The Isle of Man has just been awarded UNESCO Biosphere status, recognising the diversity of its natural habitats, but this is a fascinating place that has plenty of man-made wonders to discover as well. Due to the island's location it's equally accessible from most parts of the country, and makes for an easy and memorable trip. The Isle of Man occupies a uniquely central position, right between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales - although the island itself is not part of the United Kingdom, but a self-governing body of the crown.

There are no tolls to use the Skye bridge. Getting to Skye from the Scottish mainland is easy, due to the road bridge that connects the island to the North West coast. There are also several jeep safari tours available, which offer a great tour of Skye on days when the weather may present a challenge to al fresco activities. Most people come to Skye simply to take in the breathtaking scenery and clean air, but there's plenty to do beyond walking, hiking and admiring the view: speedboat trips around the island are a thrilling way to see the sights, while those who prefer to take it a bit more slowly can enjoy a 2-3 hour boat trip along the coast. But thanks to its size, Skye retains a remote and spacious appeal despite its popularity. The most Northerly of the Inner Hebrides, Skye is famed for its dramatic, mountainous scenery, misty skies and abundant wildlife, all of which have long made it a huge hit with visitors. Skye is among the most rugged and romantic islands in the UK, and is also one of the largest of the Scottish isles. Getting to Anglesey from mainland Britain is easy, thanks to the modern wonder that is the Severn Bridge: you can simply drive across (NB a toll is payable when crossing into Wales from England on the M4 and M48), taking in the gorgeous scenery en route. Its scenery is often described as being like a moonscape, with uncrowded beaches and miles of golden sand. From fairytale castles to water parks, aquariums to motorbike circuits, there's something on the island to suit travellers of all tastes.ДЄnglesey is located off the Northwest coast of Wales, and most of its coastline has been officially designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). With a population of nearly 70,000, Anglesey is one of the larger islands in the UK, and its relative size means there's no shortage of things to do on your visit. Being relatively large among UK islands, the Isle of Wight offers all types of accommodation, from luxury spa to B&Bs and camping.ДЄs well as being a great base for a family holiday, the Isle of Wight is well known for its music festivals which include Bestival, Jack up the 80s and the Isle of Wight Festival itself, which famously put on such rock greats as Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and The Who during the 1970s. Popular attractions on the Isle of Wight include The Needles Landmark Attraction - a fun-packed amusement park on the site of an extraordinary row of chalk cliffs that rise from the sea, award-winning beaches at Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor, and of course the Steam Railway.

The journey across the solent is the last commercial hovercraft route operating anywhere in the world, which makes for a quirky and nostalgic welcome to this charming and unique island. Situated less than five miles off the coast of Hampshire, the South Coast island is most easily reached by hovercraft, departing from Southsea in Portsmouth and arriving at Ryde just 10 minutes later. With its sandy beaches, model village and working steam railway, the UK's Isle of Wight is the perfect family getaway. Sark has no airport, so visitors can either travel by ferry or sailing-boat from Jersey or Guernsey (both of which can be reached by air), or from St Malo in Normandy, which can be reached from Portsmouth by ferry. Popular activities on Sark include cycling (ideal for nervous cyclists due to the lack of motor vehicles!), guided walks, and visits to the tranquil La Seigneurie Gardens, where flowers bloom that are rarely seen on the British mainland due to Sark's relatively warm climate. So steep is the drop on either side of the path that children used to be told to cross it on their hands and knees - but fortunately for present-day visitors, protective railings have now been installed on either side of the track! Sark is composed of two sections: Greater Sark and Little Sark, connected by a narrow peninsular path called La CoupГѓВ©e (pictured).

Cars are banned on Sark, and the only vehicles you'll see on a visit here are modified tractors or horse-drawn carts. Based just off the coast of Normandy, the island has its own parliament, as well as its own set of laws based on Norman law. One of the smallest islands around the UK, Sark has a population of just 600, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in raw, rugged beauty as well as its unique historical standing. Thank you for signing up, please check your emails inbox.

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