St Agnes Island England Cruise Port

St Agnes Island is the southernmost of the Isles of Scilly, with a population of fewer than 100 people. Cruise ships dock and anchor at Troy Town Farm on the island’s western coast. St Agnes lies more than four miles farther south than Lizard Point, the most southerly point of the British mainland, and Troy Town is the southernmost inhabited settlement in the United Kingdom.

The island’s landscape is particularly distinctive around Wingletang Down, where rocky coastline meets dune grassland. More than one third of St Agnes is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Wingletang Down is the only place in the United Kingdom where least adder’s tongue fern grows, while other rare plants found here include autumn lady’s tresses orchid and early meadow grass.

One of the island’s best known landmarks is its former lighthouse. The tower has been converted into living accommodation after its light was removed. Another unusual feature is the Troy Town Maze, which is said to have been laid out in 1729. Its winding path reaches the centre through seven rings, and the maze is made from beach pebbles. It is the only maze of this type outside Scandinavia, which has led to suggestions of a possible Viking connection.

St Agnes has a small range of visitor facilities. It is the only populated island in the Isles of Scilly without a hotel, although visitors can find bed and breakfasts, self catering cottages and a campsite. There is also an ice cream shop, post office, general store, gift shop, the Turk’s Head pub and a café. These businesses close during winter, while tourism and bulb farming remain important parts of the local economy.

The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, with nutrients carried in from the Atlantic supporting kelp forests beneath the clear water. The Isles of Scilly are also home to one of Europe’s largest breeding populations of Atlantic grey seals. On St Agnes, visitors can also see the short round tower of Cromwell’s Castle, adding another piece of history to this quiet island setting.