Top Things to do in Lewis and Harris
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Things to do in Lewis and Harris, Scotland: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
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. The Mission House Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
Welcome to The Mission House Studio, the studioand gallery of Beka Globe - Photographer and Nickolai Globe - Ceramic Artist. In the studio, overlooking the desolate and stunning rocky landscape of Harris, Beka’s stark photographs float off the stone walls, suspended by high tensile wires. Nickolai’s ceramics range from functional stoneware to abstract sculptural work. They are displayed on furniture, fashioned from the old timbers and reclaimed materials from the Church conversion. Music reverberates through the space. The photographic work of Beka Globe, a traditionally trained photographer, captures the both the subtle and harsh elements of the Hebridean landscape. Finding an emotive vastness, depth and simplicity, her silent images are moving, stirring a particular sense of place. The ceramic works of Nickolai Globe are influenced directly by the environment of the rugged North West. Drawing from elements of Zen and the unpredictable, his work reflects rather than emulates nature.
Reviewed By lesleyk634
Both artists’ work really make you look again at the landscape around you and then when you are home makes you feel as if you are back in Harris
2. St Columba's Chapel
3. 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.
4. Isle of Scalpay Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By 328stephenk - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
I would highly recommend visiting this lighthouse, which has so much history. The journey itself to Scalpay is really memorable with beautiful scenery along a route with passing places. There is a small car park with spaces for around 5 cars. From there, there is a 2km walk to the lighthouse. The path was a little boggy in places, however we really enjoyed watching the lighthouse getting ever closer. On arrival you can see a small jetty and lighthouse cottages. The tea and coffee facilities were really appreciated. There is an honesty box to offer a donation and purchase guidebooks and maps. Really interesting architecture and certainly well worth a visit.
5. Dun Eistean
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Q7764FNgarym
Dun Eistean is the traditional stronghold of the Morrisom Clan. The little island is easily reached (after a not so easy 3/4 mile walk) by means of a small walking bridge. The foundations of the original tower are clearly visible as are a few other features. The views from the Island are breathtaking. Not hard to imagine oneself back 1000 years.
6. Callanish VIII
7. 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.
8. Tiumpan Head Lighthouse
9. Bridge to Nowhere
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By ramcleod - Calgary, Canada
It was said that if a road ever encircled the Isle of Lewis - that the island would be doomed! Lord Leverhulme did his best to bring commerce and financial security to the island, but was thwarted by this prediction which culminated i the building of this magnificent bridge...then nothing. The workers refused to continue construction of the road. Your visit to Lewis is not complete without a trip to Tolsta to see this testament to the island's fabulous history!
10. Clach an Truseil
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