Like many people worldwide, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have opted to enjoy a "staycation" this summer, and have chosen to bring their children to the Isles of Scilly off the southwest coast of England. In doing so, Prince William is revisiting a beloved holiday destination from his own childhood.

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Boats in New Grimsby harbour in Tresco, England
Tresco has one of the mildest climates in the UK © Julian Love/Lonely Planet

Located 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly are comprised of around 140 tiny islands. Only five islands are inhabited: St Mary's is the largest, followed by Tresco, while only a few residents remain on Bryher, St Martin's and St Agnes. They are renowned for their great beaches, which should appeal to the royal children, Prince George (7), Princess Charlotte (5) and Prince Louis (2). The Cambridges are reportedly staying at an old stone rectory on the island of Tresco, which was once owned by the monks of Tavistock Abbey.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales with sons Prince William, right, and Prince Harry prepare for a cycling trip in Tresco during their holiday in the Scilly Isles
Charles, Diana, William and Harry in Tresco in 1989 © PA Images via Getty Images

In 1989, Prince William was pictured exploring the archipelago by bicycle with his father Charles, mother Diana and brother Harry.

English exotica: a guide to the Isles of Scilly

According to the Mirror newspaper, William and Kate also cycled across Tresco on this trip and said hello to the locals they passed. It is not the first time they have visited, because the Cambridges carried out an official trip back in 2016, where they toured Tresco Abbey Gardens, the island's fabulous subtropical garden and its main attraction.

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Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, at the Tresco Abbey Gardens in 2016
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Tresco Abbey Gardens in 2016 © Alex Huckle/GC Images via Getty Images

It is likely that the Cambridges will enjoy good weather as Tresco has one of the mildest climates in the UK, enabling it to support a range of exotic flora. If the royal visitors decide to island-hop, it will be easy to do so as regular ferry boats run between all five islands.

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