Host your Image : skstube.com Getting away from it all doesn't always have to involve taking a flight to a far-flung exotic location. Instead holidaymakers can indulge their island fantasies and eke out the last of days of sunshine on a break much closer to home, by discovering Britain's lesser known isles. Forget Anglesey, the Isle of Wight or Jersey, while these treasures are appreciated by those in the know, the British isles boasts a staggering 139 permanently inhabited islands. Here MailOnline Travel rounds up the surprising and untouched paradise islands, ready to be explored this autumn. You'd be forgiven for mistaking pictures of the St Agnes' white sandy beaches and azure shores for the Mediterranean. In fact this stunning gem is one of the five inhabited islands in this Cornish archipelago. Flying from Land's End airport to St Mary's, visitors can embark on an exotic adventure,at the very edge of Britain. What to do Unspoilt St Agnes is a tranquil haven, ideal for ramblers and birdwatchers keen to explore its sandy coves. Kids might enjoy treasure hunting along Beady Pool beach which is littered with earthenware beads from a Dutch cargo ship which was wrecked nearby in the 17th century. Where to stay There are a handful of bed and breakfast inns to choose from on the island or if drifting off to sleep to the sound of crashing waves sounds more soothing, then Troytown Campsite offers a chance to pitch up with views out to sea of seals swimming by. Sticking with the far-flung Cornish wilds, a stay on the family-owned island of Tresco allows visitors to indulge their fantasies of being adrift from the world's hustle and bustle, just 30 miles off the English coast. What to do Measuring two and a half miles long, with its sandy beaches, exotic gardens and woodland, Tresco is ideal for walks and outdoor sports. Tresco Sailing Centre provides equipment hire and tuition for windsurfing, sailing, boat and kayaking in the summer months. Guests can also boat share a PowerCat 525 Catamaran to explore the Scillies turquoise waters and hidden coves on each visit. Alongside sub-tropical lush greenery, Abbey Garden has an island spa tounwind in. For art enthusiasts, Gallery Tresco showcases the work of many leading artists, ceramicists and jewellers. Where to stay Tresco offers accommodations to suit all types of travellers whether you're looking for a family escape or a romantic bolthole. Sea Garden Cottages comprises nine, one-bedroom cottages available at a nightly rate (with the choice of self-catering, bed & breakfast or dinner, bed & breakfast), seven beautifully-appointed rental cottages (sleeping up to 10) available on a weekly basis, and nine timeshare properties. Flying Boat Club is a collection of New England-inspired beachfront houses with a clubhouse bar and restaurant with a swimming pool and spa. Each property has its own private garden overlooking the sea. Picturesque Lindisfarne is a shutterbug's perfect idyll. There's a romantic castle, a priory and a harbour with upturned fishing boats strewn along it to capture on camera in sweeping photographs. The castle which dates back to 1550 sits atop a volcanic mound and is managed by the National Trust. Nature lovers should bring their wellies to get exploring the island's mudflats, saltmarshes and dunes which make up Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. Where to stay There are several friendly accommodation options to choose from on the island including Bamburgh View bed and breakfast and Lindisfarne Hotel. At just a mile and a half long and half a mile wide, off the coast of Guernsey, car-free and crowd-free Herm is one of the least explored islands in the British Isles. Holidaymakers to Jersey and Guernsey can take a boat or ferry trip across to this neighbouring hidden gem which was once a monastic heartland. The last British outcrop between the Bristol Channel and America, Lundy island is a farflung treasure on the North Devon coast. Rugged and isolated, the island is thriving with natural wildlife and fauna. What to do Holidaymakers in search of a relaxing stay can explore the village and tavern or take a step back in time as Lundy is littered with tourist monuments and listed buildings from the Bronze Age, Medieval times and beyond. Catering for everyone, thrill seekers can also enjoy climbing Devil's Slide while they're on the island. Arran has enough regions and activities to fill a half term with food, family and outdoor activities at the heart of its offering. cenic Mull is blessed with an array of visitors from the animal kingdom making the most of its number of beaches. On your visit you'll be sharing the island and its waters with seals, whales, dolphins, eagles, otters, red deer and sea birds.

• published: 11 Oct 2015
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