In the Isles of Scilly life is governed by the tides. Low tide, on a fine sunny day, is so picturesque as to take your breath away – deep beaches of white sand, green sea over shallow sandbanks, each tiny island stretching out to meet another. Take a motor launch trip (scillyboating.co.uk) from St Mary’s to Tresco or Bryher in the morning when the tide is high but just turning; if you get your timing right, by late afternoon the water will be too low for the 20-minute direct trip back, and your skipper will take you on a fantastic voyage ‘around the back’ of Bryher and Samson, out between the shipwreck-strewn Northern Rocks, with waves and wash even on calm days, with seals and lobster-pot buoys bobbing - exhilerating. On your return to St. Mary's, go for a fine dinner with the best sunset view ever at The Boat Shed (the-boatshed.co.uk) in Porthmellon.

uk, scilly isles
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For a day or a stay the island of St Martin's in the Scilly Isles is a treat. The walking is delightful; coastal paths give ever-changing breathtaking views or you can criss-cross the island through heather-laden moorland. Great Bay hosts a stunning beach with clear waters and soft white sands. On a hot day you could almost be in the Caribbean until you test the chill of the water! Stick with it for a swim and your body will tingle. For adventure try St Mary's Dive School (scillydiving.com) for snorkelling with seals There is a choice of places to stay including a campsite and self-caterers can buy home-ground veg from a roadside stalls complete with an honesty box. Unwind with a bottle of wine from St Martin's Vineyard (stmartinsvineyard.co.uk).

Isles of Scilly, St Martin's
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