Visit the UK’s finest staycation destination,the perfect alternative to a European break
Lying just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly are a group of sand-fringed islands bathed in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, meaning they enjoy an especially mild climate.
With their white sand beaches and clear blue seas, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d flown long haul to an exotic overseas destination rather than a 15-minute hop with Skybus from Land’s End, 30 minutes from Newquay or under an hour from Exeter. The Scillonian III ferry from Penzance takes a gentle two hours and 45 minutes.
And when you arrive, you’ll discover why the most south-westerly part of the South West is the region’s best-kept secret, with car-free roads and empty beaches enabling you to unwind and destress.
Life here moves at a slower pace, as relaxing as the rhythm of the tides, with a peace and
quiet the mainland often lacks.
Five wild, unspoiled inhabited islands are connected by inter-island ferries, with a host of other uninhabited islands to explore, all bathed in clear, turquoise waters.
Walk and explore, watch grey seals playing in the ocean and try to spot puffins, or just soak up some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see over slow-cooked, local food: every moment on Scilly is one to remember.
Your holiday feels longer when you move at a slower pace, and on Scilly, you’ll have plenty of space to relax in; yours may be the only footprints on the beach, and there are miles of coastal footpaths to wander in peace.
Discover the delights of the islands as you reconnect with nature, all of Scilly is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its rare and unusual flora and fauna are protected and maintained by the
Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.
If it’s an adventure you crave, hire a kayak to seek out a hidden cove, try snorkeling with seals, or take a wildlife safari boat to look for rare birds and wildlife.
A less strenuous day out is simply to island-hop between St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher, and St Agnes by catching one of the daily ferries, and discover the individual charms of each island at your leisure.
Fresh fish and seafood are the stars of the show amidst a wealth of local produce to enjoy, and Scilly is a gardener’s paradise with bright and colorful exotic plants thriving in the sub tropical climate.
The Isles of Scilly is famous for drawing visitors back year after year - so make 2021 the year you discover why and take your part in the story of these islands.
Isles of Scilly Travel can connect you with the islands by air with Skybus flights from Land’s End, Newquay, or Exeter, or sail on the Scillonian III ferry from Penzance.
In the light of Covid-19, all bookings are transferable with free amendments and cancellations, and both Skybus and Scillonian are operating in a Covid-secure manner with social distancing, mandatory mask-wearing, and hand sanitizing among the practices in place to ensure the safety of passengers, crews and islanders.
However you choose to make the crossing, the journey itself will be a unique part of your holiday memories.