Get Lost in Britain's Island Escapes

Isles laced with golden beaches, adventure walks and perfume-making monks

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. August 03, 2009

NEW YORK, NY, August 4, 3009 - Island getaways aren't all about sandy coves scattered with palapas and umbrella drinks. VisitBritain, the national tourist office for England, Scotland and Wales wants travelers to discover island escapes showcasing the country's adventure, history and wildlife.

The Isles of Scilly

See a unique side to Britain this summer and head to one of five islands located just off the southwestern tip of England. St Mary's - the largest of the five isles is the hub of activity and boasts stunning coastal trails, adventure activities and arts & craft galleries. From March 29 - April 4, 2010, take part in "Walk Scilly" which hosts themed guided walks like archaeology and flora/fauna around the island.

On the two mile long island of St. Martin's visitors can dine at the Michelin starred restaurant St.Martin's on the Isle Hotel at Lower Town. A Scilly Isles must is Tresco Abbet Garden, a flourishing escapade of 20,000 exotic plants, which do not usually survive on mainland Britain and bring many different types of wildlife to the island. The Isles of Scilly are teeming with value hotels, B&Bs and guest houses. Bargain hunters can get ocean views for as little as $70 a night, including breakfast at stays like the Rose Cottage which over looks St. Mary's harbor and is close to many shops, restaurants and pubs www.scillyrose.co.uk. For more, visit www.simplyscilly.co.uk

The Channel Islands

As Britain's most southerly group of islands, the Channel Islands consists of Jersey and Guernsey. Guernsey, lies 27 miles north of France and is a self-governing island with loyalties to the British crown. St Peter Port is Guernsey's capital and is well known for being a lively harbor town with a range of diverse architectural styles that gives insight into the Island's changing fortunes and culture. A must visit is the famous French poet Victor Hugo's house and gardens www.victorhugo.gg/hauteville-house. After a day of sightseeing, travelers can rest up at Old Government House Hotel & Spa: a 19th century grand house which was formerly the official residence of the Governor www.theoghhotel.com. For more information on Guernsey visit www.visitguernsey.com

Jersey, Britain's most southerly island, is often said to be the sunniest place in Britain and home to a wide range of well preserved beaches like St Aubins, St Ouen's and Green Island - the locals favorite south facing sheltered suntrap! See all of the island's top attractions for just $50 with the Jersey Pass. This gets you into 15 of Jersey's top attractions including Mont Orgueil Castle, Jersey War Tunnels and La Mare Wine Estate to name a few. For further information on Jersey and to buy the Jersey Pass, visit www.jeresy.com

Shetland Islands

Travel to the northernmost part of Scotland and head to the Shetland Islands-- a wildlife haven that offers the best wildlife watching. From seabirds to Killer Whales, there's an unparalleled display of rare sub-artic flora. For travelers serious about wildlife, Shetland is a must visit! For more information and to book a wildlife vacation visit www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk. The wonderfully sharp ice carved landscape has been home to both the Celts and Vikings, has seen over 6,000 years of life and is now an archeologists place of worship. Historical highlights include, Jarlshof - a prehistoric and Norse settlement, Muness Castle, Fort Charlotte and Mousa Broch: the best preserved broch in all of Scotland.

While in Shetland, get great accommodation value by staying at the Herrislea House Hotel www.herrisleahouse.co.uk for $60 per night including breakfast or the Burrastow House www.burrastowhouse.co.uk, an 18th Century Country House, set in a stunning location by the sea, known for good food, walks and wildlife, for as little as $80 per night including breakfast! Visit www.visitshetland.com for a complete guide to all events, attractions, where to stay, history and life of the Shetland Islands.

The Inner and Outer Hebrides

The Inner and Outer Hebrides are Scotland's most well known group of islands with silver beaches, Gaelic heritage, sea lochs, outdoor activities and wonderful places to unwind. The Isle of Lewis is the largest and busiest of the Outer Hebridean islands, stuffed with must see world class archaeological sites including the Neolithic Callanish Stones which predates Egyptian Pyramids, a Pictish roundhouse and a Norse mill house. While on Lewis, stay at The Park Guest House, a fine example of a Scottish stone-built Victorian townhouse for as little as $80 dollars a night. Check it out at www.theparkguesthouse.co.uk. For all things Lewis, visit www.isle-of-lewis.com

If you fancy staying closer to land, then check out the Isle of Skye - the largest and most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides. Travel to Skye between October 3rd to 18th and take part in the Highland Archaeology Festival -a packed program of guided walks, talks, children's and special events throughout Skye, celebrating the archaeology, history and culture of the Scottish Highlands. For more information on Skye and where to stay, visit www.skye.co.uk.

Anglesey

Just off of the northwest coast of Wales, Anglesey has been populated by Druids, Romans, Irish, Vikings, Saxons, Normans, the English and Welsh and as a result has obtained an abundance of history. History buffs will be kept occupied for hours upon hours by visiting historic attractions such as Beaumaris Castle, Penmon Priory and Plas Newydd.

Another way to explore Anglesey is to walk along the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path: a developing long distance route that covers much of Anglesey's coastline www.angleseycoastpath.com. Along the way, why not take a short break at one of Anglesey's golden beaches - some of the most popular beaches include, Llandwyn, Borth Wen, Rhosneiger and the family favorite, Benllech beach.

After a day of exploring the island, why not delve into one of Angelsey's local restaurants or pubs showcasing the best of its local fare, like the Ship Inn - set in a striking location right on the shore of Red Wharf Bay www.shipinnredwharfbay.co.uk. For those who love food and happen to be around in October 10th-11th, check out the Anglesey Oyster and Welsh Produce Festival. For more information visit www.angleseyoysterfestival.com. To get a complete rundown of things to do in Anglesey, visit www.visitanglesey.co.uk.

Caldey Island

Just a stones throw away from the south Welsh coastline; Caldey Island is one of Britain's most holy islands, occupied by orders of monks since the Stone Age. For those seeking peace and tranquility, Caldey is must with two medieval churches and an old priory. Visiting the lighthouse will provide you with spectacular views or if you want to relax on the sea front, visit the golden beach at Priory Bay. And let's not forget to check out the local perfumes and sweets made on the island by the monks. For everything Caldey, visit www.caldey-island.co.uk.

VisitBritain markets Britain to the rest of the world and England to the British, building value of tourism by creating world-class destination brands and marketing campaigns. It also builds partnerships with - and provides insights to - other organizations which have a stake in British and English tourism.