With their soft, white sandy beaches, oceanic views, Mediterranean plant life and rocky scenery, these could easily be mistaken for the Maldives. But Brits might be stunned to discover this tropical paradise with amazing views and clear skies - perfect for stargazing - are in fact just 30 miles off the Cornish coast. The Isles of Scilly, less than half an hour from airports in the South West of England, offer Brits an amazing experience without trekking to the other side of the globe.
Attracting more than 125,000 visitors each year, they're perhaps not a hidden gem. But social media videos revealing its beauty left Brits gobsmacked at how close they were to the five island. One user wrote: "I'm actually so speechless.
" Another agreed, adding: "As if! I am going to research this so I can go. It looks insane." The enchanting archipelago 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. It is also boasts crystal clear water and varied sea life and stunning views for those wanting to kick back on the beach, relax, and enjoy fresh seafood. Pockets of historical relics such as Roman brooches and Gallic clay statuettes have been found across the five islands, which lie in the Atlantic Ocean.
You can get to the Isle of Scilly via the skybus, which depar.
