Top Things to do in Isle of Lewis
What to do and see in Isle of Lewis, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips
A visit to the Isle of Lewis is like stepping into the pages of a Scottish fairy tale. Everywhere you look, medieval structures remind you of the island’s remarkable history. The legendary Callanish Standing Stones poke up from the ground like a strange and massive stone city. The Blackhouse, the Shawbost Norse Mill and Kiln, and the Carloway Broch all offer insight into what life on Lewis used to look like. Cheerful Stornoway boasts a charming, colorful harbor and several lovely restaurants and pubs.
Restaurants in Isle of Lewis
1. Callanish Standing Stones
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This ancient monument is one of the most significant archaeological spots in Scotland's Outer Hebrides.
Reviewed By Smplysublime213 - New York City, New York
The standing stones of Callanish are quite a sight to see and worth the adventure to visit. While the day we visit was quite windy and raining it was still quite breathtaking. The up-side to the bad weather was there were not many people visiting and made for good picture taking.
2. Uig Sands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By Northernlass13 - Dumfries, United Kingdom
Definitely worth a visit, we stayed one night in our camper van & loved it, the showers & toilets were good & for £2 per person per night it was brilliant, the beach was amazing & we had a lovely sunset, we cycled along the coast & visited the smokery to buy some smoked salmon, it was great.
3. Traigh Bhostadh (Bosta Beach)
Overall Ratings
5 based on 75 reviews
4. Arnol Blackhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 356 reviews
Reviewed By Jenny M - London, United Kingdom
School was over 40 years ago when we learned about crofts and crofting and the Blackhouse brought everything into life. The peat fire and smoke, the dark interior, area for cattle and the family. The White House opposite is also fascinating but from a later age. A highlight of the trip and well worth a visit
5. Carloway Broch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
Reviewed By Will_Of_The_North - Leeds, United Kingdom
Some Dutch friends missed this completely by driving too fast south! If you're travelling north towards Carloway then at least you will see the broch standing proud to the west of the road. It's a short walk from the carpark up to the structure. Sit down take in the view and imagine life here all those years ago.
6. Gearannan Blackhouse Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 431 reviews
Reviewed By francophile5310 - west midlands
Plenty to see in the village which is in a lovely location running down towards the sea. Apart from the usual gift shop & small cafe there are a number of blackhouses to visit. One really shows what life was like & there is also a small museum with plenty of information. If you feel energetic you can go walking around the edge of the site.
An enjoyable interesting afternoon.
7. Lews Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 451 reviews
It’s not difficult to see why the Isle of Lewis consistently receives so much acclaim. From Beaches and crystal clear waters that rival luxury tropical Islands, to its rich history and stunning scenery, this remote and spectacular destination in the Outer Hebrides is the perfect venue for wonderful memories. 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 Natural Retreats. 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.
Reviewed By Keimal - UK
1 cloth to clean kitchen, bathroom etc and this covers the FLOORS. Only a small brush and dustpan to clean the whole place. We both have severe arthritis and this was impossible. We would normally hover our living room and brush our kitchen floors at least once a day. No facilities - Sunday lunch was offered at a price - IN A CAFE!! We had to go to a hotel to eat. No security!! We had seen photos of men/boys using the toilet and lying on a bed in one of the rooms - before we arrived. Considered cancelling - wish we had! Have been told since that it is easy to access the rooms - in fact they are often open. There is one man - night porter - (he is lovely) on each night! IN A CASTLE! With the front door always open!!! Prices in bar - way too high (but staff are excellent). Hours after we left we received a bill from them for smoking in the apartment!! None of us smoke!! But we are being asked to pay £75!!
Remembering that this is a beautiful castle- inside has furniture reminiscent of Ikeak. So sad. No restaurant except for weddings etc. Day before we left I wanted a bit of quiche - we had been here before (we actually live in Stornoway- this was a birthday present to my husband). Went into the cafe - shorlty after 3 pm and asked if quiche was on the menu but was told I was too late - the kitchen was closed!! I could not believe it! Yes they had quiche but I was too late. Didn’t even offer to sell me a piece to heat up upstairs. Had to go out for food yet again.
8. Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Reviewed By sgphoto - Grand Junction, Colorado
We wanted to make this drive to see the tip of Lewis. This part of the island is remote and almost desolate as compared to Stornaway and Harris. The lighthouse is typical--set on the windy prominence. Probably wouldn't spend the time to get out if we had a tight schedule.
9. An Lanntair Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By Mccoote - UK
Nice little arts-centre. Good information available about the various arts on the island. Sweet little gift shop and a very nice café upstairs. Needed somewhere to sit to use laptop for about 30 minutes. Got a coffee and did it here.
10. Bosta (Bostadh) Iron Age House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Gordon R - Bathgate, United Kingdom
I visited this attraction with no preconceived ideas and was absolutely blown away by the location and reconstruction of the house. The presentation, information and knowledge of the woman guide made this one of the most interesting historic attractions I have ever had the pleasure to visit. Highly recommend this attraction and if I could only visit one attraction on Lewis this would be the attraction I would choose, definitely a hidden gem.
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