20 best islands in the UK to visit for a memorable escape

The best islands in the UK range from dramatic Hebridean landscapes and northern archipelagos to tidal islands, wildlife reserves and easy coastal escapes. Skye, Harris and Mull are especially strong for scenery; Orkney and Lewis stand out for archaeology and history; Islay combines whisky with coast and wildlife; Anglesey offers one of the easiest multi-day island trips in Wales; and the Isles of Scilly provide one of England's most distinctive island escapes.

The United Kingdom’s islands vary enormously in scale and character. Some are large inhabited landscapes with mountains, beaches and major towns, while others are small tidal or ferry-linked communities where walking, wildlife and local history shape the experience more than road travel.

The best island trip depends as much on transport and time as on scenery. Ferry schedules, weather, road conditions and seasonal demand can all shape what is realistic, particularly in the Hebrides, Northern Isles, Isles of Scilly and smaller Welsh or Northern Irish islands. It is usually better to understand one island properly than to rush across several.

This guide brings together 20 of the best islands in the UK to visit across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is an editorial selection rather than a rigid ranking, with each island chosen for the quality of its landscape, culture, history, wildlife and overall visitor experience.

Best UK islands at a glance

The strongest choice depends on the kind of trip you want. Skye, Harris and Mull are especially rewarding for dramatic landscapes; Orkney and Lewis for archaeology and history; Islay for whisky and coast; the Isles of Scilly for a slower English island escape; and Anglesey for an easier trip with beaches, heritage and road access.

How we selected the best islands in the UK

This is an editorial selection rather than a ranking by size, popularity or visitor numbers.

We considered:

• Landscape: Mountains, beaches, cliffs, coastline, moorland and the overall distinctiveness of the island.
• Culture and identity: Whether the island offers a strong sense of local history, language, community or tradition.
• History and heritage: Archaeology, religious history, maritime heritage, historic settlements and important sites.
• Wildlife: Opportunities for birdlife, marine life, otters, red squirrels or other island-specific nature experiences.
• Depth of visit: Whether the island can sustain several hours, a full day or a multi-night trip without feeling repetitive.
• Access: Ferries, flights, tidal crossings and the practical effort required to reach and move around the island.
• Variety: The balance between scenery, walking, villages, food, culture and activities.
• Sense of place: Whether the island feels meaningfully different from a mainland coastal trip.

A remote island is not automatically better than an accessible one. The Isle of Wight and Anglesey are easier to reach than Shetland or Jura, but that can make them stronger choices for shorter trips. Likewise, small islands such as Iona and Rathlin offer less geographic variety but a much stronger sense of focus and place.

Best islands to visit in Scotland

1. Explore the Isle of Skye

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Best for: Dramatic scenery, hiking and a multi-day Scottish island road trip

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible throughout the year
• Ferries, tours and seasonal businesses operate on varying timetables
• Roads can be slow and accommodation should be booked well in advance

Typical cost level: £££

Skye is the best-known Scottish island and remains one of the most rewarding.

The Cuillin, Trotternish Ridge, Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools and several harbour villages create an island with enough variety for a week or more. Its popularity is justified by the scale of the scenery, but the island is best approached as a landscape to explore slowly rather than a checklist of roadside stops.

Single-track roads, busy car parks and long driving distances can make poor planning frustrating.

Pro tip:

Stay several nights in one area or split the island into two bases rather than trying to cover all of Skye in rushed day trips.

2. Discover the Isle of Mull

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Best for: Dramatic scenery, hiking and a multi-day Scottish island road trip

Best for: Wildlife, varied scenery and combining Mull with Iona or Staffa

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible throughout the year
• Ferry services and tours use separate schedules
• Driving times are longer than the map suggests

Typical cost level: £££

Mull combines colourful Tobermory, sea lochs, mountains, beaches and wildlife in one of Scotland’s most varied island landscapes.

The island works particularly well for visitors who want a balance of scenery and wildlife, with opportunities to see sea eagles, otters and marine life. It also acts as the gateway to Iona and nearby Staffa.

Its road network is limited, which makes careful route planning important.

Pro tip:

Base yourself for several nights and combine one scenic driving day with at least one wildlife or boat-based experience.

