When you think of island getaways, your mind likely wanders to Hawaii, the Seychelles, or somewhere off the Greek coast. All incredible places, but all a bit far, expensive and not an option with your trusty motorhome. So today, we want to introduce you to the five best options for island hopping in a motorhome. Spread across the UK, these five islands offer great campsites, exciting activities, endless nature, and everything else you need for your dream adventure. Ready to visit UK islands in a motorhome? Let’s find out the top five destinations for your trip.
1. Isle of Skye, Scotland
As if we needed another excuse to go to the Isle of Skye, now it’s top of our list of the best UK islands to visit in a motorhome. The Isle of Skye is renowned for its rich history, rugged landscapes, dramatic mountains, and picturesque lochs. From majestic ruins to endless beaches, there is truly something for everyone in this magical place. You’ll find great campsites on the Isle of Skye, making it easy to plan a route around the island. Or if you’d prefer to focus more on the driving and less on the planning, simply complete our Isle of Skye road trip itinerary.
Getting there:
The most straightforward way to get to Skye is via the Skye Bridge, which connects the mainland to the island. The bridge is toll-free and allows motorhomes. From Glasgow: Follow the A82 to Fort William, then continue on the A87, which leads directly to the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh. From Edinburgh: Take the M9, then the A82 to Fort William, and continue on the A87 to Kyle of Lochalsh.
Things to do:
-Escape the chill with a robust drink at Talisker Distillery, the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, located in Carbost. Take a tour through the distillery to discover the whisky-making process and enjoy a tasting of their renowned Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky, a true island classic.
-At Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum, delve into the history of the Macdonalds of Sleat, one of Scotland’s oldest and most powerful clans. The 40-acre gardens are equally captivating, featuring centuries-old trees, flowers, and shrubs, with an audio guide available to share their fascinating history alongside that of the castle.
-Quiraing is a must-visit for hiking and photography lovers, offering breathtaking views at the summit of this challenging trail. Formed by an ancient landslip, the area boasts towering cliffs and dramatic plateaus along a 4.2-mile path that takes around two hours to complete—though it's best suited for experienced hikers!
2. Anglesey, Wales
Just off the northwest coast of Wales, you’ll find the charming island of Anglesey. It’s connected to the mainland by the 19th-century Menai Suspension Bridge and the Britannia Bridge. Filled with incredible views, delightful towns, and sandy beaches, you can easily spend five days exploring Anglesey. It is best described as where blue skies meet blue seas, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Emerald Isle. You’ll have your pick of campsites in Anglesey, with plenty of incredible views to enjoy. You can also take everything in by following our complete Anglesey road trip itinerary.
Getting there:
Anglesey is connected to mainland Wales by two bridges: the Menai Suspension Bridge (A5) and the newer Britannia Bridge (A55). Both bridges are suitable for motorhomes. Once on the island, the A55 and A5 roads make it easy to travel around. 
Things to do:
-Be sure to visit one of Anglesey’s most iconic landmarks, the South Stack Lighthouse. Built in 1809, this historic lighthouse is perched on a small island and was designed to guide sailors away from the dangerous rocky waters below. Climbing the 400 steps to the top is a challenge, but the breathtaking views make it well worth the effort.
-Hopefully, you’re visiting in the warmer months of the year when you can visit a beach in Anglesey. This little island is home to some of the best beaches in the UK, including six Blue Flag beaches: Benllech, Llanddwyn, Church Bay, Trearddur Bay, Llanddona and Porth Dafarch.
-We also recommend a visit to Cwyfan's Church, a charming little church set on a tiny island off the coast of Anglesey. Known as the "Church in the Sea," it can only be reached at low tide, adding to its unique appeal. Make sure to check tide times before your visit to ensure safe passage home.
3. Isle of Mull, Scotland
The Isle of Mull, the second-largest island in the Inner Hebrides, lies just off Scotland's west coast. Formed by volcanic eruptions during the last Ice Age, Mull boasts stunning landscapes and distinctive geology. Its rugged terrain is a favourite among rock climbers, while its crystal-clear waters make it one of the top wild swimming locations in the UK. We’ve even rounded up a complete Isle of Mull road trip itinerary to make your trip fun and hassle-free.
Getting there:
There are no bridges to the Isle of Mull, so you’ll need to book a ferry for you and your motorhome. Please ensure you book ahead of time, as these fill up quickly, especially for a ticket that includes your van.
The most common and convenient route is the ferry from Oban to Craignure, which is the main port on the Isle of Mull. Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operates the ferry service and it takes about 45 minutes.
There are also two smaller ferry routes. You can go from Lochaline on the Morvern Peninsula to Fishnish on Mull, close to Craignure, which takes about fifteen minutes and is a good option for those travelling from the western coast.
