The Isle of Skye

Skye was recently voted the 4^th most popular island in the world by readers of National Geographic magazine…and with good reason. This jewel in Scotland’s crown is known to be a place of extremes; towering cliffs border beaches which range from black volcanic sand through to white coral sand. Rocky caves and hidden coves await discovery around the edge of Skye whilst inland there is stunning countryside, deep and mysterious lochs and quaint villages with craft shops and some well known restaurants.

Skye is also home to the historic Dunvegan Castle and the famous MacCrimmon Pipers; steeped in myth and legend, the area is synonymous with faeries, ghosts and tales of heroic Scotsmen and women. This is a special place which many people fall in love with and return to again and again. The people of Skye are renowned for their excellent hospitality and their good food!

Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK by New Orleans Bankruptcy Lawyer

The Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran has long been one of Scotland’s most popular destinations and no wonder; this most Southerly of Scottish islands has all that a visitor might expect of Scottish landscapes at their very best. Rugged mountains are juxtaposed with stunning beaches and the southerly part of the island boasts some amazing countryside in the shape of woodlands and rolling green hills – see here.

Arran is only 19 miles long but there’s a lot packed in to those 19 miles and with a number of quaint villages to visit, visitors will find that there are plenty of amenities in addition to quiet countryside locations. The largest village is Brodick which has a ferry terminal as well as a number of shops, restaurants and hotels. Here you will also find the lovely Brodick Castle with its walled gardens and nature trails.

Arran is a wonderful destination for families or for those without children who would like to revel in Scotland’s lovely scenery and perhaps indulge in a spot of fishing or golf.

Glen Rosa, Isle of Arran, Scotland, UK by uplandaccess

The Isle of Mull

Mull is the second largest of the Hebridean Islands and has lots to offer in terms of lovely beaches and an amazing, rocky coastline studded with interesting caves and rocks. One of the loveliest beaches here is Calgary Bay which boasts pale sand and a vast array of protected birds. Here you will also find a number of haunting deserted and abandoned villages. Mull is atmospheric and magical; its closeness to nature and to myth and legend come together to create a place of not only great beauty but also of peace.

Duart Castle, Isle of Mull, Scotland, UK by *pascal*

The Isle of North Uist

This tiny Hebridean Island is only 13 miles long but it remains the favourite haunt of Prince Charles when he is in Scotland. The white sandy beaches and the proliferation of beautiful seabirds make this a very special place to visit. There is another island close to Uist, that of Vallay; Vallay can be reached from Uist at low tide and is home to an amazing deserted mansion.

Isle of North Uist, Scotland, UK by Lews Castle UHI

The Isle of Colonsay

This Hebridean gem is no more than ten miles by two miles and yet it is admired by all who visit. With a wealth of outstanding landscape features and some fascinating archaeological sites, Colonsay is a Mecca for those who love the natural environment and history. Stunning beaches border the island and there are a number of arts based festivals here every year.

Isle of Colonsay, Scotland, UK by dun_deagh

The Scottish islands are many in number and they all have something to offer; because some are physically very close to one another it is possible to visit many in one trip. Scotland is unique and each of its islands has its own personality and gifts to offer. Visitors to Scotland’s islands remember the great beauty of the landscape for a long time and with good reason. The views are unmistakable and individual to this special part of the world.

Derek Devlin is a travel writer and lover of his native Scotland and has written a number of articles on the countryside and has even gone on coach tours with https://www.lochsandglens.com/coach-holidays/ of the wee nation.

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Farne Island:

Farne Island lies between the fishing port of Seahouses and the village of Bamburgh which houses a number of seals and sea birds to give a unique view to it which is managed by The National Trust of Britain. This island is considered as the summer heaven of UK for the largest colony of grey seals and a number of other seabirds as they give picturesque coastal sceneries for the photographers visiting this island.

Farne Island, UK by Jo Jakeman

Holy Island:

This is one of the largest islands in U.K. from where lies near the northeastern coast of Northumberland. Due to the visit of St. Aidan from Iona to found the monastery here in 635 AD, this island got the status of place of pilgrimage for the people visiting here.

St. Mary’s Island:

This island is one of the UK’s most beautiful islands which lie near the Whitley Bay, down off the southern coast of Northumberland and has a beautiful lighthouse which you can climb on and a café to enjoy during your visit to this island.

A view of St Mary’s Island, UK by Johnwalton

Walney and Piel Island:

Walney Island is an 11 miles long island on the offshore of Britain which is connected to the mainland through a bridge at Barrow-in-Furness. Piel Island is another island close to Barrow having remains of Piel Castle and can be visited easily through ferryboats during summer season.

