Scenic Islands of the British Isles

Located just 28 miles off the shores of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly may be close to the mainland, but they feel a million miles away thanks to their gorgeous beaches, lush nature reserves and stunning surf. 

St. Mary's, Scilly's main and largest island, is smothered with treasures that await your discovery, including ancient monuments, the Carreg Dhu Community Garden, a small museum in Hugh Town and an interesting heritage centre in the middle of the island. There are also multiple opportunities to walk along miles of scenic beaches or nature trails.

Situated on the isle’s picturesque east coast, charming Rothesay is Bute’s main town and the gateway to exploring a land of extraordinarily diverse landscapes, ranging from fertile rolling hills and wild, craggy marshlands to some of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches and coastal stretches.

But, while discovering the stunning, unspoilt scenery of Bute makes for an unforgettable island exploration, Rothesay itself has much to recommend it and provides plenty of rewards for those who take some time here. The town oozes with Victorian heritage; you’ll see glimpses of its past from the moment Rothesay Bay, fronted by delightful Victorian buildings and historic gardens, come into view.

Once ashore, a short walk is all it takes to reach the heart of the town, which is sure to delight with its seaside resort charm and fascinating history, exhibited by landmarks and attractions such as the 13th century Rothesay Castle and 14th century St Mary’s Church.

Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, resonates with ancient echoes of Christian, Nordic and Celtic history. It’s a town that feels more Scandinavian than Scottish; in fact, the name Kirkwall comes from the Norse for 'Church Bay', relating to the town's 11th century Church of St Olaf of Norway. 

Exploring the town’s atmospheric paved streets and twisting lanes, reveals a number of highlights, including the ruins of the Earl and Bishop’s Palaces, dating from the mid-12th century and serving as a reminder of the Orkney's turbulent past. The palaces are considered by many to be the finest Renaissance buildings in Scotland. Also worth visiting is the recently restored St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in memory of Saint Magnus Erlendsson by Norseman Earl Rögnvald Kali.

Don't miss Tankerness House, a beautifully preserved 16th century townhouse, and the Orkney Wireless Museum, with it's fascinating insights into the history of radio, too.

Thanks to its sheltered location, Stornoway, on the island of Lewis and Harris, is the largest town of the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland. The port offers a warm welcome to those visiting Lewis as part of their exploration of one of the UK’s remotest locations.

A stroll along the quay reveals local fishermen on traditional fleets landing the catch of the day, before shipping it to one the island’s amazing eateries. There is an unmistakeable odour of peat in the air as the smokehouses turn the seafood into island specialities.

Historic Lews Castle and the adjoining museum are key cultural centre for the islands’ heritage. An Lanntair Art Centre samples local arts and a good programme of art events, while a unique shopping experience awaits at the Harris Tweed Hebrides Outlet and Lewis Loom Centre, where traditional weaving methods can be discovered. Alternatively, a wander through the surrounding woods and a visit to the Woodland Centre can while away a pleasant hour or two.

Flowing between the Isle of Mull and the shores of Scotland, the Sound of Mull is a beautiful stretch of water that forms part of the Atlantic Ocean. As you sail through the sound on your Fred. Olsen cruise ship you'll see some stunning natural landscapes and will truly appreciate the beauty of the British Isles

Bac Mòr, affectionately known as ‘Dutchman’s Cap’ due to its unmistakable shape, is one of the most distinctive landmarks discovered amongst the beautiful Scottish Isles, a unique volcanic formation of grass-topped black lava that provides a safe haven for sea birds, and spectacular views for anyone who visits.

While the island doesn’t have any suitable landing places, simply sailing by Bac Mòr with Fred. Olsen makes for a memorable experience; you’ll get to wonder at its intriguing shape and look out for the native birds from the comfort of your smaller sized ship.

Similar to the famous, UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, Fingal’s Cave is a beautiful basalt sea-cave with distinctive ‘columns’ and a remarkable symmetry that looks incredible as you cruise past.

Often, the cliffs, ledges and grassy slopes are smothered with native seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, puffins and more, so it’s the perfect place to enjoy a little birdwatching. Just make sure you have your binoculars to hand!

Douglas is the picturesque, historic capital of the Isle of Man and gateway to the unique, diverse treasures of the world’s first entire island country to have been awarded Biosphere status by UNESCO – a fact the locals a rightly very proud of!

A lively hub of activity, where ferries from England and Ireland land, Douglas is a delight to explore; along the promenade, a relaxing stroll – or ride on the wonderful horse-drawn tram – takes in a mix of architecture, from Victorian and Edwardian to modern, while plenty of attractions await if you dig a little deeper in the heart of the town. Interesting museums, galleries and charming old theatres are just some of the highlights.

Venture even further and historic railway routes – including the 19th century steam railway – can show you the best of the Isle of Man’s beautiful coastal and countryside scenes, and there are many centuries-old landmarks, such as Peel Castle, Rushen Abbey and the Great Laxey Wheel, to discover around the island too.

Although Portland remains 'tied' to the county's mainland by the 18-mile-long shingle stretch of Chesil Beach, this unique island is unlike any other part of Dorset. Marking the southernmost point of the Jurassic Coast, this four-mile-long, half-mile-wide gem is a natural wonderland of rugged, unspolit landscapes and coastal scenes that beg for exploration. Much of Portland, including the entire coastline, is designated as a Site of Special Scientific interest, protecting the natural habitats of the native wildlife and the remarkable geology of the island. 

Beyond the delights of the island itself, Portland is also the gateway to a number of Dorset and Southern England's most scenic, and most iconic, attractions and destinations including Stonehenge, Bath and Salisbury Cathedral. Additionally, nearby there are a number of beautiful castles, such as Portland, Rufus and Sandfoot, as well as Nothe fort and Max Gate.