The Isles of Scilly lie a mere 22 nautical miles west of Cornwall but seem a world away; their exotic scenery, a Gulf Stream-blessed climate, and a generous helping of palm trees seem more in keeping with a Mediterranean paradise than a British archipelago – when the sun shines.
This collection of small islands clusters around a shallow turquoise lagoon edged with white-sand beaches, clear waters, tropical plants and star-studded skies.
In less clement weather they may show another side – wild, windswept heaths and spray-soaked cliffs; but also sheltered, comfortable cottages with warm log fires dotted along narrow winding lanes more akin to tracks. Visitors come to spot basking sharks, puffins, seals, dolphins and rare birds. They swim, sail, canoe, dive, windsurf, and fish; they walk, cycle and pony…
