Islands worth finding.
Britain’s offshore islands range from windswept Hebridean outposts to subtropical Scilly, each with its own culture, wildlife and coastline. Browse the opening collection by nation, then follow a field note into the detail.
Browse the collection
Every entry is a starting point. Confirm local conditions, access and opening details before travelling.
Showing 21 islands
Isle of Skye
Inner Hebrides
Read the field note Scotland · Inner HebridesIsle of Mull
Inner Hebrides
Read the field note Scotland · Firth of ClydeIsle of Arran
Read the field note Scotland · OrkneyOrkney Mainland
Orkney
Read the field note Scotland · ShetlandShetland Mainland
Shetland
Read the field note Scotland · Outer HebridesIsle of Lewis and Harris
Outer Hebrides
Read the field note Scotland · Inner HebridesIsle of Iona
Inner Hebrides
Read the field note Scotland · Firth of ClydeIsle of Bute
Firth of Clyde
Read the field note England · English ChannelIsle of Wight
Read the field note England · CornwallIsles of Scilly
Read the field note England · DevonLundy Island
Read the field note England · NorthumberlandHoly Island (Lindisfarne)
Read the field note Wales · GwyneddAnglesey
Read the field note Wales · GwyneddBardsey Island
Read the field note Wales · PembrokeshireCaldey Island
Read the field note Northern Ireland · County AntrimRathlin Island
Only inhabited offshore island of Northern Ireland
Read the field note Northern Ireland · County DownCopeland Islands
Uninhabited, seabird colony
Read the field note Scotland · Inner HebridesIsle of Coll
Inner Hebrides
Read the field note Scotland · Inner HebridesIsle of Gigha
Inner Hebrides, off Kintyre
Read the field note England · KentIsle of Sheppey
Thames Estuary
Read the field note Scotland · Inner HebridesIsle of Eigg
Inner Hebrides, Small Isles
Read the field noteFour nations, one coast
| Nation | Entries in this collection | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| England | 5 | The Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly bookend England’s offshore islands, with Lundy and Lindisfarne in between. |
| Wales | 3 | Anglesey is the largest, with Bardsey and Caldey offering monastic heritage and remoteness. |
| Scotland | 11 | The Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland form a chain of world-class coastal and archaeological destinations. |
| Northern Ireland | 2 | Rathlin is the only inhabited offshore island, with the Copeland Islands’ uninhabited seabird colony nearby. |
Before you set out
Which UK islands are accessible by ferry?
Most UK islands are accessible by scheduled ferry services, including CalMac for the Hebrides, NorthLink for Orkney and Shetland, and Wightlink for the Isle of Wight.
Do I need a car to visit the Scottish islands?
A car gives the most flexibility, but many islands are navigable by bus, bike, or on foot. Mull, Skye, and Arran all have local bus services connecting the main villages.
What is the most northerly inhabited island in the UK?
Muckle Flugga, off Unst in Shetland, marks the most northerly point. Unst itself is the most northerly inhabited island.
Can I suggest a correction?
Yes. Corrections and updates are welcome through the contact page.
Is this a booking website?
No. The UK Coast is an editorial directory and does not sell tickets or guarantee access.
Explore the coast
Move from built heritage to wild habitat, then follow the stories between them.