William and Kate are spending their family vacation on these British islands
Aug 6, 2020 • 2 min read
The Cambridges are vacationing on the Isles of Scilly © Comic Relief/BBC Children in Need/Comic Relief via Getty Images
Like many people worldwide, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have opted to enjoy a "staycation" this summer, and have chosen to bring their children to the Isles of Scilly off the southwest coast of England. In doing so, Prince William is revisiting a beloved holiday destination from his own childhood.
Located 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly are comprised of around 140 tiny islands. Only five islands are inhabited: St Mary's is the largest, followed by Tresco, while only a few residents remain on Bryher, St Martin's and St Agnes. They are renowned for their great beaches, which should appeal to the royal children, Prince George (7), Princess Charlotte (5) and Prince Louis (2). The Cambridges are reportedly staying at an old stone rectory on the island of Tresco, which was once owned by the monks of Tavistock Abbey.
In 1989, Prince William was pictured exploring the archipelago by bicycle with his father Charles, mother Diana and brother Harry.
English exotica: a guide to the Isles of Scilly
According to the Mirror newspaper, William and Kate also cycled across Tresco on this trip and said hello to the locals they passed. It is not the first time they have visited, because the Cambridges carried out an official trip back in 2016, where they toured Tresco Abbey Gardens, the island's fabulous subtropical garden and its main attraction.
It is likely that the Cambridges will enjoy good weather as Tresco has one of the mildest climates in the UK, enabling it to support a range of exotic flora. If the royal visitors decide to island-hop, it will be easy to do so as regular ferry boats run between all five islands.
Lockdowns are easing globally as the planet adjusts to a new normal. Find out how COVID-19 is changing travel.
You might also like:
Buckingham Palace is selling a gin with botanicals picked from the palace’s gardens
The Queen played a prank on unsuspecting American visitors
Explore related stories
Destination Practicalities
21 local tips to know before traveling to EnglandNov 21, 2024 • 9 min read
- CyclingFrom the Highlands to the islands, here’s how to get around Scotland
Oct 15, 2024 • 9 min read
- HikingHiked the Camino? Here are 7 pilgrimages to consider for your next challenge
Aug 23, 2024 • 9 min read