Did you know that Great Britain holds several notable geographical records among islands? It is the ninth-largest island in the world and the largest island in both the British Isles (a group of islands in the North Atlantic) and the United Kingdom.
In this article, we’ll explore well-known islands and hidden gems with interesting landscapes and attractions from across the British Isles and the UK.
🏝️ Major Islands of Britain Isles
Before we dive into an overview of these islands, let’s first get some key geographical and political facts straight by looking at the British Isles map.
Points to ponder:
- The British Isles are a geographical entity that is larger than the UK, while the United Kingdom is a political entity, comprising only the islands it governs.
- Some islands belong to both the UK and the British Isles.
📍Great Britain
As the largest island in the UK, Great Britain is made up of three islands:
England
- Southeastern part of Great Britain
- Capital: London
Scotland
- Northern part of Great Britain
- Capital: Edinburgh
Wales
- Western part of Great Britain
- Capital: Cardiff
Great Britain boasts a diverse landscape, from the beautiful mountain ranges of the Scottish Highlands to the rolling hills and rivers of England, and the lovely wildlife found in Wales.
📍Ireland
Next, let’s explore Ireland — the second-largest island in the British Isles. It is divided into two distinct areas: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Northern Ireland
- Capital: Belfast
- Popular island attraction: Giant’s Causeway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is famous for its basalt columns. 1
Republic of Ireland
- Capital: Dublin
- Popular island attraction: Skellig Michael, which is also a UNESCO site and famous for its ancient monastery.2
Both areas are known for their lush greenery, cultural heritage, and historic sites.
📍Isle of Wight
Now, let's review the Isle of Wight. Located in the English Channel and south of mainland England, it is the largest island in England.
Popular holiday spot
- Sunniest location in the UK, with dinosaur footprints
Well-suited for sailing
- Round the Islands Race for yacht race lovers
Isle of Wight Festival
- Music festival held annually at Seaclose Park, Newport
📍Isle of Man
Another island that's worth mentioning is the Isle of Man. Situated in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland, this charming island is not part of the UK, but a Crown Dependency.
A Crown Dependency is a self-governing territory under the British Crown. It is not listed as part of the UK and has its own parliament (Tynwald), laws, and even currency. Some other examples include Jersey and Guernsey in the Channel Islands. 3
The Isle of Man is famously known for the TT motorcycle races, Celtic and Viking history, as well as its unique Manx cat (known for having no tails).
🌊 Notable Island Groups in the UK
Now, let’s discover other archipelagos in the UK that are well worth exploring and visiting.
🏞️ The Hebrides
First up, we have the Hebrides. It is an extensive archipelago off Scotland's west coast, divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The islands promise a vast range of geographical offerings from rugged landscapes, captivating coastlines, and rich biodiversity.
The island has a strong Gaelic heritage and is home to islands like Skye (Inner Hebrides) as well as Lewis and Harris (Outer Hebrides).
🏞️ The Orkney Islands
Next, we have Orkney, another alluring group of islands, which is located north of mainland Scotland. Compared to the Hebrides, they are mostly low-lying (flat lands) and have more dramatic sea cliffs.
Did you know that the Orkney Islands were under Norwegian rule from the Viking Age until the mid-15th century?
The islands were pawned to the Scottish Crown by Christian I (a Scandinavian monarch acting as King of Norway) as a dowry for his daughter’s marriage to James III of Scotland. 4
The Orkney Islands are rich in Neolithic sites, including Maeshowe, the Stones of Stenness, Skara Brahe, and the Ring of Brodgar, which stand as magnificent testaments to the history of Orkney.
Fun Fact: It's also one of the best places in the UK to catch the Aurora Borealis in its full glory, as the island has a clear sky and is located strategically for a clear view of the Northern Lights.
🏞️ The Shetland Islands
Let’s stay a little closer as we explore the Shetland Islands, situated northeast of the Orkneys. Their unique location makes them closer to Norway than to London.
Any visitors will be drawn by Shetland's wild and mesmerising beauty from its coaslines, to wildlife, and historic sites.
Shetland is packed with sites of historic interest, and unearthing stories from the past helps us understand Shetland's rich and diverse culture today.
Laurie Goodlad, Writer and tour guide
Like the Orkneys, you can step into the past and imagine yourself in the footsteps of the Vikings as you visit various locations and celebrate the annual Up Helly Aa festival, the world's largest fire festival.
🏞️ The Isles of Scilly
If you are looking for a stunning English archipelago with a mixture of scenery and history, the Isles of Scilly should be at the top of your vacation list. With over 35 beaches, this place is located off the southwestern tip of Cornwall.
Nature lovers would enjoy themselves at the Tresco Abbey Garden (located on Tresco Island) as it's home to almost 20,000 plant species across the globe.
🌎 Unique and Lesser-Known Islands
Now, let's switch gears to explore some hidden gems around the UK — single, smaller islands with quaint charm.
