The hidden UK islands you should visit after lockdown
A HOLIDAY this year might have to be in the UK as quarantine rules and closed borders scupper plans for a trip abroad.
The country does, however, have some of the most beautiful islands in the world.
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There are thousands of islands across the UK, although the majority of them are uninhabited.
They stretch from England to Wales and Scotland, with many a short ferry ride away.
Some are tidal, meaning you can walk out to them during low tide.
While travel to Wales and Scotland is still prohibited, despite the advice for England allowing day trips anywhere in the country, here are the best islands to visit when lockdown is over.
Iona
Located within the Inner Hebrides in Scotland, Iona is primarily a farming island.
However, many visit for religious retreats, with Iona Abbey founded in the year 563.
To get there isn't easy - you need to take a ferry to the Isle of Mull, followed by another ferry to Iona.
Don't take your car, as visitor vehicles are not permitted.
Sark
Just 20 miles from France, Sark is the smallest of the four Channel Islands.
There are no cars on the island - only tractors will be spotted - and just 600 people live there, with many claiming it is like stepping back in time.
It is also the first Dark Sky island in the world, which is given for areas of little light pollution, making it perfect for stargazing.
Ferries to Sark run from both Jersey and Guernsey, with regular sailings during the summer season.
Ynys Gifftan
Ynys Gifftan, an abandoned island in Wales, is a tidal island, meaning it can only be accessed during low tide.
While the one cottage on the island is uninhabited and in disrepair, Ynys Gifftan also has stunning sandy beaches which are often devoid of tourists.
Visitors are warned to be careful when travelling, as the tide can quickly cut the land path off.
In 2017, offers to rent the entire island started from just £500, as long as the owner renovated the house - costing £100k.
Colonsay
Also in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, Colonsay is slowly welcoming more tourists.
There is just one hotel on the island, The Colonsay Hotel, and is the smallest island in the world to have a brewery, of which they created the Wild Island Botanic Gin.
There are flights and ferries to the island from the resort town of Oban.
It is also safe, with just two crimes in the past 14 years - a burglary in 2006 and a vandalised car in 2013.
Eigg
Deemed one of the most sustainable islands in the UK, the Inner Hebrides island has powered nearly 100 per cent of electricity using wind and solar power for over a decade.
There are very little tourist properties, with just one cafe and little mobile reception or internet.
It is popular with adventurers as cycling and kayaking is popular on the island.
There is a daily ferry from the mainland to Eigg.
Piel
Piel Island is just one of three islands located in Cumbria.
On the tiny island is the Ship Inn, with the landlord being the 'King' of Piel who oversees administrative duties.
There is also Piel Castle which is free for guests to visit, while camping on the island costs just £5 a day.
Ferries run daily to and from the island between April and September.
Cei Ballast
Cei Ballast, a man-made island in Wales, was made over 200 years ago using old ship ballasts.
It can only be accessed during low tide.
On the island are warm pools to swim in, as well as long stretches of sandy beach.
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Ynys Llanddwyn
Another tidal island in Wales is Ynys Llanddwyn, which translates to "The Church St. Dwynwen".
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As the Welsh patron saint of lovers, she is the Welsh equivalent of St. Valentine.
On the island are beaches, a lighthouse and coves which you can swim in.
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