Discover the Tranquil Beauty of Great Bay

As staycations become increasingly popular, Discover Ferries has highlighted Great Bay on St Martin's in the Isles of Scilly as a top destination for a serene beach holiday. This remote beach offers stunning views and rich history without the crowds found at other seaside spots like Blackpool and Brighton.

Located in one of the warmest parts of the UK, Great Bay is often incredibly quiet, providing a peaceful retreat year-round. Even during peak times like sunny Bank Holiday weekends in August, visitors might find themselves alone on the beach. The area’s unspoilt beauty is accessible via a short walk through heathland paths, marram grass, and sand dunes, creating a picturesque journey to the beach.

St Martin's is a small island with an area less than one square mile and a recorded population of just 136 in 2011. The Great Bay, on the island’s northern shore, is a particularly quiet spot, offering tourists a long stretch of sand to enjoy in solitude. Besides sunbathing or paddling, visitors can explore unique attractions, such as the Day Mark.

The Day Mark, with its distinctive red and white stripes, is one of the few buildings visible from Great Bay. Built in 1683, this lighthouse-style navigation point helped sailors avoid running aground. Initially painted white, it was changed to its current colors in 1830 after a sailor mistook it for the St Agnes lighthouse, leading to a shipwreck. Although its entrance was sealed in the 1960s, the Day Mark remains the oldest beacon still in use in the UK and the highest point on St Martin's.

While St Martin's is ideal for a quiet staycation, Discover Ferries advises tourists to be well-prepared. Reaching Great Bay requires a walk over sand dunes, and the beach itself lacks facilities such as toilets or cafes. Visitors should use the bathroom before setting off and bring snacks and drinks to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.