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Large but well carved up fields so each area feels intimate
Playing field and play park next door
Shop on site
Kit transported to and from quay to site (for a fee)
CONS:
Only campsite on St Mary's so no motivation for owners of site to offer competitive rates or facilities
Everything costs and costs a lot. The pitches are expensive, it costs to freeze your freezer blocks, it costs to charge your phone, it costs to have a shower and it costs (a lot) to do your washing.
The showers are the campers major cause for complaint; £1 for 5 minutes and the facilities are poor and outdated. The coin operated boxes into which you feed your quid are outside the shower cubicle meaning you lose at least 30 seconds of your valuable 5 minutes rushing back into the cubicle and stripping off for your shower.
If you're showering kids, it's even more chaotic. There are no shelves in the showers and the floors are filthy. For the prices campers are paying, the showers should (in our opinion) be free but at the very least, a couple of suction shelves for shampoo etc and a wooden shower mat to stand on while
You only have to spend 5 minutes in the shower block to hear someone complaining about the facilities. There is no denying that this is a wonderfully positioned site and given the cost of SC and hotel accommodation on the Scillys, the best value for money for many holiday makers.
It's a shame because as seasoned campers, we know that its the little things that make somewhere special and equally, the little things that can cloud a memory of wonderful holiday.
This is the only campsite on St Mary's so if you want to camp here it's your only choice, so it's just as well it's a good one.
The site is very large with probably at least 10 different fields to use and you can even camp in the old moat. There are two toilet blocks each with toilets and showers and one also has a laundry. The site is large, mostly flat and there are loads of picnic tables about which is a nice touch.
Looking at it's location you might expect it to be exposed but it is in fact really sheltered so despite it being quite windy for a couple of days during my stay it wasn't a problem. The line of pine trees around the edge of the site probably helps. During my stay the site was really quiet too.
There is a footpath through the site to the Garrison walls where you can get good views over the other islands and watch the sun set.
The site has a shop which was open 9-10am and 5-6pm whilst I was there. There is also a Co-op in Hugh Town that is open 8am to 10pm daily (except Sundays when it is open from 10am to 4pm). It is about 10 minutes walk (although up hill on the way back so might take a bit longer).
The site is well located for the town and also the boats to the other islands. I used the helicopter and a shared taxi/minibus transfer from the airport costs £3. 50 each way. I believe the site also offers a transfer from the ferry if you come on the boat (but beware it leaves Penzance early!).
Electric hook ups are available. Note that cars are not permitted on the site which makes it nice and quiet and it's not a problem since there is no car ferry to the islands anway!
Only really one negative, the £1 charge for the showers is a pain as you have to make sure you have enough change. I imagine it a particular nuisance for families. I would rather the owners added £1 to the fees and dropped the charge for the showers.
What a brilliant campsite! Loads of room to space out amongst the hedged fields. We were lucky enough to have a whole field to ourselves for the week. Local celebrities included blackbirds, sparrows, starlings and thrushes which were all very friendly and keen for our crumbs. Rabbits and hedgehogs too, so keep your food nice and safe.
Very good layout with views to the sea and large toilet and shower blocks with plenty of hot water. Showers were £1 a go but lasted for 5 mins. Laundry room if you needed it.
Lovely walks just outside the campsite around The Garrison, but the best thing was the fabulous welcome we had from Terry & Jackie in the shop, where nothing was a problem.
The town was 10 minutes walk away (15 coming back) where all the shops, restaurants, pubs and ferries are there at your disposal.
We enjoyed staying at the Garrison campsite very much.
The logistics was very easy - with the owners collecting all our luggage at the quayside from the Scillonian III and driving it up to the site, where plenty of handcarts were available for onwards transport to our pitches.
Although the campsite was fully booked, I was surprised by how much space there was - we felt spaced far enough away from our neighbours and the toilet and shower block was never too busy. We were welcomed warmly by the owners, who were very helpful throughout the booking process and stay. The campsite shop was very useful, and the fresh croissants and pain au chocs were great (you need to be there shortly after 8.30 to be guaranteed fresh pastries).
