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.