St George’s Island, Looe
A mile around and a mile out to sea, the 22.5 acre island has been an ancient pilgrimage site, a smugglers haunt, home to two elderly sisters and now a safe haven and conservation area for the abundant wildlife. In summer a boat runs trips out to the island from Looe harbour. See it from the terrace of The Inn on the Shore at Downderry, a few miles east of Looe. Downderry, Torpoint, Cornwall, PL11 3JY.
Godrevy Island, Hayle
As dreamy as all the pictures you’ve seen. Inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s novel To the Lighthouse and home to the iconic tall, white Trinity Light that was built in 1859. See it from Porthminster Beach Cafe in St Ives at dusk on a summer’s evening. Porthminster Beach, St. Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2EB.
Toldu Island, Mullion Cove
An island of dark rock formed from ancient Pillow Lava contrasts with the blue sea and white breakers. Home to large colonies of seabirds and a renowned diving site, the uninhabited island stands half a mile out sea from the harbour at Mullion Cove on The Lizard. See it from The Mullion Cove Hotel while sipping something long and cool as the sun goes down. Mullion Cove, Lizard Peninsular, Cornwall, TR12 7EP, 01326 240328.
Gull Rock Island, Trebarwith Strand
Just off the coast at this very pretty village near Tintagel, the tiny island is by virtue of its name a haven for birds of the squawking variety. Looking slightly like a Labrador’s head poking up through the waves, the island is best seen while enjoying a pint of local beer at the Port William Inn. Trebarwith Strand nr Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HB.
St Michael’s Mount, Penzance
Yes, the one and only. Home to a fairytale castle, tropical gardens with oversized plants and enough magical mystery to fill a Harry Potter book. There’s nothing quite like the sight of the island looming out of the water while you enjoy a drop of cider from the elevated garden of the Red Lion Pub in Newlyn. 36 Fore Street, Newlyn, Cornwall, TR18 5JP. 01736 362012.