The toilet and shower block was clean, and the hot water supply was fine when we wanted a shower, although there was a notice that the water flow could be variable if a lot of demand was placed on it.
Despite rain every day and one very stormy night (we did have sunshine too!), we had a great holiday on the Isles of Scilly, and would recommend the Isles, and the Garrison Campsite, to anyone who likes the sound of this sort of holiday.
Spacious, level site on the top of the Garrison. This means that there is a very steep walk up to the site from Hugh Town.
Camping equipment is taken from the quayside up to the site by landrover so there is no need to carry it yourself. Many people had brought their camping equipment by trailer.
Trailer tents are permitted but the only road to the site goes through the garrison gate so there is a width limit.
The facilities are modern and clean. There are plenty of toilets and sinks - showers, however are £1 for 5 minutes.
The site is level and well maintained (take care of the occasional rocks.). There are no children's facilities on site but the site is right next to a football pitch (home of the smallest league in the world) and play area. Everything is so safe that all but the youngest children are fine to go there on their own.
Each field has a selection of picnic tables for you to help yourself to. There is a washing up point, laundry room and shop. The owners are friendly and helpful.
The islands are a beautiful as their reputation. Each island has a totally different character so a trip must involve some exploring off the off-islands which is extremely easy to do. The beaches are almost completely deserted and the rockpool life is outstanding. There are a lot of sandhoppers though!
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As there are no reviews of the other campsites on the islands I have included some information here - I couldn't resist seeing what the other sites were like for future reference!
St Agnes
Small sloping site at the Western end of the island. The sunset views must be wonderful. The tents seemed to pack themselves closely around any flat areas of land. The site is on the opposite end of the island to the quay and the pub but that is only a 10-15 minute walk
Bryher
Sloping site in a valley just above the excellent Fraggle Rock pub -not many flat pitches apparent. Very easy to get to the island shop and quayside
St Martins
Set just up from Lower town next to a massive expanse of white sand. Theer are some leve areas on this site but they seem to become very crowded. If you need space you'll need to put up with a slope. Short walk to the local pub, hotel and quays (higher town for high tides and lower town for low)
If you are transferring to an off island, you will need to help carry your camping gear between the Scillonian and the smaller boat for your island. This normally takes the form of everyone making a chain and helping each other out.
We found the site to be very friendly,clean and peaceful. The toilets and showers were cleaned regularly and the shop open morning and evening for sundries. They also had fresh laid eggs and pain au chocolate fresh every morning!
Lots of tame wildlife-loads of little birds came to breakfast and there was even a black rabbit around as well.
Plenty of room for children to play and no noise allowed after 11pm. This was enforced on the one occasion it was breached.
Beautiful views on way to and fromcampsite. The transporting of camping gear from the quay works well and is run very smoothly.
Although August there wwas plenty of space between tents and you didn't feel croweded at all. Each pitch had its own picnic bench too which was a nice touch.
We will be back at some point.
It is a steep walk though from the town-you need to be fit!-yo
U will be fitter by the time you leave!
Only slight negative was the showers lose water pressure when busy and go to almost a trickle-not good when you're covered in shampoo and there is a time limit on the shower!
Fantastic location but having visited the site several years ago, it seems an air of complacency has set in. No competition on St Marys, but I don't think that excuses the £1 charge for an inadequate shower, or the exorbitant £5 charge to use the laundry. After all, you're already paying about £20 plus a night per unit.
Toilet blocks are tired and not particularly clean. Showers are pathetic, in view of the charge - 1 hook, nowhere to put soap, flannel, extremely limited space with a flimsy shower curtain to keep the spray off your dry clothes, and then no space to change/dry. I found myself getting up early and having a strip wash instead. If the showers were free, you might just about accept them, but to charge for such a poor facility is just a bit rich.
The main thing you notice is the absence of cars - how peaceful! And of course, the very friendly bird population that join in with you whenever there's food about.
The shop is OK and well stocked and not too rip off. As a base for a holiday in the Scillies, it's probably still good value overall, but please, let's do something about those showers and toilets - either don't charge, or refurbish.
