Herm Island Bans Cars and Bikes to Maintain Tranquil Charm

As of 2025-10-27T18:29:08+00:00, the tiny island of Herm, located off the UK coast, has maintained a longstanding ban on both cars and bicycles to preserve its serene and tranquil environment. This close-knit community of just 60 people takes great pride in the peacefulness of their home, which they describe as a "magical place" steeped in history and mystery.

Measuring a mere 2,100m long by 800m wide, Herm is perfectly sized for its vehicle-free lifestyle. The locals believe that the noise of motor engines and bicycle bells would disrupt the calm atmosphere they strive to uphold. Visitors to the island, which lies 80 miles from England's south coast, are treated to a surprisingly diverse landscape. The northern part features stunning beaches and a vast grassy common that was once roamed by woolly mammoths, while the south coast boasts towering cliffs and winding paths adorned with flowers.

Despite its small size and the difficulty of reaching it, Herm has had inhabitants for a long time, dating back to Neolithic times. Over the centuries, the island has been home to Christian missionaries, Norman monks, and even a population of 400 quarrymen during a period of economic uplift in the 19th century. Today, Herm is a sanctuary for wildlife, including dolphins, puffins, and the occasional seal.