Old Town Inn

Nestled in the heart of the peaceful Old Town district on St Mary's island is the Old Town Inn—a place where the traditions of British hospitality come to life. This cozy pub and guest house (B&B) offers visitors to the Isles of Scilly a unique combination of home comfort and maritime charm. Located just a short walk from the scenic Old Town Bay, the establishment serves as an ideal sanctuary for those seeking an authentic getaway in the United Kingdom.

Old Town Inn. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The interior of the Old Town Inn is steeped in history: wooden floors, a crackling open fireplace, and a rich collection of nautical relics create the atmosphere of a classic English home. Following a recent update, the pub has become even more comfortable while preserving its classic spirit. High ratings from visitors confirm that every guest is valued here, with the inn offering not only high-quality food but also impeccable cleanliness.

The property serves a dual purpose: it is both a popular gathering spot for locals and a cozy mini-hotel with three spacious rooms. Guests can look forward to a hearty English breakfast and exceptional attention to detail—for instance, four-legged friends are always welcome here, with special beds provided for them. The Old Town Inn is more than just a bar; it is an entry point into the calm and steady life of the archipelago.

For your convenience, we have gathered the current contact details for this cozy establishment. You can book a table or a room at the guest house in advance to ensure a comfortable stay. Please note that for accommodation bookings, it is recommended to use the official email.

You can contact the management of the Old Town Inn through the following channels:

A visit to the Old Town Inn is, above all, an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the moment. You can settle in by the open fire with a glass of a traditional drink or order a hearty dinner from the classic pub menu. Local specialties, such as fish and chips or juicy steaks, are deservedly popular with travelers. In the summer, life here often moves outdoors: yoga classes may be held on the grounds, and the evenings feature musical performances and themed events.

For those who decide to stay in the guest house rooms, there are additional opportunities for relaxation. After a restful night's sleep in the island's silence, a full English breakfast awaits you, providing the energy for new discoveries. Evenings can be spent playing board games at the bar or simply relaxing in the cozy lounge, admiring the nautical interior details and discussing plans for the next day with the friendly bartenders.

The establishment's location makes it an ideal base for active recreation. In just a couple of minutes, you can reach Old Town Bay beach or join the famous St Mary's coastal path. This is a great chance to combine gastronomic pleasures with hiking, bird watching, or simply contemplating the incredible sunsets over the Atlantic. The Old Town Inn harmoniously blends the relaxation of a pub with the energy of island adventures.

The journey to the Old Town Inn begins with your arrival on St Mary's island. This part of the United Kingdom can be reached by the Scillonian III ferry from Penzance, which docks at the northern part of the island. Flights are also available via Skybus planes or helicopters, which significantly reduces travel time and offers magnificent aerial views of the archipelago.

Once on the island, you'll find the pub nestled in the quiet Old Town district. From the main quay or the airport, the inn can be reached on foot in about 20–30 minutes by following the scenic coastal path. For those who prefer comfort or are traveling with luggage, taxi services or a local bus are available, with a stop located very close to Old Town Lane.

Getting around the island itself is as eco-friendly and pleasant as it gets: tourists most often choose walking or renting bicycles. If you are staying at the guest house, your luggage can be delivered by a dedicated service. The area surrounding the pub is very peaceful, with virtually no car traffic, creating an atmosphere of total seclusion and safety.

The Old Town Inn occupies a building that is itself a part of St Mary's history. The architecture of the establishment retains the traditional features of an old English house, where massive wooden beams and open brick fireplaces create a sense of continuity between generations. The pub's interior decor is brimming with maritime memorabilia, serving as a reminder of the archipelago's rich seafaring past.

The Old Town area itself is considered one of the oldest inhabited zones on the island. While the exact construction dates of the current building remain a matter of local legend, it embodies centuries-old traditions of island hospitality. Fishermen and sailors seeking shelter from the harsh Atlantic winds have always found refuge here, which has shaped the establishment's unique, almost home-like atmosphere.

The recent renovation of the pub was carried out with meticulous attention to detail: the owners managed to integrate modern amenities without disturbing the historical appearance. Today, the place stands as a living example of how a classic British pub can evolve while remaining true to its roots and the "old-fashioned" charm that travelers value so much.

The landscapes surrounding the pub also bear traces of antiquity. Very close by, on the island's hills, archaeologists have found Bronze Age burial chambers, making a walk from the Old Town Inn to the coast a true journey through time. Every detail of the interior and every stone in the walls serves as a reminder that you are in a place with a deep and fascinating history.

For those stopping by the Old Town Inn just for a quick bite or a pint of traditional ale, 1–2 hours will be sufficient. This is enough time to enjoy the authentic interior, warm up by the fire, and feel the slow pace of island life.

If your goal is to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Old Town, we recommend setting aside half a day. You can combine lunch at the pub with a walk around nearby Old Town Bay and an exploration of the coastal paths. For those who choose to stay at the guest house, the visit turns into a proper retreat, allowing you to completely disconnect from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the silence of the archipelago for several days.

The opening hours of the Old Town Inn allow you to drop in for both a late lunch and evening gatherings. On weekdays, the pub opens in the afternoon, while on weekends, the doors swing open to welcome guests as early as midday. It is recommended to plan your visit in advance, especially if you wish to have dinner during the popular evening hours.

The establishment typically operates on the following schedule: Monday–Thursday from 16:00 to 00:00, Friday and Sunday from 12:00 (Sunday until 22:00), and Saturday from 11:00 to midnight. However, given the island nature of life, we advise checking for the latest information on the official website or confirming the opening hours by phone before your visit.

Its location in the historic Old Town district makes this pub an ideal starting point for exploring the eastern part of St Mary's. The surrounding area is rich in natural monuments and archaeological finds that allow for a deeper understanding of the region's heritage.

A walk from the establishment's doors will lead you to ancient fortifications and mysterious megalithic structures scattered along the coast. Below are the nearest points of interest worth visiting during your stay: