Skip to content

Top islands to visit

A visitor walking over the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede, with a rocky island visible on the other side of the bridge and the sea behind
A visitor walking over the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede | © National Trust Images/Ben Selway

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
Lindisfarne Castle seen from the sea, with the remains of wooden posts rising from the sea visible
Lindisfarne Castle on the island that bears its name in Northumberland – otherwise known as Holy Island | © National Trust Images/John Millar
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
Man holding a child up in the air as they both smile, in the grounds at Powis Castle, Powys

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.

You might also be interested in

A man sits with two children, a girl and a boy, at the bottom of tall sand dunes on a sandy beach. It's a warm sunny late afternoon or early evening and the sea can just about be seen in the distance.
Article
Article

Top picnic spots on the coast 

If you’re looking for the perfect spot for a picnic on the coast, this selection includes secret coves like Hayburn Wyke in Yorkshire and well-known sandy beaches like Portstewart Strand in County Londonderry.

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear
Article
Article

Lighthouses to visit 

Fancy visiting a lighthouse? Find out where to go and get ready to discover some fascinating coastal buildings and their interesting histories.

Rockpooling at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear
Article
Article

Best beaches for rock-pooling 

Rock-pooling is a great way to get closer to nature. Discover the best places to find wildlife such as starfish, limpets and barnacles at the beaches and coasts we care for.

Common seals and sandwich terns at Blakeney Point, Norfolk
Article
Article

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.