Greece a no-go this year? Explore Great Britain and go island hopping here
DID you know there are more than 6,000 islands in the UK?
So forget the coconuts and palm trees, it’s time to swap your beach holiday for an island adventure. Natasha Harding picks eight top spots.
Lundy - Bristol Channel
THIS three-mile-long island is a popular tourist spot – 18,000 people a year come to roam the unspoilt clifftops, spot seals in the sea below and watch puffins fly overhead as they explore.
GETTING THERE: The island is linked to the mainland by the supply ship MS Oldenburg. Day trips are available from both Bideford and Ilfracombe in Devon.
WHERE TO STAY: A range of accommodation is available on the island, all managed by the Landmark Trust ().
WHERE TO EAT: Marisco Tavern, Lundy (01237 431 831).
Bryher - Scillies
FORMER children’s laureate Michael Morpurgo is a regular visitor here.
Bryher’s vibrant coastline was the inspiration for his 1985 children’s story Why The Whales Came. When it was turned into a film a few years later, there was no better place than here to shoot it.
GETTING THERE: Tresco Boat Services operates from St Mary’s.
WHERE TO STAY: Bryher Campsite, Bryher (01720 422 068 or see ).
WHERE TO EAT: The Crab Shack, Hell Bay (01720 422 947 or ).
Hoy - Orkney
THE Old Man of Hoy, a crooked, 137m-tall rock formation rising up from the waves, has watched over the eastern seas of Orkney for more than 250 years. A footpath from Rackwick Bay leads to a great vantage point.
GETTING THERE: There are two ferry points on Orkney Mainland, at Houton and Stromness (01856 872044, ).
WHERE TO STAY: The Stromabank Hotel, Hoy (01856 701 494 or see ).
WHERE TO EAT: Beneth’ill Cafe, Hoy (01856 791 119 or check out ).
Lindisfarne - Northumberland
ALSO know as Holy Island. The tides here dictate many things, from the time you can grab a coffee to postal deliveries. Wait until the day-trippers leave and watch the sun go down.
GETTING THERE: The causeway to Lindisfarne is close to the A1, just south of Haggerston. Study the tide times carefully before you cross, to ensure you have enough time.
WHERE TO STAY: Lindisfarne Hotel, Lindisfarne (01289 389 273, ).
WHERE TO EAT: Pilgrims Coffee House, Marygate, Lindisfarne (01289 389 109, ).
Coll - Inner Hebrides
THIS is the place to come for budding astronomers wanting an unobstructed view of the night sky. Coll achieved Dark Sky status in 2013, an award given to areas with very little light pollution.
GETTING THERE: From the mainland, the ferry leaves from Oban. See . Coll has an airport, with flights to Oban and Tiree.
WHERE TO STAY: Coll Bunkhouse at Arinagour, Isle of Coll (01879 230217, ).
WHERE TO EAT: The Island Cafe, First Port of Coll, Shore Street, Arinagour, Isle of Coll (01879 230 262, ).
Berneray - Outer Hebrides
THE road from North Uist will lead you to the eastern side of the island, but the western side is where the true beauty lies, with seas so clear you’ll think you’re in the tropics.
GETTING THERE: Berneray is linked to North Uist by a causeway and so is accessible by car. There is a ferry link to Leverburgh on Harris. See .
WHERE TO STAY: Seal View B&B, 16 Backhill, Berneray (01876 540209, ).
WHERE TO EAT: Berneray Shop and Bistro, Berneray (01876 540 288, or check out )
Iona - Inner Hebrides
AROUND 130,000 visitors take the passenger ferry to Iona every year, to experience this spiritual destination and retreat. On the west coast of Scotland, it is noted as the birthplace of Scottish Christianity.
GETTING THERE: Drive to Fionnphort on Mull for the ten-minute ferry crossing to Iona. You don’t need to book, but most vehicles aren’t allowed. Visit .
WHERE TO STAY: Argyll Hotel, Iona (01681 700 334 or see ).
WHERE TO EAT: Martyrs Bay Restaurant, Iona (01681 700 382, ).
Most read in Travel
Eel Pie Island - River Thames
BACK in the Sixties, Eel Pie was one of the trendiest music venues in the country, thanks to the 19th-century hotel that shared the island’s name.
The Rolling Stones, The Who and Pink Floyd all played here. Sadly, the hotel burnt down in the early Seventies, closing the iconic venue. But Eel Pie retains a creative vibe – and has regular art exhibitions.
GETTING THERE: A footbridge takes visitors over to Eel Pie from Twickenham Embankment.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
WHERE TO STAY: Alexander Pope Hotel, Cross Deep, Twickenham (020 8892 3050, ).
This is an edited extract taken from Treasured Islands by Peter Naldrett (Conway, £18.99) which is out now.