Our favourite UK islands

A day trip or holiday on an island is always exciting and if you’re up for an island adventure you won’t have to travel far - there are thousands of them to be found off the coast and in lakes all over the UK. Whether you want to be wowed by outstanding beaches, bewitched by wildlife, or are curious about culture, we have just the thing for you in our pick of the best UK islands...

Best islands for white sand beaches

When you think of stunning sandy beaches the UK is probably not the first place that springs to mind but several UK islands boast gorgeous white sandy beaches to rival any tropical paradise. Visitors to the Isles of Scilly can discover over 35 beautiful beaches to suit diverse tastes, from spots that are perfect for swimming and other fun watersports to beaches that are great for families or alternatively sandy shores that are ideal for quiet contemplation and undisturbed walks.

The Isle of Mull also has a wonderful collection of striking sandy beaches that are excellent choices for visitors seeking unspoilt natural beauty. Islay may be well known for its whisky distilleries but these aren’t the only attractions on the island as it too benefits from a number of highly attractive beaches that accommodate different interests and activities such as swimming, walking, watersports and spotting the local wildlife.

The Orkney Islands have over 85 beaches to entice visitors and no matter which Orkney island beach you choose to explore, you won’t be disappointed by these incredible beauty spots which offer a wealth of entertainments from wildlife watching to

Best islands for wildlife

Explorers who want to see wildlife in its natural environment can do so from a number of islands. Visitors to Lundy Island in Cornwall can see grey seals, Sika deer, a variety of seabirds such as Manx shearwaters, guillemots and puffins, as well as basking sharks during summer.

The Farne Islands in Northumberland are a great choice for birdwatchers who can see 23 different species here, particularly puffins, on boat tours. There are also many grey seals and the opportunity to see the largest population of grey seal pups in the UK courtesy of seal tours.

You can even dive with seals here. Amazing!

Skomer and Skokholm Islands are also popular spots for seeing seals, puffins and Manx shearwaters, while in the sea you might come across dolphins and harbour porpoises.

The archipelago of St Kilda in Scotland holds dual status as a World Heritage Site for its cultural and natural importance and is home to the biggest Northern Gannet colony in the world in addition to many other seabirds such as Leach’s petrel and Fulmars.

Best islands for culture and history

Visitors to Holy Island in Northumberland can see the remains of Lindisfarne Priory which played a highly significant role in early Christianity and gave rise to the Lindisfarne Gospels. The 16th century Lindisfarne Castle is another historical piece of architecture to attract visitors to the island.

The joined isles of Lewis and Harris are another fantastic location for discovering historical and cultural attractions. Lewis is home to the famous Calanais Standing Stones, while Harris features a number of art galleries and is well known for producing Harris Tweed in addition to its truly spectacular beaches.

The isle of Arran also has impressive standing stones and visitors are sure to enjoy exploring Brodick Castle.

Best tiny islands

Derwentwater in the Lake District has four permanent islands (a floating island has also been claimed to appear occasionally) and three of the islands can be visited by members of the public via boat.

The Isle of May is a small national nature reserve off the coast of Fife where an abundance of seabirds wait to greet visitors, while for something a bit different why not visit Easdale for the World Stone Skimming Championships and stop by the local museum.

The small island in the River Dee on which Threave Castle is situated is also sure to draw visitors interested in ancient architecture.

Best all-round holiday destinations

Visitors who are looking for fantastic UK islands that cater to all their holiday needs have a great selection to choose from such as the Isle of Wight which offers everything from music festivals and outdoor sporting activities to castles and zoos.

The Isle of Man offers an array of attractions such as a wildlife park, intriguing museums and motorsport events in addition to being a great place for stargazing.

The Isle of Skye in Scotland is also a good spot for stargazing and offers superb natural landscapes for walkers, castles, as well as an abundance of wildlife.

Anglesey in Wales is another excellent all-rounder that will appeal to visitors of all ages and interests thanks to its diverse attractions such as its beautiful beaches, variety of exciting outdoor activities, historical buildings and wonderful wildlife. 

Uncover the delights of the UK’s splendid islands

The UK’s diverse islands have so much to appeal to anyone who is up for exploring off the mainland. Whether you’re after a quiet retreat to escape from the crowds, are eager for the hustle and bustle of popular all-round getaway destinations or want to catch a glimpse of the UK’s delightful wildlife, these intriguing UK islands prove that you don’t have to travel far away to enjoy an excellent island escapade.