Star Castle Hotel

Star Castle was built in 1593, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, to defend the Isles of Scilly against the threat of Spanish invasion. It stands on Garrison Hill, west of Hugh Town on St Mary’s, and looks out over the sea and the islands in every direction. Today it is a 38-bedroom hotel.

Castle rooms and garden rooms

Not every room is in the fortress, so choose with care. The hotel offers both traditional sixteenth-century castle accommodation and country-cottage-style garden rooms in four acres of secluded gardens.

In the castle itself the options include Castle Rooms, cosy and characterful with the building’s original features, and Superior Castle Rooms, larger rooms with beamed ceilings, two-poster beds and sea views. There is also a Single Castle Room with an en-suite shower. Three Guard Rooms sit individually on the ramparts surrounding the castle, original buildings with plenty of character.

The garden rooms are a different experience: bright cottage-style rooms with views over the castle gardens, some with verandas and sea or harbour views, and garden suites with private gardens. The Garden Room type is dog friendly.

Dining and facilities

The dining room was originally the officers’ mess. The hotel’s restaurants serve locally caught seafood and produce from its own kitchen garden. Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, complimentary golf and tennis, and courtesy transport from the airport. The hotel lists a Cornwall Tourism Award, Small Hotel of the Year 2025/26.

Practical notes

The Isles of Scilly lie off the Cornish coast and are reached by sea or air, so plan your travel and the airport transfer in advance. Because castle rooms and garden rooms differ so much, ask for the room type you want when booking.