Top Things to do in The Hebrides
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in The Hebrides That You Shouldn't Miss
This beautiful archipelago, where Scottish Gaelic is still spoken, is divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides and stretches the length of Scotland's west coast. The most visited and largest of the Western Isles is the brooding Isle of Skye, a short ferry ride or bridge away from the mainland. Islay, home to prolific whisky production, is another gem. Highlights of the less visited Outer Isles include stark Lewis and the town of Stornoway, rugged Harris, with sandy beaches and tranquil Barra.
Restaurants in The Hebrides
1. Isle of Staffa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 461 reviews
Reviewed By KennyMonaghan - Stevenston, United Kingdom
We arrived on Staffa in near perfect conditions, the place is a must see with the rock formations and the bird life, the added bonus for us was a pod of bottle nosed dolphins on our way to the island.
2. Isle of Kerrera
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By 0Pete_23 - Dartford, United Kingdom
The ferry to Kerrera is some 10 minute’s drive south out of Oban, parking is limited so ensure you arrive early. You have to pay to use the ferry and only cards are accepted. The ferry will run until all those waiting have been transferred. On disembarking we walked anti clockwise around the island, it did rain on a couple of occasions but on the whole, it was dry and on occasions the sun came out!! The walk is about 6 or 7 miles, on a variety of road farm track and muddy paths, with a steepish rise at one point, so wear good quality walking boots. Just over halfway round we stopped for our packed lunch at a beautiful spot overlooking the mainland. On our way back to the ferry we did a short diversion to Gylen Castle which is definitely worth a visit.
3. Luskentyre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,055 reviews
Reviewed By gillyy2014 - Norwich, United Kingdom
This is as close to heaven as you could get, it took my breath away so calming and peaceful.The white sand and crystal clear sea that just go on for miles and miles with the Harris hills as a backdrop it truely is a magical place
4. Kiloran Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By ellenkw2015 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Stunning is the only way to describe this beautiful beach. The sun was shining, the sea was blue and it felt like a little bit of paradise on earth.
5. Sound of Sleat Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Catherinetas
The walk undulates through sheep paddocks and is wet in places, becoming quite braided and boggy once you leave the vehicle track. The beach is beautiful and in brilliant sunshine on the day we visited was reminiscent of the Aegean. Although there were numerous family groups and couples passed along the way the beach itself wasn't crowded and it was lovely enjoying a swim and a picnic before walking back to the car. Lovely on a fine day.
6. Scarista Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By trippingovertheglobe - London, United Kingdom
This was such an amazing beach, stunning views all around, soft white sands, and hardly anybody around. We had earlier visited Luskentyre beach, and found that to be far too busy and an unpleasant experience due to the hoards of people and human excrement everywhere. You can park just on the road side here, just before you get to Northton, and walk through the field, and into the dunes where the wonders of this beach then reveal themselves. We spent a magical and solitary couple of hours here, just marvelling at the views and solitude. We will be back
7. Traigh Bhostadh (Bosta Beach)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By nethycurl - Nethy Bridge, United Kingdom
There are many wonderful beaches in the Western Isles. The island of Lewis and Harris is home to many. Bosta beach is not nearly the largest, but is one of the loveliest, and has the added attractions of a Time and Tide Bell and the nearby attraction of a reconstructed Iron Age House.
8. Duart Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 663 reviews
For over 700 years, Duart Castle, the seat of Clan Maclean, has dominated the view to the Sound of Mull and Loch Linnhe with its huge curtain walls and solid keep. Tour the Castle, explore the grounds and learn more about the Clan. Enjoy the ancient Keep, ghostly Dungeons, magnificent Banqueting Hall, quaint Edwardian State Rooms and breathtaking views from the Battlements. Duart Castle was featured in a number of Hollywood films such as Sean Connery's, Entrapment (1999), "When Eight Bells Toll" (1971) with Antony Hopkins and "I Know Where I'm Going" (1945). The Castle is open from April through to October every year and hosts a number of Weddings and Events throughout the summer months such as Outdoor Theatre, Military Re-enactments, Music, Storytelling, Birds of Prey and Scottish Pipers and Highland Dancers. Travel to Mull via the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Lochaline to Fishnish or from Oban to Craignure. Duart Castle is a 10 minute drive from Craignure.
Reviewed By 441sandym
Great to be back at Duart Castle,i have been here many times,a lot of scaffolding around the castle,but it is needed for the renovation work going on at the castle it's looking great,really love it here,well worth a visit
9. Fairy Glen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,222 reviews
The Fairy Glen is a unique and unusual landscape, a geological wonder on the Isle of Skye. It is situated between the villages of Sheader and Balnacnoc.
Reviewed By BillBT2017 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Went to explore the stunning landscape and scenery of Fairy Glen, its a magical looking place, situated near Uig. Well worth taking the trouble to go, take stout footwear so you can climb some of the small hills for the views of the surrounding conical shaped hills, its pretty special.
10. Iona Abbey and Nunnery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,010 reviews
The abbey is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Find out more about our reopening plans at restarthistory.scot. The Abbey Church at Iona Abbey will be inaccessible to visitors from 7 January to 17 March 2019. Iona Abbey is one of Scotland's most historic and sacred sites. Located on the Isle of Iona, just off the Isle of Mull, it was founded by St Columba and his Irish followers in AD 563. As a celebrated focus for Christian pilgrimage, Iona retains its spiritual atmosphere and remains an enduring symbol of worship. The abbey church was restored at the beginning of the 20th century, whilst work on restoring the living accommodation began in 1938, following the foundation of the Iona Community. Today, the Iona Community continues the tradition of worship first established by St Columba 1,450 years ago.
Reviewed By joanhart - Wellington, New Zealand
It was a stunning day in August last year whilst on a bus tour, that I got to fulfil a lifelong ambition to visit Iona. THe island is small, but with lovely gardens and ruins that were well worth the effort to see. THe Abbey is amazing - old yet vibrant and so windswept, the stone building having stood since around 800BC, it is one of the oldest Christian churches in western Europe founded by St Columba with 12 other Irish pilgrims. There is a nunnery, but this is in ruins but reasonably well preserved. Worth the trip and hsirotically, very important for me.
