Scenic Isles of the UK

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.

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!

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.

The Firth of Lorn is a beautiful 16 mile stretch of water that flows between the Isle of Mull and the Slate Islands. A designated Special Area of Conservation, for the the protection of its rocky reefs - which are considered amongst the most diverse in Europe - it is a haven for a wide variety of marine life. 

Above the glass-like waters, the firth is flanked by typically Scottish, simply outstanding tide-swept shores. As you cruise the waterway, you'll see the diversity of its landscapes, from exposed, wave-carved waterfronts to sheltered, tucked away coves.

Duart Castle dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most historic, important and prettiest castles in the Highlands. Set amongst a back drop of beautiful valleys, the castle looks impressive from any angle, especially from the water - a sight you'll get to see during your scenic cruise here.

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.

Part of the Inner Hebrides, lying just south of the Isle of Skye, the Small Isles are four beautiful lands - Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck - famed for their dramatic scenery, their variety of wildlife and natural wonders, and some architectural highlights too. 

As you sail the waters surrounding the isles, you'll witness their wild beauty from the comfort of your small ship. Look out for mighty volcanic peaks and Kinlock Castle on Rum, where Sea Eagles are often spotted in the skies above; the basalt cliffs of Canna; the charming villages of Eigg; and Muck's fertile lowlands and pretty beaches. 

Portree is the Isle of Skye's largest and liveliest town. Set within a pretty natural harbour with brightly-coloured houses and surrounded by rocky cliffs and rolling hills, Portree is a truly beautiful place to explore.

Its name (from the Gaelic for King's Harbour) commemorates James V, who arrived here in 1540 to pacify the local clans. The town is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning coastline and interesting attractions that include the Aros Centre and the An Tuireann Arts Centre, which celebrate the island's Gaelic heritage.

Portree also serves as a gateway to other attractions on the island, such as the intriguing rock formations at Trotternish Ridge, north of the town, the ruins of Tusdale, and the peninsula unflatteringly known as ‘The Lump’, which once provided a setting for public hangings.

Lerwick is the friendly capital of the 100 islands and islets of Shetland. The bustling, cosmopolitan seaport is the islands’ only town, and its wonderful natural harbour is a joy to explore.

Until the 1600s, Leir Vik – Norse for a muddy bay – was little more than a few huts. However, conflict between the British and Dutch, whose fishing fleet fished for herrings off the islands, led to the building of a permanent settlement. This included Fort Charlotte, which once overlooked the harbour but has now been enclosed by the town following land reclamation.

Despite the wealth created by North Sea oil, modern Lerwick retains many fascinating small shops and historic buildings. Wandering along atmospheric Commercial Street is a delight, and the Böd of Gremista – a “fishing booth” built in 1780, is now a fascinating museum. The ground floor has the salt store and the kitchen, where herrings were hung to dry. Outside the town are the well preserved remains of the Broch of Clickimin, a small Bronze-Age settlement excavated in the last century.

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 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.

Invergordon, located at the head of Cromarty Firth in the stunning Scottish Highlands, has a homespun charm and serves as a gateway to the legendary waters of Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, the town of Inverness, and the Whyte & Mackay whisky distillery.

A short walk into the centre reveals the town’s collection of impressive murals painted by local artists, which tell stories of the local area. It’s also the perfect place to explore Scottish history amid the brooding splendour of 15th century Cawdor Castle (forever – but incorrectly – linked with Shakespeare's Macbeth), and the imposing Dunrobin Castle, which dates from the 13th century and houses a fine collection of paintings and family memorabilia belonging to the Earls of Sutherland.