Look west from the cliffs near Lands End in Cornwall on a fine day and you will discern, low on the horizon but quite clearly, a group of islands sitting in the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. The stretch of water which separates this tiny archipelago from the mainland serves to maintain the unique character that is the Isles of Scilly.

Spring arrives early and summer lingers on in this group of beautiful islands; the plant and bird life bear testimony to this.

St Mary’s: the largest Island, provides the hub from which the other, "off islands" are serviced. Though boasting terrific beaches, gentle walks and dazzling seascapes of its own, the harbour is the focal point for the traditional launches which ply between St Mary’s and the off islands. St Mary’s has a number of hotels, guesthouses and self-catering apartments; cafes, restaurants and pubs; and numerous shops, studios and galleries.

Tresco: the only privately owned Island, with its sub-tropical plant life in the famous Abbey Gardens, meticulously maintained, it is difficult to believe you are only a stone’s throw away from over two thousand miles of open ocean. Figureheads and carvings, salvaged from wrecks from a century or more ago are on display at the Valhalla museum. Tresco has a hotel, an inn and self catering accommodation, a post office/general store and gallery.

Bryher: The smallest of the inhabited islands, Bryher is situated to the west of Tresco. It is often described as an island of contrasts, with the awe inspiring Hell Bay on the western coast facing the full force of the Atlantic, a spectacular sight after a storm; the eastern shoreline is a sheltered channel that runs between Bryher and Tresco. Bryher is a perfect place to take a picnic; walk the island, scramble on the rocks and feel the sand between your toes. Bryher offers a hotel, guesthouses and self catering accommodation, cafes, the Golden Eagle Studio and a general store/post office.

St Martin’s: known for its long sandy beaches looking out to the sheltered, clear blue waters of St Mary’s Sound, making it perfect for bathing. St Martin’s is the first island you see when arriving from the mainland by sea or air, with its distinguishing Day Mark, built in 1687 as a guide to shipping. St Martin’s is also the home to the most southerly vineyard and winery in Britain; a bakery, cafes, a pub, a post office/general store, galleries, a hotel, guesthouses and self catering accommodation.

St Agnes: With its light house standing prominently at the highest point of the island. St Agnes is the smallest populated island, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A walk around the island will take you to Troy Town Maze – a labyrinth of small stones arranged by a lighthouse keeper in 1729 and on to Beady Pool, where brown, and black & white beads dating back to the 17th Century washed ashore from the old wreck of a merchant ship can still occasionally be found, or walk across the sand bar and explore Gugh at low tide. St Agnes offers a pub, guesthouses, self catering accommodation, cafes, a general store/post office, and farm shops.

For the keen sailor, why not hire a sailing boat, or dinghy with an outboard and see the Islands at your own pace. Boat hire is available on St Mary’s, St Martin’s, Tresco and Bryher. Sailing lessons are also on offer on St Mary’s and Tresco.

All the Islands offer daily boat trips to the other Islands; circular trips around the uninhabited Islands to see the birds – including puffins and seals, or why not take a high speed trip around the islands in a jet boat.

Travel to the Isles of Scilly is by air, either a small fixed winged aircraft from various airports or by helicopter from Penzance, you can also travel by sea from Penzance.

The accommodation on offer ranges from self-catering through guesthouses and hotels. It can be a mine field booking accommodation on the Isles of Scilly so take recommendations from people who have been there before. Alternatively, seek out an accommodation agent who is based on the islands, they will be much better placed to personally arrange everything for you, ensuring your holiday is all that it ought to be.