activity guide lews castle
heritage & culture
lews castle grounds
Description Address enjoy a grand exploration
The grounds of Lews Castle cover over 270 hectares which include beautiful woodland and parkland which is certainly worth a day of exploration.
Laid out in the 1850’s by Sir James Matheson the, grounds are a rich historical jewel to Stornoway and an outstanding example of an ornamental Victorian landscape, boasting elevated views over Stornoway and out to sea.
Featuring walking trails, play parks and picturesque gardens there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway, HS2 0XP
stornoway harbour
Description
Address a picturesque port at the heart of tornoway
Watch the fishing boats, soak up the scenery and breathe in the fresh sea air. There is much to enjoy when taking a stroll around this beautiful harbour. The port is home to a small fishing fleet and a lifeboat station but is also the heart of the town where you can find a number of shops and eateries to visit. The lively, vibrant town has everything you would expect from a modern commercial port with a chance to experience the true culture and traditions which make Stornoway so unique.
Esplanade Quay, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2XS
an lanntair arts centre
home to a local cinema and art gallery
Description
Price
Contact Address
Located centrally to the town of Stornoway, An Lanntair is a hub of creativity and the Arts in the Outer Hebrides. This multi-arts venue is open to the public for them to enjoy art exhibitions, workshops, live music, live theatre and comedy amongst other things. This unique venue allows the creativity of the Outer Hebrides to take centre stage.
Prices vary per event. Visit the website for more information.
www.lanntair.com
01851 708 480
info@anlanntair.com
Kenneth Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2DS
isle of harris distillery
Description
Price Contact Address home of the award winning harris gin
Sitting on the shores of East Loch Tarbet, you will find Harris Distillery – famous for its Harris Gin and Hearach Whisky. The distillery welcomes guests to enjoy tours throughout the year where knowledgeable local tour hosts will share all the stories and anecdotes of the distillery – you will even get to sample a dram or two.
Harris Distillery Experience- £50pp
Whisky Experience - £35pp
Gin Experience - £35pp
01859 502212
info@harrisdistillery.com
Tarbet, Isle of Harris, HS3 3DJ
isle of lewis chessmen exhibition
discover the history of the famous lewis chessmen
Description
Contact
Address
Discovered on the beach at Uig in 1831, these Medieval chess pieces are amongst one of the most popular collections and one of the best love archaeological treasures in Britain. They were even featured in Harry Potter! These unique an intricately carved pieces can be seen in all their glory in the Museum nan Eilean and offer a fascinating piece of Stornoway history.
01851 822746
Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS2 0XS
family friendly activities
stornoway seafari
embark on a wildlife watching adventure
Description
Contact
Stornoway Seafari invites guests to discover the Isle of Lewis from a fresh perspective, journeying across pristine waters in search of dolphins, seals and soaring seabirds. Blending expert local insight with breathtaking Hebridean scenery, it’s an inspiring, family-friendly experience that captures the wild, elemental spirit of the Outer Hebrides.
www.stornowayseafari.com stornowayseafari@gmail.com 0800 246 5609
museum nan eilean
discover the stories of the island
Description
Contact
Address
Explore how the distinctiveness of the Outer Hebrides is shaped by a unique combination of land, sea and people. Hear about the lives of the islanders, the diversity of their experiences and how that culture has been expressed throughout history.
01851 822 746
Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS2 0XP
outdoor activities
luskentyre beach
visit one of the most spectacular beaches on harris
Description
Known for its white sands and clear blue waters, Luskentyre Beach is often named as one of the UK’s best beaches. Surrounded by beautiful sand dunes and with views to the island of Taransay, the area is great for hillwalking, cycling and taking some incredible photos!
callanish and westside
Description explore the island's inspirational heritage & landscape
Discover the natural beauty and archaeological wonders of the Callanish and Westside area of the island. See the famous Callanish Stones, a prehistoric stone cross and circle formation which predates Stonehenge! Thought to be a form of astronomical observatory, the stones are just one of the many landmarks to see in this beautiful area. You will also come across the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Dun Carloway Broch – an ancient fortification, and the Morven Gallery. All these wonders set in amongst breathtaking Hebridean landscapes.
