Brits looking for a quieter, slower-paced staycation may find these beautiful UK islands, situated off the southwest coast to be the perfect place to visit and has been likened to the Caribbean over its crystal blue waters.
The Isles of Scilly, an archipelago off the Cornish coast, are covered in healthland and fringed with beautiful sandy beaches. There are five inhabited islands – six if Gugh is counted separately from St Agnes – and several other small rocky islets, about 140 in total.
Scilly forms part of the ceremonial county of Cornwall, but since 1890 the islands have had their own separate local authority.
In 1975, the unspoilt and uncrowded islands were designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the smallest such area in the UK.
The annual average temperature is 12C the warmest in the British Isles, with the warmest winters due to the moderating effects of the North Atlantic Drift of the Gulf Stream.
Snow and frost are extremely rare. They are also one of the sunniest areas in the southwest, with an average of seven hours per day in May. During the summer, temperatures can climb to over 17 in July.
According to visitors, the Isles are the perfect spot to take walks along the beach. Visit Isles of Scilly, a travel website, said: “The Isles of Scilly lie just off the coast of Cornwall but are a world apart in every way.
“A natural wonder, like a cluster of precious ocean jewels, where nature thrives and the soul is inspired.”
Thanks to its climate, the archipelago has a unique ability to grow a multitude of plants found around the world. Due to its location in the Atlantic, the archipelago is often the first pitstop for North American vagrant birds.
Today, tourism accounts for an estimated 85 percent of the Scilly Isles’ income and approximately 63 percent of all employment.
St Mary’s is the only island with a significant road network. Flights operate from Land’s End, Newquay and Exeter to St Mary’s Airport. By sea, passenger and cargo services are operated between Penzance and St Mary’s, usually costing between £35 and £48. The other islands are linked by a network of inter-island boats.
“With multiple daily flights departing from airports in Newquay, Exeter, and Land’s End, travellers can easily reach the island of St Mary’s to begin their adventure,” said the Devon and Cornwall Guide.
One Tripadvisor reviewer wrote that the “truly idyllic” archipelago offers a “quiet” life against a backdrop of “Caribbean-coloured sea, white sandy beaches and tropical flowers”.
The school holidays are usually very busy on the archipelago, so book early to avoid the crowds and price increases.