10 Stunning Islands In UK For Your Next Getaway

The United Kingdom’s coastline has over 6,000 islands, creating a mosaic of landscapes from windswept Hebridean outposts to sunny southern sanctuaries. These islands in UK harbor ancient standing stones, subtropical gardens, beaches, and vibrant wildlife.

In this guide, you will get to know about ten remarkable UK islands with their essential details to help you plan unforgettable island escapes.

1. Isle of Wight (England)

The Isle of Wight, England’s largest island, floats just four miles off Hampshire’s coast, creating a holiday haven that’s been beloved since Victorian times. Affectionately known as “The Island” by locals, this territory has ancient woodlands, fossil-rich cliffs and golden beaches that enjoy the UK’s sunniest climate.

Beyond natural attractions, the island preserves a unique character shaped by its separation from mainland trends, with traditional seaside resorts, thatched villages, and a slower pace that visitors find refreshingly nostalgic. 

Weather: 8-22°C (46-72°F) with mild climate and maximum UK sunshine hours

Location:Isle of Wight, England

Timings: Accessible year-round (ferry services 24/7)

Entry Fee: Free (Osborne House: £19–£25 adult, £12.20–£14.50 child)

What to do:

• Visit Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s beloved seaside retreat with meticulously preserved royal apartments and private beach.
• Explore The Needles landmark, where three chalk stacks rise beside a historic lighthouse, accessible by chairlift down to Alum Bay.
• Discover prehistoric heritage at Dinosaur Isle museum housing over 1,000 fossils and offering guided fossil hunting walks.
• Experience lively nightlife on UK islands during the world-famous Isle of Wight Festival with major international artists each June. 

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2. Isle of Skye (Scotland)

The Isle of Skye, largest of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, has the raw, mystical essence that defines the Scottish isles. Connected to the mainland by bridge since 1995, this island is shaped by ancient volcanic activity.

Beyond spectacular scenery, Skye preserves a rich Gaelic heritage in its place names, music, and crofting traditions despite centuries of Highland Clearances that decimated the population. Currently, the island balances increasing tourism with traditional industries like fishing, farming, and whisky distilling.

Weather: 5-18°C (41-64°F) with frequent weather changes and atmospheric mists

Location:Isle of Skye, Scotland

Timings: Accessible year-round (some attractions have seasonal hours)

Entry Fee: Free (Dunvegan Castle: £17 adult, £9 child)

What to do:

• Hike the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr, geological marvels formed by ancient landslips offering otherworldly landscapes and stunning views.
• Visit Fairy Pools near Glenbrittle, crystal-clear blue pools and waterfalls where visitors can wild swim in the refreshing waters.
• Explore Dunvegan Castle, ancestral home of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years featuring the mysterious Fairy Flag and seal-watching trips.
• Sample distinctive island spirits at Talisker Distillery, Skye’s oldest working distillery established in 1830 with guided tours and tastings. 

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3. Anglesey (Wales)

Anglesey (Ynys Môn in Welsh) spans 276 square miles as Wales’s largest island, separated from the mainland by the narrow Menai Strait but connected by two iconic bridges. This ancient island combines stunning coastal scenery with extraordinary historical density.

The island’s unique character emerges from its bilingual Welsh-English heritage, maritime traditions, and agricultural roots. Anglesey’s 125-mile coastline features dramatic cliffs, sweeping sandy beaches, and hidden coves alongside picturesque fishing villages and the royal connections of Holyhead, Wales’s busiest ferry port.

Weather: 7-20°C (44-68°F) with maritime climate moderated by the Gulf Stream

Location:Anglesey, Wales

Timings: Accessible year-round (24/7 bridge access)

Entry Fee: Free (some attractions charge admission)

What to do:

• Walk sections of the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path, a 130-mile route with diverse landscapes from limestone cliffs to salt marshes.
• Visit South Stack Lighthouse near Holyhead, descending 400 steps down a cliff to an 1809 lighthouse with spectacular seabird colonies.
• Explore Beaumaris Castle, the most technically perfect medieval castle in Britain with a perfect concentric design and water-filled moat.
• Discover local gastronomy pioneered by Halen Môn (Anglesey Sea Salt), supplying Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide from the Menai Strait. 

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4. Lewis and Harris (Scotland, Outer Hebrides)

Lewis and Harris, despite sharing a single landmass, are traditionally considered separate islands forming the northernmost part of the Outer Hebrides archipelago. 

This dual-identity island spans 841 square miles of contrasting landscapes, Lewis in the north featuring vast peat bogs, moorland, and relatively flat terrain, while mountainous Harris in the south offers dramatic scenery and some of Britain’s most spectacular beaches.

Weather: 6-16°C (43-61°F) with consistent winds and rapidly changing conditions

Location:Lewis and Harris, Scotland

Timings: Accessible year-round (CalMac ferry services weather dependent)

Entry Fee: Free (museum admissions vary)

What to do:

• Experience Luskentyre Beach on Harris’s west coast with miles of white shell sand meeting crystal-clear turquoise waters.
• Explore the Callanish Standing Stones (Calanais) on Lewis, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic monument older than Stonehenge.
• Visit Gearrannan Blackhouse Village showcasing traditional stone cottages with demonstrations of Harris Tweed weaving.
• Experience Stornoway, the island’s main town featuring Lews Castle, the famous Lewis Chessmen, and contemporary Hebridean culture.

