The small UK island with a white sand beach once used for banishing people
- UK Hidden Gems
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
This UK location is one of the Isles of Scilly’s best-kept secrets, giving visitors the chance to enjoy both history and nature in one peaceful place.
The Isles of Scilly, a group of islands off the southwest tip of Cornwall, are full of natural beauty, fascinating history, and calm surroundings.
One of the most interesting spots in this group is a small, uninhabited island that gives explorers a unique experience away from the usual tourist crowds.
Whether you love learning about the past, enjoy spotting wildlife, or just want some quiet time, Samson is the perfect getaway.
Samson Island is one of the uninhabited parts of the Isles of Scilly, known for its amazing wildlife, lovely views, and old ruins.
Often seen as a hidden treasure, Samson is about 1.5 miles long and is ideal for those wanting to escape the noise of everyday life.
To get to Samson, you can hop on a boat from St. Mary’s, the biggest island nearby. The trip itself is exciting, with stunning views of nearby islands and clear blue waters.
Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by rocky paths, soft sandy beaches, and a peaceful feeling that’s hard to beat.
In the 1700s, the island was used by the Council of Twelve, who ran the area back then, as a place to send people who had broken local rules.
It was like being banished. People lived on Samson until 1855, when Augustus Smith, the island’s Lord Proprietor, moved the last families off the island. Samson gets its name from Saint Samson of Dol, who is believed to have visited the island back in the 6th century.
You can still walk around the remains of the old village on Samson today. There are crumbling cottages, old farming plots, and the ruins of a chapel to explore. These ruins offer a glimpse into what life was like for the people who once called this quiet island home.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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