Top Things to do in Isle of Lewis
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Top 10 Things to do 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 Sands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 279 reviews
Reviewed By Scotlandmac - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The whole area around the extensive Uig Sands is a must visit on any trip to Lewis.An hour or so from Stornoway but definitely Lewis's most beautiful area (along with Mangersta and Reef.) In fact this must be one of the most impressive areas in the whole of the Outer Isles. We were lucky in that the sun shone and we walked from the car park, for 20 mins to a particularly deserted part of the Uig sands (you could walk for miles all round the little bays and headlands) and had a picnic. Paradise. Beautiful pink/orange rock of the type I've seen on Iona were a gorgeous backdrop to the turquoise seas and white sands. There is a free (donation) area behind the main part of the beach, set back from the dunes, where wild camping is allowed supported by public toilets/showers. A replica large Lewis Chessman is passed while heading to the parking. Luskentyre is still to me the most beautiful area of all (and in any weather given the colours and rock/moorland there) but Uig is stunning also.
2. Callanish Standing Stones
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,608 reviews
This ancient monument is one of the most significant archaeological spots in Scotland's Outer Hebrides.
Reviewed By naturequeen - Huddersfield, United Kingdom
The time to visit this if it were possible would be alone in the evening with you and the stones for company. Set in beautiful scenery and quite extraordinary it is well worth a visit when you are in this part of Scotland. Don't go to Scotland and not visit here. Great gift shop but the cafe was packed and very long queues because of its popularity so would suggest an "out of season" or out of school holidays if you don't want to be squeezed out by the other tourists visiting here.
3. 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.
4. Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 483 reviews
Reviewed By PatriciaBremner - Gryon, Switzerland
This was a spectacular visit and well worth the drive to reach it. The coastline is amazing and full of bird life and the cliffs and rocks are breathtaking. If traveling with children it is worth noting that this is a dangerous location and children should not be allowed to run around unsupervised because of the easy access to cliff tops and steep falls.
5. Gearannan Blackhouse Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 566 reviews
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.
6. 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.
7. Stornoway VisitScotland iCentre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
8. 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.
9. 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)
10. Stornoway Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 266 reviews
Reviewed By melrandall2018 - Larkhall, United Kingdom
A lovely place to wander around be it a quiet walk around the far side where the castle is or amongst the shops and cafes on the busier side or just to sit and watch the boats in the harbour
