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Island Holidays

It could be all that fresh sea air but there’s an undeniable thrill to being surrounded by water.

Scattered off the coast of the UK and Ireland are hundreds of islands just waiting to be explored. Grappling with route-planning and flight and ferry timetables is not for the faint-hearted, so let us work out the tricky bits and leave you free to enjoy your island adventure. We promise not to send you anywhere we haven’t been ourselves so we can impart first hand knowledge about what to expect and how to experience genuine island-life.

We also offer a selection of island focused guided small group tours, where you can explore with like minded travellers in the company of an expert local guide.

Scottish Islands

Scotland’s most northerly islands are halfway to Norway. Visit Shetland or Orkney and you’ll notice a distinct Scandinavian/Scottish feel as you marvel at the fascinating geological and cultural history. Pick up a car and drive through the sparkling chain of the Outer Hebrides with their wild natural beauty and white sandy beaches. There’s wonderful wildlife to be seen on Mull and Arran, magnificent mountains on Skye, whisky to be drunk on Islay (it has nine distilleries) and peace and quiet to be soaked up on wee islands such as Iona, Gigha, Colonsay, Coll and Tiree.

Irish Islands

The islands off the coast of Ireland are similarly different in charm and character. Many can be visited on a day trip but we think you’ll appreciate them much more if you linger a while and enjoy the craic. The Aran Islands are steeped in history, with over 50 different monuments of Christian, pre-Christian and Celtic heritage. More recently the watery landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Islands have provided creative inspiration for generations of artists and writers. Just off the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland, Rathlin Island is a peaceful wildlife haven with a renowned RSPB Seabird Centre where you can watch puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes during the summer months.

England & Wales

For those interested in a real break from the everyday, the Isles of Scilly are a treat. Lying 28 miles off Land’s End, these charming islands almost provide a step back in time – dazzling beaches, fascinating history and a more relaxed way of life await your visit. Take a fully car-free getaway or combine with a longer road trip through the English Riviera of Devon and Cornwall – the choice is yours.

Visit entrancing Holy Island for some spiritual rejuvenation amid the salty blasts of sea air – it’s accessible by causeway, but only at low tide off the North East coast of England. It can easily combine with a trip to the Farne Islands to witness dramatic seabird colonies.

Anglesey lies just across the Menai Straits by road bridge from North Wales. Among its attractions are five operational lighthouses – our favourite being South Stack, jutting out into the Irish Sea, with its end-of-the-world feel in stormy weather.

Channel Islands

Have you dreamt of discovering all that the Channel Islands have to offer? Now you can with the help and expertise of McKinlay Kidd with a selection of trips based on our personal research. Experience the charm and relaxing way of life of five distinctly different islands. Whether you prefer to relax and unwind on one of many white sandy beaches or immerse yourself in the rich culture and history, we have a range of holidays to suit.

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