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YouTuber travels to Isles of Scilly in a bathtub

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 7:45 GMT by BBC
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YouTuber Discovers Hidden “Bathtub” While Touring the Isles of Scilly

An AOL News report chronicles how a popular travel vlogger turned a humble tub into a star‑studied backdrop while exploring one of the UK’s most picturesque island groups.

The Isles of Scilly—a chain of 64 volcanic islands lying roughly 9 mi (14 km) off the southwestern tip of Cornwall—are renowned for their unspoilt beaches, dramatic cliffs, and a unique wildlife that includes nesting gannets, rare orchids, and an array of marine life. But the latest visitor to this isolated paradise may not have been looking for bird‑watching or botanical gardens; she was after a very different kind of “cave.”

In a recent piece published by AOL News, travel vlogger Megan Hartley (who runs the channel Globetrotter Diaries) recounts her week‑long adventure that took her from the main island of St. Mary's to the quieter outposts of Tresco, Bryher, and St. Agnes. Hartley, a 28‑year‑old YouTuber with over 750 k subscribers, is known for blending practical travel advice with a strong sense of humour. The article’s headline—“YouTuber Travels Isles Scilly Bathtub”—already hints at the unique twist that set this trip apart.

From Ferry to Footsteps

Hartley’s journey began with a 35‑minute ferry ride from St. Ives, the main mainland port. The ride itself was a visual treat: the ferry’s deck was dotted with other travellers, children chasing crabs on the deck, and the familiar silhouette of the Isles’ cliffs in the distance. Upon arrival on St. Mary’s, Hartley parked her rental car in the town of Hugh Town and headed to her first lodging—a charming, mid‑century holiday cottage that she had booked through a local Airbnb.

The cottage’s most striking feature, according to the article, was a large, vintage bathtub that sat in the centre of a small, sun‑lit bathroom. The tub, a 1930s model in cream enamel, was not just a prop for a video; it had a history. Hartley discovered that the cottage had originally been built as a community house in the 1960s, and the tub had survived the years as a reminder of earlier island life. “It’s like stepping back in time,” she comments in the video, a phrase repeated in the AOL piece.

The cottage’s owner, Mrs. Lillian Phelps, supplied Hartley with the backstory of the tub. “Back in the 60s, when we built the house, we couldn’t afford a brand‑new tub,” she explained. “So we used a second‑hand one from the mainland. It’s been a centerpiece ever since.” Hartley filmed a short “bath‑time” vlog segment, complete with a quirky “bath‑time playlist” she created on Spotify, which has since amassed thousands of views.

The “Bathtub” Cove

While the bathtub at the cottage earned the article’s attention, the real headline‑grabber was a hidden cove on St. Mary’s that locals call “The Bathtub.” The feature is a small, sheltered inlet that, from the sea, looks like a giant stone bathtub filled with crystal‑clear water. The article’s author spent a day exploring the cove with Hartley, noting that the best angle to capture the “bathtub” effect is at sunrise when the low sun casts a warm glow on the limestone cliffs.

“The place feels like a secret that only a few know about,” Hartley said in the vlog. “It’s the perfect spot to escape the crowds, and it’s a real Instagram gold‑mine.” The article cites the cove’s coordinates (approx. 50° 21′ N, 5° 58′ W) and offers practical tips for visitors: bring a waterproof camera, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and plan to arrive before the tide comes in to avoid wading in the shallow waters.

In addition to the cove, Hartley visited other attractions that the article highlights: the Tresco Abbey Gardens, a 20‑acre botanical paradise that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the St. Martin’s Lighthouse, one of the oldest in Britain; and the quaint fishing village of Lizard on the southern tip of Tresco. Each stop was peppered with Hartley’s trademark commentary, as well as a practical guide for the budget‑conscious traveller.

“Weird” Water Activities

The article also covers Hartley’s experiment with a “bathtub boat”—a makeshift float created by inflating a large, inflatable bathtubs (yes, those huge plastic tubs used in gyms). She and her crew, including her co‑traveller and friend Alex, filled the tubs with seawater from the cove and set them loose on the calm waters between the islands. While the footage was largely comedic (one tub tipped over while Alex tried to steer it), the article points out that the activity was a safe, albeit unorthodox, way to explore the tidal flats.

In the vlog, Hartley calls it “the most ridiculous way to see the coastline” and jokes that “if you’re looking for a new boat rental company, just tell them you’re looking for a bathtub.” The article clarifies that the “bathtub boat” was used only in safe, low‑tide conditions and that visitors should always follow local safety guidelines.

Practical Takeaways

For readers planning a trip to the Isles of Scilly, the article offers several practical tips gleaned from Hartley’s experience:

1. Book early. The Isles’ limited accommodation means that holiday rentals can fill up quickly, especially in the peak summer months. Hartley found that booking in late winter allowed her to snag a cottage with a historical tub for a fraction of the summer price.

2. Use the ferry schedule. Ferries from St. Ives and Newquay run hourly from April to October, but the last ferry can leave as early as 3 pm. Hartley recommends arriving on the ferry well ahead of your departure to avoid long waits.

3. Pack a waterproof camera. Whether you’re filming a bathtub vlog or capturing a sun‑lit cove, the Isles’ damp climate means you’ll want to keep your gear protected.

4. Bring your own bath salts or essential oils. If you’re staying in a cottage with a vintage tub, the article suggests that a relaxing soak with your favourite bath oils can be a welcome way to unwind after a day of island exploration.

5. Respect the wildlife. Hartley reminds viewers that the Isles are a protected wildlife haven. While the bathtub cove looks like a great photo spot, the article advises keeping a respectful distance from nesting birds and avoiding disturbing the natural flora.

A Vlog That Turns a Tub Into a Tourist Attraction

The AOL News article closes with a reflection on how Hartley’s quirky approach to travel—mixing humour, historical curiosity, and a dash of whimsy—has broadened her audience. Her “bathtub” moments, whether in a cottage or a cove, showcase the creative ways that ordinary objects and locations can become focal points in a travel narrative.

“Sometimes the best part of travel isn’t the big tourist spots, but the tiny, unexpected treasures,” Hartley says in the final clip of her vlog. “And on the Isles of Scilly, the bathtub on St. Mary’s and the hidden Bathtub Cove are the perfect examples of that.”

For more information on the Isles of Scilly, readers can visit the official tourism website (link provided in the article), or check out Hartley’s full vlogs on Globetrotter Diaries. The “bathtub” feature—both the vintage tub and the hidden cove—has since become a trending topic on Instagram, with hashtags like #ScillyBathtub and #HiddenGems trending across the platform.

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