3. Experience the Isle of Harris

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Best for: White-sand beaches, Atlantic landscapes and Outer Hebridean culture

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible throughout the year
• Ferry and air connections operate to separate timetables
• Weather can affect travel plans and outdoor activities

Typical cost level: £££

Harris is known for some of the most spectacular beaches in the UK, alongside rugged hills and a strong cultural identity.

Luskentyre, Seilebost and Scarista are the headline landscapes, but the island also offers mountain walking, Harris Tweed connections and small communities shaped by crofting and seafaring. Harris is joined to Lewis, making it easy to combine both within one longer trip.

The scale of the beaches and changing Atlantic light are central to its appeal.

Pro tip:

Do not treat the beaches as short photo stops. Give yourself time to walk, watch the weather shift and explore beyond the main bays.

4. Visit the Isle of Lewis

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Best for: White-sand beaches, Atlantic landscapes and Outer Hebridean culture

Best for: Archaeology, island culture and dramatic Atlantic coastline

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible throughout the year
• Ferry and air routes operate separately
• Museums, visitor attractions and tours use individual schedules

Typical cost level: £££

Lewis offers a different experience from Harris, with stronger emphasis on history, archaeology and island culture.

The Calanais Standing Stones, blackhouses, coastal landscapes and the island capital of Stornoway provide enough depth for a substantial visit. The Atlantic coastline is also dramatic, particularly around the Butt of Lewis and the west coast beaches.

Its large size makes it more than a simple extension of Harris.

Pro tip:

Combine prehistoric sites and traditional settlements with one quieter coastal day rather than focusing only on the most famous monuments.

5. Explore Orkney Mainland

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Best for: Prehistoric archaeology, island history and coastal scenery

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible throughout the year
• Ferries, flights and island tours use separate schedules
• Archaeological sites and museums keep individual opening hours

Typical cost level: £££

Mainland Orkney contains one of the most important concentrations of prehistoric sites in Europe.

Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe and the Standing Stones of Stenness form the heart of a remarkable archaeological landscape, while Kirkwall and Stromness add urban and maritime character. Cliffs, beaches and wartime history provide further variety.

The island is especially rewarding for travellers who want history and landscape in equal measure.

Pro tip:

Book any timed archaeological visits early and leave room for the coastline, not just the UNESCO sites.

6. Discover Shetland Mainland

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Best for: Cliffs, wildlife, archaeology and remote northern island culture

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible throughout the year
• Ferries and flights are subject to weather and transport conditions
• Rural distances and daylight hours should be considered carefully

Typical cost level: £££

Mainland Shetland offers dramatic cliffs, archaeology, wildlife and a strong Norse-influenced identity.

Lerwick provides a useful base, while Jarlshof, Sumburgh Head, Eshaness and the island’s long western and northern coasts reveal the variety of the landscape. Birdlife, coastal walking and the sense of distance from mainland Britain define the overall experience.

The journey is longer than to many other islands, which is also part of the appeal.

Pro tip:

Stay long enough to adjust to the rhythm of the place rather than trying to see Shetland as a quick novelty trip.

7. Walk around Arran

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Best for: Mountains, coast and an accessible introduction to Scottish islands

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible throughout the year
• Ferry schedules vary seasonally and can be affected by demand
• Attractions and distillery tours operate separately

Typical cost level: £££

Arran is often described as Scotland in miniature because it compresses mountains, coast, castles and villages into one island.

Goat Fell provides the main mountain challenge, while Brodick Castle, standing stones, whisky and a full island coastal route add wider appeal. It is one of the easiest islands to include from Glasgow or western Scotland.

Its variety makes it suitable for both active and more relaxed visitors.

Pro tip:

Drive or cycle only part of the island each day and leave time for one longer walk rather than circling it too quickly.

8. Relax on Islay

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Best for: Dramatic scenery, hiking and a multi-day Scottish island road trip

Best for: Whisky, beaches, birdlife and a slower Hebridean stay

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible throughout the year
• Ferries and flights use separate schedules
• Distilleries and visitor experiences keep individual hours

Typical cost level: £££

Islay combines world-famous whisky with beaches, birdlife and a relatively gentle island landscape.

