Brits amazed by UK island with tropical sandy beaches – and it's great for stargazing

A 20-minute flight from a popular hotspot in England transports you to a tropical paradise (if the weather behaves).

While staycations have boomed over recent years, many Brits still take their country for granted and struggle to realise its full beauty. Yes, it may rain and yes you probably won't come back with a tan, but you can still have an amazing experience without trekking to the other side of the globe.

One famed destination, which attracts visitor from all over, looks like a postcard straight from the Maldives. But actually, you could be less than half an hour away from it without even realising.

The Isle of Scilly attracts around 125,000 visitors each year, so it's by no means a hidden gem. But, many Brits still don't know about the enchanting archipelago, which lies just off the coast of Cornwall.

The entire island group is classed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is renowned for its lack of light pollution which makes stargazing an absolute must. You can visit the COSMOS Observatory for a glimpse of the Milky Way or just look up into the dark sky to the see the stars like never before.

Isle of Scilly

The Isle of Scilly is also a great place to dive and snorkel due to its crystal clear water and varied sea life. Or, if you're wanting to just kick back on the beach, relax, and enjoy some nice seafood - you're also in the right place.

After the destination was posted on TikTok, Brits couldn't believe they were so close to it. "I'm actually so speechless," one user wrote. Another agreed, commenting: "As if! I am going to research this so I can go. It looks insane." A third added: "No way! My sister goes to Cornwall every year and has been here. Sending this to her right now, thanks." While a fourth penned: "This is one of our favourite places we've been to in the UK! It's so amazing."

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You can get to the Isle of Scilly via the skybus, which departs from Exeter, Newquay or Lands End airport. This can be rather expensive, with a return flight departing on July 1 and returning on July 8 coming to an eye-watering £273 per person.

Isle of Scilly beaches

However, getting the ferry from Penzance harbour is much cheaper, totalling £172 for the same dates. If you're flexible on when you want to visit, you can get tickets on the Scillonian for just £35pp. Accommodation on the island can be expensive too, and quickly books out. However, you could always do a day-trip to the islands from Cornwall to keep your budget down.

Are you planning a staycation or holiday abroad this summer? Let us know in the comments section below