As the UK falls deeper into cold and dark conditions, some spots in the UK enjoy better weather than others. There is one island that hasn’t been visited by many Brits that enjoyed 17C weather in November, which is a lot higher than the UK average highs of less than 12C. But if you want to get slightly warmer conditions and explore some breathtaking nature, then there is one island you should visit in the UK.
Britain is surrounded by so many islands, all of which offer something pretty unique and beautiful. But for some, this beautiful island stands out as one of the best. In fact, it joins other islands in the region that have been named the best islands to visit in the UK in 2026 by Condé Nast Traveller. But if you are looking for an escape sooner than that, then this island offers warm weather, stunning scenery and unique experiences in November and December. St Mary’s is one of the major islands that make up the Isles of Scilly.
READ MORE: The beautiful European island with 20C in November and £20 flights from the UK
READ MORE: The popular UK seaside town enjoying fresh tourism boom thanks to ‘hidden gems’ The Isles of Scilly are located off the coast of Cornwall, at the most southwestern tip of Britain. These islands, of which there are five inhabited and numerous more smaller, rocky ones, enjoy some of the best weather in the UK.
In November, you’ll enjoy highs of around 17C here. In summer, temperatures reach around 21C. Autumn is one of the best times of the year to visit these islands. 
The official tourism board for the region promises tourists a “tranquil” vibe on the islands at this time of the year compared to the busier summer season. “The scenery is stunning, with golden hues and opportunities to spot migrating birds, making it a great time for nature enthusiasts,” the organisation says.St Mary’s is one of the major islands. It is the largest of the islands and serves as its main gateway, meaning you will probably land in St Mary’s when visiting the archipelago. 
Despite its relatively small size compared to other visitor destinations in the UK, St Mary’s has plenty to offer visitors. There are several amazing beaches here, including Pelistray Bay, Porth Arlo, Old Town Bay and Porthloo.
Meanwhile, some of the best nature spots on the island include walking trails that take you around the coast of the island. Nature and history are often blended when visiting the highlights of St Mary’s. While you immerse yourself in fascinating stories, you also get treated to insanely beautiful views. Examples of this include the Neolithic burial chambers of Innisidgen, the Bronze Age burial chamber and village at Bant’s Carn and Halangy Down, and the Bronze Age passage grave at Porth Hellick Down, to name a few. 
For those interested in a bit of a thrill, there are opportunities to swim and kayak in the waters surrounding the island. Meanwhile, Hugh Town is where you will find cafes, shops and pubs to eat, drink and browse in.
St Mary’s is perhaps the best hub for exploring the five inhabited islands of the Isles of Scilly. There are regular boat services between the islands, meaning you can do easy day trips to each of them. 
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