A Guide to Exploring Britain’s Islands

Part of the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Skye stretches across the west coast of Scotland.

Reachable via a road bridge that connects it to mainland Scotland, the Isle of Skye is one of the most easily accessed islands in Britain. Despite this, it still manages to retain an air of remoteness and calm.

Known best for the Cuillin Mountains that are located at the heart of the island, it’s mostly frequented by walkers and rock climbers searching for their next challenge.

As well as plenty of natural landscapes to explore, the island has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to prehistoric times. Visit the mysterious stone circles or bygone castles to learn most about the island’s varied history.

Another archipelago of islands, the Orkneys sit just off the northern coast of Scotland. The main island is accessible by ferries that leave from terminals along Scotland’s coast: Lerwick, Hatston and Aberdeen.

Once on the main island, it’s easy enough to explore the surrounding islands either as part of day trips or by staying overnight. Visit the stone villages, grand cathedrals and historical monuments to learn more about the islands’ Neolithic heritage.

The Orkneys northern location means that, even during the summer, temperatures can plummet below 10°C. So, pack your waterproofs and a warm jumper to make sure you can make the most of the sightseeing opportunities.

Being this far north does have its advantages though, as these islands provide some of the best opportunities in the UK to see the northern lights.

Despite its rich historical heritage, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is not as well-known as others on this list.

The impressive Lindisfarne Castle, built as a 16^th century fortress for King Henry VIII, dominates the skyline here. Visitors can explore the historic castle as well as the nearby ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, which was built in AD365 and inhabited by monks for thousands of years.

If history isn’t your thing, the island has plenty of other recreational activities on offer. Spend a serene afternoon birdwatching or tackle one of the more challenging hikes on the islands.

Note that Lindisfarne is only accessible during low tide, so check the timetables and don’t get caught out!

Sark is one of the smallest British islands, but, arguably, one of the most beautiful.

With no cars allowed on the island and an absence of streetlights, visiting Sark will take you back to a time when life was a little simpler. Expect to see horse-drawn carts and plenty of old-school farming machinery.

Explore the island by bike, on foot or by horse-drawn cart for a truly unique experience.

Don’t miss the opportunity to stargaze here. With close to zero light pollution, the skies are among the clearest in Britain.