The UK’s best islands have been named – and the winner is a tiny spot off the coast of northwest Wales. It’s a peaceful escape with plenty to explore and miles of beautiful beaches
If you’re on the hunt for a staycation spot, look no further – the UK’s best islands have been revealed. Topping the list is Anglesey, located off the northwest coast of Wales.
Despite having a modest population of just 70,000, the island attracts a million tourists each year. But don’t let these figures put you off; it never feels overcrowded.
In fact, it’s the ideal location for a tranquil escape, perfect for unwinding and disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Telegraph assessed 35 factors across more than 40 islands, with Anglesey outshining popular holiday destinations such as Jersey, Skye, and the Isle of Wight.
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There’s plenty to keep you occupied, including a 140-mile coastal path that encircles the island, the romantic Llandwyn Island, and wildlife spotting at South Stack Lighthouse.
Even a simple afternoon spent exploring the marine life in the rockpools at the nearest beach can be delightful.
For those less inclined towards hiking and nature spotting, Anglesey boasts the 13th-century Beaumaris Castle and the Halen Môn sea salt company’s visitor centre, reports the Express.
Additionally, there’s the Copper Kingdom – once the world’s largest copper mine, and Holy Island, renowned for its high concentration of standing stones, burial chambers and other religious sites.
GeoMôn, a Unesco World Heritage site of extraordinary geological importance, showcases 1.8 billion years of Earth’s history, the oldest fossils in England and Wales, and rock formations from nearly every geological period.
The publication hailed Anglesey as “Wales’s biggest island romped to the top of the ranking”, with its 25 historic sites and the Michelin-starred delights of Sosban and the Old Butchers in Menai Strait.
A stone’s throw from the island lies the stunning Eryri National Park (formerly known as Snowdonia), where those keen on challenging hikes can tackle peaks like Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in the UK outside Scotland.
Reaching Anglesey is a breeze by car or train via Bangor to Holyhead, a bustling cruise and ferry port offering frequent services to Dublin.
The island boasts an array of accommodation options, including self-catering holiday homes, hotels, and B&Bs.
The Telegraph’s roundup of the UK’s best islands also features the Isle of Wight, Jersey, Mull, Skye, Guernsey, Mainland (Orkney), St Mary (Isles of Scilly), Isle of Man, and Arran.