Anglesey:

This is one of the largest islands in Wales and is known for its attractive seaside town, wide spread white sand beaches and a village having longest name ever heard. There’s also plenty to do for all the family with events, attractions and outdoor activities on offer, all set in beautiful untouched scenery.

Isles of Scilly:

The unique scenic beauty and outlying nature of this collection of islands make it quiet different from the mainland of Cornwall. St. Martin’s, St. Mary’s, islands of St. Agnes and Gugh and islands of Bryher and Tresco are some of the main islands of this group.

Isles of Scilly, UK by Tom Corser www.tomcorser.com. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Isle of Arran:

This island is one of the UK’s most beautiful islands which is also recognized as mini Scotland as it has almost all the facilities and features of Scotland including pebble beaches, sand, rugged landscape, woodlands, outstanding mountain scenery and wildlife in it.

Skye and Lochalsh Islands:

Skye and Lochalsh Islands had recently been honoured to be world’s fourth best island by the National Geographic magazine of UK situated in Scotland in the north of Inner Hebrides. You can reach there by air as well as by road transports easily.

Skye isle, UK by John Allan

Lundy Island:

This is more than three miles long and a mile wide island lies in the Bristol Channel, off the northern coast of Devon. It is also known as Site of Special Scientific Interest as it has a number of breeds of birds and wildlife species as its main habitants.

Orkney Islands:

This is a group of UK’s most beautiful islands off the shores of Scotland which can not be avoided to visit due to their picturesque natural beauty.

Orkney Islands, UK by Paul Wordingham

Author Bio- This post has been written by Susain Alberta. She loves to write about various travelling experiences throughout the most beautiful places in the world. She prefers Peterborough Limo Service for travelling to various places in a luxurious way.

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The island, which was made popular in the Victorian era, is popular with a range of visitors of all ages. The Isle of Wight is situated five miles off the south coast of England; measuring 23 miles east to west and 13 miles north to south.

Isle of Wight Landscape. Compton Chine, looking east towards Blackgang by Barbara Mürdter

It’s a small island, but one where lots of fun can be enjoyed. You may have never thought about visiting because it’s not far away enough to be considered as a holiday destination. If you want to go somewhere different for your next holiday, continue reading to find out where to stay, where to go and what to do if you visit the Isle of Wight.

Where to stay

If you are planning a trip to the island then you can choose from a selection of places to stay – each suit different tastes and budgets. Isle of Wight accommodation includes seaside hotels, farm/rural self-catering B&Bs, holiday centres and caravan parks.

Osborne House, Isle of Wight, England, UK by Naturenet

Where to go

The Isle of Wight has plenty of beaches, so when it’s summer and the sun is out, what better way to spend it then on one of them? Some are small, some are commercialised and others are very secluded. So if you want to spend time lounging on the beach or you prefer doing water sports you’ll find a perfect beach for you. After a day at the beach you can visit one of the many museums, galleries and historic sites that showcase the island’s history and culture.

Wherever you go, it’s good to know there are great shopping opportunities; if you want some retail therapy, you can get it on the Isle Wight. There are arts and crafts outlets too, which sell all manner of things from handcrafted jewellery to wood carvings.

If galleries and shopping aren’t your idea of a holiday or if you want to do something more extreme, you could try tree climbing, paragliding and sailing.

Gate to Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight, England, UK by Dave Pape

What to do

If you are not an adrenaline junkie though, but still wanting to have an experience of a lifetime; in the month of June, thousands of revellers can be found mucking out at the Isle of Wight festival. Acts such as Coldplay, Bryan Adam, The Police and Labrinth have all preformed at the festival. All ages can attend.

If you like festivals but want to hear something other than rock and pop, you can attend the island’s open-air midsummer jazz festival. Here you will find more of an older crowd, but it can be enjoyed by all members of the family.

If festivals and loud music isn’t your thing, then you might enjoy a cycling or walking holiday on the Isle of Wight. Walking and cycling are popular because there are over 500 miles of footpaths and bridleways. With attractive scenery and almost every town on the island hosting a hotel, pub or B&B, walkers and cyclists have plenty of choice of routes throughout the island whilst visiting.

If you love to explore and have an interest in fossils then you go back in time visiting beaches at Shanklin and Brook Bay, as you can find dinosaur remains in the cliffs and on the beaches. Happy hunting!

Brook Bay, Isle of Wight, England, UK by Jim Champion

Are you planning a visit to the Isle of Wight? If so, where are you going to stay and visit?

