Ditch the packed mainland beaches this summer and head off the beaten track to Britain's best-kept coastal secrets. From tidal hideaways with their own kings to car-free havens frozen in time, these ten lesser-known islands offer the ultimate crowd-free UK escape.
When thinking of island getaways, places like Italy or Greece come to mind; however, Britain has some hidden gems along the coast that make for the perfect destination for an island retreat. Britain's coastline hides thousands of pocket-sized islands. Many of them are tidal, completely car-free, or home to quirky traditions—including their own kings and sea tractors.
Here are ten little-known islands along the British coast that should definitely be added to your next travel itinerary.
Piel Island, Cumbria, England
Found off the Furness Peninsula, Piel Island is home to its own “King”, no, not the current monarch, the title is given to the landlord of the island’s solitary pub, the 18th-century Ship Inn. This 50-acre island is also home to the ruins of Piel Castle. Piel Island is great for those who enjoy the great outdoors. You can pitch a tent almost anywhere on the island for a small fee. It’s perfect for history lovers as well as animal lovers; if you’re lucky enough, you could spot some local seals.
Bryher, Isles of Scilly
Located near the tip of Cornwall, most travellers head for the larger islands of St Mary’s or Tresco, but Bryher, the smallest of the islands in the Scillies, is just as charming. At just 2km long, Bryher offers wild scenes, as the Atlantic crashes violently against Hell Bay on one side, while the other side boasts calm, white-sand beaches like Rushy Bay. This small island is perfect for those who love rugged coastal walks, fresh seafood and tranquil, low-tide walks to neighbouring islands.
Burgh Island, Devon, England
250 metres off the coast of Bigbury-on-Sea, you’ll find Burgh Island, an Art Deco lover’s dream. The island is known for its glamorous 1930s hotel, which hosted icons like Agatha Christie and Noël Coward. For even more history, why not head to the ancient Pilchard Inn, which has been around since 1336, for a refreshing drink after hiking the island’s historic tracks. Burgh Island is perfect for literary fans and dramatic tidal views.
Sark, Channel Islands
Want to feel like you’ve time-travelled? Then you definitely need to visit Sark. This Crown Dependency has frozen in time; the only way to get around the island is on foot, by bicycle, or in a horse-drawn cart; cars are strictly banned. The island is divided into Greater Sark and Little Sark, joined together by La Coupée, a breathtaking, narrow ridge with sheer drops on either side to the ocean below. Sark was also designated the world’s first Dark Sky Island.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvxH5VaRaqE
Mersea Island, Essex, England
Next on our list is Mersea Island, which will break your perception that the east coast of England is purely industrial. This island is divided into East and West Mersea and offers a mix of salt marshes, sandy beaches and vineyards. Mersea Island is famous for its seafood, specifically its native oysters, which have been harvested here since Roman times.
Lundy Island, Bristol Channel, England
Situated in the Bristol Channel, Lundy Island is a huge, granite crag rising out of the sea. It’s known for being peaceful and desolate, with fewer than 30 permanent inhabitants. The island is looked after by the National Trust and the Landmark Trust; it features an old lighthouse, a castle, and a single pub (The Marisco Tavern) that never locks its doors. Lundy Island is perfect for birdwatchers, with plenty of puffins to look out for, as well as hikers; the island has beautiful, dramatic cliff walks.
Eilean Shona, Inner Hebrides, Scotland
Scotland is home to some beautiful islands as well. Eilean Shona is a small, private island tucked away in the entrance to Loch Moidart. This island is also car-free and is home to moss-covered pine woods and white crags, which is famously where author J.M. Barrie spent a summer vacation and drew inspiration to create Neverland for Peter Pan. Today, it has a handful of beautifully designed, off-grid rental cottages. This Scottish island is the perfect destination for those looking for creative inspiration, peaceful isolation and surrounding themselves with dense woodland trails.
Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Northumberland, England
Holy Island of Lindisfarne is steeped in Anglo-Saxon history and is home to a dramatic 16th-century castle perched on a crag. It’s well preserved and maintains an elusive, quiet charm once the daytime crowds depart. The island is also an active centre for wildlife and is surrounded by a national nature reserve, home to pale-bellied brent geese and grey seals. Holy Island is perfect for history and nature lovers.
St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly
Heading back to the tip of the Cornish coast with the Isles of Scilly, St Martin is another great alternative to St Mary's or Tresco. St Martin’s has some incredible beaches like Bread and Cheese Cove and Lawrence’s Bay. 120 people call this island home, but despite a small population, St Martin’s has a lot to offer, with a local vineyard, an artisanal bakery, and an indoor diving school. St Martin’s is ideal for snorkelling with seals, beach picnics and has beautiful coastal flower fields.
Alderney, Channel Islands
The final island on this list is Alderney, located close to France and is often overlooked for Jersey and Guernsey. Alderney is great for a summer getaway, with plenty of blond-sand beaches like Saye and Braye. The island has been shaped by history, visitors will find ancient Roman structures, Victorian forts, and German bunkers built during WWII, creating a fascinating layers-of-history playground to hike through. Alderney is perfect for history lovers and for those who prefer quieter beaches.
Want to discover other British islands? Here are some articles to help you plan out your trip:
- 5 little-known Scottish islands with breathtaking beaches, rugged coasts and quaint villages to visit this summer
- 6 stunning British islands to discover—from pristine beaches to 5,000 year old villages and whisky distilleries
- This island off the coast of Scotland, with its white sandy beaches and magical waterfalls, is a destination to add to your bucket list
