Top Things to do in Isle of Lewis
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The 10 Best Museums in Isle of Lewis, Scotland
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. Uig Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
2. Buth Lisa Open Studios
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Now open! En route to the Butt of Lewis and the stunning beaches of Eoropie and Port of Ness is our newly established Buth Lisa Open Studios, named after the original shop owner from many years ago, shared by Alison Macleod 'Tiger Textiles' and Elaine Murray, mixed media painter, where you will find a intriguing selection of arts, crafts, textiles and much more in a location steeped in history and local knowledge with an atmosphere both friendly and welcoming!
3. Moonstone Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
4. Coll Pottery Craft Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Working craft studios, with retail galleries of resident artists, visitor viewing area and Oystercatcher tearoom. Currently comprising, Glass designer, Pottery & Ceramics, Blacksmith's forge and a Jeweller working in chain maille and polymer clay. Solus Studio Glass, Alan Whittle Ceramics, Aidan's Forge and Sitheil Design.
5. 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.
6. Morven Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
7. 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.
8. Story of Harris Tweed at Stornoway Town Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
9. Blue Pig Studio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
10. The Blackhouse, Arnol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 572 reviews
This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Gain a unique insight into island life at no. 42 Arnol. This traditional, fully furnished thatched house once sheltered a family and its animals under the same roof. The ruined blackhouse at no. 39 can also be seen, together with the 1920s ‘white house’ that replaced it. White houses – in which a wall separated byre and dwelling – replaced many blackhouses around this time. Gaelic-speaking members of staff are usually on hand to answer queries about the crofting life on Lewis. Smell the peat smoke – even today the fire at the heart of the blackhouse is never allowed to go out. Peek inside the cosy box-beds in the bedroom, still complete with their original fabrics and furnishings. See the byre just as it was left in 1966, only without the cows.
Reviewed By alisonj231 - York, United Kingdom
Beautifully restored traditional stone houses, lots of information and early Harris tweed looms in show. Loved it the best thing we visited on our holiday. Cracking location and we also had a nice scenic amble up the hillside which is full of wild flowers.
