The UK's least populated island with just 11 people that used to have a king

The least populated island in the UK has just 11 people living there. Despite its tiny size and population, it is still a very worthy tourist destination and there are even options for overnight stays on the island. Bardsey is located just 1.9 miles off the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. Tourists can reach the small island by ferry, which is operated by Bardsey Boat Trips and Enlli Charters, leaving the mainland from Porth Meudwy and Pwllheli.

One of the most popular ways to visit Bardsey, which is called Ynys Enlli in the Welsh language, is on a day trip. These tours last around four hours and are offered to tourists in Wales by Bardsley Island Boat Trips. These trips cost £50 per adult and £25 per child and, given the island's location, they are weather dependent. With such a small number of people on the island, you are guaranteed a peaceful trip to properly enjoy the island's stunning scenery and its landmarks.

The top things to do on the island include a scenic walk around the coast as well as a trek up the mountain. The island, which was purchased by the Bardsey Island Trust in 1979, is managed by the Trust with advice from Natural Resources Wales and CADW.

There are clearly many reasons to visit this small island as it is designated a National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is in the Lleyn Peninsula Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The island is also a working farm so expect to see cattle and sheep around the place. It should also be noted that dogs are not allowed here. Meanwhile, visits to the island only operate from March until October.

For those who want to spend more time on the island, weekly visits can be booked via the Bardsey Island Trust. There are several houses available to let and prices depend on the time of year and availability.

There are three detached former farmhouses, three semi-detached former farmhouses, two loft conversions and a whitewashed traditional croglofft cottage. As these houses have been maintained in a traditional manner, none of them have electricity but are equipped with full kitchens with gas. Each house also has a solar powered or gas fridge/freezer.

The history of this place is quite fascinating. In fact, up until World War I, the island had a king. It was tradition for the island to elect a king and when the war broke out, Bardey's last king, Love Pritchard, offered himself and the men of Bardsey Island for military service but was refused because of his advanced age. Soon after, he left the island to live on the mainland and died a year later.

Since medieval times, Bardsey has been a site of pilgrimage and to this day, it is the endpoint of the North Wales Pilgrims Way.

People who have visited the island have praised it for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. One Tripadvisor reviewer wrote: "Walk around the coast, up the mountain, enjoy the bird life and marine life. Seals are abundant (give them some space), large pods of dolphins do swim really close to the shore. Attend a chapel service, do crafting activities, eat out, buy wine and carpets. Fall in love and come back again."

Another said: "In the four hours we had plenty of time to climb the hill behind the settlement as well as exploring the church, coastline and lighthouse."

A third shared: "A fantastic trip. Stunning wildlife. 20 minute boat trip, with Colin who was born and bred on the island."