Isles of Scilly holidays

There are few better places to escape than the gorgeous Isles of Scilly which float just off the Cornish coast. Yes, this archipelago may be a hop, skip and a jump from the UK mainland, but it is a world apart.

With only five inhabited islands, the remaining 140 or so more are home to wildlife and seabirds. Some are popular day tripper haunts, while others rarely see a human footprint.

St Mary’s is the largest island and usually the first port of call for tourists. Hugh Town is its central hub and has a cluster of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs as well as a museum and three nearby beaches  - Porthcressa, Town Beach and Porthmellon. Old Town is the other “major” settlement on St Mary’s with a noteworthy beach and nature...