St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall TR21 0NX
Innisidgen Lower and Upper Burial Chambers
Prehistoric
Source image
7.4
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Free
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.4Two Bronze Age communal burial cairns occupy a hillside above the sea. The upper chamber is the best preserved on the Isles of Scilly; the lower survives in a more fragmentary state.
This is a small visit with an unusually strong sense of place: two Bronze Age burial chambers set on a steep, uneven hillside above the sea, with views towards the Eastern Isles. The better-preserved upper cairn and the contrast with the damaged lower chamber make the short visit rewarding for anyone interested in Scilly’s prehistoric landscape.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling · Wild
Find your way
Open mapSt Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall TR21 0NX
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The experience
Allow time to see both chambers and take in the views. The walk between them involves hilly, uneven ground; the upper cairn is the standout for its state of preservation. English Heritage advises against climbing on the monuments.
Things to do
Compare the lower and upper chambers
See the contrast between the fragmentary lower cairn, with two surviving capstones, and the upper cairn, which remains under its large mound and is described by English Heritage as the best preserved on the islands.
20–40 minutes
Look across the Eastern Isles
Pause at the chambers to take in the views across the neighbouring islands; a visitor account describes views towards St Martin and the Eastern Isles.
Continue to Bant’s Carn and Halangy Down
Pair the visit with the nearby burial chamber and ancient village for another look at the island’s prehistoric past. English Heritage lists this site 0.8 miles away and recommends walking along the coast to reach it.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
See both burial chambers
- 01
Reach the site on foot or by bike; the supplied sources do not verify a parking location.
- 02
Visit Lower Innisidgen first and note its surviving capstones and fragmentary remains.
- 03
Continue uphill to Upper Innisidgen to see the better-preserved cairn, its mound and kerb stones.
- 04
Take in the views towards the neighbouring islands. Keep off the monuments.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of the prehistoric coast
- 01
Visit both Innisidgen chambers, allowing for the hilly, uneven ground.
- 02
Continue along the coast to Bant’s Carn Burial Chamber and Halangy Down Ancient Village, a pairing recommended by English Heritage and listed 0.8 miles away.
- 03
Bring a picnic if useful; English Heritage suggests enjoying one with the views. Food outlets and toilets are reported in Hugh Town, a couple of miles away.
Verified history
English Heritage identifies the site as two Bronze Age communal burial cairns and describes Upper Innisidgen as the best preserved on the Isles of Scilly. A visitor account describes the lower chamber as having only two capstones and part of its surrounding mound surviving, and says it was excavated in 1950 after being overgrown and filled with soil. That account also describes the upper chamber’s substantial mound and surrounding kerb stones.
Hidden details
Two very different states of survival — The lower chamber is fragmentary, with two capstones and part of its mound remaining; the upper is still covered by a substantial mound and has surrounding kerb stones. See both to understand the contrast.
A view over the Eastern Isles — The hillside setting gives views towards St Martin and the Eastern Isles, as noted in a visitor account. The supplied evidence does not establish a specific viewpoint or route to it.
When to go
· Daylight hours; English Heritage says the site is open during daylight.
The supplied sources do not identify a best season or seasonal feature.
The approach is hilly and uneven. Check local conditions before setting out; the sources do not provide specific weather guidance.
Worth pairing with
Bant’s Carn Burial Chamber and Halangy Down Ancient Village
A nearby prehistoric site English Heritage recommends visiting along the coast; listed 0.8 miles from Innisidgen.
Isles of Scilly Museum, Hugh Town
English Heritage recommends the museum for further context on the archipelago’s history; food outlets and toilets are also reported in Hugh Town, a couple of miles away.
What to look for
At the lower chamber, notice the two surviving capstones and the fragmentary remains. At the upper chamber, look for the large earth mound and surrounding kerb stones. Compare the two monuments’ differing states of preservation, and look out towards St Martin and the Eastern Isles.
The story
Bronze Age communal burial cairns; prehistoric archaeology
Best time to go
No season-specific recommendation is established by the supplied evidence; choose a clear daylight period for the views and check conditions before setting out.
Visit during daylight hours, as specified by English Heritage. A clear day will make the views across the neighbouring islands easier to appreciate; this is a practical suggestion, not a verified seasonal guarantee.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
English Heritage says the site is free to enter and open during daylight hours. It is best reached on foot or by bike; the ground is hilly and uneven. Do not climb on the chambers.
Parking
Parking availability and location are not verified; check before visiting. English Heritage recommends access on foot or by bike.
Check before visiting
Toilets
English Heritage reports toilets a couple of miles away in Hugh Town; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
English Heritage reports food outlets in Hugh Town, a couple of miles away. No on-site food is verified.
Dogs
Check before visiting; dog rules are not established by the supplied evidence.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The site is on hilly, uneven ground. The supplied source row reports no wheelchair-accessible car park or entrance; check current access conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Water
Sea views; no water activity or access permission established.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Innisidgen Lower and Upper Burial Chambers
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
