Britain’s islands highlights

ISLAY WHISKY DISTILLERIES

The scenic Hebridean isle of Islay has no fewer than nine working distilleries, which produce some of the most distinctive single malt whiskies in the world.

ANGLESEY

Off Wales's north coast, Anglesey is known for its unspoilt coastline and outstanding natural beauty. On the must-see list are the Menai Suspension Bridge and mighty 13th-century Beaumaris Castle, Edward I's last great fortress.

ISLE OF WIGHT

The island has some big historic sites. Tour Osborne House, Queen Victoria's seaside retreat that's still dotted with her belongings, and Carisbrooke Castle where Charles I was imprisoned before his trial.

LUNDY

A chunk of granite in the Bristol Channel, Lundy feels properly remote. You can visit for the day, hike and spot seals and puffins, or book an overnight stay (arriving by helicopter or boat) and be one of the lucky few to experience this magical place after dark.

SKARA BRAE, ORKNEY

This ancient site, built before Stonehenge, is one of the best preserved prehistoric monuments in Europe. Eight dwellings connected by low passages were once part of a Neolithic village, and are incredibly well preserved.

ALDERNEY

One of the beautiful Channel Islands, Alderney offers stunning scenery and absorbing history, not to mention a unique wildlife-spotting opportunity: the chance to see the rare blond hedgehogs that have made their home there.

SKYE

This spectacular isle off Scotland's west coast is home to some of the country's most iconic landscapes as well as majestic castles.

SCILLY ISLES

Each of the enchanting Scilly Isles, scattered off the Cornish coast, has its own distinct identity. Don't miss Tresco's breathtaking Abbey Garden, the idyllic beaches of St Martins and the Bronze Age sites of St Agnes.

GUERNSEY

The Channel Isle of Guernsey has an attractive, bustling main town, St Peter Port, and a glorious coastline dotted with old fortifications, some of which were used during the German occupation of the island during the Second World War.

HIDDEN GEM

With a population of just 600, the Channel Island of Sark is a remote and ruggedly beautiful place where cars are banned and you can truly get back to nature.