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Top islands to visit

A view of St Michael's Mount from the water on a sunny spring day, Cornwall
View of St Michael's Mount, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

Discover hidden coves, far-reaching views and coastal walks. Whether you're looking for a rugged family adventure or a quiet day trip away, here are our top picks of islands to escape to.

Brownsea Island, Dorset
Home to red squirrels and a variety of birds, including peacocks, Brownsea Island is filled with wildlife. Explore one of the many trails across the island and take in the views from the picnic spots while you have your lunch.Visit Brownsea Island
Carrick-a-Rede, County Antrim
Reach Carrick-a-Rede by crossing the rope bridge over a 30-metre drop, originally built by salmon fishermen to reach the island. Those bold enough to cross to the rocky island are rewarded with sweeping sea views. Rathlin Island, where thousands of puffins breed, is also only 7km from Carrick-a-Rede.Visit Carrick-a-Rede
Derwentwater Islands, Cumbria
Row to one of Derwentwater's four islands. St Herbert’s is the largest at nearly five acres, but even the smaller islands make scenic picnic spots. Hire rowing boats and small motor boats from a number of local providers. Please don't stay overnight or light any fires on the islands, and take care not to disturb any nesting birds.Visit Derwentwater
Grey seals on the Farne Islands, Northumberland
Grey seals on the Farne Islands, Northumberland | © National Trust Images/Nick Upton
Farne Islands, Northumberland
The Farne Islands are home to around 37,000 pairs of puffins and a large grey seal colony, with more than 1,000 seal pups born every year. Hop on a boat at Seahouses and see how many of the Farnes’s 28 islands you can spot on the trip.Visit Farne Islands
Holy Island, Northumberland
Make your way to Holy Island by crossing the open stretch of sand at low tide. Just make sure you check the tide times before you set off. Once you’re on the island, a colourful walled garden, historic lime kilns and Lindisfarne Castle await.Visit Lindisfarne Castle
The Isle of Wight
Visit the garden at Mottistone Manor, climb to the top of the island’s last windmill or go fossil hunting at Compton Bay. If you're spending a few days here, you could even take in the birds-eye view over the Needles or spot coastal wildlife at Newtown National Nature Reserve.Visit the Isle of Wight
Lindisfarne Castle seen from the sea, with the remains of wooden posts rising from the sea visible
A sea view of Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland | © National Trust Images/John Millar
Lundy Island, Devon
With its disused lighthouse, tiny village and complete lack of cars, Lundy Island is a nostalgic place to visit. Once the home of pirates, the island now houses an abundance of wildlife including grey seals, wild ponies and sika deer.Visit Lundy Island
Marloes Peninsula, Pembrokeshire
Explore the golden sands of Marloes Peninsula before heading off on your island adventure. You can get a boat to Skomer Island (which isn't one of the places we look after) from the tiny harbour of Martin’s Haven. Looking for a challenging climb? Take a walk to the tidal island of Gateholm at low tide.Visit Marloes Sands and Mere
St Michael's Mount, Cornwall
This rocky island is crowned by a medieval church and castle. Take a short boat trip around the island or venture across the ancient tide causeway from Marazion at low tide.Visit St Michael's Mount
Visitors walking among daffodils at Dora's Field, Ambleside, Cumbria

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