Author: Stuart enjoys mountain biking on the south coast of England and writes on behalf of Island View Holidays.

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Kayaking at Anglesey, North Wales, UK by Steve Cadman

Anglesey for Thrill-Seekers

From coasteering to climbing, to trotting along the coast of North Wales on a horse, there is an incredible amount of activities you can take part in whilst on Anglesey. There are a huge range of professional instructors and activity centres that offer experience days and courses in whatever activity you may like, from water sports to mountainous adventures. The coastline of Anglesey and nearby county of Gwynedd provides the perfect chance to visit new and exciting environments.

Anglesey for those interested in History

Anglesey is extremely rich in history, which dates back until the ancient Celtic time. There are various burial sites, grand castles and interesting ruins that all make for a very interesting and informative trip out. Beaumaris Castle is one of the most impressive pieces of historical architecture, which is popular amongst those who wish to explore some of the interesting historical areas of Anglesey. This castle is considered to be one of the finest and most complete concentric castles in the world.

If you love history and exploring historical attractions, then you will find Bryn Celli Stone Age burial chamber at Lladdaniel Fab very interesting. The chamber marks of what was once a Neolithic stone circle, which was later removed by locals, whereby they built a passage grave that dates back to at least 3000 BC.
For some historical trivia, visiting Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is a memorable day out. The town has the longest place name in the whole of Great Britain. When translated from Welsh it means “The church of St, Mary in a hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and near St. Tysilio’s church by the red cave”. The town was named in the 19th century to attract visitors to the Anglesey area, and it certainly worked!

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch railway station sign, UK by G1MFG

Anglesey for the Nature Lover

Anglesey has a real gift when it comes to nature, with fantastic natural beaches and the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, all in close proximity. There are a wide range of diverse and breath taking landscapes to enjoy, from the doorsteps of your self-catering holiday cottage, leaving you with beautiful walks and cycle routes. There is an interesting range of wildlife that live on Anglesey which allows you to get up close and personal with some of nature’s finest creatures.

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For 2012, 14 best beach awards have landed on the shores of the island. Isle of Wight beaches to be recognised for the coveted Blue Flag (which represents water quality as well as the overall cleanliness and good maintenance of the beach) include Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor. The three championship beaches also secured Quality Coast awards, which are offered by the venerable Keep Britain Tidy scheme as a recognition of litter-free sand and pebbles.

Ventnor Beach, England, UK by Andreas Trepte

Colwell; Springvale; Cowes and East Cowes; Gurnard; Yaverland; and Totland join the multi-award winning three as other proud recipients of the Quality Coast award.

The award winning beaches cover most of the island’s coast and most of the places frequently visited by tourists. Local authorities and businesses inspect the beaches on a daily basis to make sure they are clean and safe, and have implemented a set of guidelines for safe use of the Isle of Wight’s beaches, intended to help beach users get the most from the environment without spoiling it for themselves or for others.

For crab hunting, rock pool hunting or just sitting down on the sand and quietly contemplating the sea, Bembridge’s beaches are just the ticket. The town boasts a number of quiet bays, filled with either sand, pebble or shell. While they are close to busy waters (they overlook the Solent), the beaches themselves are quiet and endearing. They are popular with families who like to scramble around the tidal reach, collecting shells and gazing into the mysteries of the ocean creatures who live there!

For a quiet family stay, the west coast of the island is where it’s at. Here smaller beaches mean fewer people, and many of the sandy coves are tucked away so discreetly that they can get overlooked altogether. Queen of the quiet beaches, Colwell bay is a small sandy bay, and offers pleasant lunches in one or two cafes. The clear water attracts families who come to investigate the life below the waves.

Compton bay, Isle of Wight, England, UK by JimChampion

For more action and adventure, surfers of all stripes tend to head over to Compton bay. A beach break working at all stages of the tide, Compton benefits from brisk winds, which power the sailed craft with ease. Also, Compton is a great place to go fossil hunting – at low tide you can see fossilised dinosaur footprints in the rocks at the edges of the bay.

Freshwater is another excellent family beach, which enjoys shelter from a small headland. Freshwater is well served with cafes and also enjoys proximity to the local golf course.

Author Bio:

The author along with the family live on the Isle of Wight since 2004 and owns Wight Locations, a self-catering holiday cottage company with holiday properties across the Island. With a keen love for the Island, the author writes about the experiences and about the best things to do when visiting.

