Things to do in The Hebrides, Scotland: The Best Historic Sites

January 2, 2022 Marlin Saiz

This beautiful archipelago, where Scottish Gaelic is still spoken, is divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides and stretches the length of Scotland's west coast. The most visited and largest of the Western Isles is the brooding Isle of Skye, a short ferry ride or bridge away from the mainland. Islay, home to prolific whisky production, is another gem. Highlights of the less visited Outer Isles include stark Lewis and the town of Stornoway, rugged Harris, with sandy beaches and tranquil Barra.
Restaurants in The Hebrides

1. Iona Abbey and Nunnery

Iona Abbey Iona ABBEY ISLE, PA76 6SQ Scotland +44 1681 700512 [email protected] http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/iona-abbey-and-nunnery/
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4.5 based on 1,010 reviews

Iona Abbey and Nunnery

The abbey is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Find out more about our reopening plans at restarthistory.scot. The Abbey Church at Iona Abbey will be inaccessible to visitors from 7 January to 17 March 2019. Iona Abbey is one of Scotland's most historic and sacred sites. Located on the Isle of Iona, just off the Isle of Mull, it was founded by St Columba and his Irish followers in AD 563. As a celebrated focus for Christian pilgrimage, Iona retains its spiritual atmosphere and remains an enduring symbol of worship. The abbey church was restored at the beginning of the 20th century, whilst work on restoring the living accommodation began in 1938, following the foundation of the Iona Community. Today, the Iona Community continues the tradition of worship first established by St Columba 1,450 years ago.

Reviewed By joanhart - Wellington, New Zealand

It was a stunning day in August last year whilst on a bus tour, that I got to fulfil a lifelong ambition to visit Iona. THe island is small, but with lovely gardens and ruins that were well worth the effort to see. THe Abbey is amazing - old yet vibrant and so windswept, the stone building having stood since around 800BC, it is one of the oldest Christian churches in western Europe founded by St Columba with 12 other Irish pilgrims. There is a nunnery, but this is in ruins but reasonably well preserved. Worth the trip and hsirotically, very important for me.

2. Callanish VIII

Scotland
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Callanish VIII

3. Carloway Broch

Near Carloway Scotland +44 1851 710395 http://www.stonepages.com/scotland/duncarloway.html
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4.5 based on 501 reviews

Carloway Broch

Reviewed By 788cissac - Glasgow, United Kingdom

The best conserved Broch in Scotland, definitely worth seeing as it's more than just ruins. Short walk up a hill and toilets in the visitor center.

4. St Clement's Church

Scotland http://www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/church/st-clements-church-rodel
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4.5 based on 390 reviews

St Clement's Church

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 .

5. Norse Mill and Kiln

A858 Loch Roinavat Scotland
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4.5 based on 106 reviews

Norse Mill and Kiln

Reviewed By binapiraeus - Holyhead, United Kingdom

This is REALLY worth the walk from the car park - such a stunning sight when you get over that hill and see the two old huts! They're perfectly reconstructed like a little museum, you can go inside and admire the medieval tools, and there's an information folder as well that tells you all about them. The Norse mill and kiln were one of the MOST fascinating things we saw on the Isle of Lewis - and there's a lot of competition there; Callanish Stone Circle, Carloway Broch...

6. Gearannan Blackhouse Village

Carloway Scotland +44 1851 643416 http://www.gearrannan.com
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4.5 based on 566 reviews

Gearannan Blackhouse Village

Reviewed By paultJesmondUK

Small community of crofting houses locate on a bay someway out of Stornaway.Life as it was lived until quite recently on the island.Well worth a visit to soak in the atmosphere.

7. The Blackhouse, Arnol

42 Arnol, Arnol HS2 9DB Scotland +44 1851 710395 [email protected] http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/the-blackhouse-arnol/
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4.5 based on 572 reviews

The Blackhouse, Arnol

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.

8. Finlaggan

Eilean Mor, Loch Finlaggan, Ballygrant Scotland 01496810254 http://www.finlaggan.com/
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4.5 based on 302 reviews

Finlaggan

Reviewed By Purpledancinglion - Stewarton, United Kingdom

Well worth a visit to this historic settlement. Unfortunately the visitor centre wasnt open as we visited on the first sunday in November. so missed the VR experience. Despite this well worth our time. ground was pretty marshy, walking boots were a good choice of foot wear.

9. Dun Eistean

Knockaird HS2 0XF Scotland
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4.5 based on 13 reviews

Dun Eistean

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.

10. Marble Quarry

Scotland http://www.welcometoiona.com/places-of-interest/marble-quarry/
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4.5 based on 14 reviews

Marble Quarry

Reviewed By gerryg868

Liek all on Iona, this is special. A marble quarry that is historic. History and spirituality is what you will find on Iona ... so go and enjoy this truly amazing Island.

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