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5. Shetland (Scotland)

Shetland comprises an archipelago of over 100 islands (15 inhabited) forming Scotland’s northernmost territories, positioned closer to Arctic Norway than to London. 

The islands’ unique cultural identity emerges from their Norse heritage (part of Denmark-Norway until 1469) combined with Scottish influences, evident in place names, dialect, architecture, and the spectacular Up Helly Aa fire festivals celebrating Viking traditions. 

Weather: 5-16°C (41-61°F) with strong winds and prolonged summer daylight

Location:Shetland, Scotland

Timings: Accessible year-round (ferry and flight schedules vary seasonally)

Entry Fee: Free (museums typically £3-8)

What to do:

• Explore Lerwick, Shetland’s capital with winding stone lanes, historic Lodberries waterfront, and excellent Shetland Museum and Archives.
• Visit Mousa Broch, the world’s best-preserved Iron Age round tower with intact internal chambers dating from 300 BCE.
• Witness spectacular seabird colonies at Sumburgh Head lighthouse, where puffins and guillemots nest on dramatic cliffs during summer.
• Experience distinctive cultural heritage through Up Helly Aa fire festivals, the Shetland Folk Festival, and traditional Fair Isle knitting. 

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6. Isles of Scilly (England)

The Isles of Scilly form an archipelago of approximately 140 small islands and islets 28 miles southwest of Cornwall’s Land’s End, creating England’s most southwesterly territory and only tropical-like environment. Just five islands are inhabited (St. Mary’s, Tresco, St. Martin’s, St. Agnes, and Bryher), together housing around 2,200.

Warmed by the Gulf Stream, Scilly enjoys the UK’s mildest climate, enabling subtropical gardens, early-season flower farming, and beaches that rival Mediterranean destinations. This unique environment combines Caribbean-blue waters, white sand shores, and exotic vegetation with prehistoric monuments, and Bronze Age burial sites.

Weather: 10-20°C (50-68°F) with mild maritime climate year-round

Location:Isles of Scilly, England

Timings: Accessible March-October (limited winter transport)

Entry Fee: Free (individual attractions charge admission)

What to do:

• Explore Tresco Abbey Garden, a remarkable 17-acre subtropical paradise with over 20,000 exotic plants from 80 countries.
• Island-hop between the inhabited islands using regular boat services, discovering each island’s distinct character and beaches.
• Visit Cromwell’s Castle on Tresco, a well-preserved 17th-century round tower fort guarding the strategic channel between islands.
• Discover ancient history at Bant’s Carn burial chamber and Halangy Down village with well-preserved Bronze and Iron Age remains.

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7. Orkney (Scotland)

Orkney includes an archipelago of 70 islands (20 inhabited) situated six miles north of Scotland’s mainland across the turbulent Pentland Firth. This ancient island presents a unique synthesis of Norse and Scottish heritage visible in place names, dialect, and cultural traditions.

The islands’ most extraordinary feature remains their archaeological density, with over 3,000 identified prehistoric sites including Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village, stone circles predating Stonehenge, and chambered tombs across a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

Weather: 7-17°C (45-63°F) with strong winds and remarkable clarity of light

Location:Orkney, Scotland

Timings: Accessible year-round (ferry services weather dependent)

Entry Fee: Free (Historic Scotland sites: £9 adult, £5.50 child)

What to do:

• Explore the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO site including 5,000-year-old Skara Brae village and the Ring of Brodgar stone circle.
• Visit Kirkwall, dominated by the magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral founded in 1137, with adjacent Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces.
• Discover wartime heritage at Scapa Flow, Britain’s naval anchorage during both World Wars, with Churchill Barriers and Italian Chapel.
• Experience local culture through Orkney’s festivals, whisky distilleries, art galleries, and specialty food producers showcasing island traditions.

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8. Hayling Island (England)

Hayling Island, a 12-square-mile coastal retreat connected to mainland Hampshire by a single road bridge, offers quintessential English seaside traditions combined with significant maritime heritage. 

The island holds a special place in watersports history as the birthplace of windsurfing, invented here in 1958 by Peter Chilvers. This legacy continues through its popularity for sailing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding alongside traditional bucket-and-spade beach holidays. 

Weather: 9-21°C (48-70°F) with maritime climate moderated by island location

Location:Hayling Island, England

Timings: Accessible year-round (24/7 bridge access)

Entry Fee: Free (beach parking: £7-9 daily in summer)

What to do:

• Enjoy award-winning beaches at Beachlands and West Beach with three miles of shingle shore offering traditional seaside pleasures.
• Try windsurfing where it all began, commemorated by a blue plaque, with schools offering lessons in various water sports.
• Walk the 5-mile Hayling Billy Trail following the former railway line with views across Langstone Harbour’s important bird sanctuary.
• Discover wartime heritage through the World War II Heritage Trail with information panels guiding visitors to significant sites.

