Location: Stornoway
Top Things to do in Stornoway
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Stornoway, Scotland
Stornoway (/ˈstɔːrnəweɪ/ ( listen); Scottish Gaelic: Steòrnabhagh) is a town on the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides (also known as the Western Isles) of Scotland.
Restaurants in Stornoway
1. Aline Community Woodland Walks
2. An Lanntair Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
Reviewed By JillG411 - London, United Kingdom
This may only be a small museum, but I loved all the activities and films that went alongside the displays. All of Harris and Lewis life was represented here, from films in Gaelic to exhibits on tradtional jobs and crafts. Local people had been interviewed on different aspects of culture in the Outer Hebrides and their responses were shown in film clips, which I found fascinating. I loved the film explanation of the Lewis chessmen and the exhibit of some chessmen. I have decided to go to the British Museum and see some more of them based on this visit! There was a game about trying to work out what the Gaelic placename was in English to help the postman deliver his letters- good for the young and not so young! The exhibitions are housed in a modern, airy building with a long corridor showing views of the sea - and a coffee shop to recover from the showers. All in all, a very pleasant visit.
3. The Good Food Boutique
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
4. 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.
5. St Columba's Chapel
6. Stornoway VisitScotland iCentre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
7. Comunn Eachdraidh Nis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis offers a well earned pit stop for those travelling around Lewis. Our wifi enabled cafe offers a tasty choice of lunch options which use many locally made and produced ingredients. We have freshly made home baking each day along with choices for gluten free diners. Our gift shop awaits you, offering a wide selection of locally made products. If the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse is your final destination, why not visit our vast local history archive and read more on its history and its genealogical records. We also have an acredited museum with many local artefacts and information on days gone by in our area.
Reviewed By Manclaw - Manchester, United Kingdom
Putting this into context, we had struggled to find any places open serving any food / coffee etc all morning while driving round the north of Lewis so happening on this place was simply wonderful! The local Historical Society have done a fantastic job at taking the old school house and sympathetically creating a modern multi-purpose facility for the community; the cultural centre with interesting exhibits and a lovely little cafe (oh and a little shop selling local arts and crafts amongst other things) Notwithstanding our dire need to eat, this was a truly wonderful little gem of a place with really friendly and helpful staff. Well done!
8. The Hebridean Tea Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
A dedicated speciality tea and coffee store on the Isle of Lewis. Choose from over 130 varieties of loose teas, fruit and herbal infusions. We also offer hot beverages like tea, coffee and hot chocolate as well as iced tea and home baking to take away. We are the only speciality tea store in the Western Isles, and in the West and North of Scotland. You have the chance to see and smell the teas before you buy. All teas are freshly weighed and packed while you are there. This is a shopping experience with all your senses. A visit to the Hebridean Tea Store will make you smile as it simply unique and different. Please note: During the summer months, mainly June/July/August we are also open on a Sunday for a few hours, just enough to grab some tea to go before going to the ferry!
9. 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.
10. 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)
