The phrase “an island in the sun” usually conjures images of white sands as far as the eye can see, warm turquoise water lapping at the shore, and palm trees dancing overhead as the sun shines on all of it.
Suppose palm trees and the tropics sound like a less-than-ideal summer vacation destination (mosquitoes, blistering heat, and sharks? No thanks!).
In that case, we submit these British Isles destinations for your consideration as the perfect island holiday alternative. History, culture, stunning natural beauty, and a far more accessible experience? Let’s go!
Top British Isles to Explore This Summer Season
1. Guernsey (Including Herm)
To begin with, Guernsey is one of the British islands that tourists can rely on for an average of 20 °C or higher during the summer.
In the UK, that’s akin to a heatwave in many places, so temperature gives Guernsey a very high summer getaway rating. Though the name may sound quaint and tame, Guernsey is a paradise for those who love to experience the outdoors.
Begin with wild swimming: from the horseshoe beach of Port Soif to “locals only” hidden gems like the Lihou Venus Pool; plenty of spots to connect to the ocean without freezing.
Lace up your walking shoes and grab a hat for a stroll or a 39-mile hike down the well-known and naturally gorgeous Coastal Path that showcases the island’s cliffs and bays from above.
Picnic in the public gardens (there are four to choose from) or spend the day on Shell Beach on Herm- one of most beautiful beaches in the UK.
There are ferries to Guernsey from the mainland to make things easy for local tourists, or if you’re flying in, your private jet charter can land safely and comfortably at Guernsey Airport.
2. Skye
Skye is hardly a surprising addition to the list, but its allure is so complete that it bears saying: travelling to Skye is like travelling to heaven.
It’s 639 square miles of quaint towns, beaches, and rolling hills make it the second largest British Island, and the one with the highest British peak not found on the mainland (Sgùrr Alasdair). This means Skye provides its visitors with many options for excitement and entertainment.
Thanks to the bridge connecting Skye to the mainland, travel is easy and flows well. Make it a complete vacation, a weekend getaway, or a sneaky day trip; it’s up to you.
On Skye, you can get your fix of history by visiting any of the more than 90 houses of worship dotted all over the island; there’s even one medieval ruin with a dark history for those fascinated by true crime.
There’s also an incredible selection of hotels and retreats in Skye, for those looking for a bit of luxury; we’re talking five-star experiences. Michelin-starred dining is also available on the island for incredible, refined Scottish cuisine.
3. St Mary’s
St Mary’s is the perfect British alternative if the tropics or the Mediterranean sound fun, but a little too hot and crowded. The self-contained ecosystem encompassing all the Isles of Scilly makes them verdant and warm.
It gives them a distinctly “it’s holiday time” feeling you don’t get at many UK beach destinations, so get ready to break out the swimsuit and sundresses. Since St Mary’s is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s a place where nature thrives, making it an ideal coastal escape.
You’ll likely want to spend your days in the water or on the beaches, watching boats bob and tug at their moorings or hiking the coastal path that skirts the island, but there’s a history of cultural heritage to discover here, too.
The 350-year-old Garrison Walls are a sight to see, as is the Tudor fort and Harry’s Walls, even though it was never finished as intended.
Finish your trip with a wine tasting at the lovely HolyVale Vineyard that calls the island home, and maybe buy a bottle or two for a rainy day. St Mary’s is a small island, but it has a lot to offer to those willing to embrace it.
4. Arran
Arran is often called Scotland in Miniature, and this is for a few reasons. One is the Highland Boundary Fault, a geological divider which splits the island into highlands and lowlands, just like its nickname.
Scottish culture is rich here and celebrated by both locals and visitors alike. There are no big city counterparts here, though. Arran is a calm, slow-paced place with a permanent population of just over 5000 residents.
Choosing Arran means choosing desolate-seeming cliffs, nine historical sites of both incredible beauty and cultural value (including the ancestral home of the Dukes of Hamilton, which has stood on the East Coast since 1510), and a lonely but lovely trio of lighthouses that dot the jutting cliffs that stab at the ocean.
Tranquillity is the name of the game on Arran, so come expecting a slow life: iced coffee and a stroll along the Coastal Way, a slow brunch at a tiny restaurant, a cup of tea and a book on a blanket on the grass.
Your Island Escape: UK Edition
A summer island getaway doesn’t have to look like it does in the movies. The British Isles are a cornucopia of natural beauty, an eclectic mix of cultures, and a rich history like nowhere else on earth. Take a summer holiday off the beaten path this year.