Its distilleries attract many first-time visitors, but the island also rewards beach walks, archaeological stops and time around its lochs and shoreline. The atmosphere is calmer and less crowded than on some better-known islands.

It works particularly well for travellers who want a clear theme without losing the wider island experience.

Pro tip:

Balance distillery visits with time outdoors so the trip feels like an island stay rather than only a tasting tour.

9. Take the ferry to Iona

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Best for: Dramatic scenery, hiking and a multi-day Scottish island road trip

Best for: Early Christian history, walking and a peaceful car-free stay

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible throughout the year
• Access depends on ferry connections via Mull
• Accommodation is limited and should be booked well ahead

Typical cost level: £££

Iona is a small island with significance far beyond its size.

Its abbey, early Christian history, beaches and low-key atmosphere make it one of Scotland’s most distinctive destinations. Many visitors come on day trips from Mull, but an overnight stay reveals a much quieter side once the ferries have gone.

The island is best suited to walking and slower exploration rather than packed sightseeing.

Pro tip:

Stay overnight if possible and walk beyond the abbey to the beaches and western side of the island.

10. Explore Jura

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Best for: Dramatic scenery, hiking and a multi-day Scottish island road trip

Best for: Solitude, remote landscapes and a low-key island escape

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible throughout the year
• Travel depends on ferry links via Islay or the mainland
• Facilities are limited and distances feel remote

Typical cost level: £££

Jura is defined by space, quiet and the unmistakable shape of the Paps of Jura.

Compared with Islay, it is wilder, less populated and more obviously remote. Deer, moorland, a single main road and a sparse settlement pattern create an island that suits travellers looking for solitude and strong landscape.

It is not the easiest Scottish island to visit, but that relative difficulty is central to its appeal.

Pro tip:

Treat Jura as a place for a slower, low-pressure stay and do not expect constant attractions or short travel distances.

Best islands to visit in England

11. Spend time on the Isle of Wight

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Best for: Family breaks, coastal scenery and an easy English island holiday

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible throughout the year
• Ferries and hovercraft use separate timetables
• Attractions and seasonal businesses vary by month

Typical cost level: £££

The Isle of Wight is England’s classic island break and still offers remarkable variety.

The Needles, chalk downs, seaside towns, Osborne House and dinosaur heritage give it more depth than many short-break destinations. It is large enough to support a proper multi-day trip while remaining easy to navigate.

Its popularity with families means summer bookings should be made early.

Pro tip:

Choose a base that matches the type of trip you want, since resort towns, rural villages and walking areas each offer a different experience.

12. Explore the Isles of Scilly

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Best for: Beaches, island hopping and a slower car-light escape

Travel and visit notes:

• The islands are accessible throughout the year, though services vary strongly by season
• Flights and passenger boat schedules depend on weather and timetable changes
• Inter-island boating uses separate arrangements

Typical cost level: ££££

The Isles of Scilly feel more remote and more distinct from mainland England than almost any other English destination.

St Mary’s offers the main settlement and transport base, while islands such as Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher and St Agnes provide beaches, gardens and a notably slower pace. Clear water, white sand and a mild climate create an almost subtropical impression in good weather.

Transport planning is essential, especially outside peak season.

Pro tip:

Stay several nights and explore more than one island instead of treating Scilly as a difficult single-day excursion.

13. Discover Holy Island of Lindisfarne

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Best for: Tidal drama, early medieval history and a memorable day or overnight stay

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible year-round
• Road access depends entirely on safe tidal crossing times
• Castle, priory and local venues use separate schedules

Typical cost level: ££

Lindisfarne combines tidal drama, early medieval history and a powerful sense of place.

The priory ruins, castle and broad coastal views make it one of England’s most memorable island visits, while the tidal causeway ensures the journey itself remains part of the experience. It is more than a single monument, particularly for visitors who stay long enough to walk the shoreline and village.

The tide timetable must be taken seriously.

Pro tip:

Check safe crossing times before leaving and allow extra time so your entire visit is not compressed into one hurried stop.

14. Take a boat to Tresco

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Best for: Gardens, beaches and car-free island atmosphere

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible via inter-island transport
• Boat schedules vary by season and weather
• Gardens and accommodation use separate opening and booking arrangements

Typical cost level: ££££

Tresco offers a polished, garden-focused island experience within the Isles of Scilly.

