Underrated Island Destinations In The UK For Scenic Outdoor Fun

British tourism is often tied to the U.K.'s many historical sites and major cultural scenes, but the country's natural wonders deserve consideration, too. Nature-wise, the United Kingdom is perhaps best known for its haunting moors, bucolic rivers, and poetic lakes. Ironically, the U.K. is not generally known for island escapes, even though Britain itself is an island! While they are unlikely to challenge the Caribbean as a mecca for tropical island vacations, the U.K.'s constituent nations have several small islands around their coastal regions that enthrall outdoor adventurers every year. Some, like England's popular Isle of Wight and Scotland's dream-like Isle of Skye, do have some traction as tourism spots. However, the U.K. has plenty of lesser-known islands up and down its coastline that offer equally impressive blends of magical scenery and outdoor adventures. 

England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all have significant coastlines and many smaller islands and islets under their jurisdiction. These include gorgeous and historically rich islands throughout England, lesser-known Isle of Skye alternatives in Scotland, and mysterious island communities off the coasts of Wales and Northern Ireland. Many of these islands protect ethereal coastal scenery and complex coastal ecosystems that serve as homes for some of Britain's most beloved wildlife. And, more importantly for outdoor adventurers, many islands are terrific locations for unforgettable activities in pristine settings. In particular, these 10 underrated islands across the U.K. stand out for sublime scenery, rich histories and culture, and some of the best adventures the British Isles have to offer. 

Lindisfarne (or "Holy Island") is a tidal island separated from northeastern England's Northumberland coast by a small causeway that appears at low tide. Famous as the holiest site of Anglo-Saxon England, Lindisfarne features one of Britain's oldest monasteries (founded in 635). The mythical ruins of Lindisfarne Priory and Lindisfarne Castle still preside over the island's windswept coasts. 

The dunes and marshes of Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve are perfect for wildlife watching and coastal hikes. Epic Lindisfarne hikes include the circular, 3-mile Nature Reserve walk and the scenery-rich Lindisfarne Nature Trail. Lindisfarne also offers memorable sea kayaking adventures.  

Bardsey Island (known in Welsh as Ynys Enlli) sits off North Wales' Llŷn Peninsula. Though largely undeveloped, Bardsey has been a major pilgrimage site for religious seekers and poets for at least 1,500 years. Such a pedigree creates a mysterious, spiritual air that complements Bardsey's coastal hills, cliffs, and views of the Llŷn Peninsula National Landscape. 

Visitors can access Bardsey Island via boat. Once there, the Bardsey Island coastal circuit route circumnavigates the island past sightseeing treasures like the Bardsey Island Lighthouse. Bardsey Island is also excellent for birdwatching and Dark Sky Sanctuary stargazing.

Lismore is an overlooked wonder of Scotland's Inner Hebrides, with unparalleled views of the Scottish Highlands in one 10-mile-long island setting. Located in the sea loch of Loch Linnhe, Lismore sits on two ferry lines from Oban and Port Appin. Lismore retains a fertile, green veneer adorning basalt and limestone ridges — with three castle ruins to complete its aura. 

Hikers can see Lismore's wonderful wildflower displays and abundant bird colonies on its several miles of sightseeing trails. Local outfitters offer private Lismore Land Rover tours, and Loch Linnhe is great for sea kayaking and even traditional seaweed foraging. 

Located in the North Channel, the 6-mile-long Rathlin Island is Northern Ireland's northernmost point. It is also steeped in millennia of history, breathtaking seaside views, and marine wildlife. 

Following a ferry ride from Ballycastle Harbour, visitors can explore Rathlin Island walking trails like the 4-mile hike to the West Light Seabird Centre and the 3-mile Roonivoolin Trail through a nature preserve. Rathlin Island's three lighthouses are perfect for scenic walks, and the island's terrain is also ideal for cycling. Finally, Rathlin Island's coast is filled with shipwrecks that make for unforgettable scuba diving trips. 

North of mainland Britain, Scotland's Orkney Islands are world-renowned for sandy beaches, coastal walks, and dramatic scenery. The island of Westray sits at the northwestern extreme of the Orkney Islands, boasting a diverse landscape of sandy beaches and sea cliffs, ancient archeological sites, and a small island community. 

The Westray Island Coastal Path is a challenging but worthwhile 15-mile loop around the island's perimeter, with excellent views of Westray's dream-like cliffs, peaks, and landmarks, like the cliffside Noup Head Lighthouse. Westray's wildlife means excellent birdwatching, while sea kayaking and camping are also available for more daring visitors.

As the U.K.'s northernmost area, the Shetland Islands have plenty of unforgettable destinations, none more steeped in scenery and history than the island of Unst. Reachable via a ferry from the Shetland town of Gutcher, Unst is the most northerly inhabited island in the U.K. Beyond that novelty, Unst is rich in Viking history, rugged natural habitats, and North Sea wildlife. 

Unst's Hermaness National Nature Reserve is perfect for birdwatching and scenic walks, including a challenging hilly hike. A nearby rocky islet called, amusingly, Muckle Flugga is a top destination for epic sea kayaking adventures from the island. 

Lundy is an island at the intersection of the Bristol Channel and the Atlantic. Lying off the Devon coast, Lundy's history spans prehistoric Britain, the Romans, the Vikings, and the medieval period, leaving plenty of folklore. Visitors can experience Lundy's history — and biodiversity — via a two-hour boat ride.

Chief among Lundy's activities are its tranquil hikes, following routes like the Lundy Island Wildlife Walk (great for seeing puffins and seals) and the trail to the Lundy North End Lighthouse. Lundy's seaside rocks are top U.K. rock-climbing challenges, and the surrounding waters are open for fishing, diving, and swimming.

Cornwall's Isles of Scilly have lush, tropical, Caribbean vibes and white-sand beaches perfect for snorkeling. The 6-square-mile St. Mary's Island is the largest in the Scilly archipelago and features numerous prehistoric sites and preserved castles open for exploration on family-friendly hikes. 

From the island's administrative capital of Hugh Town (where visitors will arrive via a ferry from Penzance), the St. Mary's coast walk circumnavigates the entire island in one 10-mile hike. Visitors can also explore the island on a bike or on horseback, while the St. Mary's coastline is superb for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. 

The 640-acre Ramsey Island is one of Wales' great pristine island escapes. Accessible only by a limited number of ferries, Ramsey Island lies off the St. Davids peninsula in the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire. The island's long and legendary history is a worthy counterpoint to its monumental scenery (including some of Wales' highest sea cliffs), twin summits, and diverse flora and fauna. 

The 3-mile Ramsey Island circuit walk covers the island's hills and shoreline, with excellent chances of seeing the island's many bird species, and maybe even gray seals, whales, and dolphins along the coast.

Lewis and Harris are technically a single island divided into two by a central mountain chain. Together, they form the largest island in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. The northern Lewis holds most population centers, while the southern Harris has incredible mountains, lochs, and beaches. Prominent historic sites include the Neolithic Calanais Standing Stones and the regal Lews Castle. 

Following a short ferry trip from Uig or Berneray, visitors can venture on walking routes and mountain treks in both Lewis and Harris. Sea kayaking provides bucket-list views of Lewis and Harris' magical scenery from the water.