butt of lewis lighthouse
a beacon of light in the windiest spot in the uk
Description
Hike to the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse for some of the most spectacular coastal views and the chance to observe amazing wildlife, including seabirds along the way. Built in 1862 by engineer David Stephenson, the red brick lighthouse stands at Rubha Robhanais, the most northerly point of the Western Isles and was home to a number of keepers until 1998. The lighthouse creates a fascinating focal point on explorative walks around the isles.
immerse hebrides
Description
Contact Address take to the water
Price
Offering a range of endorphin-inducing water activities from Cave Swimming to Whale & Dolphin Boat Tours, Immerse Hebrides encourages you to see the best of the isles from a whole different perspective. Whether you’re brave enough to partake in some open water swimming or you prefer to sit back and take in the sights, there is something for everyone. Immerse Hebrides also offers the ultimate in hot and cold therapy with their Saltbox Sauna. Soak up the healing powers of heat and cold water surrounded by incredible landscapes.
Prices vary according to the activity and some activities may be seasonal.
07497 351113
www.immersehebrides.com info@immersehebrides.com
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2QR
sea kayaking
Description
Experience the beauty of the coast through sea kayaking, with local guides available for tours suitable for all skill levels. With an in-depth knowledge of the island, the experienced instructors are able to show you the best places to venture into the water. Wild kayaking on Lewis, Harris, Uist or Barra also offers amazing access to the habitats of rare seabirds and marine life for any nature enthusiasts out there www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk
hiking in the harris hills
the best way to explore the incredible landscape
Description
Venture into the Harris Hills for a day of hiking, with numerous trails suitable for various levels of experience. North Harris features some dramatic mountains, including Clisham, the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides. It is also known to be one of the best places to spot both golden and white tailed eagles. South Harris is a more intricate landscape of bays and rocky headlands which offers equally amazing walks if you enjoy wild wandering off the beat track.
surfing and windsurfing
Description
enjoy the wind and waves
The rugged coastline on the Isles of Lewis and Harris offer many empty beaches and numerous world class reef breaks. The waters around the islands are relatively warm from the North Atlantic Drift Current which begins in the tropical Gulf Stream. The conditions on the islands make for great water sports activities such as surfing and windsurfing offered by local operators in the area. Their skill and knowledge of the isles promise an adrenaline-inducing day and a chance to explore a different side to Lewis and Harris.
www.outerherbides.co.uk
food & drink
the boatshed restaurant
Description
Menu Contact Address popular with local residents
With beautiful harbour views which overlook the spectacular Lews Castle, this modern, relaxed restaurant offers a delicious menu which celebrates the best, fresh local produce. With meat from local butchers, and seafood from the waters around the Outer Hebrides, patrons can enjoy the finest Scottish Cuisine.
Fresh Scottish Cuisine
01851 702109
81 Cromwell Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2DG
hs-1 cafe bar
a favourite metting place on the isalnd
Description
Menu
Contact
Address
With a menu that ranges from meaty burgers to Haggis & Black Pudding Towers, there is something to suit all tastebuds at HS-1. Surrounded by stylish and modern interiors you can soak up the relaxed vibe and take in the beautiful views of the harbour. It’s the perfect place to chill out with a coffee or enjoy a cocktail or two in the evening.
Hearty comfort food
01851 702109
Cromwell Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lews, HS1 2DG
la balena
Description
Menu
Contact
Address delicious authentic italian cuisine
With roots in Italy, Glasgow and the Outer Hebrides, this family-owned restaurant specialises in using fresh, local ingredients to create authentic Italian cuisine. Lead by an award-winning chef from a family with 200 years of experience in the restaurant business, guests are in safe hands in this warm yet vibrant setting which promises an unforgettable dining experience.
Authentic Italian cuisine with fresh, local produce.
01851 701101
19 Francis Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2ND
uig sands
seasonal seafood restaurant
Description
Menu Contact Address
Uig Sands Restaurant pairs breathtaking coastal views with a thoughtfully crafted menu that celebrates the flavours of the Outer Hebrides. With an emphasis on fresh, local produce and warm island hospitality, it offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience that captures the essence of Lewis’ wild, windswept landscape.
Seasonal, fish-centric menu with fresh, local produce.
01851 672 334
bookings@uigsands.co.uk
Timsgarry, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9ET