The Abbey Garden is the main attraction, but beaches, walking routes and the island’s calm car-free atmosphere also make it rewarding. Its style is more curated than wild, which some visitors will see as part of the appeal.

Because it relies on inter-island connections, careful timing is important.

Pro tip:

Visit as part of a longer Scilly stay so transport timings do not dominate the experience.

15. Explore St Mary’s

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Best for: Gardens, beaches and car-free island atmosphere

Best for: A practical Isles of Scilly base with beaches and coastal walking

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible throughout the year with seasonal variation
• Flights, passenger ferries and island boats keep separate schedules
• Shops and visitor services vary by season

Typical cost level: £££

St Mary’s is the main inhabited island of the Isles of Scilly and the practical heart of the archipelago.

Hugh Town provides the principal services, while the island itself offers beaches, coastal walking, archaeological remains and excellent views across the wider group. Even visitors staying on other islands often pass through St Mary’s.

Its role as a transport hub should not obscure the fact that it is also a strong destination in its own right.

Pro tip:

Walk beyond Hugh Town to the island’s coast and older sites so the stay does not feel limited to transport logistics.

Best islands to visit in Wales

16. Explore Anglesey

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Best for: Beaches, coastal walks, heritage and an easy multi-day island trip

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible throughout the year
• Attractions, boat trips and local businesses vary seasonally
• Road travel is easy but distances still require planning

Typical cost level: £££

Anglesey combines beaches, headlands, heritage and a strong sense of Welsh coastal identity.

South Stack, Newborough and Llanddwyn, Beaumaris and the island’s shoreline create enough variety for several days. It feels more spacious than a typical short-break island and rewards visitors who want both coast and history.

Its road bridge connection makes it easy to reach without losing the island atmosphere.

Pro tip:

Divide the trip between the east, west and south coasts rather than trying to circle the whole island in one day.

17. Visit Holy Island

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Best for: Dramatic coastal walking, cliffs and seabirds

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible year-round by road
• Coastal walking conditions depend on weather and daylight
• Local attractions use separate schedules

Typical cost level: ££

Holy Island, attached to Anglesey, contains some of north Wales’s most dramatic coastal scenery.

South Stack Lighthouse, sea cliffs, birdlife and coastal walks are the main reasons to visit. Holyhead provides the transport centre, but the island’s western and northern edges feel much wilder than that practical role suggests.

It is especially good for a scenic day focused on walking and views.

Pro tip:

Choose one manageable coast-path section and check seabird seasons if wildlife is one of the priorities.

18. Take the boat to Ramsey Island

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Best for: Wildlife, conservation and a guided nature-focused island visit

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible seasonally by boat
• Sailings depend on weather and sea conditions
• Visitor numbers and timings are controlled by the operator

Typical cost level: £££

Ramsey Island is one of Wales’s strongest wildlife and landscape island experiences.

Managed as a nature reserve, it offers dramatic cliffs, seabirds, marine life and a sense of separation from the mainland despite its short distance from St Davids. It works best for visitors interested in wildlife, walking and conservation rather than conventional tourism facilities.

Because landings are controlled, the island keeps a more protected and purposeful atmosphere.

Pro tip:

Book in advance and treat the visit as a nature-focused experience rather than a casual beach excursion.

Best islands to visit in Northern Ireland

19. Travel to Rathlin Island

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Best for: Seabirds, coastal walking and a quieter island escape

Travel and visit notes:

• The island is accessible by ferry throughout the year with seasonal variation
• Sailings are weather dependent
• Transport, wildlife and attraction options vary across the year

Typical cost level: £££

Rathlin is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island and one of its most distinctive destinations.

The island is known for seabirds, rugged coast, a remote atmosphere and the west lighthouse with its dramatic clifftop setting. It remains small enough for a focused visit, but large enough to support walking, cycling and a genuine sense of community.

Weather can quickly alter the experience and transport plans.

Pro tip:

Stay overnight if possible or take an early sailing so the trip is not reduced to a brief circuit around the harbour.

