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GET AWAY FROM IT ALL ON THE ISLES OF SCILLY
Friday 1st December 2006
If you feel like stepping back in time and experiencing a simpler way of life, take a trip to the Isles of Scilly, the most south-westerly point in the British Isles. There's zero crime and back doors are left unlocked even at night. The only thing that ruffles the friendly locals is referring to their beloved home as the 'Scilly Isles' – and even then they apologise for correcting your mistake.
You see, the 2000 or so people lucky enough to call these islands their home love living here. And it's easy to see why – clean seas, pristine beaches, beautiful scenery and a climate that's one of Britain's warmest in winter and sunniest in summer. And you can hop from island to island on efficient and plentiful daily boat trips for walks, swims off uncrowded beaches, fresh seafood and sightings of seals, rare sea birds and spectacular sunsets.
Lying 28 miles off Land's End in Cornwall, there are over 100 islets, but only five islands – St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's, St Agnes and Bryher – are inhabited.
The main and largest island is St Mary's, where you can stroll around The Garrison, the island's fortified defences. The Elizabethan Star Castle, converted into a hotel in 1933, with a dungeon bar and two award-winning restaurants, crowns its ramparts.
Then there's Tresco, where there are no cars, only farm vehicles, beach buggies and bikes for hire. A real paradise, it has white sands, turquoise waters and the sub-tropical Tresco Abbey Gardens – like London's Kew Gardens but with the roof off!
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