Britain’s only island archipelago, the magical Isles of Scilly lie just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall. St Mary’s, the largest of the five inhabited islands, is a delight with white sand beaches, tranquil waters and stunning seascapes. The attractive village of Hugh Town, considered the ‘capital’, is the hub of the islands’ activity. The second largest and the only privately-owned island is Tresco, where, in the glorious Abbey Gardens, some 20,000 exotic species thrive in the sub-tropical climate. Optional excursions explore both St. Mary’s and Tresco, two of the beautiful cluster of islands that are worlds apart from everyday life.