# 10 Beautiful British Islands Worth Visiting > We rounded up 10 British islands with white sandy beaches, ancient castles and untamed wildlife. Find out where to go for unforgettable scenery. - URL: https://langandtrip.com.ua/en/article/10-krasyvkh-brytanskykh-ostrovov-kotore-stoyt-posetyt/ - Language: en - Published: 2024-12-25 - Categories: Culture, Beaches, Tours, England, Scotland, Seas & Oceans --- Think Britain is just one small island off the coast of Europe? Think again. It is actually a huge scattering of little islands off the coast of Europe, more than 6,000 of them. Many are perfect for boat trips and leisurely excursions out to remote, wild places. Here is our pick of the 10 best stops for anyone drawn to a slower kind of island life: ## 1. The Isles of Scilly Forty kilometres off the coast of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly are an unlikely tropical gem. White sandy beaches and turquoise waters are not the first things that come to mind when you picture the British coastline, yet Scilly has plenty of both. Thanks to their closeness to the warm Gulf Stream currents flowing across the Atlantic, the islands are blessed with unique plant life found nowhere else in Britain. The wonderful Abbey Gardens on Tresco are home to rare plants from places as far flung as Myanmar and Brazil. Nearby, Great Popplestones Bay on the island of Bryher is one of the most beautiful beaches in the British Isles. ## 2. The Farne Islands ![](/storage/image/prev/september-article-image-8-1-2024.jpg) This striking seabird colony, sitting a few kilometres off the coast of Northumberland in the north east of England, is arguably the most fascinating cluster of islands in the country. Settled by Christian hermits from neighbouring Lindisfarne in the 7th century, the islands are today home to a grand Victorian lighthouse and thousands of puffins and seals. The islands are open from March to October, when, alongside those puffins, visitors can spot shearwaters, terns and brent geese. Seal watching trips in October are a wonderful way to see these residents with their newborn pups. ## 3. Lundy Island The largest island in the south western English Bristol Channel, Lundy lies 19 kilometres off the coast of North Devon. A small population lives here year round, but day trips are easy to arrange from the mainland. You can also stay in one of the few houses maintained by the Landmark Trust. A marine nature reserve, rich waters and rugged terrain make it a haven for seabirds, especially puffins. Travellers can go diving in the pristine, protected waters. Those who prefer dry land and a good pub can head to the delightful Marisco Tavern. The 13th century Marisco Castle and the abandoned Old Light lighthouse are both well worth exploring. ## 4. Jura and Islay ![](/storage/image/prev/september-article-image-8-2-2024.jpg) This pair of western Scottish islands is unfairly overlooked. The famous Paps of Jura offer a challenging hike, while Machir Bay on Islay is one of the most popular surfing spots in Scotland (a winter wetsuit is essential whatever the weather). Beyond the wild landscape, these islands have another appealing side: whisky. In the village of Craighouse, the small Jura distillery is a legendary place. Islay is packed with spots where you can taste some of the finest single malt whisky in Scotland. It is worth seeking out a dram or two of Bowmore or Laphroaig. ## 5. Rum Easily reached from the town of Mallaig, Rum is the jewel of the Small Isles, a group of islands in the northern part of the Inner Hebrides. Its mountains are spectacular and offer views out over the Atlantic and back to the mainland, while its untouched beaches rival any found in tropical Thailand or the Caribbean. Cars are not allowed on Rum, which means the pace of life on this community minded island is pleasantly slow. From Kinloch Castle to wild otters along the shoreline, this is an island that will not run out of sights any time soon. ## 6. Papa Westray ![](/storage/image/prev/september-article-image-8-3-2024.jpg) Known to locals simply as Papay, this tiny island in Orkney is reached by the shortest scheduled flight in the world: under two minutes from Kirkwall. Passengers who take the trip on the 10 seat plane operated by Loganair from Kirkwall on the Orkney mainland receive a certificate marking the achievement. Around 90 people call this place home and take fierce pride in its beautiful beaches and long history. The famous Knap of Howar, the oldest known dwellings in northern Europe, dates back to 3800 BC, and locals proudly claim it is older than the pyramids at Giza. ## 7. Canvey Island Set in the mouth of the Thames and separated from the south east English county of Essex by deep creeks, Canvey might not be the most obvious choice for an island getaway. But the place is steeped in ancient history, having been settled ever since the Romans first arrived in Britain. Alongside significant archaeological finds, Canvey has a strong cultural tradition, with famous performers such as Elvis Costello and Dr. Feelgood calling it a key place for their musical journeys. There is excellent food at the 17th century Lobster Smack pub, which gets a mention in Dickens's "Great Expectations", as well as at the wonderful art deco Labworth Cafe. The West Canvey Marsh reserve offers superb birdwatching. Local species include marsh harriers, gulls, redshanks and herons. ## 8. Skomer Island ![](/storage/image/prev/september-article-image-8-4-2024.jpg) The Welsh island of Skomer, whose remote position on the edge of the Pembrokeshire peninsula makes it a refuge for dolphins, porpoises and the occasional whale. Day trips are the most popular option, but an overnight stay in Skomer's lovely hostel is the best way to enjoy the rolling landscape and dramatic cliffs, home in summer to vast colonies of Manx shearwaters. The island is only two and a half kilometres long and three kilometres wide, so it is easy to explore on foot. Photography workshops run here from April to October, a great way to get to know the island better. ## 9. Brownsea Island In Poole Harbour, the largest natural harbour in Europe, Brownsea Island is easily reached from the nearby towns of Bournemouth and Southampton. Maintained by the National Trust, it is especially known for its well preserved woodlands, which are home to the red squirrel, increasingly rare on British soil. It is also the site of the first Boy Scout camp, organised by Lord Baden-Powell in 1907. The island is open throughout the summer. Guided walks across the heathland and through the woods take place during the winter on selected weekends. ## 10. Holy Island On the north western edge of Wales, Holy Island might not look all that appealing when seen from the main town of Holyhead. But visitors who venture out into its open landscape will be rewarded with beautiful coves perfect for wild swimming adventures, and Holyhead Mountain, a heathland peak that offers sweeping 360 degree views over the Irish Sea and east to the Welsh summits of Snowdonia. South Stack Lighthouse and the surrounding cliffs are perfect for an afternoon stroll. There are also plenty of Celtic archaeological sites here to discover.