The Best UK Islands: How Many Do You Know?

If you’ve ever wanted to escape the mainland of the UK and explore the countless islands dotted along our shore, then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve gathered the very best UK islands, all perfect for your next holiday.

The UK is home to a remarkable collection of islands, each offering its own slice of paradise, the bonus, you won’t need your passport to travel! From the windswept isles of the Scottish Hebrides to the balmy shores of the Channel Islands, islands in the UK offers a wide range of climates, attractions and adventures for you to experience.

Join us as we explore the very best islands in the UK…

• The 10 Best UK Islands
• Map of The Best Islands in the UK

The 10 Best UK Islands

1. The Farne Islands, near Seahouses

First on our list to the best UK islands is the Farne Islands. Tucked just off the Northumberland coast, the Farne Islands are the perfect place to explore for wildlife lovers.

Managed by the National Trust, this island group is home to an astonishing array of seabirds, including over 40,000 pairs of puffins during the breeding season. The perfect time to head across to the Farne Islands is during breeding season in the Spring, making this a wonderful thing to tick off your Spring bucket list.  During these months the skies above the Farne Islands come alive with squawking, offering an unforgettable spectacle for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. From personal experience, watch out for the Terns, they can be very territorial during this time as you would expect, so they can attempt to dive bomb – so bring a hat!

But it’s not all about the birds; the surrounding waters are equally rich with wildlife, with the UK’s largest colony of Atlantic grey seals calling the islands home. Boat tours from Seahouses offer the chance to spot these playful creatures lounging on rocks or bobbing in the waves, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of dolphins or porpoises.

The Farne Islands offer a true taste of nature at its wildest and within easy reach of Northumberland‘s mainland, it’s a easy contender for the UK’s best island.

2. Holy Island, Northumberland

Few places in the UK feel as magical and steeped in history as Holy Island, which is why it has made it onto our list of the best UK islands.

Also known as Lindisfarne, the island is accessible only via a tidal causeway, which adds to the charm and isolation of this stunning island. With the ancient Lindisfarne Priory, once a centre of early Christianity in Britain, and the dramatic Lindisfarne Castle perched on a rocky outcrop, Holy Island invites visitors to step back in time and soak in the atmosphere of centuries past.

Beyond this, this mystical island is also home to one of the best beaches in Northumberland, perfect for those looking to spend a day by the sea or to enjoy a quiet stroll along a picturesque beach. You can also enjoying wandering through the quaint village with its welcoming pubs and local independent stores and coffee shops. The island may look familiar to film lovers, as it was the filming location of Danny Boyle’s 2025 film, 28 Years Later; but don’t worry, we’re sure you won’t encounter any zombies during your visit!

Holy Island isn’t just one of the best UK islands to visit, it’s a place that stays with you long after the tide has returned.

3. Isle of Anglesey, North Wales

Next on Sykes Holiday Cottages’ list of the best British islands is the Isle of Anglesey. Linked to mainland Wales by the striking Menai Suspension Bridge, Anglesey offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty and authentic Welsh culture.

The island offers 125 miles of breathtaking coastline and is the ideal place for outdoor adventures, whether you are into surfing, kayaking or paddleboarding! It’s also the perfect holiday destination if you just love the walks along the coastline; whatever you fancy Anglesey offers it. From the wide, sandy stretches of Llanddwyn (Newborough) Beach, one of the best beaches in Wales, to the dramatic cliffs at South Stack, Anglesey’s landscapes are as varied as they are undoubtedly stunning.

The Isle of Anglesey is also steeped in history and heritage, with UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Beaumaris Castle and of course the village with the famously long name, Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch which offers a fun photo opportunity and a nod to the island’s proud Welsh identity.

Anglesey combines the best of adventure and relaxation, making it one of the UK’s most rewarding island escapes and a must-visit for your next adventure.

4. Isle of Arran, Ayrshire

Often described as Scotland in miniature, the Isle of Arran offers an incredible range of landscapes and wildlife all packed into one easily explored island.

This island situated just off the West Coast of Scotland is accessible by ferry from Ardrossan and offers a range of quaint villages, rugged Scottish mountains and sandy beaches. If you are into your outdoor adventures, why not consider hiking the granite peaks of Goat Fell, exploring the dramatic glens across the island, or taking a leisurely cycle around the island’s scenic coastal road. There is so much to see and do on this island.

Look out for a wide range of wildlife too, with everything from red squirrels and seals to golden eagles and even occasional basking sharks offshore, you’re sure to see something fascinating during your trip. If you love history, then a visit to the majestic Brodick Castle is a must or if you love your whiskey, why not enjoy a sample at the Arran Distillery. The island is not short of fantastic attractions and activities to keep you busy.

If you’re looking for a taste of Scotland, The Isle of Arran delivers an unforgettable island experience that feels like a condensed tour of everything this beautiful country has to offer.

5. Isle of Skye, Scottish Highlands

No list of the best islands in the UK would be complete without the Isle of the Skye! This picturesque island in the Scottish Highlands is famed for its otherworldly landscapes, and it is easy to see why as Skye is a magnet for photographers, hikers, and anyone with a love for nature.

Iconic sights on the island include the likes of the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and the Fairy Pools that are renowned as one of the best wild swimming spots in the UK. Delivering scenery that feels like stepping into a fantasy novel and a charming ruggedness, the Isle of Skye is surprisingly accessible, with a bridge connecting it to the mainland, making this remote paradise easier to reach than you might expect.

