If you’re looking for some inspiration for your travel plans in the UK, this list is the answer to your prayers! The islands peppered all around Britain give you the chance to escape the grip of the mainland and experience something very different with a short trip.
Take a look at the top nine British islands that are begging to be explored.
1. Anglesey
Incredible coastal paths revealing scenes of unparalleled beauty, Angsley rightly lays claim to being one of the most gorgeous British islands. Rolling green hills meet crystal-clear waters and provide unimagined levels of peace and tranquillity. There are some important historical sites to explore in this area as well, so on the off-chance you want to leave its remarkable beaches, you can visit these.
With rocks spanning four different eras, 12 geological periods, and a history seeing its origins dated back 1 800 million years, Parys Mountain is a must-see in Anglesey. Exposed minerals have given the landscape a vivid green, orange, and purple hue and may make you feel like you’re on another planet instead of just in a little spot on a small island of Britain.
Parys Mountain is south of Amlwch and has been a World Heritage Site since 2015.
2. Guernsey
Gorgeous sea views combine with a diverse, friendly community to deliver picture-perfect cliff walks along white sandy beaches in Guernsey. This island also saw a lot of historical events, including bunkers used in World War II, and there are still underground museums to explore.
Guernsey only covers a mere 30 square miles, so if you rent a car, it won’t take you long to drive all the way around the island. Just under an hour, in fact. The speed limit is 35mph, or 25mph if you’re on one of the smaller inland roads. But once you’re on one of the narrow thoroughfares, you’ll find you would not be able to travel much faster than this anyway.
This aspect is actually a great indicator of the Guernsey lifestyle, it’s a much slower one than many of us are used to. Take advantage of it on your holiday and relax - when you’re on this island, you don’t have to be anywhere in a hurry.
3. The Isle of Arran
If you enjoy walking, then seriously consider heading to the Isle of Arran with its many mountains and rugged hills.
Sometimes called miniature Scotland, the Isle of Arran has a little bit of everything to offer visitors.
Make your way around the ever-changing coastline, scale dramatic mountain peaks, or settle in on one of the sheltered beaches. There is an abundance of lush forests that await you, important cultural festivals to be experienced, and a wealth of delicious local produce to try.
4. The Isle of Man
Laxey beach in Isle of Man
The dreamy Isle of Man island is renowned for its rolling hills and the awesome natural beauty that saw it earn the nickname The Gem of the Irish Sea. Beautiful beaches, magnificent mountains, amazing coastlines, and 18 National Glens await you as you walk, cycle, and explore your way through your holiday.
UNESCO has deemed The Isle of Man to be one of the most beautiful places in Britain recently and it now holds Biosphere Reserve status. Plus, it’s home to the Manx Museum that traces the island’s Celtic and Viking heritage, and it's littered with medieval castles just begging to be explored.
5. Isle of Mull
There is a lot more to The Isle of Mull than just prettily coloured houses in the charming town of Tobermory. If you love dolphins, sea eagles, and whales, then this is the British island for you. There are hidden beaches a-plenty and a lot of quaint little villages to check out on your stay.
This Isle is also home to the well-known Tobermory distillery, and the Mull and Iona Food Trail will delight foodies who love sampling different cuisines.
6. The Isle of Skye
You will be forgiven for feeling like you’ve slipped back into another time if you choose to spend your vacation at The Isle of Skye with its many medieval castles. This is an outdoor adventure hotspot and has plenty of fascinating history to offer interested visitors.
The island is connected to the northwest coast of Scotland by the Mallaig-Armadale Ferry and the Skye Bridge, and it’s the biggest atoll in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides.
7. The Isle of Wight
Instagrammers have ensured that many of us know about how gorgeous the Isle of Wight is, even if we’ve never been there. But it has much more than its incredible coast and lush landscape to recommend it, including a mild climate that makes walking dogs and riding horses that much more fun.
This island has a fascinating past and there’s everything from vintage beach huts to fossils and dinosaur remains. The three giant chalk rocks that form the famous Needles are a sight to behold, as is the 19th century lighthouse that stands between them.
8. Orkney
Steeped in history that dates back 4,500 years to neolithic times, this Northern Scottish Isle archipelago has gorgeous green fields, fabulous landscapes, and mind-blowing beaches for you to enjoy. The quiet, stark beaches meet deep turquoise waters, and both are overseen by dramatic cliffs.
This destination is perfect if you love The Great Outdoors, in part because of its glut of hiking trails and walking routes, each boasting some unique aspects. It’s also incredibly peaceful as only 17 of its more than 7 islets are inhabited. If getting away from it all is what you’re looking for, Orkney is the ideal option.
9. Shetland
Head out to the heart of the North Sea, and you’ll end up in Shetland, situated between Scotland’s mainland and the Norwegian coast.
Breathtaking beaches, mind-blowing views, and much wildlife mean you should take care to pack a comfortable pair of hiking boots. Keep an eye out for minke whales, otters, porpoises, puffins, and more sea birds than you can shake a stick at.
Europe is full of hidden gem holiday destinations, and these nine islands are just some of them. If you’re ready for an island adventure, it's high time you started packing!