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A great view of Bass rock / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Karen Roe

History of Bass Rock

The rock was once the home of a group of Christian hermits who lived a simple and isolated life on the island. The most famous of these early inhabitants was St. Baldred, said to have made the Bass Rock his home as early as the sixth century. A medieval castle was built on the island that in later years was used as a prison. Today, however, all that can be seen of the structure is ruins. A lighthouse was constructed on Bass Rock in 1902 and is now the only building on the island. Bass Rock is home to a large gannet colony, making it a prime birdwatching destination. It has also been mentioned multiple times in literature by the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson, Bruce Marshall and James Robertson.

Tours of Bass Rock

Although there is plenty of historical and cultural significance to Bass Rock, most people want to tour the island thanks to the huge gannet colony. From far away the island might look white, but the colour is actually due to the dense population of white birds on Bass Rock. An hour long boat trip from the Scottish mainland will bring you right up to the island itself and costs twenty-two pounds per person. If you want a more elaborate tour, a five hour boat trip actually takes you onto the island and a local guide will let you feed the gannets and even tour the lighthouse. This longer trip will be ninety-eight pounds per person and needs to be booked at least a few days in advance.

A close-up of the Lighthouse on Bass Rock / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Martin Pettitt

Nearby Attractions

The Scottish mainland is just one mile from Bass Rock and boasts plenty of interesting local attractions. Most people choose to explore the town of North Berwick while in the area. Head to the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick in order to learn more about the birds that live in the vicinity and better understand the natural wildlife along the coast. There is a beautiful viewing platform over the sea as well as a popular cafe that offers delicious local Scottish meals. Just south of North Berwick along the coastline is the Tantallon Castle, a fourteenth century fortress that is available for touring most of the year. Admission is £4.70 for an adult to tour the castle and there are discounts for children and seniors.

Accommodations in the Area

Unfortunately there is no accommodation directly on Bass Rock. As a result you will have to stay on the Scottish mainland at night and set off on day boat tours of the island. Since there are not a large number of hotels in the area, you might want to choose one of the many Scottish apartments instead and enjoy a self catering holiday. You can find local apartments for rent in North Berwick or other nearby coastal towns such as Dunbar or Aberlady. By shopping for groceries and using the equipped kitchens in the apartments, you can actually save yourself a significant amount of money on your holiday.

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A view looking along Glen Rosa, Arran / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by uplandaccess

And as much as it might be thought ‘Scotland in miniature’ is an exaggeration or simply marketing hype, the truth is there isn’t much of Scotland you can’t experience when you’re on Arran.

Arran’s Landscape

Starting with the island’s landscape, Arran is a particularly mountainous isle, not only producing some of the country’s best postcard photographs, but offering a fantastic array of walks for experienced and amateur walkers alike.

From leisurely walks to climbing challenges, try setting off from the village of Blackwaterfoot on the west coast and heading north towards Lochranza. It’s a beautiful walk, benefited tremendously by simply looking left – you’ll have an unrivalled view of the stunning Kintyre for the entire journey.

If walking isn’t your thing, what about a relaxing stroll through one of the islands many beautiful villages?

Home to no more than a couple of hundred people each, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll be blown away by one of two things – the sheer tranquillity of sitting outside, drink in hand, watching the world go by on an island that seems to be completely removed from any type of hustle and bustle or the simple friendliness of the people who are so proud of their island and love to share its intricacies and delights with everyone.

And if you’re looking for something a little more cultural or historic, how about Brodick Castle, a castle that’s still standing strong after 500 years?

Brodick Castle, Arran / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Magnus Hagdorn

Anyone for Whisky?

Or Arran Distillery, perhaps, if you’re partial to a wee dram? Although having only been established for just over 15 years, Arran Distillery produces some of the country’s finest single malt whisky and is the only distillery in the whole of Scotland that is allowed to use the famed Scottish poet, Robert Burns, on its labelling.

It’s also worthwhile keeping in mind that on top of the island’s ability to provide beautiful walks with stunning scenery, quaint villages to enjoy a relaxing time in and a range of popular attractions, there are also a number of golf courses on the island, courses that have arguably some of Europe’s most favourable backdrops.

The Isle of Arran is one of those destinations that people very often skim over when deciding on where to visit Scotland, as they can feel visiting a more well-known place will be more beneficial to the time they have.

But with so much to see and do and on an island that can at times seem like it’s completely your own, where else in Scotland would you need to go?

