The tiny UK island with its own ‘king’ – as well as a 300-year-old pub and 14th-century castle
A SMALL English island is home to one pub and a 14th-century castle, but holidaymakers can only reach the island for six months of the year.
Piel Island, which sits just off the coast of the Furness peninsula in Cumbria, is home to just 10 residents.
Even though only a handful of families currently live on the island, people have lived there for more than 3000 years.
The island was occupied by both the Celts and the Romans.
Before it became known as Piel Island, it was named Foudray by Scandinavian settlers,
In 1127, Piel Island was given to the Savignac monks, and it was used to store goods.
Read More on UK Islands
One of the island's main attractions is Piel Castle.
The castle was built in the 14th century by the Abbot of Furness to guard Barrow-in-Furness against pirates and Scottish raiders.
Set on the southeast tip of Piel Island, the castle is visible from Morecambe Bay.
Parts of the castle are still standing too, including the keep, the inner and outer baileys, and some of the towered walls.
Most read in Travel
Entry into the castle is free, but the remote island can only be accessed via a small passenger ferry.
Summer ferry crossings are dependent on the weather, but the small boat usually runs from 11am to 4pm.
Return journeys cost £6 per person, but the crossings are now closed for the winter season.
The same ferry company also runs seal sightseeing trips to Cumbria’s only seal colony, which is located at South Walney Nature Reserve.
In addition to the 600-year-old castle, Piel Island is also home to a pub called the Ship Inn.
Each time the pub gets a new landlord, they're crowned "King" of the island.
The tradition dates back to the 19th century when Lambert Simnel attempted to usurp the English throne.
Last year, Aaron Sanderson, 33, became the owner of the Ship Inn and the "King of Piel".
He said: "The atmosphere has been amazing and it really is a great place to be at weekends when the weather is good, it was rammed last week, you wouldn't have been able to get a seat or get the chance to talk to me for a chat like now."
Because of its remote location, Piel Island is also a good spot for stargazing too.
In the summer, holidaymakers can book to stay at the island's £5 campsite, which is attached to the pub.
Those British tourists who decide to visit will need to bring their own supplies, because there aren't any shops on the island.
Piel Island has also been positively reviewed on TripAdvisor.
One person wrote: "The castle was a great surprise - it's a lot more than just ruins too.
"There's an excellent beach and a pub, which was unfortunately closed on our visit because the landlord was stocking up on supplies after a busy bank holiday."
Another said: "The island is small with a beautiful English Heritage castle and a pub, run by the King of Piel Island.
"The trip was followed by a seal spotting trip with Piel Ferries, with a very knowledgeable guide."
There are plenty of other lesser-known islands in the UK too.
Osea Island is a tiny private island where all of the celebs go, with A-listers including Rihanna, Stormzy, and Jude Law staying over the years.
Often dubbed the "English Necker Island"; most of the famous faces visit for the recording studio - although tourists can book overnight stays on part of the island.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Meanwhile, Mersea Island was named the "best-kept secret in Essex".
The island has just 7,000 locals, and you can only visit during low tide.
