Exploring the UK doesn’t have to be restricted to the mainland. Some of the finest experiences in England and Wales are found offshore, on the multitude of different islands that scatter the fringes of the map. The UK as a whole has somewhere in the region of 6,000 islands, some of which are little more than volcanic rocks jutting above the waves, others of which are household names. Almost 190 of them are permanently inhabited, with deeply layered histories and communities.
Collectively, as well as feeling somehow more intrepid than a routine day at the coast, Britain’s islands also offer glorious landscapes, superb wildlife encounters, unforgettable outdoor activities, and some of the best day-trip potential you’ll find anywhere. So without any further ado, here are six English and Welsh islands to bear in mind. Some are big, some are small, but all are well worthy of your time.
Brownsea Island
Best for… families
A forested haven in the middle of Dorset’s Poole Harbour, with sweeping views of the Purbeck Hills, Brownsea has numerous claims to fame. It witnessed the birth of the worldwide Scouting and Guiding movements when 20 youngsters camped here in 1907, and 115 years on it’s still defined by an old-world, traditional woodland charm. Red squirrels scamper through the oaky canopy, peacocks strut outside a 19th-century church, and numberless trees cry out to be conquered by eager young climbers. You’ll find free outdoor trails, a natural play area, and sometimes open-air theatre shows. As a family day-trip, it’s a joy. Access to the island is via a foot ferry from Poole Quay — it’s free for under-fives.
Nearest hostels: YHA Lulworth Cove, YHA Swanage
Holy Island
Best for… history
To enjoy the wonders of Northumberland’s Holy Island, alternatively known as Lindisfarne, you first have to get there. This requires timing your journey across a mile-long causeway — the island is cut off twice a day by high tide, and woe betide any vehicle or pedestrian who misjudges the ebb and flow (it’s best to check the tide times and plan ahead). Once you’re across, however, you’ll be treated to a moodily scenic island with a history dating back to the sixth century. Long a centre for Celtic Christianity, it witnessed the first serious Viking raid on British soil in 793. Today a 16th-century castle stands on the wild seafront, and colourful shops and cafes cater to pilgrims and curious sightseers alike.
Nearest hostels: YHA Berwick, YHA Alnwick
Anglesey
Best for… outdoor adventure
Hanging off the northwest coast of Wales is the giant island of Anglesey, covering some 260 square miles and connected to the mainland via two bridges. The landscapes, in true Welsh style, are more than rugged enough to quicken the pulse of adventurers: cyclists can try the 36-mile circular tour of the Lôn Las Copr, which takes in the lunar terrain of Parys Mountain; walkers can take on the five-mile Holyhead Mountain circular trail; and those who want to make the most of the coastline can opt for kayaking, coasteering, sailing or surfing. If that all sounds too much like hard work, fear not — you’ll also find plenty of sandy beaches to laze on.
Nearest hostels: seven to choose from in northern Eryri (Snowdonia)
Isle of Wight
Best for… a proper holiday
Still synonymous with the bucket-and-spade allure of yesteryear — while simultaneously doing much to make its reputation a trendy one — the Isle of Wight gives you any number of reasons to catch a ferry (or, excitingly for kids and transport nerds, a hovercraft) across the Solent. Make the most of the summer climate by exploring the beaches and bays of the coast, delve into the local food and drink scene to discover local cheeses and wines, or get to know the towns and villages that keep the island lively. In the very west of the map you’ll find YHA Isle of Wight Totland, located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and sitting within easy reach of the iconic chalk landmarks of the Needles.
Nearest hostel: YHA Isle of Wight Totland
Skomer
Best for… wildlife
It’s only a short boat journey from Martin’s Haven on the Pembrokeshire coast to reach Skomer Island, but it can feel as though you’ve arrived into another world. In the seabird breeding season, this wildflower-smothered sanctuary becomes a magnet for guillemots, razorbills, gannets, fulmars and puffins, the latter seen either speeding through the skies or fussing around in comical fashion on the clifftops. Manx shearwaters also nest here in their hundreds of thousands, although you’ll need to book an overnight stay to witness their noisy nightly routines. At any time, look out for short-eared owls, and offshore porpoises, seals and dolphins, and enjoy the very special atmosphere of this cliff-edged getaway.
Nearest hostel: YHA Broad Haven
And how about the Channel Islands?
They may not be an official part of the UK — and they’re far closer to France’s coast than England’s — but the Channel Islands have long been an enticement for close-to-home adventure. In descending order of size, Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm are the best-known islands in the archipelago, and all can be reached from the mainland by ferry and boat services.
Looking for more ideas?
Enter our competition for the chance to win one of three copies of Islandeering by Lisa Drewe, which takes a closer look at 50 lesser-known islands off the British coast, and how they can be explored.
Read next: Discover 9 hostels in Wales.
Image credits: adobestock / Graham, Ian Woolcock, Michael Congrad, RamblingTog, Christine Bird, Blue Planet Studio