Matthew Bettoli writes for Cottages and Castles, who can provide comfortable Arran holiday cottages for your next Scottish holiday.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Paul Wordingham

Skara Brae

This is the best attraction for those wanting to explore a prehistoric village. Amazingly, the architecture of the village is in great condition despite the fact that Skara Brae is thousands of years in age. The village is located just a short walk from the Bay of Skaill and was hidden from view until the middle of the nineteenth century. It is part of the Orkney UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. Admission is £6.90 for adults but there are reductions in price for children as well as for students. Skara Brae is located on the Mainland and is just a thirty minute drive from the town of Kirkwall. Accommodations include hotels, guesthouses and some of the most affordable apartments in Scotland which are ideal for long term visitors or those looking for additional privacy and the comforts of home.

Scapa Flow

Few people associate the Orkney Islands with incredible diving, but there are a number of exciting things to explore underwater in Scapa Flow, the body of water off the coast of the islands. During World War II, many of the German military boats and submarines were sunk in this area. Today many of them are easily located and at depths that can be reached by a beginner scuba diver. For holiday ideas that are truly adventurous, contact one of the many scuba diving companies on the islands to book a tour. It is suggested that you dive with a local resident to ensure that you find the best sunken ships during your submersion.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by yellow book

Stromness Museum

If you only get a chance to visit one museum during your stay in the Orkney Islands, make it this museum. The Stromness Museum is located on the mainland and boasts a large amount of information regarding the history of the islands, some of the oldest historical landmarks like Skara Brae and a recap of the maritime history in the region. There are even exhibits about the natural wildlife in Orkney. In short, this is the perfect rainy day activity to enjoy alone or as a family. Admission is £1.90 per person. The museum is located in the Mainland town of Stromness which boasts some attractive architecture as well as a hostel, a budget hotel and several private apartments available for rental.

Tips from Locals

If you plan to visit the Orkney Islands, be sure to book your accommodations in advance. In busy summer days it is not unusual for some visitors to be without a place to stay and even without public transport on some of the more remote islands. For some of the best views in the region, walk along the coast of the Mainland Islands until you get to Ness Point, the location where some of the most incredible photos on the entire island are taken.

By using these helpful tips and visiting the top attractions, you will undoubtedly have an amazing holiday in the Scottish Orkney Islands.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Denis Egan

Anglesey is an island joined to the Welsh mainland by two bridges, so it’s easy enough to get on and off. To the mainland side, there’s the wonderful scenery of the Snowdonia National Park. You can climb its highest peak, Mount Snowdon (1,085 metres above sea level), and get back down again in one day. There’s even a restaurant at the top, and a railway that goes right to the summit, for when you’re not feeling very energetic. And, to the west of Anglesey, there are regular fast ferries to Ireland, so you could even include a trip to Dublin in your holiday.

So, what about Anglesey itself? There’s a wealth of things to do and see when you stay on the island. If you and your family love wildlife, there are few better places to visit in the British Isles. Birds and marine life around the coast are spectacular and varied. Seabirds, like razorbills and guillemots, nest on the rocky shores each year. And, there’s even a colony of the parrot-like puffin, one of the most charismatic of birds. You might experience the amazing peregrine falcon. If you’re lucky enough to see it dive on its prey, you’ll witness the world’s fastest animal in action.

The island’s coasts are rugged, but between the rocky outcrops there are stunning beaches. It’s more about adventure and exploration than sunbathing. But, when the sun shines, you’ll enjoy an unspoiled beach experience, unmatched by any tropical paradise.

Cycling is the best way to get around the island, both for your enjoyment and to preserve the tranquillity of Anglesey. You can hire bikes locally, and there are designated cycle routes all over the island. It’s the ideal way to enjoy Anglesey’s scenery and nature.

Along the way, you’ll find children-friendly pubs. These are great places to stop, quench your thirst, and have lunch in a relaxed atmosphere. If rumours are true, you might even bump into William and Kate at the Beachcomber Café, in Benllech.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Lyn Gateley

If history is your passion, Anglesey has a very interesting past. It wasn’t always so peaceful, as the tale of Beaumaris Castle tells. This is a near-perfect example of fortification, and for good reason. Beaumaris Castle was part of the “iron ring” built by King Edward I, designed to keep the unruly Welsh in his firm grip.

And, the attractions of Anglesey don’t end there. Children can enjoy a wide range of activities, from the creative arts to horse riding along the shores. And, there are plenty more sporting opportunities as well. Anglesey attracts surfers from far and wide, but there’s golf and sea fishing to be enjoyed as well.

There’s really no excuse to be bored on the island. Anglesey offers so much, your only problem will be deciding what to do. No wonder William and Kate made it their home, it’s remote and quiet enough, yet buzzing with life and fun.

Written by The British Travel Guide

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