The best island in the UK has been named and it is a gorgeous spot that is home to an impressive two UNESCO sites. There are over 6,000 islands dotted around the British Isles, which includes popular spots for tourists from around the UK and the world to visit. Some of them are renowned for their natural beauty, others are famous for their fascinating history and others are known for their distinct culture and identity.
A recent study by The Telegraph examined a variety of factors to come up with a definitive ranking of the best islands in the UK and one took the top spot for a number of reasons. The publication examined categories such as weather, highest peaks, Michelin-starred restaurants, number of UNESCO sites and historical listed properties, luxury hotels and much more. Taking into consideration a wide variety of factors, the best island in the UK title was given to Anglesey in Wales.
Connected to the mainland via bridges, Anglesey is located in the northwestern corner of Wales and it is renowned for its natural beauty. In the study, it ranks above the Isle of Wight in second place and Jersey in third place.
It scored quite high in the categories of nature and culture while it also got relatively high scores when it came to luxuries. One of Anglesey’s magnificent UNESCO sites is the Geomon Global Geopark covering the entire island.
This title was awarded to the whole island because of its unique geography and geology, with standout features of Anglesey including extensive Pleistocene glaciation features from the Quaternary period and fascinating rock formations such as South Stack.
Not only is Anglesey famous for its geological makeup, it is known for its rich heritage and history. The other UNESCO site on the island is the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021.
This place brings to life the area’s rich mining and industrial history, bringing visitors back to the Industrial Revolution when this area’s agricultural landscape was completely changed when slate production began.
There are a number of quarries you can visit here, including Penrhyn Quarry, which was once the largest quarry in the world. There is also Dinorwig Quarry which, when you look at it, really demonstrates who mining and quarrying has shaped this landscape for good.
Other than these two UNESCO sites, there is plenty to do on Anglesey. South Stack Lighthouse is the island’s top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor and has been described by visitors as “outstanding” and a “must-see”. Other popular attractions on the island include Beaumaris Castle, which was the last of the royal strongholds created by Edward I in Wales.
As you might expect, Anglesey is home to some stunning beaches. Most notably, there is Llanddwyn Beach, a rugged stretch of sandy beach that opens up onto a scenic bay, an ideal place to relax on a sunny day in Wales.
There is also Benllech Beach, which is known as a family-friendly beach with golden sand and clear waters, packed full of fun as well as natural beauty. Other stunning beaches on Anglesey include Traeth Lligwy, Traeth Crigyll and Trearddur Bay Beach, to name a few.
For nature lovers, there is also Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest, South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve and Penmon Point.