The British Isles are a collection of islands off the UK’s many beautiful coasts. Although England itself is an island, that’s not exactly the kind of island we mean! This stunning and widely varied archipelago is an excellent choice for a trip that gives you access to a cross-section of UK cultures and a diverse set of options in terms of landscape and experiences. These British Isles destinations will make up the most unique and extraordinary island trip you’ve ever had, so get packing.
Your British Isles Itinerary
Summer
A summer trip full of salty sea breezes, bright turquoise and deep blue waters and days in the sunshine might be just the thing. These summer destinations have all that and more in spades!
- Mull and Iona. Just off Scotland’s West Coast is a magical place. If you’re looking for pristine beaches, mountains and quaint little villages, here is where you’ll find it all. Hebredian hospitality is at its peak (as is the whisky tasting) here on Mull and Iona, so take a tour around the Tobermory Distillery for a little of both. If that’s not up your alley, head down to St Ronan’s Bay for a beach day that offers views upon views. If you’re looking to hire a luxury jet rather than rely on ferries, you’ll be able to land at Glenforsa Airfield without any fuss or airport congestion.
- Lundy Island, Devon. This three-mile-long, half-mile-wide granite outcrop that’s perched precariously in the sea off of North Devon manages to pack a lot into such a tiny space. Bird watchers in particular make it a point to take spring and summer trips to Lundy Island and the snorkel safaris on offer allow intrepid visitors to encounter an entirely new world beneath the glimmering waves.
- Isle of Wight, Hampshire. This is the largest of the British Isles and an incredible family destination, no matter what the time of year. That said, strolling along the cliffs or taking it easy on the beach in the summer are activities that lend themselves particularly well to this stunning island. Known as “the star of Solent”, the Isle of Wight is home to the protected Red Squirrel and is beloved by many famous visitors, from the late Queen Elizabeth to Darwin and Alfred Lord Tennyson. Take the kids to Blackgang Chine, the oldest theme park in the UK, for the day to work off a little energy and save room for a crab-shed crab and mackerel pasty!
- The Channel Islands. Featuring both the UK and French coasts, a vacation to the Channel Islands offers destinations like Jersey and Guernsey, which are famed for their rich maritime heritage and diverse history. Both locations also have a lot to offer in terms of culinary and wildlife tourism. Here you’ll find soft, golden beaches, World War II bunkers to be explored, boat trips out to places like Sark and more.
Winter
Grey skies, a hot drink by a roaring fire and cliff walks all wrapped up from the cold weather? Sign us up!
- Tory (Toraigh) Island, Donegal. Just off Donegal’s rugged coast lies one of the most remote and uninhabited islands in the British Isles. Home to a tiny group of 142 residents, Toraigh is overflowing with Gaelic heritage that’s wonderfully preserved and continued. Toraigh is also famous for the lovely music and dancing that originate here as well as its painter’s school. The Gailearaí Dixon, the island’s gallery, exhibits only the paintings of islanders, so make a stop there on your way to see the tower that monks once protected from Viking raids en route to take a dive…literally.
- Isle of Man. This island has a reputation as being “for bikers”, but with 22 square miles of nothing but exquisite landscapes overflowing with wildlife, we think it’s for anyone and everyone! Just a 30-minute journey from the mainland, it’s easy to reach. Though you may want to avoid the island from May to June if you aren’t a biker, there are peace and quiet, warm fireplaces, folklore passed down through generations and many a cosy pub and restaurant to visit for warmth and sustenance. The village of Peel on the west coast is a quaint, welcoming place to see and stay and if you’re looking for a little connection to nature, the Glens are definitely worth a visit.
- Isle of Skye. Picture wild, Scottish moors, the epitome of English charm and welcome, a slightly lonely (in a good way) place full of winding walks and undulating pastures and you may have a basic sketch of the Isle of Skye. Even a full oil painting can’t prepare you for the beauty of this place that operates on its own version of island time. Traditional fishing villages are interspersed with beautiful pastoral landscapes and there’s lots to see and do. Hunt for dinosaur footprints, learn about the Scottish history of the island, sup on seafood and game at any of the pubs and restaurants (from simple to fine dining) across the island and immerse yourself in a slower kind of life.
Your Year of Travel
Your year’s travel itinerary across the British Isles is all set out; all that you need is to pack and get going. From summery beach days to cliff walks with bracing wind at your back, the British Isles are gorgeous no matter when you visit.