Isles of Scilly: 10 reasons to visit UK’s answer to the Maldives | The Independent

Here are 10 reasons to start planning a trip to the Isles of Scilly.

1. It offers a touch of the tropics

Situated right in the path of the Gulf Stream, Scilly, as it is known to locals, has its own microclimate – meaning you’ll take off from drizzly mainland Britain and, all being well, land on what appears to be a sub-tropical island. Palm trees and succulents pepper the archipelago, and around every corner is a view over turquoise seas and sweeping white sands.

While temperatures rarely stray above 25C even in summer, it feels much hotter, with a holiday season that runs from March to October. Just be sure to pack a good raincoat – it may look tropical, but it’s still England.

2. You get five islands for the price of one

A trip to Scilly provides excellent value for money, because you can easily enjoy five different islands during your stay. While most people base themselves on the biggest island, St Mary’s, the other four inhabited islands are all well worth a visit. There’s upmarket Tresco with its famous abbey gardens and well-heeled resort vibe, rugged Bryher’s Atlantic-facing bays and wind-swept cliffs, untamed St Agnes and its postcard-perfect coves, and St Martin’s quaint cottages and sweeping beaches. It’s easy to get between them, with boats offering trips several times a day.

3. It’s like stepping back in time

It might only be 30 miles from Lands’ End, but sleepy Scilly feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Wildflowers tumble down stone cottages and winding lanes lead to hidden, moss-covered churches. Overgrown cricket fields give way to rocky cliff-top paths, while the roads, such as they are, are dotted with old red phone boxes and honesty stalls selling local fruit and vegetables. It’s hard to avoid feeling like you’ve travelled to Tolkien’s Shire or back to an age when everything was much simpler.

4. It’s teeming with wildlife

With no real industry, few cars and significantly more animals than humans (only around 2,000 people live on the islands), unspoilt Scilly is a nature-lovers dream. Birdwatchers come from all over the world to point their binoculars at the skies – the puffins, which decamp to the islands to breed between late April and July, are a particular draw.

When it comes to wildlife, you can get just as close in the water. Dolphins, porpoises and whales pay an occasional visit, and St Martin’s Watersports offers a magical seal…