Location: Stornoway
Top Things to do in Stornoway
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What to do and see in Stornoway, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips
Stornoway (/ˈstɔːrnəweɪ/ ( listen); Scottish Gaelic: Steòrnabhagh) is a town on the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides (also known as the Western Isles) of Scotland.
Restaurants in Stornoway
1. Arnol Blackhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 356 reviews
Reviewed By Jenny M - London, United Kingdom
School was over 40 years ago when we learned about crofts and crofting and the Blackhouse brought everything into life. The peat fire and smoke, the dark interior, area for cattle and the family. The White House opposite is also fascinating but from a later age. A highlight of the trip and well worth a visit
2. Lews Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 451 reviews
It’s not difficult to see why the Isle of Lewis consistently receives so much acclaim. From Beaches and crystal clear waters that rival luxury tropical Islands, to its rich history and stunning scenery, this remote and spectacular destination in the Outer Hebrides is the perfect venue for wonderful memories. 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 Natural Retreats. 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.
Reviewed By Keimal - UK
1 cloth to clean kitchen, bathroom etc and this covers the FLOORS. Only a small brush and dustpan to clean the whole place. We both have severe arthritis and this was impossible. We would normally hover our living room and brush our kitchen floors at least once a day. No facilities - Sunday lunch was offered at a price - IN A CAFE!! We had to go to a hotel to eat. No security!! We had seen photos of men/boys using the toilet and lying on a bed in one of the rooms - before we arrived. Considered cancelling - wish we had! Have been told since that it is easy to access the rooms - in fact they are often open. There is one man - night porter - (he is lovely) on each night! IN A CASTLE! With the front door always open!!! Prices in bar - way too high (but staff are excellent). Hours after we left we received a bill from them for smoking in the apartment!! None of us smoke!! But we are being asked to pay £75!!
Remembering that this is a beautiful castle- inside has furniture reminiscent of Ikeak. So sad. No restaurant except for weddings etc. Day before we left I wanted a bit of quiche - we had been here before (we actually live in Stornoway- this was a birthday present to my husband). Went into the cafe - shorlty after 3 pm and asked if quiche was on the menu but was told I was too late - the kitchen was closed!! I could not believe it! Yes they had quiche but I was too late. Didn’t even offer to sell me a piece to heat up upstairs. Had to go out for food yet again.
3. An Lanntair Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By Mccoote - UK
Nice little arts-centre. Good information available about the various arts on the island. Sweet little gift shop and a very nice café upstairs. Needed somewhere to sit to use laptop for about 30 minutes. Got a coffee and did it here.
4. Stornoway Harbour
Overall Ratings
4 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By NeilSK - Lincoln, United Kingdom
This is an interesting place to wander around but it's certainly not set up as a visitor attraction - it's a working port and ferry terminal. The shops and places to eat are scattered around the back streets but are no great shakes. The evenings also see some slightly intimidating behaviour from local youths, boy racers squealing around and a variety of drunks
5. Museum nan Eilean
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Located in a modern purpose built extension to the restored Lews Castle, the new Museum nan Eilean opened on 14 July 2016. Admission is free of charge. This is the first Gaelic led Museum in Europe, with interpretation also provided in English. Exciting new galleries look at the stories of the Islands and the Islanders. Visitors can: •Discover the distinctiveness of the Outer Hebrides, shaped by a unique combination of land, sea and people. •Hear about people’s lives; the diversity of experience, opinion and perception of living life on the Islands. •Find out how people have lived and worked from the earliest times until the present day and how culture has been and continues to be expressed through the Gaelic language, work, religion, and community life. •View the Outer Hebrides as never before in a wrap-around audio-visual presentation which takes the visitor on a journey across the Islands to experience our natural environment at all times of year, day and night. Significant loans from National Museums Scotland and the British Museum, including the world-famous Lewis Chessmen, alongside unique items from the local collection set the modern culture of the Islands in the historic context.
Reviewed By Sarah488 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
I really couldn't fault this museum at all. The exhibits are all presented in a modern and interesting way and it was really engaging. I particularly loved all the stories of people from the Hebrides. The temporary exhibition was also really interesting. You can definitely pass a few hours here and being free makes it all the more worth it!
6. Tiumpan Head Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By K0159 - Fife, Scotland
Go for the views, not the lighthouse. Around and past the lighthouse has magnificent views. If you get a good day you could be there for an hour just soaking it all in. See attached photos. Absolutely beautiful.
7. Stornoway VisitScotland iCentre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By Mccoote - UK
Spent a week in Lewis and Harris, with about 3 days in Stornoway. I used the centre about 4 times for various information about travel on the island, taxis, maps etc. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable providing information and options that would suit a range of customer needs. On my last visit I was trying to purchase a particular bottle. Advice was given, however none was suitable but Beverley made a phone call and located the right bottle for me and made arrangements so I could go and pick it up locally. The staff bend over backwards to ensure their customers leave with what they came for. The centre became my first port of call for all my queries about the island. Great service and a nice range of gifts and maps. Many thanks.
8. Comunn Eachdraidh Nis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Genealogical records, local history archive, cafe and gift shop. We offer free wifi and facilities. Please note that due to to renovation work, our museum will be closed during 2018. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.
Reviewed By Alesius1 - Stornoway, United Kingdom
A very nice museum, great archive with super-helpful archivist, lovely little shop. It's a tremendous place for an introduction to Ness and its history and culture - not to be missed! And then there's the lovely cafe/tearoom, which I have reviewed separately.Thank you for taking the time to review your visit and we are so glad to hear you enjoyed it. Many thanks too for reviewing our cafe. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future. CEN Staff
9. St Columba's Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Jane A - Mallow, Ireland
The ruined chapel is rather badly signed but a visit is very worth while. The highlights are the carved grave slabs which are protected from the elements (but not from birds!) in part of the church. There's a knight in armour, a beautifully carved memorial to a C16th lady and a rather crude grave slab with memento mori symbols. The history of the building is well described on storyboards and leaflets are available,(free but donations welcomed).Sea views add to the tranquility.
10. Iolare Memorial
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Paul I - Forrestfield, Australia
The Iolare Memorial monument and the Beasts of Holm are right next to a wind farm yard, so it is easy to locate on land. There is a short walk through a field used for grazing sheep, so dogs are not recommended in this part of Stornoway, and wearing good footwear is advised. When you see the scene of the tragedy, you realize just how close they were to be home. "a thig am bàs gu h-uile"
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