The UK is home to some enviable beaches - such as Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris(Image: Getty Images/500px Plus)

UK island with one of world's best beaches is named among top places to visit

The wild and rugged island has been named one of the best places in the world to visit in autumn - and it's easy to see why.

by · The Mirror

The Isle of Harris, a stunning and rugged island in Scotland, has been hailed as one of the top spots to visit this autumn.

If you're looking to swap your usual sun-soaked holiday abroad for something a bit different, travel experts at Motorhome Hire company Goboony have named the Outer Hebrides gem among the top 10 places to visit in October.

Famed for its gin distillery and Harris Tweed, the picturesque island also boasts some of Scotland's most beautiful beaches.

Luskentyre Beach, often ranked among the world's best, is renowned for its white sands and turquoise waters that could easily be mistaken for a Caribbean paradise. Other beaches such as Scarista and Seilebost offer equally breathtaking views.

Experts describe the Isle of Harris as "featuring a dramatic contrast of landscapes, with rugged mountains and rocky coastlines in the north giving way to vast, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters in the south, the Isle of Harris feels like a bunch of destinations merged into one."

Many UK beaches look like they're straight out of a postcard - like Luskentyre( Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Wildlife enthusiasts will find the Isle of Harris a haven, with opportunities to spot otters, seals, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds, including golden eagles. The coastal waters are also home to basking sharks and whales at certain times of the year.

For those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Harris offers the perfect retreat. Its remote location, small population, and vast open spaces provide a peaceful sanctuary where you can reconnect with nature.

This island may be off the beaten track, but tourists frequently comment on the locals' warm hospitality. The small, tight-knit communities take great pride in sharing their history and traditions with visitors, guaranteeing a warm welcome.

Connoisseurs of whisky and gin won't want to miss the Isle of Harris Distillery, which has gained a reputation for its Harris Gin and single malt whisky.

Calanais Standing Stones at sunset, Isle of Lewis( Image: Getty Images)

The experts at Goboony added: "Of course, we'll recommend a distillery visit for those who enjoy a good drink; we are in Scotland, after all. Situated in Tarbert, the Harris Distillery is renowned for its Isle of Harris Gin, crafted with local botanicals like sugar kelp."

"Visitors can explore the gin-making process, enjoy tastings, and even take home a bottle or two as a unique souvenir."

The island boasts a deep connection to Scottish and Gaelic culture. You can visit the island's standing stones, such as the Callanish Stones on neighbouring Lewis, as well as the coastal crofting village, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village.