“A coastal hotel offering stunning harbour views in Hugh Town, St Mary’s. The décor blends rustic charm with cosy, modern comforts, featuring snug lounges and nautical touches. With a welcoming pub, relaxed dining, and scenic terrace, it’s the ideal spot for island-hopping. Relaxed, homely, perfect”
“A coastal hotel offering stunning harbour views in Hugh Town, St Mary’s. The décor blends rustic charm with cosy, modern comforts, featuring snug lounges and nautical touches. With a welcoming pub, relaxed dining, and scenic terrace, it’s the ideal spot for island-hopping. Relaxed, homely, perfect”
Hotel Review
Overlooking the harbour of Hugh Town on St Mary’s, the Atlantic Inn offers 25 comfortable rooms, decent pub food and charming staff. An informal and convenient coastal base for exploring other islands.
Arriving on St Mary’s in the Scilly Isles after a turbulent ferry ride, seeing the Atlantic Inn within staggering distance makes for a welcoming sight. Originally three cottages, the buildings were converted into a hotel in 1801. Guests are welcomed by friendly staff and Barbara, the efficient General Manager, goes above and beyond to help advise on timings and travel to the other islands. As the largest settlement in the archipelago, Hugh Town is the main point from which to reach the other (inhabited) islands St Martin’s, St Agnes, Bryher and Tresco. The majority of the land has been in the care of the Duchy of Cornwall since the early C14th as well as almost a third of the residential buildings.
Rooms at the Atlantic are well appointed with comfortable beds and armchairs to relax in after a day’s island-hopping. Guests can take advantage of a series of communal spaces - the snug, bar, lounge area, Waterside restaurant and terrace. The Waterside menu offers standard pub fare such as Caesar salad, burgers, fish & chips etc followed by sticky toffee pudding or warmed chocolate brownie with ice cream. The wine list ranges from local Cornish white, French rosé and red grape varieties from Italy and South America. For breakfast, guests can choose between buffet-style continental offerings or cooked options, washed down with delicious coffee. There is an easy informality to the hotel which makes it popular with both couples and families.
Written by Laura Campbell
Recommended For
- Families
- With cosy communal spaces, child-friendly menus, and easy access to beaches, this spot makes family getaways effortless and fun
- Great walks
- Embark on a scenic coastal walk from Hugh Town, discovering hidden coves and sandy beaches along the stunning island shoreline
- Local exploring
- The coastal location and proximity to ferries make this an ideal base for hopping between the Scilly Isles’ charming islands
- Sights nearby
- Take a boat trip to Tresco and explore the famous Abbey Garden, home to exotic plants that thrive in Scilly’s mild climate
- Other Activities
- Stroll along Hugh Town’s harbour, where scenic views and local shops offer the perfect stop for a relaxed afternoon wander
- Museums
- Visit St Mary’s local galleries and craft shops, where you’ll find unique island-inspired artwork and handmade treasures
- Hotel Entertainment
- Enjoy a pint on the terrace with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, watching boats glide into the harbour below
- Sit-out Terrace
- Gourmet
- Views
- Romantic
- Restaurant
- Charming
- Wellbeing
- On an island
- Child friendly
- Inn
- Historic
- Sea Views
Facilities
- Parking
- Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs £7.50 per day
- Restaurant
- Sit-out Terrace
- Outdoor dining
- Walking distance restaurants
- Bar
- Views
- Wifi
- Satellite / Cable TV
- Suites
- Child friendly
Activities
- Great walks
- Embark on a scenic coastal walk from Hugh Town, discovering hidden coves and sandy beaches along the stunning island shoreline
- Museums
- Visit St Mary’s local galleries and craft shops, where you’ll find unique island-inspired artwork and handmade treasures
- Other Activities
- Stroll along Hugh Town’s harbour, where scenic views and local shops offer the perfect stop for a relaxed afternoon wander
- Sights nearby
- Take a boat trip to Tresco and explore the famous Abbey Garden, home to exotic plants that thrive in Scilly’s mild climate
- Hotel Entertainment
- Enjoy a pint on the terrace with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, watching boats glide into the harbour below
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
The Atlantic
A quaint, waterside, centuries-old inn overlooking St Mary’s harbour and Town Beach. It's an ideal base for exlploring St Mary's and the other Scilly Isles.
Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)
