things to do
Island Eats
A short venture into Stornoway will provide visitors with a variety of local food. Go-to eats include brunching at the Harris and Lewis Smokehouse, coffee and cake at the Blue Lobster next to the harbour, and fresh, wood-fired pizza from Crust (out of town at Achmore).
Stornoway also provides freshly caught seafood daily at Islander Shellfish on the harbour, with scallops, langoustines, crab and lobster often available, as well as fresh fish including cod, mackerel and haddock.
For those looking for fine food with a view, head over to the West side of the island and dine at Uig Sands restaurant whilst overlooking the Ardroil Beach. They offer some of the food and views on the island.
Also look out for seasonal artisanal food, courtesy of your host Tina.
Bars and Pubs
Head into town to Stornoway and experience the unique buzz the town has to offer. All located in the centre of town, the pubs often have live sport and on weekends you can enjoy live music from local bands.
Beautiful Beaches
There is no shortage of beaches on the Isles of Lewis and Harris, so here are some of our favourites to help narrow it down.
Locally, visitors can take a wee trip to Bayble Beach, Norman’s favourite, which faces out towards Bayble Island and is ideal for a short walk and a gaze back to the mainland from the pier.
Across the bay is Tolsta Beach (Traigh Mhor), a vast open beach sitting below grassy dunes and cliffs either side. It’s the perfect spot for a long walk with few visitors. Occasionally you may see horses or surfers.
Luskentyre Beach, one of Scotland’s most iconic and scenic beaches, can be found on the Isle of Harris. As the largest beach on the islands, you can walk for miles on the endless white sand and clear aquamarine waters. Ideal for a day trip.
Tiumpan Head Lighthouse
It would only be fitting to start with mentioning Tiumpan Head Lighthouse.
Look out across the Minch at one of the best on-land whale watching spots in Europe.
If you time it right, you may see common whale species as well as dolphins, porpoises, seals, gannets, and more. Wildlife or not, Tiumpan Head Lighthouse makes for a great walk from The Bunker with a rewarding view.
Callanish Standing Stones
Walk among the megaliths at the Callanish Standing Stones, an iconic Scottish landmark.
Weathering the elements for over 5000 years, it’s still a mystery to historians on how and why they were originally erected.
Harris Distillery
To the South you’ll find the Isle of Harris Distillery, whose iconic seaweed infused gin is now accompanied by their highly anticipated whisky, The Hearach.
The distillery also provides an insight into the islands’ rich history, culture and community.
