Cornwall

Those who visit the Isles of Scilly, 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, are usually seduced into coming back time and again.

You can get there by ferry or small plane, the Isles of Scilly Skybus, and the new direct helicopters from Penzance. Once there it feels a million miles away from the rest of England.

Tresco is a great choice – with a relaxed, sophisticated vibe, and plenty to see and do. Pick of the bunch is the Abbey Garden with its tropical vegetation and Valhalla Museum displaying the eerily beautiful painted figureheads from local shipwrecks.

You'll want to get onto and into the water. As well as swimming and island hopping, visitors can sail, hire motor boats or snorkel with seals.