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Islands of Prayer: The Isles of Scilly

Prices from £2,440 pp

Single Supplement £420

Next available tour:

Tour leader: Canon Paul Miller

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Sailing island to island through an archipelago of prayer, twenty-eight miles beyond Land's End.

The Isles of Scilly are a world apart — a scatter of low green islands set in impossibly clear water, where the tide sets the timetable and life moves to the rhythm of the boats. We sail out each morning to a different island and gather for prayer in tiny churches that have watched over these waters for centuries.

From our base on St Mary's we cross to Tresco and its world-famous Abbey Gardens, to St Agnes and Gugh with their Bronze Age cairns and standing stones, and to St Martin's with its ancient daymark and quiet coastal paths. We walk old pilgrim paths, pause for reflection above the sea, and share Night Prayer together at the close of each day.

At Old Town Church we remember the islands' long Christian story; on St Martin's we hear of the seaweed that shaped island life; and on our final morning we celebrate a farewell Eucharist before sailing back to the mainland.

Here, faith is unhurried and close to creation — kept in weathered churches, coastal footpaths and the prayers we share each evening. Come and keep island time.

Image Credit © Visit Isles of Scilly

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Itinerary

  1. Travel to Penzance — Arrive

    Make your way independently to Penzance, where your tour leader welcomes you to the Cornish coast. Settle into our harbour-view hotel before welcome drinks and dinner, followed by Night Prayer led by Canon Paul. We suggest arriving by 17:30 to join the welcome evening.

  2. Across to St Mary's

    After breakfast we transfer to the quay and sail from Penzance to St Mary's aboard the Scillonian. Met by our local guide, we walk the Lower Moors nature trail to Old Town, pausing at Old Town Church for a reflection. As time allows, we continue to Buzza Hill, before checking in to our island hotel. A light lunch is included, with dinner and Night Prayer in the hotel.

  3. Tresco & the Abbey Gardens

    A short boat-hop to Tresco. We visit St Nicholas Church for a reflection and the ruined Old Blockhouse, then follow the island's east coast. The afternoon belongs to the world-famous Tresco Abbey Gardens, home to plants from across the southern hemisphere, with an optional guided tour. Sail back to St Mary's for dinner and Night Prayer in the hotel.

  4. St Agnes & Gugh

    We sail to St Agnes, gathering at St Agnes Church for a reflection and a talk on the islands' celebrated gig-racing heritage, and take in the Troytown Maze and lighthouse. At low tide we cross the sandbar to Gugh to see its kelp pit, Bronze Age burial chambers and standing stone, returning across the bar before the sea closes it again. This evening we dine together at a local restaurant.

  5. St Martin's

    Across to St Martin's. We visit St Martin's Church for a reflection and a talk on the islands' seaweed and its many uses. In the afternoon we walk to Chapel Down for its daymark, the ruins of an early-medieval chapel and its ancient statue-menhir, before sailing back to St Mary's for dinner in the hotel.

  6. Farewell to the Islands

    We gather for a farewell Eucharist at the parish church, then enjoy a free morning on St Mary's at your own pace. We sail back to Penzance and return to our harbour-view hotel for a farewell dinner and a final Night Prayer led by Canon Paul.

  7. Journey Home

    After breakfast, check out and make your own way home, carrying with you the peace and unhurried rhythm of the islands.

    *Please note: the order of the itinerary may change according to tides, ferry timetables and local conditions. The 2027 Scillonian sailing times are not yet published and are subject to change.

Essential Information

This tour includes:

  • Return Scillonian ferry, Penzance & St Mary's
  • All inter-island boat fares
  • 2 nights in Penzance — Harbour View Hotel
  • 4 nights on St Mary's — Bell Rock Hotel
  • All breakfasts and dinners
  • Welcome and farewell drinks
  • A light lunch on St Mary's
  • Local island guides throughout
  • Return luggage transfers from Penzance to St Mary's
  • Daily evening prayers
  • Farewell Eucharist at St Mary's
  • Canon Paul Miller as your chaplain & leader

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable on confirmation. After which, an instalment payment amounting to 50% of the total cost of your trip is due 26 weeks prior to departure with the final balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Mobility
Many of our tours and excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355. Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 million in grants. McCabe Pilgrimages supports the Trust directly by contributing to the administrative and running
costs, thus ensuring all pilgrim donations are able to go directly to the important projects supported by the MET. In 2026 McCabe Pilgrimages will
once again invite all pilgrims to make a voluntary donation of £20. In addition, McCabe will also donate £20 for every pilgrim who travels with us - regardless of whether they choose to donate - effectively doubling the impact when you do. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Financial and quality assurances
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct.

Health advice
Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

Holiday insurance
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto. For more information or to obtain a quote, please go to their website at www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor.

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Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
Islands of Prayer: The Isles of Scilly Islands of Prayer Isles of Scilly Prices from £2440 pp Canon Paul Miller 19/09/2027 for 7 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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