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9. Lundy Island (England)

Source: Wikimedia

Lundy Island rises dramatically from the Bristol Channel 12 miles off Devon’s coast, forming a 3-mile granite outcrop where Atlantic currents meet the Channel. This remote 1,100-acre plateau, acquired by the National Trust in 1969 and managed by the Landmark Trust, represents one of England’s most unspoiled natural environments.

The island’s isolation has created both a wildlife sanctuary, England’s only marine nature reserve and first Marine Conservation Zone, and a distinctive human community. Without cars, shops, or conventional tourist infrastructure, Lundy offers a rare opportunity to experience island life as it existed before modern conveniences.

Weather: 8-18°C (46-64°F) with Atlantic maritime influence

Location:Lundy Island, England

Timings: Day trips (April-October) or overnight stays year-round

Entry Fee: Free (landing fee: £7 adult, £3.50 child via MS Oldenburg ferry)

What to do:

• Spot extraordinary wildlife including England’s largest seabird colony, endemic Lundy cabbage, Atlantic grey seals, and famous puffins.
• Explore historic landmarks spanning 3,000 years including Millcombe House, St. Helena’s Church, and 13th-century Marisco Castle.
• Dive in England’s first Marine Conservation Zone with exceptional water clarity, colorful anemones, and historic shipwrecks.
• Stay overnight in one of 23 historic properties ranging from a castle keep to lighthouse cottages, experiencing spectacular stargazing.

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10. Rathlin Island (Northern Ireland)

Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland’s northernmost point, lies just 6 miles offshore from County Antrim, forming an L-shaped landmass. This remote outpost occupies a strategic position between Ireland and Scotland that has shaped its distinctive history.

Currently, Rathlin balances traditional industries like farming and fishing with eco-tourism focused on spectacular seabird colonies, hiking trails, and marine activities. Despite modernization including regular ferry service and renewable energy installations, the island preserves its close-knit community atmosphere.

Weather: 7-17°C (45-63°F) with strong winds and frequent weather changes

Location:Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland

Timings: Accessible year-round (ferry services weather dependent)

Entry Fee: Free (ferry fare applies)

What to do:

• Visit the RSPB Seabird Centre at the West Light, an “upside-down” lighthouse with viewing platforms for Ireland’s largest seabird colony.
• Explore walking trails including Roonivoolin Walk across RSPB-managed habitat and the challenging Kebble Cliff Walk along dramatic coastline.
• Discover island history including Bruce’s Cave, Church of St. Thomas ruins, and the Mill Bay memorial commemorating the 1575 massacre.
• Experience island hospitality in Church Bay with traditional music at McCuaig’s Bar, local seafood, and authentic craft producers.

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FAQs

How many islands are in UK?

The United Kingdom encompasses over 6,000 islands, though the exact count varies depending on definitions and tidal conditions. Scotland alone accounts for approximately 790 offshore islands, while England has around 200 islands, Wales nearly 50, and Northern Ireland about 20. 

What are the most famous islands in UK for tourists?

The most popular UK islands for tourists include the Isle of Wight for its beaches and Victorian charm, Skye for dramatic landscapes, Anglesey for accessibility and heritage, Orkney for archaeological treasures, and the Isles of Scilly for subtropical gardens and crystal waters. 

Are UK islands open to public?

Most UK islands are open to public visitors, though accessibility varies significantly. Major islands like Wight, Skye, and Anglesey welcome tourists year-round with well-developed infrastructure, while remote Scottish islands may have limited transportation options during winter. 

How to reach World Islands UK?

To reach islands in UK, various transportation options exist depending on the destination. Larger islands connect via bridges (Skye, Anglesey) or regular ferry services (Wight, Orkney, Hebrides), while remote islands require specialized boat trips or flights. Consulting a UK islands map helps plan efficient routes, particularly for archipelagos like Orkney or the Outer Hebrides.

What is nightlife on UK islands like?

Nightlife on UK islands varies dramatically by location and season. Larger islands like Wight offer sophisticated options including the famous Isle of Wight Festival, bars, and restaurants in towns like Cowes and Ryde. Scottish islands feature traditional music in historic pubs, while remote islands may have limited evening entertainment.

Which is the most luxurious island in UK?

The Isle of Wight offers the UK’s most developed luxury island experience with exclusive accommodations in historic properties, boutique hotels, and upscale restaurants, complemented by prestigious events including Cowes Week regatta. 

Which UK island is best for families?

The Isle of Wight stands as the most family-friendly UK island, offering numerous attractions specifically designed for children including Blackgang Chine (UK’s oldest amusement park), Robin Hill Country Park, Dinosaur Isle museum, and accessible beaches. 

What is the best time to visit UK islands?

The optimal time to visit islands in UK is late spring through early autumn (May-September) when milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and more reliable transportation services combine with seasonal wildlife activities. Scottish islands benefit from extended summer daylight, while southern islands like Wight and Scilly offer the mildest conditions for beach activities.