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The stunning islands 28 miles from England that are the UK's 'mini Caribbean'

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Brits looking for their next may not be aware of the stunning UK islands that are a short distance from the coast of England and look like they have been plucked straight out of . Staycations became popular during the pandemic and have remained a favourite for many British holidaymakers. However, there are still places in the UK that many people aren't aware of, and they are places that offer up some amazing experiences and scenery.

One of those places is the Isles of Scilly, which are located just 28 miles off the English coast near , somewhere travel publication Wolrd Day calls a "hidden Caribbean paradise". The archipeligo is made up of a staggering 150 islands and has a population of just over 2,000 people, making it a proper rural escape. The majority of those residents live on the island of St. Mary's but there are people living on some of the other islands as well. To get here from Cornwall, visitors should take the ferry from Penzance. Alternatively, the islands can also be reached by taking a short flight from Land's End, Newquay, or Exeter Airport.

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In terms of things to do when visiting the Isles of Scilly, you will be kept busy. The top-rated attraction there is Tresco Abbey Garden & Valhalla Collection. This sub-tropical space is home to a huge number of plant species that make you feel like you are on the other side of the world from the UK.

Meanwhile, the Valhalla Collection contains 30 figureheads, as well as name boards and other decorative ships' carvings from the days of sailing. Many ships have been wrecked near the Isles of Scilly over the centuries and here, you can learn all about that and more.

What allows Tresco to thrive is the Isles if Scilly's unique microclimate, making it far different form the rest of the UK. This is caused by the warming North Atlantic Drift, creating an atmosphere where palm trees are the norm and where temperatures are always significantly higher than the rest of Britain. It's the UK's very own "mini-Caribbean".

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Other attractions on the Isles of Scilly include Bant's Carn Burial Chamber and Halangy Down Ancient Village, which is is a Bronze Age entrance grave located on a steep slope on the island of St. Mary's.

There is also the old Garrison Walls which previous visitors have said ffers up "fantastic views".

For those seeking some thrill and adventure, there are plenty of ways to get active when visiting the Isles of Scilly. One of those is by taking a trek along the beach with St. Mary's Riding Centre.

There is also Kernow Coasteering, something that will offer up a dose of adrenaline for visitors who like to be in the water. Meanwhile, tourists can also take on some sailing at The Sailing Centre.

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On St. Martin's, there is plenty of watersports to be enjoyed. But for lovers, this is also the place to be.

One of the best attractions on the Isles of Scilly is St. Martin's Vineyard, Winery and Visitor Centre. Visitors can explore the fields before enjoying a flight of wines to tatse. This vineyard produces white, red and so there is something for all kinds of wine lovers.

Additionally, the Isles of Scilly are known for their scenic , including Pentle Bay, Gugh Bar, Porth Askin, Par Beach and Great Bay, to name a few.

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