Day One: Portsmouth, UNITED KINGDOM
Portsmouth, also known as Pompey, is home to three historically significant ships: HMS Victory, Nelson’s renowned flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar; HMS Warrior, the first ironclad warship; and the Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s warship that sank in the Solent near Southsea Castle. These remarkable vessels are housed at the Historic Dockyard, the home of the Royal Navy and the site of the world’s first dry dock. The Historic Dockyard is one of the top ten visitor attractions in the UK.
However, Portsmouth is more than just a city of history. It is a vibrant university city with much to offer both visitors and residents. The city boasts a Premier League football team, a stunning seafront, excellent shopping, and a diverse range of restaurants, pubs, and bars.
Portsmouth is also home to the tallest publicly accessible structure in the UK, the Spinnaker Tower, which stands proudly on the edge of Portsmouth Harbour at Gunwharf Quays. The harbour itself has served as a backdrop for numerous films and television programmes, including Tomorrow Never Dies (James Bond), Oscar and Lucinda, Making Waves, Silent Witness, Mr Bean, and EastEnders. The surrounding area was also extensively used in the filming of Tommy, The Who’s legendary rock opera.
Day Two: St Peter Port, GUERNSEY
The picturesque capital of Guernsey proves that you don’t need to travel to the Caribbean to find white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. St Peter Port is both charming and atmospheric, brimming with vibrant floral displays, quaint stone churches, and brightly painted boats. Summers here are typically sunny and pleasantly warm, so the weather is rarely a concern.
As the capital of Guernsey, St Peter Port is where much of the island’s buzz can be found. This is best experienced by wandering its cobbled streets, pausing to take in the stunning scenery and perhaps capturing a few photographs along the way. Originally French, with its historical name being St. Pierre Port, the town dates back at least 800 years, with its ancient stone castle and maze-like streets serving as a reminder of its past.
After exploring the historic castle, why not embrace local tradition by enjoying a cream tea, perhaps accompanied by a refreshing glass of cider? If the weather is on your side, few things are more invigorating than a hike along Guernsey’s dramatic cliffs, offering breathtaking views of wildflowers, sandy shores, and the sparkling English Channel.
For those keen to explore further, the tiny island of Herm is just a 20-minute boat ride away. This tranquil retreat is home to no cars, one pub, a handful of cows, some puffins, and around 50 residents.
But don’t be deceived by St Peter Port’s nostalgic charm—this seaside town has earned a reputation as a foodie paradise. From casual beachside cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants, visitors can indulge in delicious, locally sourced cuisine that reflects the island’s rich culinary heritage.
Day Three: Tresco, Isles of Scilly, UNITED KINGDOM
For many visitors, Tresco is considered the most beautiful of the Isles of Scilly, largely due to its stunning Abbey Garden. This extraordinary garden is home to thousands of exotic plant species from around 80 different countries. It was established in the 1830s by plant collector Augustus Smith on the site of an old Benedictine Abbey. By constructing a network of walled enclosures around the Priory ruins, he was able to channel the weather up and over the gardens, creating a unique microclimate. He also carved three terraces from the rocky southern slope to make the most of Tresco’s mild Gulf Stream climate. Even in the depths of winter, hundreds of plants continue to bloom here.
Another fascinating feature of the Abbey Garden is its remarkable collection of figureheads from ships that were wrecked around the Isles of Scilly, offering a poignant reminder of the area’s maritime history.
Day Four: Calf of Man, Isle of Man, UNITED KINGDOM
There is no calf on the Calf of Man. The name of this small island, located just off the Isle of Man, has nothing to do with cows. It originates from the Old Norse word kalfr, meaning a small island near a larger one. Covering just 250 hectares (618 acres), the Calf of Man is separated from its larger neighbour by a narrow stretch of water.
Four lighthouses were built on the island and nearby rocks to guide passing ships. While vessels may avoid the treacherous waters, grey seals thrive here, using the rocky outcrops to rest and swim among. Though there are no calves, a small number of Manx Loaghtan sheep roam the island. These rare, multi-horned sheep are descendants of primitive breeds once found across Scotland and the surrounding islands.
Once a private sheep run, the Calf of Man was donated as a bird sanctuary and is now managed by Manx National Heritage. During the summer months, wardens live in the island’s old farmhouse to monitor wildlife, research bird populations, care for the sheep, and keep an eye out for brown rats. These unwelcome visitors arrived in 1871 after escaping a sinking ship and quickly became a major threat to seabird chicks. However, thanks to a successful rat eradication programme, seabird numbers have rebounded.
One of the most remarkable species found here is the Manx shearwater, which breeds between March and August. Named after its strong presence in the waters around the Isle of Man, this seabird is best spotted from a boat, as it only returns to its nesting burrows under cover of darkness. Gliding just above the surface, it appears to be ‘shearing’ the water—a truly mesmerising sight.
Day Five: Lunga, UNITED KINGDOM
Day Five: Iona, UNITED KINGDOM
Day Six: Inverie, Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM
Day Seven: Shiant Islands, Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM
Day Seven: Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM
Day Eight: St. Kilda, UNITED KINGDOM
Day Eight: Boreray Island cruising, UNITED KINGDOM
Day Nine: Fair Isle, Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM
Day Ten: Farne Islands, UNITED KINGDOM
Day Ten: Lindisfarne Island, UNITED KINGDOM
Day Eleven: Edinburgh (Leith), UNITED KINGDOM
