The UK's only tropical islands known as 'sunshine isles' with white sands (original) (raw)

The UK has its own answer to paradise in the Isles of Scilly - a group of 140 amazing islands, of which only five are populated.

The Isles of Scilly offer a perfect relaxing getaway

For those looking for a stunning island getaway where time moves slower, you don’t have to go as far as the Maldives or the Caribbean to find it.

The UK has its own answer to these island paradises in the Isles of Scilly - a group of 140 amazing islands, of which only five are populated.

Located in the Gulf Stream, it the islands one of the mildest climates in the UK. Often referred to as the sunshine isles, they benefit from more hours of sun than anywhere else in the UK - averaging 7.6 hours a day in July.

Nestled near Penzance in Cornwall, this archipelago has a landscape that is ever-changing, from golden sands to sweeping hills. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday which you can spend sunning yourself, or dipping your toes in the refreshing and crystal clear Atlantic Ocean.

St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, Bryher and St Agnes are the five populated islands in the archipelago and each has a distinctly different feel to it - all though all five share the relaxed island time vibe and the best weather in the UK.

To get the most out of a trip to these peaceful islands, you should book a week or two - maybe more if you want to take it really easy.

You can start your trip on St Mary’s as most people do, as this island hosts the main airport and ferry dock for the Isles. It’s also the only island which allows cars - but there’s only one petrol pump and the vehicles are only for residents, so the best way to get around is to book a taxi or hire a bike and get the lay of the land that way.

Once you’ve had your fill of the isolated beaches of St Mary’s, you could head over to St Martin’s by ferry. This island only has one road which runs through it, so expect a quiet relaxing getaway. You could wander down the white sands of Lawrence Bay and take in the bracing sea air as sailing boats bob in the crystal clear waters, or maybe take a visit to Middletown Barn where local artists and brands peddle their wares. There’s everything from skincare to charm bracelets to be found.

St Marys walk Peninnis Head looking toward St Agnes (

Image:

Western Morning News)

St Martin’s is also home to an observatory which will allow you to bask in the incredible beauty of the clear night sky. With so little light pollution across the islands, the stars will take your breath away. The observatory has two domes - one for deep sky viewing and the other for solar viewing.

Next up is Bryher - a bird watchers paradise due to its tiny population. Just 80 people live on this island and the local bird population is thriving. This miniature island is just a mile and a half long and surrounded by the crisp Atlantic ocean. You can hire paddle boards and kayaks on the island, perfect for exploring round the coast of this stunning part of the UK.

Then of course who can forget Tresco? This island has a slightly different feel to the rest of the islands, as its more popular with families and busier than the other spots.

View of Tresco (

Image:

Western Morning News)

Families flock to this island to pedal bicycles around its beautifully manicured gardens and abandoned castles. It’s also home to the jaw-dropping Tresco Abbey Garden which boasts incredible subtropical plants from countries as far as New Zealand and South America.

Finally there’s the final frontier of the Isles of Scilly in St Agnes. Separated by the rest of the islands by a deep water channel this wild island feels more isolated than the rest. It’s packed with ancient flower fields, and countless shipwrecks buried beneath the waves.

Artists and crafters have their own studios on this island which house trinkets and treasures abound - including jewellery made fom items found while beach combing.

To explore the incredible Isles of Scilly, you can take the train from Paddington to Penzance then hop aboard one of the ferries or flights over to St Mary’s. From there, each island hosts an island hopping boat which will take you to one or all of the other populated islands.