Halangy Down


While Neolithic settlers probably only visited Scilly sporadically, by the Iron Age settlers had arrived and made a life here, eking out a living by fishing and farming. The remains of one of their villages can still be seen on the edge of Halangy Down, consisting of one large courtyard house and several smaller roundhouses dating from around 200 BC, complete with hearths and exterior walls.

Like their modern-day descendants, they clearly liked a good sea view, even in the Iron Age.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Bant's Carn

0.01 MILES

One of the best-preserved Neolithic chamber tombs in the Scilly Islands, on the northwest side of the island on the edge of Halangy Down. It's still…

2. Porthloo

0.7 MILES

A small west-facing beach within easy walking distance of Hugh Town, with good soft sand and a couple of offshore islands. It's backed by a working…

3. Holy Vale Winery

0.84 MILES

This dynamic little winery specialises in tutored wine tastings, but it's working on its own vines too (it produced its first vintage in 2014). The 'wine…

4. Watermill Cove

0.88 MILES

There's not much space at this minuscule cove, but it's a good destination if you're planning on sunbathing in solitude. A minor road leads fairly close…

5. Isles of Scilly Museum

1.18 MILES

The small Isles of Scilly Museum explores the islands' history, with an eclectic mix of archaeological finds and artefacts from shipwrecks. Among the…

6. Buzza Hill

1.25 MILES

Climb the hill behind Hugh Town for a great sunset spot. There's also a small chamber tomb here.

7. Porthcressa

1.27 MILES

For many day-trippers to St Mary's, Hugh Town's big, sandy, south-facing beach is as far as they ever explore – and it's hard to blame them. It's a fine…

8. Pelistry Bay

1.28 MILES

A secluded beach on the east side of St Mary's, accessible from the coast path. It's generally quieter than the island's other beaches, and has a mix of…