As Britain enters the latter stages of winter, plenty of us begin yearning for a getaway from the dismal conditions, and there happens to be a remarkable destination just a brief journey from the British mainland. The Isles of Scilly comprise five tropical islands that appear more Mediterranean than British despite forming part of England.
This means no passport is required for your visit, and the journey takes slightly under two hours from London to reach these stunning islands. Situated merely 28 miles off Cornwall, they're renowned for their light sandy shores and gorgeous coastal wildflowers that flourish for extended periods thanks to the mild climate.
Yaya, a travel specialist and creator of Hand Luggage Only, has declared the Isles of Scilly her "absolute favourite" English islands to explore.
She said: "This small group of islands is a heavenly little place to explore. Blessed with pristine waters, a good dose of sunshine and a proper charming landscape that will make you want to stay forever."
The combined population across all the islands stands at merely 2,300, with the majority residing on St Mary island, though modest communities exist on the remaining islands of Tresco, St Martin's, St Agnes and Bryher, reports the Express.
Each island operates its own ferry service, and travelling between them proves straightforward, allowing visitors to experience several locations within a single day. It's an ideal spot to unwind on near-deserted beaches, where swimming, picnicking, and all manner of seaside pursuits can be enjoyed.
For those with a taste for adventure, St Martin's is famed for its grey seal colony, offering the unique opportunity to snorkel alongside these creatures in their natural habitat, with shipwrecks visible beneath the waves.
The islands are renowned for their exotic flora, and a visit to Tresco Abbey Garden is a must. This former monastery has been transformed into a stunning garden, housing thousands of plant species from across the globe.
Over on St Martin's, you can pop into the vineyard for a wine tasting session, all whilst soaking up breathtaking cliffside vistas over the Eastern Isles.
St Mary's also boasts a riding centre, where you can enjoy a thrilling horse ride along the coastline under expert guidance.
A wealth of water sports are on offer around the islands too, including paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing and wildlife tours to spot seabirds.
But don't miss out on stargazing at least once during your stay – the night sky here is truly spectacular due to minimal light pollution.
The Isles of Scilly are among the UK's most distinctive destinations, making them the ideal getaway for anyone seeking respite from the chilly winter weather.
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