The UK’s ‘Sunshine Islands’ are an underrated destination that look like the Caribbean

If you like your holidays filled with sparkling turquoise waters and sprawling white-sand beaches, there’s no need to jet off to the Caribbean. 

Just a short trip from Cornwall, you’ll find an archipelago that will rival any tropical getaway. 

Often dubbed the ‘Sunshine Islands’, the Isles of Scilly is known for its stunning beaches and high temperatures – considered the best in the UK. 

Easily accessible by ferry, plane, or helicopter, day trips from the mainland allow visitors to soak up the island’s beauty on a tight schedule. 

And those who visit will encounter a destination ‘a window into a slower, easier way of life,’ according to Lonely Planet.

The Isles of Scilly tourism website describes them as a ‘natural wonder, like a cluster of precious ocean jewels, where nature thrives and the soul is inspired’.

Reading to pack your bags? Here’s everything you need to know.

Where are the Isles of Scilly?

Sitting just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, the archipelago is made up of 140 isles, with only five inhabited: St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher and St Agnes, and a collective population of 2,200. 

The largest of the isles, St Mary’s, is described as ‘the gateway to the islands’ – as most people start their journey there.

Hugh Town is the main centre of St Mary’s, where visitors will find a string of shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Tresco is another of Scilly’s gems, according to the tourism website the island has ‘a bit of everything’ – from ‘dramatic rocky outcrops’ to ‘romantic castle ruins’.

The two-mile-long St Martins Island boasts ‘some of the finest beaches in the British Isles’ and the smallest of the islands, Bryher, is dotted with cottages, hills and rugged cliffs.

Meanwhile, St Agnes, on the south-westerly edge of Scilly is separated from the rest of the islands by a deep water channel. Visitors can find a bird sanctuary, flower fields and a lighthouse at the island’s highest point.

What is the best way to travel to the Isles of Scilly?

An easy way to travel to the Isles of Scilly is by catching a train to Penzance in Cornwall first. National Rail runs a service to and from Paddington, with prices starting from £49 one way, while the journey itself lasts about five hours. 

From Penzance you’ll have to board a ferry, a plane or a helicopter – but the views are more than worth it. The Scillonian III Ferry is a short walk from Penzance station, or you can fly to St Mary’s and Tresco from Penzance Heliport.

Isles of Scilly Travel operates a ferry from Penzance to St. Mary’s which takes two hours and 45 minutes and standard tickets are priced £83.90.

If you don’t fancy travelling to Penzance, there are also flight options from Newquay, Exeter and Land’s End airports. A standard single Skybus flight from Land’s End to St. Mary’s costs £134, Newquay to St. Mary’s is £188.85 and Exeter to St. Mary’s is the most expensive, priced at £273.15

In comparison, flights to the Caribbean island of Barbados can cost as much as £500 when flying with Virgin Atlantic or British Airways from London.

One popular way to explore Scilly is by island hopping, there are several boat services that operate daily trips, including St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association and St Agnes Boating.

Scilly is home to over 35 beaches – so visitors are spoilt for choice

Porth Loo Beach on St. Mary’s is great for rock pooling and the island itself has nearly 10 miles of coastline. Porthcressa, Town Beach and Porthmellon are the most accessible.

One Tripadvisor reviewer Rick W commented: ‘[Porthcressa] is consistently sandy and quite gently shelving – so suitable for young children. 

‘I enjoyed swimming across the bay and between buoys. Water temperature was a fairly cool 14 degrees celsius in the summer – so fairly bracing but you quickly get used to it and will find it refreshing.’

Tresco has been a firm favourite with the royals, with Prince William and Kate Middleton visiting for a family holiday, and Princess Diana and Charles landed on the island for a break in 1989. Pentle Bay on Tresco was named one of the best ‘undiscovered’ beaches in the world. 

On Tresco you’ll also be able to have a wander through the Tresco Abbey Garden which is home to plants from every Mediterranean climate zone outdoors. Tresco is renowned for its lush climate and ability to grow tropical plants due to the influence of the Gulf Stream.

Lawrence’s Bay on St. Martins was described as ‘paradise’ by TikToker @cornwall_lover, who wrote in the caption of the video: ‘Can you believe this is here in the UK.’

Meanwhile Rushy Bay, an idyllic beach on the island of Bryher, will leave anyone thinking you were on a tropical island or somewhere in the Mediterranean when they see your holiday snaps. It was voted second in a list of the best hidden UK beaches without many crowds in a 2023 study.

St. Agnes is said to have the most rugged terrain out of the inhabited islands, including the Bar, Beady Pool and Periglis Cove.

What is the weather like on the Isles of Scilly?

Scilly has rightfully gained its ‘Sunshine Islands’ status – with it boasting some of the mildest and warmest climate in the UK.

The best months to visit fall between May and September. It has an average annual temperature of 12°C – but it can climb to just under 20°C in summer.

And, even in the latter part of the year, the islands often get late summer sun. And, when it is cooler, the stunning autumn colours, and moody seas mean this spot is still well worth a visit. If you can in October, you’re also more likely to spot seals, during their breeding season.

Where to stay on the Isles of Scilly?

Travelling in the shoulder season, in May or October, when there are fewer tourists, is a good idea if you want to grab yourself a bargain hotel stay.

St Mary’s is a great place to base yourself, as it’s the largest island with the best transport links to the mainland.

There are plenty of hotels and B&B options scattered around the islands, as listed on the tourist website.

Star Castle Hotel, perched on a hilltop above Hugh Town is a great place to soak in the views of the island. Garden Rooms, including breakfast, start at £235 per night in low season and climb to £412 in high season.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly place to stay, prices at the Bell Rock Hotel start from £99 per night.

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