We received a friendly welcome on our arrival to this campsite. The site was quite busy with families as it was August Bank Holiday. I found that it was a little loud at times with children running wild around peoples tents, however the site was peaceful after 11pm. The site is large and quite sheltered from coastal winds, with plenty of toilet facilities but the showers were not particularly good and could have done with some shelves for soap and so on and some extra hooks for clothes. Generally, a little more attention to detail in the shower areas would be good. The site is very tidy and there are bins which are well marked for recycling. The hedgerows and borders are abundant with plants and flowers such as Agapanthus which are home to hedge sparrows and other birds which are very tame, so don't be surprised to look up from your book and find one of these cheeky fellows eating crumbs from a sandwich right by your feet. The site shop was equipped with the essentials and took delivery of croissant and pain au chocolat in the mornings; lovely with a cup of tea. It only takes ten minutes or so to walk on a road / track down to Hugh Town passing The Star Hotel and restaurant on the way. As you walk down to the town there are great views over to the other islands, St Agnus, Bryher, Tresco and St Martins. The Garrison campsite is a good base where one can enjoy great views, coastal walks and explore the other islands. The straightforward way in which they organise the transportation of ones luggage from and to the small harbour is impressive and convenient. We can foresee a return to this site, but would book outside the school holidays.
What a lovely site. Flat, sheltered and well cared for. The owners, Ted and Barbara could not do enough for us, and made the holiday gab.We went for the World Gig Champs and it was very full, however it was always clean!
We stayed at the Garrison campsite for a week in July, and were lucky enough in this terrible summer to have near perfect weather. This was especially important as it was our first experience of camping.
We found the campsite to be fantastic in every way, with loads of space between tents, and able to choose our own pitch from a series of small sheltered field enclosures. While there we shared the campsite with other families, groups of young people, a large group of scouts and a school group and there was space for everyone without being disturbed. There are two toilet/shower blocks £1 for 5 minutes of shower, which other campers thought a bit much, and plenty of free hot water for washing up at all times. There's also one laundry room with washing machines, sinks, spin dryer and tumble dryer. The site has a small shop selling all the essentials in small quantities, freezer block freezing service, mobile phone charging and fresh croissants, own free range eggs. The toilet blocks were thoroughly cleaned every day. We had a fantastic holiday and can recommend the site.
We travelled by plane, which is difficult if your luggage/tent is heavy as there are weight restrictions, but is pleasanter than the Scillonian which is not an easy crossing for anyone who suffers from sea sickness. The Scillonian will also make the crossing (I gather) whatever the weather whereas the plane is a bit more prone to cancellations due to bad weather - our plane was cancelled on the outward journey so were forced onto the boat.
We would definitely stay at this camp site again. Brilliant holiday!
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Common Questions
Is Garrison Holidays Campsite child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Garrison Holidays Campsite? There is a shop on site View all facilities
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
All reviews and comments are the personal opinion of the review author only , and as such do not represent the view of the UK Camp Site.co.uk.
The facilities shown on this website are a guide only, and you should check with the campsite direct before making any booking. The UKCampsite.co.uk will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions
Tent Pitches 
No Caravans 
No Motorhomes 
No Campervans 
Glamping Units 
No Statics for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
No Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
No Hardstandings 
No Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
Rallies Welcome 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
Washing Up 
No Bathroom 
Baby Changing Facilities 
Laundry On Site 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
No Chemical Disposal 
Battery Charging 
Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
No Freezer / Fridge 
No Motorhome Point 
No Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar <1 mile 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway <1 mile 
Kids Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
Fishing <1 mile 
Wild Swimming <1 mile 
No Indoor Pool 
Outdoor Pool <5 miles 
Horse Riding <5 miles 
Cycle Hire <1 mile 
Golf <5 miles 
Tennis <1 mile 
Beach <1 mile 
Watersports <1 mile 
Boat Launch / Mooring <1 mile 
Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
Coastside Pitches 
Public Transport <1 mile
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
PROS: 
