What to do and see in Lewis and Harris, Scotland: The Best Historic Sites

August 8, 2021 Claudia Navarrete

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. Carloway Broch

Near Carloway Scotland +44 1851 710395 http://www.stonepages.com/scotland/duncarloway.html
Excellent
56%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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.

2. St Clement's Church

Scotland http://www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/church/st-clements-church-rodel
Excellent
63%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

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 .

3. Norse Mill and Kiln

A858 Loch Roinavat Scotland
Excellent
49%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

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...

4. Callanish VIII

Scotland
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Callanish VIII

5. Gearannan Blackhouse Village

Carloway Scotland +44 1851 643416 http://www.gearrannan.com
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

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.

6. 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/
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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.

7. Dun Eistean

Knockaird HS2 0XF Scotland
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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.

8. The Black House

Arnol HS2 9DB Scotland https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/the-blackhouse-arnol/
Excellent
50%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 54 reviews

The Black House

Reviewed By Heidihi2

My Husband and I really loved stepping back in time. SO well preserved, the history of the place is amazing. The Lady in the shop was SO helpful and Lovely.

9. Ness Fishery Memorial

Port of Ness, Isle of Lewis HS2 0XA, UK, Stornoway Scotland http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4216749

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