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Wild landscapes, white sand beaches, turquoise waters and a balmy Gulf Stream-enhanced climate – the Scillies feel like a world away but in fact, they're just 28 miles off the southwestern tip of Cornwall.
An archipelago of a little more than 100 tiny islands in the Atlantic, just five of the Scilly islands are inhabited by only 2,000 people – St Mary’s, St Martin’s, Tresco, Bryher and St Agnes - and all differ wildly in character.
The Duchy of Cornwall owns most of the land on these isles, which accounts for both its unspoilt, stuck-in-time nature – and the undeniable expense of staying here.
But this is more than made up for the splendid isolation of these islands – no naff attractions, beach clubs, glitz or glamour are found here.
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You’ll adopt a simpler, slower pace of life that takes in salty swims, bracing bike rides, fresh lobster lunches and snorkelling with seals – just the tonic for weary Londoners.
History buffs will have plenty to keep them occupied too – the Scilly Isles has been inhabited since the Stone Age and is peppered with ancient burial sites across its hilltops and castle ruins.
Click through our gallery above to find out why you should head to these blustery islands this summer.
Pictures from alamy.com
Follow Kate on Twitter @kate_lough and Instagram @kateloughtravel