20. Explore Islandmagee and the Gobbins coast

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Best for: Seabirds, coastal walking and a quieter island escape

Travel and visit notes:

• The peninsula and coastal island area are accessible year-round
• The Gobbins visitor experience uses timed bookings
• Weather can affect access and walking conditions

Typical cost level: ££

Islandmagee is not a single remote island break in the way Rathlin is, but its island-like peninsula character and dramatic coast make it one of Northern Ireland’s strongest maritime destinations.

The Gobbins cliff path is the defining experience, with suspension bridges, tunnels and sea-level views, while the wider coast provides a sense of exposure and distance from the mainland city belt.

It suits visitors interested in dramatic shoreline rather than a conventional resort island.

Pro tip:

Book the Gobbins in advance and combine it with a slower drive or walk along the wider coast rather than visiting only for the timed tour.

Best UK islands by type

Best for dramatic scenery

Skye, Harris, Mull and Shetland offer some of the strongest large-scale island scenery in the UK. Skye is the most varied for mountain and geological landscapes, while Harris is particularly strong for beaches and Atlantic light.

Best for history and archaeology

Orkney Mainland and Lewis are the strongest choices in this guide for prehistoric and archaeological depth. Iona is particularly important for early Christian history, while Lindisfarne combines religious history with a dramatic tidal setting.

Best for wildlife

Mull, Shetland, Ramsey Island and Rathlin are especially rewarding for wildlife-focused trips. The exact experience depends on season and weather, and sightings should never be treated as guaranteed.

Best for beaches

Harris and the Isles of Scilly provide some of the most distinctive beach landscapes in the UK. Anglesey, Skye, Mull and the Isle of Wight also offer strong coastal variety.

Best for a car-free island break

Iona, much of the Isles of Scilly and short stays on Rathlin work particularly well without a car. Lindisfarne can also be explored largely on foot once the tidal causeway has been crossed safely.

Best for an easy first island trip

The Isle of Wight, Arran and Anglesey are among the most accessible choices for travellers who want a proper island experience without the transport complexity of Shetland, Jura or the Outer Hebrides.

Best for a longer island road trip

Skye, Mull, Lewis and Harris all reward several nights and modest daily driving distances. Their road networks and landscapes make slow travel far more satisfying than rushing between headline stops.

Frequently asked questions

How to plan an island trip in the UK

The strongest island trips begin with transport rather than assumptions about distance. Ferries, flights and tidal crossings all shape what is realistic, and in some cases they matter more than the number of miles involved. The Isles of Scilly, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides require more commitment than the Isle of Wight or Anglesey, but that extra effort is also part of what makes them memorable.

Weather should always be treated as a practical factor rather than an inconvenience. Wind, sea state, visibility and poor conditions can disrupt boat schedules, reduce wildlife sightings and change walking plans, particularly on smaller islands and exposed coasts. Build flexibility into the itinerary where possible.

Accommodation is another major factor. Popular islands such as Skye, Mull, the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly can book up far in advance during the main season. Smaller islands such as Iona, Jura and Rathlin have more limited options, so late planning can narrow the trip quickly.

A car is useful on larger islands, but not always essential. Iona, many of the Isles of Scilly and shorter visits to islands such as Lindisfarne work better on foot. Where driving is required, daily distances should remain modest. Single-track roads and repeated scenic stops make average speeds much slower than on the mainland.

Many islands in this guide are best visited as part of a broader regional journey. Iona naturally pairs with Mull, Harris with Lewis, Jura with Islay and Holy Island with the Northumberland coast. Others, particularly Skye, Arran and the Isle of Wight, can sustain a dedicated trip in their own right.

The best island breaks leave room for the pace of the place. Walk a beach, take a boat trip, talk to local businesses, visit a museum or spend an evening by the harbour instead of constantly moving on. Islands tend to reward time and patience more than speed.

Final thoughts

No single island is right for every traveller. Skye, Harris and Mull are especially strong for dramatic scenery; Orkney and Lewis for history; Islay for whisky and coast; Anglesey for beaches and heritage; and the Isles of Scilly for a more unusual English island escape. The strongest choice depends on how much time you have, how far you are willing to travel and whether the priority is landscape, wildlife, culture or simply quiet.

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