The UK’s incredible ‘desert island’ – with a population of 0 | Travel News | Travel

Located off the southwestern tip of the Cornish peninsula of Great Britain lies a beautiful  ‘desert island’ where nobody lives. 

Samson is the largest of the uninhabited islands on Scilly, it takes its name from Saint Samson of Dol, who visited the islands in the sixth century.

Consisting of two hills joined by a thin strip of land Samson was once inhabited until 1855 and the remains of old cottages dot the hillsides.

Samson has truly beautiful white beaches, when the tide is out the sand seems to go on forever forming the Samson Flats. White sand and shallow turquoise waters give the impression of being in the tropics on the right day.

The island boasts a beautiful blissful  circular walk where you can imagine the lives of islanders of the past as you explore the haunting ruins of their homes and farms. You may be one of the other people doing the walk meaning you can enjoy the soft white sands and shallow, clear water in silence.

Samson and the surrounding small islands are particularly important for their breeding seabirds and it is also well known for its plants. On South Hill in particular you will find specimens of tamarisk, elder and primrose.

To view the idyllic deserted island visitors can take a boat trip on the harbour at St Mary’s, the trip takes about 25 minutes. Groups can also charter a boat. 

Visitors can also take a slightly trickier route by getting the inter-island ferry from St Mary’s to Samson, which requires a mid-sea transfer to a rib. Some boats may require visitors to “walk the plank” to get to the beach at Bar Point.

The Isles of Scilly have only five inhabited islands, while around 140 provide a safe haven for wildlife and seabirds. Some are visited by day boats, others never visited are left completely alone.

It is thought that the archipelago may once have been joined together, making up a large land-mass.

The Isles of Scilly have also recently been named among the world’s best islands by Big7 Travel, which said they were “beloved for their coral-fringed beaches, colourful historic towns and sprawling forests”.

St Mary’s, the main island, has the most sights with lots of historical spots including three ancient burial chambers, Camel Rock and old defensive walls.