Isle of Lewis
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Isle of Lewis - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Calanais Standing Stones
The west coast of Lewis is rich in prehistoric sites, and the most famous of these is the Calanais Standing Stones. Believed to have been positioned in several stages between 3000 BC and 1500 BC, this arrangement consists of an avenue of 19 monoliths extending northward from a circle of 13 stones, with other rows leading south, east, and west. Ruins of a cairn sit within the circle on the east side. Researchers believe they may have been used for astronomical observations, but you're free to cook up your own theories. The visitor center has an interesting exhibit on the stones, a very pleasant tearoom, and a gift shop.
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2. The Blackhouse
In the small community of Arnol, the Blackhouse is a well-preserved example of an increasingly rare type of traditional Hebridean home. Common throughout the islands as recently as the mid-20th century, these dwellings were built without mortar and thatched on a timber framework without eaves. Other characteristic features include an open central peat hearth and the absence of a chimney (hence "blackhouse," from all the soot). Inside, you'll find half the house designated for family life, complete with many original furnishings, and the other half a stable for animals. Opposite is the White House, built later when houses were no longer allowed to accommodate humans and animals together.
Off A858, Arnol, Western Isles, HS2 9DB, Scotland01851-710395Sight Details
Rate Includes: £6, Closed Sun. Also closed Wed. in Oct.–Mar. -
3. An Lanntair
This fabulous arts center hosts exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art and frequent traditional musical and theatrical events in the impressive auditorium. There's also a cinema, a gift shop, and a café-bar serving coffee and snacks alongside fine international and Scottish fare.
Kenneth St., Stornoway, Western Isles, H21 2DS, Scotland01851-708480Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. -
4. Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
At the northernmost point of Lewis, 3 miles northwest of Port of Ness, stands the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, which was first illuminated in 1862. Designed by David and Thomas Stevenson, it's one of many Scottish lighthouses built by the prominent Stevenson engineering family, whose best-known member was not an engineer at all but novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. The adjacent cliffs provide a good vantage point for viewing seabirds, whales, and porpoises.
Off A857, Port of Ness, Western Isles, HS2 0XH, Scotland -
5. Dun Carloway Broch
Discover one of the country's best-preserved Iron Age brochs (circular stone towers). These fortified residences are exclusive to Scotland, and Dun Carloway Broch dominates the scattered community of the same name. The mysterious tower was probably built around 2,000 years ago as protection against seaborne raiders. The nearby visitor center explains all about the broch, its history, and its setting.
Off A858, Carloway, Western Isles, HS2 9AZ, Scotland -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
Situated at the end of a side road north from Carloway, Gearrannan is an old coastal crofting village that has been brought back to life as a living museum with excellent guided tours evoking its past. You can stay in one of the restored blackhouses here if you want a unique (if no-frills) stay; it's £20 a night for a hostel bunk or £65 for a family room. There is also a small gift shop and café.
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7. Lews Castle
This Victorian-era castle—well, neo-Gothic country house—houses the free Museum nan Eilean, with fascinating exhibitions on life in the Outer Hebrides, from the landscape to the language. It also displays six of the famous Lewis Chessmen, intricate 12th-century chess pieces carved from walrus ivory (the rest are in Edinburgh's National Museum of Scotland and London's British Museum). Take a stroll around the castle grounds, with its pleasant mix of woodland, parkland, and gardens overlooking Stornoway harbor.
Stornoway, Western Isles, HS2 0XP, Scotland01625-416430Sight Details
Rate Includes: Museum closed Sun.
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