The island is filled with Scottish history and folklore, from ancient Scottish castles like Dunvegan to tales of Viking invasions around the 8th century. Its villages are well worth a visit, with places such as Portree, offering a colourful harbourfront along with a range of cosy pubs, fresh seafood, and a warm Scottish Highland welcome.

Whether you’re exploring windswept Isle of Skye beaches or checking out the local delicacies in the towns and villages on the island, the Isle of Skye leaves a lasting impression and makes it an easy contender for the best UK.

6. Isle of Wight

Next up on our list of the best UK islands is the stunning Isle of Wight. Even though this is just a short ferry ride from the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight feels like a world apart from the rest of the UK. With some of the best beaches in the UK as well as charming seaside towns and villages, this is a perfect UK island escape.

From the iconic Needles rock formation to the gorgeous walking trails of Tennyson Down, the island offers a diverse landscape ideal for active adventures or lazy days by the sand. This area is also rich in heritage, with attractions such as Osborne House, which is former holiday residence of Queen Victoria. There is also plenty for you to explore in the island’s wonderful towns and villages including Ventnor, Cowes and of course the island’s capital Newport.

Even though this Isle is dubbed the Garden Isle, due to its mild climate, the Isle of Wight is more than just a summer holiday spot. It’s a year-round destination full of character, colour and coastal magic, perfect for families, friends or couples looking for their next break.

7. Llandwyn Island, near Newborough

Actually tucked off the southwestern tip of another of the best islands in the UK on this list, Llanddwyn Island is a must-visit gem, steep in legend and surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Wales.

Like Holy Island, this island is tidal, however this beautiful part of Wales can only be access via foot during the low tide. Connected to the sands of the idyllic Newborough Beach, you can park your car at the main beach car park before making your way across to explore the island.

This wonderful place is famously linked to Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, and the island still carries a sense of peace and romance, with the ruins of her 5th-century church overlooking the sea. Having been there myself I can say the Isle has a real charm about it, I was also lucky to see some seals basking in the morning sunshine which just added to the spectacle. Llanddwyn is also captivating for the wild, windswept landscapes and stunning views across the Menai Strait to Snowdonia, the perfect location for photographers to secure that amazing shot.

Though small in size, Llanddwyn Island leaves a lasting impression, offering one of the most soulful and scenic island experiences in the UK.

8. Orkney Islands

We’re taking another trip to Scotland to uncover the next best British island! Taking the eighth spot on Sykes Holiday Cottage’s list is the Orkney Islands.

Situated just off the north-eastern coast of Scotland, the Orkney Islands offer prehistoric landmarks and dramatic coastlines as well as an incredibly vivid history. It is best known for being home to some of Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic sites. Visit Skara Brae prehistoric village which was uncovered by a storm in 1850 and is thought to date back 5,000 years or marvel at the Stones Stenness Circle and Henge dating back to the third millennium BC. We’d also recommend taking a guided tour of Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, which at over 5,000 years old is considered one of the finest chambered tomb in North West Europe.

But Orkney isn’t all about the past. Its main town, Kirkwall, is full of life, with cosy cafés, craft shops, and the striking St Magnus Cathedral at its centre. The islands are also a great spot for wildlife and nature lovers, offering coastal scenery teeming with puffins, seal-dotted shores and skies frequented by sea eagles.

So, whether you’re tracing historical footsteps or soaking up the raw beauty of its rugged landscapes, Orkney delivers unforgettable memories and easily secures a place on a list of the best UK islands.

9. Shetland Islands

The penultimate entry on our guide to the best British islands to visit is Shetland or the Shetland Islands. Sitting at the northernmost edge of the UK and one of the larger islands on the list, Shetland is a must-visit for those looking for somewhere truly remote in the UK.

This remote area of the UK offers over 100 islands, of which only around 16 are inhabited. With this provides a fantastic location for nature and animals to thrive, boats tours here will offer a wide selection of birds and animals, from puffins and terns, to seals and orcas. The Shetland islands also enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight during the summer months, which may not be ideal for your body clock but is perfect for exploring the wild coastlines and walking trails that crisscross the terrain.

Shetland proudly celebrates its Scandinavian roots, including an annual Up Helly Aa fire festival in Lerwick. Check out fantastic historical landmarks such as Scalloway Castle, St Mary’s Chapel ruins and the Shetland Museum and Archives, which explores the full history across the islands.

The Shetland Islands promise an unforgettable escape full of history and wildlife and it is easy to see why it has made the list for the best British islands.

10. St Michael’s Mount, Marazion

Last but certainly not least on our guide to the best UK islands is the stunning island of St Michael’s Mount. This tidal island is steeped in history and boasts not only an ancient church but also a medieval castle, along with its manicured gardens it is a fantastic place for a day of exploration.

The island is reachable on foot during low tide thanks to a cobbled causeway. As the tide starts to come in and the causeway disappears, small boats will help transfer you back and to from the island to Marazion for a small fee. From St Michael’s Mount you are also close to the popular town of Penzance, which you can reach via the South West Coastal Path, one of the best walks in the UK.  There are a couple of cafés on the island as well as a gift shop, so you can pick up a treat to eat along with a piece to remember your visit to this fantastic island.

Whether you’re drawn by its striking beauty or its history, St Michael’s Mount stands as one of the UK’s most atmospheric and awe-inspiring island experiences.

Map of the Best Islands in the UK

So, what are you waiting for, make a note of the isles on the map and go exploring the best islands in the UK today. Looking for other great areas of the UK to explore, why not see our guide to the 1o most beautiful places in the UK. Be sure to check out our UK travel guide to help you plan your adventures and book a holiday cottage with us today!