Island Escapes in the UK

Islands are synonymous with holidays. But did you know that you could get your dream island escape without even needing to leave the UK? It’s time to discover some of our home country’s most beautiful islands. It may surprise you to hear that the UK is home to not hundreds but thousands of islands, big and small. From Scotland’s archipelago of rugged isles to a scattering of sun-soaked islands off the south coast, these hidden gems could be exactly what you need for your next escape. True, you can’t expect guaranteed sunshine and swaying palms. But what you can expect is outstanding scenery, charming seaside towns, beautiful beaches and rare wildlife – all much closer to home. To get you in the holiday mood, here are three island escapes you won’t need your passport for.

Isle of Wight

The largest island in the UK, the Isle of Wight is one of our country’s most popular holiday destinations – and for good reason. Easily accessible by ferry from Southampton, Lymington and Portsmouth, a mere two-hour journey from London, there’s no better place for a British bucket-and-spade break. It may be our biggest island, but at just over 22 miles wide, it’s still small enough to explore in a few days. Start in the west with a walk to the iconic Needles, three stacks of chalk and a lighthouse rising impressively out of the ocean. Soak up the views across Tennyson Down before hopping on an open-top bus to Alum Bay, where you can jump on a speedboat to see the Needles up close. Then there’s the magnificent Osbourne House in the north, Queen Victoria’s family home, and arguably the best beaches – Ventnor and Shanklin – in the south. With zoos, dinosaur trails, museums and adventure parks dotted across the island, there’s loads for families too. You could even time your visit around the annual Isle of Wight festival or Cowes Week, one of the UK’s biggest and longest running regattas.

Isle of Skye

Scotland has no shortage of beautiful islands, but most visitors will agree on which is the most breathtaking: Skye, of course! Spanning 50 miles

from top to bottom, Skye is adored worldwide for its lush green moors, jagged mountains, sparkling lochs and towering sea cliffs. Unlike the Isle of Wight, the weather up here is not always cheery, but the frequent shrouds of mist only add to the island’s serene, mystical presence. On good days, climb to the iconic Old Man of Storr for one of the island’s best viewpoints, or trek along the Quiraing, drinking in the outstanding scenery. Further south, the famously clear Fairy Pools are not to be missed. These beautiful rock pools are filled with crystal-clear spring water, fed by a series of waterfalls from the Cuillin Mountains. Take a dip, if you can stand the cold! And when the mist closes in, rest up in one of the island’s cosy pubs or take a tour of a castle or two. Come rain or shine, Skye won’t let you down. Getting here is easy, thanks to the Skye Bridge that connects the island to the mainland. In terms of where to stay, your best bets are the pretty towns of Portree, Broadford and Dunvegan. From here, you’ll be well placed to explore some of the island’s finest sights.

Isles of Scilly

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more off the beaten track, the Isles of Scilly are a peaceful pocket of paradise, just 28 miles off the coast of Land’s End in Cornwall. With white-sand beaches, subtropical gardens and some of Britain’s best weather, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve left the UK entirely. There are five main islands: St Mary’s is the most populated, followed by Tresco, with very few people living on Bryher, St Martin’s and St Agnes. Visiting the Scillies is like stepping back in time. Don’t come here looking for shops, amusement parks and arcades; this is a place to unwind and drink in your surroundings. Quiet, beautiful and completely unspoilt, you’ll have almost every pristine beach to yourself. The walks are outstanding and the islands are popular with nature-lovers too, thanks to the Atlantic grey seals that breed here, not to mention the flocks of rare seabirds. You can reach the islands by ferry or plane. Planes depart from Land’s End, Newquay and Exeter airports, or you can take the three-hour ferry crossing from Penzance to St Mary’s.

Isles of Scilly