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Discover gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.
Top islands to visit
Get set for an adventure with a difference and discover hidden coves, coastal walks and far-reaching views on some of the islands we care for. Whether you're looking for a rugged family getaway or a quiet day trip out, here is our top pick 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 or head to the lagoon with your binoculars for a spot of birdwatching.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
- 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 – also known as Lindisfarne – 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 there you can visit the colourful walled garden, historic lime kilns and Lindisfarne Castle, which we care for.Visit Lindisfarne Castle
- The Isle of Wight
- Visit Mottistone Manor on the Isle of Wight and climb to the top of the island’s last windmill, or go fossil hunting at Compton Bay. If you're spending a few days on the island, you could even take in the birds-eye view over the Needles or spot coastal wildlife at Newtown National Nature Reserve.Visit Mottistone Manor
- Lundy Island, Devon
- With its disused lighthouse and tiny village, car-free 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
- Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire
- Explore the golden sands at Marloes Peninsula, which we care for, before heading off to nearby Skomer Island for some adventures. You can get a boat to the island from the tiny harbour of Martin’s Haven. If you're looking for a challenging climb, take a walk to the tidal island of Gateholm at low tide.Visit Marloes Peninsula
- St Michael's Mount, Cornwall
- Rocky St Michael's Mount 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. The island featured as the ancestral seat of the Velaryon family in Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon.Visit St Michael's Mount
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Best lighthouses
Discover some of the lighthouses in our care: places of science experiments, world-firsts and medieval warning systems.
Best beaches for rock pools
Rock-pooling is a great way to get closer to nature. Discover the best places with rock pools to find sea animals like starfish, crabs and anemones at the beaches and coasts we care for.
Where to go seal watching
Find the best places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to spot seals in the wild. Whether you're on a coastal walk or boat trip, there are plenty of places to see both grey and common seals as they come ashore to give birth.
Best picnic spots
Pack your favourite food, grab a blanket and visit one of the best picnic spots in our care. Whether it's beside a grand house, in colourful gardens or next to the sea, there are plenty of locations to choose from.