The ferry from Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula takes you directly to Tobermory on Mull. It's a scenic crossing of about 35 minutes, ideal for those exploring the remote peninsula before heading to Mull.
Things to do:
-Enthusiastic hikers should set aside a day to conquer Ben More, the highest peak in the Scottish Isles and the only Munro on Mull. The hike to the summit is challenging, taking between five and eight hours, depending on your level of experience, with the easiest route starting at Dhiseig Car Park along a well-trodden path.
-Prefer a more relaxed activity? Mull's stunning beaches are perfect for unwinding. Fionnphort Beach offers picturesque views of neighbouring Iona, Laggan Sands is a favourite for birdwatchers, and the secluded Knockvologan Beach, accessible only at low tide, boasts soft sands and a lagoon-like setting.
-For panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea, take the one-hour walk to Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse—the views are well worth the effort. For a classic whisky experience, visit the historic Tobermory Distillery, founded in 1798. Take a tour to learn about the whisky-making process and enjoy tastings straight from the barrel.
4. Isle of Wight, England
We have no doubt that you were waiting for this one, as obviously, we’d include the Isle of Wight on this list of the best UK islands to visit in a motorhome. The Isle of Wight offers something for everyone, from sandy beaches and historic landmarks to enchanting caves and beyond. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this island has plenty to keep the whole family entertained. There’s a reason why so many travellers flock to the Isle of Wight each year, and you’ll quickly discover why it is so great for island hopping in a motorhome. For the full experience, tackle our Isle of Wight road trip itinerary.
Getting there:
The Isle of Wight is accessible by ferry from various ports along the south coast, with ferries accommodating cars, motorhomes, and foot passengers. These routes are operated by different companies, and advance booking is recommended, especially for vehicles. You can go from Portsmouth, Southampton or Lymington.
Things to do:
-Get ready to hit the water! Though it might be chilly, a good wetsuit will keep you comfortable as you explore the Isle of Wight's turquoise waters—whether by renting a kayak, taking surf lessons, or enjoying a scenic boat trip through the caves.
-Did you know the Isle of Wight is dubbed the "Dinosaur Capital of Britain"? With an ideal prehistoric habitat, nearly every type of dinosaur fossil has been discovered here, many of which are showcased at the Dinosaur Isle Museum. Be sure to try fossil hunting yourself, as new finds are still uncovered each year!
-At the southern tip of the island in Niton stands St. Catherine’s Lighthouse, shrouded in eerie legends of ghostly animals, mysterious footsteps, and disappearing objects. Once you've steadied your nerves, take a stroll to nearby Steephill Cove, a secluded beach accessible only by foot.
5. Harris and Lewis, Scotland
We’ve reached our final recommendation for island hopping in a motorhome, and it’s Harris and Lewis. With its sandy beaches and breathtaking walking routes, the Isle of Harris and Lewis stands out among the incredible islands of Scotland’s Hebrides. If you prefer active holidays filled with adventure, wild swimming, and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, this is the perfect spot for you. Prepare yourself for a stunning contrast of landscapes, where rugged mountains and rocky coastlines in the north seamlessly transition to expansive white sandy beaches and turquoise waters in the south,
Getting there:
The main route to Lewis is via the ferry from Ullapool on the mainland to Stornoway, the largest town on Lewis. Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operates the ferry service and it takes about 2 and a half hours. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Uig on the Isle of Skye to Tarbert on Harris. This is also operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) and takes approximately one hour and forty minutes.
Things to do:
-Wildlife enthusiasts and hikers will love the North Harris Eagle Observatory, nestled in a remote area of North Harris where you can spot golden eagles in their natural habitat. The journey to the observatory is just as remarkable, leading you through stunning mountains and valleys that showcase the island's breathtaking natural beauty.
-For those who enjoy a good drink, we highly recommend visiting a distillery. Situated in Tarbert, the Harris Distillery is renowned for its Isle of Harris Gin, which is infused with local botanicals such as sugar kelp. You can explore the gin-making process, taste their products, and even buy a bottle or two as a memorable souvenir.
-A trip to Harris wouldn't be complete without exploring the world-famous Harris Tweed. You can visit local weaving studios and shops in villages like Tarbert to see how this traditional fabric is made. Many shops offer a selection of high-quality Harris Tweed products, from clothing to home furnishings, making it a great opportunity to take home a piece of the island’s heritage.
Each of these islands provides something different and exciting for your holiday. Whether you’re seeking sandy beaches, rich history, or stunning natural beauty, these islands provide the perfect backdrop for exploration and relaxation. So for your next trip, visit one of these amazing UK islands in a motorhome, and embark on the roads less travelled.
If you need a van for island hopping in a motorhome, check out some fun vehicles available for hire below!
