An archipelago off the coast of Cornwall has been dubbed the 'Maldives of the UK' for its white sandy beaches and pleasant climate. The Scilly Isles, 25 miles from the mainland, are home to around 2,153 people spread across five inhabited islands: St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, Bryher and St Agnes.
Councillor Steve Simms, lead member for Economy, Transport and Tourism on the Isles of Scilly Council, described the islands as an 'odd little place' that is 'extremely beautiful'. He said that with the right weather, it 'looks like the Caribbean until you put your toes in the water', and that visitors often become 'besotted' by the stunning scenery.
The islands boast some of the mildest and warmest climates in the UK, with average July sunshine of 7.6 hours a day and summer highs reaching the high 20s or low 30s Celsius. Simms noted that the climate is 'three, four degrees warmer than Bristol in the winter and three degrees cooler in the summer'.
Wildlife includes seals, dolphins, and puffins, with a notable walrus named Wally visiting in 2021. The islands are 'quite heavily wooded', offering a choice of coastal or woodland accommodation. However, island living has drawbacks: fog can disrupt boat travel for weeks, causing issues for medical appointments and supplies. Housing is also a challenge, with the market described as 'completely broken' and median salaries around £22,000.
Despite these issues, Simms concluded that the Scilly Isles offer a 'completely different type of holiday' and are a cheaper, local alternative to the Maldives. Visitors can reach the islands by flying from Land's End, Newquay, or Exeter.
