The ethereal shimmer of the quartz-encrusted sand as you step off the boat in the Isles of Scilly is the stuff of fairytales. Rather than mermaids, though, the oiled bodies on rocks are those of fat, grey seals, or perhaps even a walrus. Wally, all the way from the Arctic Circle, was arguably the worst-behaved guest on Scilly a couple of years ago, and amused himself by merrily swamping islanders’ boats during his stay.
The islands are popular with the royals, but with rustic ecocamps, wild campsites and homely B&Bs, you don’t need a Royal Mint to enjoy travel in Scilly. (That being said, you can stay in a castle.) Think luxury on a budget. Views you’ll remember for a lifetime accompanied by freshly sourced food washed down with a glass of something cool from the local brewery.