📌Lundy Island
First, we have Lundy Island. Located in the Bristol Channel, it is a haven for those who are seeking solitude, sustainability, and tranquillity from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The island is owned and managed by two charities (the Landmark Trust and the National Trust, respectively) in the UK to preserve the wildlife and state of the island.
Personal vehicles are prohibited on the island as the island lacks roads, featuring only granite tracks, which makes cars impractical for visitors. Visitors require boat access to enter the island and will walk while they are there, and live in designated staying locations (pre-booked). 5
However, there are many places and activities to explore here, from walking, climbing, to diving. Designated the first Marine Conservation Area in the UK, Lundy is known for its puffin population among wildlife enthusiasts.
📌Holy Island of Lindisfarne
The Holy Island is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England, Northumberland, which is bordered by Scotland. To journey to the island, visitors need to cross the causeway during low tides through the mainland at safe crossing times.
One of the island’s most visited sites is Lindisfarne Priory, a medieval monastery and an important centre of early Christianity.
The island is also home to Lindisfarne Castle, the highest point of the island, which was formerly a Tudor fort and is now transformed into a private holiday home for Edward Hudson — the founder of Country Life Magazine. 6
To this day, the island retains a rich spiritual heritage, as it is also the final destination of a walking pilgrimage in commemoration of St Cuthbert, a religious figure who lived and ministered on the island.
Discover the major rivers and lakes in the UK.
📌Eilean Shona
Eilean Shona is a private island located in Loch Moidart, Scotland. The island is rich in woodland, hills, and wildlife, offering secluded, pristine beaches and a serene escape from modern life for visitors.
The island is best known for being the summer house of J.M. Barrie, the Scottish author who wrote "Peter Pan", where it's believed that he wrote the famous classic here.
Additionally, Eilean Shona is known for being car-free, and everything is on foot. Similar to Lundy Island, visitors will take a boat to the island, where there will be a quad bike luggage transfer to get you and your bags to your pre-booked cottage. 7
Today, the island is a haven for luxury family stays, creative retreats for art enthusiasts, all year round.
🏖️ Island Tourism and Activities
When it comes to holidaying or short visits to islands, there are two main ways visitors spend their time — outdoor nature exploration as well as cultural and historical immersion. Here's an overview of activities that you can join while visiting the islands recommended in this article.
🩱Outdoor Adventures
Whether you prefer to explore nature on foot or dive deep into the waters and feel the breeze, there are many options to choose from while you're visiting these islands.
| Activity | Island Group | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking | Isle of Wight (England) | Isle of Wight Coastal Path with chalk cliffs and sea views |
| Hiking | Orkney Islands | Coastal walks featuring cliffs, sea stacks, and ancient sites |
| Hiking | Anglesey (Wales) | Anglesey Coastal Path circling the island |
| Water Sports | Outer Hebrides | Surfing on Atlantic beaches such as Luskentyre |
| Water Sports | Isle of Wight | Sailing and yachting in the Solent |
| Water Sports | Shetland Islands | Sea kayaking and wildlife-rich coastal waters |
If you are a nature lover, you would certainly enjoy visiting the local national parks too.
🏛️ Cultural Experiences
The same offerings apply to visitors who want a fun cultural experience, either through local festivals or a historical exploration of castles, museums, and famous sites.
| Experience Type | Location / Island Group | Example / Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Festival | Shetland Islands | Up Helly Aa Viking fire festival |
| Festival | Isle of Man | Isle of Man TT motorcycle events and Manx cultural gatherings |
| Festival | Isle of Lewis (Outer Hebrides) | Gaelic music and community festivals |
| Historical Site | Orkney Islands | Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar (Neolithic sites) |
| Historical Site | Holy Island (Lindisfarne) | Lindisfarne Priory and early Christian heritage |
| Historical Site | Isle of Man | House of Manannan — museum of Celtic, Viking, and maritime history |
Don't miss out on discovering the lovely greenery and forests while visiting these islands, too.
Islands are like puzzles waiting to be explored, offering adventure to those who seek it.
David Attenborough
We hope you have found this article helpful to learn more about the diversity of islands in the British Isles and the UK. If you are intrigued by these geographical topics, you can always connect with an experienced geography tutor on Superprof.
References
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (2009). Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast. Unesco.org. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/369/
- Centre, U. W. H. (n.d.). Sceilg Mhichíl. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/757/
- Isle of Man Government - Isle of Man – an overview. (n.d.). Www.gov.im. https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/cabinet-office/media-centre/isle-of-man-an-overview/
- Viking Heritage. (n.d.). Orkney.com. https://www.orkney.com/things/history/viking-heritage
- Dixon, B. (2020, March 2). Sustainability: what Lundy Island can teach us about saving the planet. Lonely Planet. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/lundy-island-green-travel
- Lindisfarne Castle | Northumberland. (n.d.). National Trust. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/lindisfarne-castle
- Island Life. (2026). Eileanshona.com. https://eileanshona.com/your-stay
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