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8 beautiful secret islands to visit in the UK

Forget travelling to exotic locales, these idyllic UK islands offer both otherworldliness and beauty

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Cornwall island
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When it comes to an island paradise, we tend to think of exotic locales. Admittedly, guaranteed sunshine might allude the UK, but the country offers numerous little-known island idylls that offer unquestionable charm and seclusion. From romantic castle-topped locations off the coast of Cornwall to remote enclaves in Scotland, see our guide to the most beautiful secret island escapes to visit without having to get on a plane.

1

Best for sunshine: Tiree, Inner Hebrides

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The island of Tiree boasts more natural sunshine just just about any other British isle. Its location, off the coast of Oban in Scotland means that it's unlikely to be balmy (in fact, it's very windy), but its postcard-worthy coastline, with sandy beaches and a twinkly blue sea, doesn't look dissimilar to the Caribbean. In the summer months, the sun doesn't set until just before 11pm when the colours and views look truly otherworldly.

2

For seclusion: Herm, Channel islands

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Only 60 residents live on Herm, one of the Channel islands, and there are no cars. If you want to get around faster than walking, you'll need to use a quad bike or a tractor; cars and bikes are banned. Even its main tourist accommodation, The White House Hotel, is only open for six months a year and when it is there are no clocks, phones or TV (although it does have WiFi). Forget modern-day life and make do with its picturesque sandy bays and pretty hilltop village instead.

3

Best for dramatic vistas: The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Northumberland

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Both an island and a village, the Holy Island is cut off from the rest of the world twice a day by the sea. Lindisfarne Castle, which dated back to the 16th Century, stands dramatically on top of an ancient crag. Holy Island was given its name because it's also home to Lindisfarne Priory, which once housed the Lindisfarne Gospels, making it one of the most important centres of early Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England.

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4

Best for hipsters: Eigg, Inner Hebrides

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The island of Eigg might be tiny, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in spirit - in 1997, its resident pulled off a community buyout from its then owner. Now called the Republic of Eigg, it's an eco-friendly destination boasting the world's first stand-alone energy grid powered entirely by wind, waves and sun. It also runs its own music record label, Lost Map Records, which offers folk-esque indie material. Look out for Eigg Box, a creative collection of artists and writers, who run low-key events on the beach.

5

Best for old-school charm: Mersea Island, Essex

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Just 20 minutes by car from Colchester in Essex sits an enchanting enclave with sherbet-coloured beach huts and one of the best, most reasonably priced seafood restaurants you'll ever eat in (The Company Shed). The seven-square-mile island features a pretty harbour where you can take a boat around the coastline. Mersea is prime for day-tripping, but you'll feel truly smug if you can wave goodbye to the crowds at the end of the day to seek refuge in one of its cosy B&Bs.

6

Best for : St Michael's Mount, Cornwall

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Forget the Scilly Islands, for untouched, raw beauty off the Cornish coast, head to St Michael's Mount, a small hilltop enclave with just 30 residents. Wander through Victorian terraces festooned with tropical plants, tread the Medieval pathways of the dramatic castle and finish up with seafood at one of two cafes. Although there is no accommodation on the island itself, visitors can stay nearby on the Marazion mainland. Just don't try visiting on a Saturday, which is the parish's day off.

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7

Best for history: Eel Pie Island, London

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Less than 500-metres-long and situated in the middle of the river Thames, Eel Pie Island was apparently first used by Henry VIII as a hideaway for taking his mistresses too. It was later used as a holiday destination for burnt-out Londoners, but it wasn't until the 60s when it came into real prominence - home to an unusual gig venue, where the Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Pink Floyd all played rowdy shows. Revellers were given 'passports' when they crossed the tiny footbridge or rowed across, only adding to its private, mythical charm. Today, 120 inhabitants live there, including a number of artists and creatives.

8

Best for food: Monkey Island, Bray

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The Berkshire village of Bray has a reputation as a foodie mecca, with its two Michelin-starred restaurants, Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck and Alain Roux's Waterside Inn. The former chef even has a pub here in the form of The Hind's Head. Monkey Island, which sits in the River Thames next to the village, was first used by monarchs, aristocrats, artists and writers as a retreat, but this summer opens as a luxury hotel called Monkey Island Estate, with beautiful views of the river and gardens.

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