The 8 Island Day Trips in the UK We Would Book First

1.Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,136 reviews · 12 hours · from $56Our pick

Travel from Inverness to the Isle of Skye by air-conditioned bus with an English-speaking driver-guide. See Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Lealt Falls, and Loch Carron. Guides such as Alex, Fiona, Liall, and Stewart are known for clear stories, local tips, and good humor.

“We had a fantastic tour with our guide, Jack S, from Inverness. He was friendly, patient, and very professional throughout the entire journey. Jack explained everything clearly along the route and took the time to show us different villages, sharing interesting details along the way. He also gave great restaurant recommendations, which we really appreciated. The tour never felt rushed, and we were able to truly enjoy the beautiful scenery at a relaxed pace. Highly recommended—Jack made the experience both enjoyable and memorable.”

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2.Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 890 reviews · 12 hours · from $93

Travel from Inverness to the Isle of Skye by air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking guide. You’ll cross the Skye Bridge, stop in Portree, walk to the Fairy Pools, photograph Eilean Donan Castle, and follow Loch Ness home. Guides such as Peach, David, Steven, and Nathalie are praised for lively stories, local lore, and careful driving.

“Our driver and tour guide was wonderful!! I wish the price had included certain entree fees, but it was one of the best tours i’ve ever done!”

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3.Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 748 reviews · 12 hours · from $55Best value

Spend 12 hours travelling from Inverness to Skye by air-conditioned bus with an English-speaking guide such as Karen, Iain, Harrison, or Torquil. See Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, Kilt Rock, Quiraing, and the Old Man of Storr. Expect many short photo stops, a one-hour Portree break, and a long but scenic return through the Highlands.

“The journey was great overall with a great tour guide Karen. It was a beautiful place everywhere you look.”

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4.Isle of Skye Day Trip from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 385 reviews · 11 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $67

Travel from Inverness to the Isle of Skye by air-conditioned vehicle, with stops at Loch Ness, Invermoriston, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, Kilt Rock, and Sligachan. Guides such as David, Chris, Jamie, and Rory have earned strong praise for their stories and driving. Expect a long, scenery-packed day with limited time at each stop.

“Great trip,lovely views and MR hakken was a very good driver with knowledge about the sights and a genuine love for Scotland. His stories were brilliant and he told them well , he navigated those winding roads like a old pro. All in all great trip .hidden pools was my favourite stop along was dùn beag round house best view in my opinion”

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5.Isle of Skye and Hogwarts Express 4-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 142 reviews · 83 hours · from $1,071

Travel from Edinburgh into the Highlands with an English-speaking driver-guide and a group of up to 16. You’ll spend two nights on Skye, visit Glen Coe and Eilean Donan Castle, cross by ferry when available, and ride the Jacobite Steam Train over Glenfinnan Viaduct. Guides such as Rose, Brodie, Cameron, and John are known for strong storytelling.

“The tour was amazing. Iain was a wonderful guide who made the trip fun, shared great stories and jokes, took us to places we wouldn’t have known to go and shared a lot about Scotland. It was well worth the money and we would highly recommend this tour to anyone considering it. DO IT! You won’t regret it!”

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6.From Brighton: Isle of Wight Full-Day Trip via Portsmouth

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 77 reviews · 12 hours · from $106

Travel from Brighton by executive coach and Wightlink ferry to Godshill and Alum Bay. Explore thatched cottages, a medieval church, colorful cliffs, and the Needles, with guides such as Jerry or Andrew sharing local history. The chairlift costs extra, and food is not included.

“Great day out, Gerry was very knowledgeable and and very helpful, I like the way he kept us informed at all times and the driver was a fantastic safe driver . Could not fault the day at all”

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7.Isle of Skye “Myths & Legends” Full Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 68 reviews · 12 hours · from $55

Spend 12 hours crossing the Highlands from Inverness to the Isle of Skye, with an English-speaking guide, optional audio commentary, and stops at Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Quiraing, and Sligachan. Guides such as Emily, Donnie, Sonia, and Harrison bring local stories and folklore to the ride.

“Emma was a wonderful guide!! Absolutely perfect weather and trip!”

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8.Isle of Wight Day Trip Including Osborne House

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 51 reviews · 14 hours · from $146

Take a 14-hour guided coach trip from London to the Isle of Wight, crossing by ferry to visit Osborne House, Godshill, and Shanklin. You’ll have free time at several stops, return ferry travel, and an English-speaking guide. Recent departures have featured guides Steve, Steven, and Lisa, though staff may vary.

“It was an absolutely trip in the Isle of Wight, so little but so cute, and Steve, our guide was brillant and so funny.”

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