Top Things to do in Lewis and Harris
10 Things to do in Lewis and Harris That You Shouldn't Miss
A visit to Lewis and Harris is like stepping into the pages of a Scottish fairy tale. In Lewis, the northern part of the island, the legendary Callanish Standing Stones poke up from the ground like a strange and massive rock city. The Blackhouse, the Shawbost Norse Mill and Kiln, and the Carloway Broch all offer a peek at what island life used to look like. In southern Harris, the east side beaches boast some of the oldest known rocks in the world, dating back millions of years. Cruise over to the volcanic islands of St. Kilda to explore the ruins of a medieval village.
Restaurants in Lewis and Harris
1. 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
2. Uig Sands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 279 reviews
Reviewed By Scotlandmac - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The whole area around the extensive Uig Sands is a must visit on any trip to Lewis.An hour or so from Stornoway but definitely Lewis's most beautiful area (along with Mangersta and Reef.) In fact this must be one of the most impressive areas in the whole of the Outer Isles. We were lucky in that the sun shone and we walked from the car park, for 20 mins to a particularly deserted part of the Uig sands (you could walk for miles all round the little bays and headlands) and had a picnic. Paradise. Beautiful pink/orange rock of the type I've seen on Iona were a gorgeous backdrop to the turquoise seas and white sands. There is a free (donation) area behind the main part of the beach, set back from the dunes, where wild camping is allowed supported by public toilets/showers. A replica large Lewis Chessman is passed while heading to the parking. Luskentyre is still to me the most beautiful area of all (and in any weather given the colours and rock/moorland there) but Uig is stunning also.
3. Callanish Standing Stones
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,608 reviews
This ancient monument is one of the most significant archaeological spots in Scotland's Outer Hebrides.
Reviewed By naturequeen - Huddersfield, United Kingdom
The time to visit this if it were possible would be alone in the evening with you and the stones for company. Set in beautiful scenery and quite extraordinary it is well worth a visit when you are in this part of Scotland. Don't go to Scotland and not visit here. Great gift shop but the cafe was packed and very long queues because of its popularity so would suggest an "out of season" or out of school holidays if you don't want to be squeezed out by the other tourists visiting here.
4. Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 483 reviews
Reviewed By PatriciaBremner - Gryon, Switzerland
This was a spectacular visit and well worth the drive to reach it. The coastline is amazing and full of bird life and the cliffs and rocks are breathtaking. If traveling with children it is worth noting that this is a dangerous location and children should not be allowed to run around unsupervised because of the easy access to cliff tops and steep falls.
5. St Clement's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 390 reviews
Reviewed By tonybaker1977 - Hoover, United States
Lots of interesting tombs and carvings inside the church and a few outside . It helped complete the cultural aspect of our trip to Harris . A few were very , unusual , shall we say , I'll let you look it up .
6. Museum nan Eilean
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
Enjoy a beautiful new museum set in the stunning Castle Grounds in Stornoway. Discover the distinctiveness of the Outer Hebrides, shaped by a unique combination of land, sea and people, and view our islands as never before in a wrap-around audio-visual presentation. Hear from islanders in a series of videos and audio interviews about the Gaelic language, work, religion, emigration and community. Youngsters can dress up to perform various island jobs, learn some Gaelic, and enjoy imaginative activities.
Reviewed By Sujata410 - Columbia, United States
This is small museum by most standards, yet it is so full of fun exhibits and helpful staff that I would recommend it as worth visiting. The museum has the Lewis Chessmen plus other interesting artifacts related to the Hebrides. Nice little gift shop and cafe on the premises as well.
7. Isle of Harris Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 512 reviews
The Isle of Harris Distillery is The Social Distillery, offering a warm welcome to all in the heart of Harris. We are open six days a week with regular tours, a public canteen offering fresh local produce and a shop full of local products as well as our own Isle of Harris Gin.
Reviewed By hlokey
If you are anywhere near, do go. It is a lovely distillery.I did not arrive in time to join a tour but I did enjoy looking around and shopping
8. Iolare Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By Mad-on-Maldives
We made the brief detour here on the way to Stornoway airport, not far but well worth the easy walk from the car park area. The story brought tears to my eyes. As you stand there, read the inscriptions, look out to sea and imagine what the men had already endured, they were so near home yet so many lost their lives so close to the shore. The work that had been completed here for the centenary of this disaster is brilliant, new tarmac walkway, lots of information boards along the way. The new memorial states all the names of the people who lost their lives, it really tugs at the heartstrings.
9. Lews Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 707 reviews
Overlooking Stornoway harbour, the impressive gothic-revival style castle was built in the mid 1800’s by Sir James Matheson. Since then this beautiful building has also served as a hospital during WW2, a college, a school and now as an iconic wedding venue and luxurious holiday destination with Together Travel. Serving delicious hand-prepared dishes as well as local delicacies, our Storehouse cafe is the perfect place to take a moment after your exploration of the Lews Castle grounds. Enjoy a frothy coffee or two from the comfort of our unique eatery, before tucking into our tasty specials of the day. Pick up the perfect souvenir from your visit to our retail outlet 'The Outfitters', during your time at Lews Castle. From gorgeous gifts to luxury clothing and foodie treats, we've got you covered. Outfitters Store: 10am-4pm
Reviewed By chefangusstornoway - Grand Rapids, United States
Loved the staff. Very helpful at every turn, polite and friendly. Manager was exceptional from the first meeting till the last nights dinner. Cafe and food service excelent. Fantastic spacious rooms and the incredible facilities in the kitchen and living areas.Loved the linens and the Harris tweed cushions (where did you get them)
10. Stornoway Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 266 reviews
Reviewed By melrandall2018 - Larkhall, United Kingdom
A lovely place to wander around be it a quiet walk around the far side where the castle is or amongst the shops and cafes on the busier side or just to sit and watch the boats in the harbour
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