year-round, Scilly offers a tranquil contrast of clear waters and powder-white sands right on our doorstep. The recognition reinforces Cornwall’s standing as the premier holiday region in the country, showcasing how our distinct landscapes continue to captivate travel enthusiasts worldwide.
Boosting local trade, hospitality, and pet-friendly travel
For island traders, boatmen, and hospitality providers, this national recognition provides a welcome boost as planning begins for upcoming tourist seasons. Each island brings its own unique character to the local economy. St Martin’s relies on its pristine shorelines, Bryher thrives on its dramatic Atlantic seascape at Hell’s Bay, and St Agnes draws patrons to the Turk’s Head—proudly held as the UK’s most south-westerly pub. With high demand expected following the award, local accommodation providers across both the islands and mainland gateways are gearing up for increased bookings. Many visitors choose to combine an island getaway with a stay on the mainland when they visit Newquay or explore the West Penwith peninsula. For pet owners, navigating travel policies remains key; while island beaches welcome four-legged companions outside peak seasonal bans, finding dog friendly accomodation on the mainland beforehand helps ease travel logistics. Observing local guidelines regarding a dog on beaches ensures our coastlines stay safe and clean for everyone. Island tourism leaders emphasize that maintaining a balanced eco-tourism model is essential to preserving the delicate environment while supporting local family-run shops, cafes, and ferry charters that keep these island communities thriving year after year.
What residents should know: Planning ahead and local staycations
As national interest surges, local residents looking to visit the archipelago are advised to plan ahead. Ferry space on the Scillonian III and island flight seats often fill up months in advance during peak summer periods. Taking advantage of shoulder-season travel in spring or autumn allows locals to enjoy quieter footpaths and reduced fares while supporting island traders outside the main holiday rush. If island trips are booked out, residents can still enjoy vibrant coastal staycations closer to home; taking a day trip to go to Newquay or exploring the hidden coves along the South West Coast Path offers incredible coastal beauty without leaving the mainland. Looking ahead, community leaders and transport operators are focusing on sustainable transit upgrades to protect the pristine archipelago for future generations. Residents can actively support our local economy by choosing Cornish suppliers, buying from independent island artisans, and respecting wildlife guidelines whether hiking the coastal paths of Bryher or walking along our mainland shores. As Cornwall shines in the national spotlight once again, celebrating our regional treasures reminds us just how lucky we are to call this unique corner of the world home.
Source: Hardly surprising that posh magazine’s UK’s best islands are off Cornwall
