Piel Island, a tiny Cumbrian island half a mile from the Furness Peninsula, offers a unique staycation for visitors seeking solitude. Accessible by ferry during summer weekends, the island is home to just three households and the 14th-century Piel Castle, which is free to enter thanks to English Heritage.
For those looking to stay overnight, camping is available at a bargain price of £5 per tent per night, providing unspoilt views of seal colonies. The island was gifted to the people of Barrow-in-Furness as a First World War memorial.
The historic Ship Inn, the island's only pub, has been serving punters for over 300 years. It reopened under the management of Piel Island Pub Co earlier this month, after being closed since 2019. The current landlord holds the title 'King of Piel Island', a tradition dating back to Lambert Simnel's attempted usurpation of the English throne.
Kirsty Ridge, a director of Piel Island Pub Co, said: “The pub is a vital part of this unique and wonderful island, and we’re privileged to have played our role in getting it back up and running, much to the delight of our customers.” The pub offers local ales, spirits, and pub grub.
Ferries operate from April to September daily between 11am and 4.30pm, costing £5 return for adults, £3 for children, and free for under-5s.
