15 Unmissable Things to do in Lewis and Harris

Scotland fills you with romance and adventure from the moment you step foot on its soil. With its lush green rolling hills, meandering small country roads, castles and historical landmarks. And the miles of rugged coastline that bump up to white sand beaches with turquoise waters. Scotland is a place that quickly fills your heart and soul and never really leaves it. Lewis and Harris is no different. It is a place that will enchant you and leave you wanting for more. And Although only 840 square miles there is no lack of things to do in Lewis and Harris.

Where and What are the Isles of Lewis and Harris

The Isles of Lewis and Harris are the northernmost island in the chain of islands called the Outer Hebrides or the Western Isles. And although they have separate names, and considered as two individual isles, they are technically one landmass.  The landscape is rugged, wild and mostly untouched. With Lewis divided from Harris by a range of high mountains making Lewis mostly flat and Harris very mountainous.

The beauty and diversity of the landscape alone draws many to visit. But the breathtaking landscape is not all you should expect. There is actually a variety of amazing things to do in Lewis and Harris. From pristine beaches to ancient historical sites, there is something for everyone to love.

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Back in 2016 when I visited Scotland for the first time I wanted to explore Lewis and Harris.  However the amount of time I had did not allow for me to include it in my itinerary.  I fell in love with Scotland anyways and vowed to return and make sure to include at least a few days on Lewis and Harris. And let me tell you it was very hard to come up with an itinerary that allowed me to see all I wanted to see in 1 1/2 days. Spoiler alert – I did not get to do it all.

However with lots of planning, early wake ups and long nights I did accomplish a lot.  So lets take a look at 15 unmissable things to do in Lewis and Harris.  Hopefully this inspires you to visit and helps build your own perfect itinerary.

15 Unmissable Things to do in Lewis and Harris

As I mentioned in my introduction even though it is one landmass Lewis and Harris are very distinct. Lewis has the largest town (Stornoway), where you will find the most concentration of restaurants and shops. And Harris has the second largest town (Tarbert) with the famed Harris Distillery and a great Harris Tweed shop that includes demonstration on the weaving process.

I will be dividing the list of things to do in Lewis and Harris by geographical location to make it easier for you to plan your itinerary.  Keep in mind this is NOT a comprehensive list but a list of some of the highlights and unmissable things to do in Lewis and Harris.

Things to do on the Isle Of Lewis

The Isle of Lewis is geographically the northern part of the Island.  It has the largest town, Stornoway, and has most of the popular tourist attractions. Lewis is steeped in history and culture and many of the things you will want to see and do will be fairly close together in what I call the tourist trail of Lewis. Since we arrived on Lewis via the ferry crossing from Ullapool to Stornoway we explored this part of the Island first. Here are my recommendations on the best things to do in Lewis.

1. Be Blown Away by the Views in the Windiest Place in the UK at The Butt of Lewis

Yes it has a funny name but it is one of the most beautiful, yet windy places you will have the pleasure to visit.

The Butt of Lewis is the most northerly point of the Isle of Lewis. And it holds the Guinness Record for the windiest place in the UK clocking in 100 mph winds.  

We happened to luck out with extraordinary weather. The sun was shinning and the winds were not terribly strong. I could have happily spent all day watching the birds and listening to the waves crash unto the cliffs. 

2. Learn About an Ancient Way of Life at The Norse Mill

This Norse Mill is actually a reconstruction of an actual mill that once existed in Shawbost.  Visiting the Norse Mill is free and you will see a sample of what life was like for the inhabitants of Lewis long ago.  There is a small car park and a nice path that lead to the stone buildings. The location is scenic and the walk is an easy one that won’t take more than 10 min.

Traditionally these mills were located near a stream as the water is what would power the mill. The design dates back to the Vikings and the Iron Age. They used the water to power a set of paddles beneath the floor. This in turn would turn the millstone to grind the corn or barley. Simple yet effective.

While this is not the most popular or best known attraction on Lewis it is definitely worth a visit as it provides fascinating insight into a way of life that was common many years ago. 

3. Hike to a Natural Sea Arch at Stac a Phris

I remember seeing a picture on Instagram by Martin Steele of this sea arch and knowing right away that one day I was going to see it for myself. First of all let me tell you that finding it was not easy. I was not able to locate any good instructions online. So I enlisted the help of those who had been there before me. Still, with no marked path it was not easy to find and getting there became part of the adventure.

How to get to Stac a Phris

You technically have two options to get to Stac a Phris – from the South or from the North.

From the South: Some people walk from the Norse Mill as they can leave their car safely parked in the car park there.  It should be about a 2 km walk if you take this route. This approach makes it harder to find Stac a Phris as it appears to be hidden if coming from the South. It is much easier seen from the North. However, if you want to park at the Norse Mill then perhaps this route and instructions from Visit Outer Hebrides might help you.

From the North: The alternative (and the route I followed) is to walk from a small village off of the A858 near a road called Allt na Muilne. The issue here is that there is no car park. This is a residential area and you want to make sure to respect where people live. However if you have a small car you should be able to find a spot at the end of the village.

From there you have to go south though 2 gates.  You will pass 3 big bays and go over a hill before you start to see Stac a Phris appearing. Just stick to the coastline and eventually you will see it.  For reference, it took me about 30 – 40 min walk from where I parked to get to Stac a Phris.  It was such a fun adventure. Stac a Phris is definitely an unmissable thing to do in Lewis and Harris.

If you enjoy hiking check out Five of the Best Hikes in Skye

4. Experience the History and Heritage of Crofting Life at The Gearrannan Blackhouse Village (or Garenin)

One of the most fascinating places to visit in Lewis is the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. This picturesque coastal village is beautifully situated on a secluded bay. 

The village features 9 incredibly well preserved stone blackhouses with thatched roofs.  During your exploration of the village you will get to experience the way of life which was once common on Lewis in the mid 1900’s. Learning that these houses were designed for humans and livestock to shelter together.  The people who originally lived here were crofters and fishermen, hard workers known for traveling long distances in order to make a living.

One of the things that is unique about this Village is that it was actually inhabited till the mid 1970’s when the last occupants left in search of more modern places to live. After it was abandoned it fell into disrepair. However, the Garenin Trust took over and restored the village into what you can see today. 

Now there is a visitor center, shop and café. A house that was restored to mimic life there in the 1950’s. Including a real peat fire for atmosphere and authenticity. And there is also a house with an educational video to learn about the village and the area in general.

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village also now offers visitors modern facilities, including accommodations you can stay in overnight.  From hostel style rooms where you sleep in a big room with others and pay for the bed, to smaller family style accommodations and cottages.

If you want to stretch your legs and take a walk there are two well marked paths to the beaches of Dalmore and Dalbeg both worth visiting.

5. Go Back to The Iron Age And Explore Dun Carloway Broch

The Dun Carloway Broch is one of the best preserved Iron Age Broch’s in Scotland and it is in a picturesque location overlooking Loch Roag.  It was probably built in the last century BC and would have served as a status of power as well as for defense. 

These circular towers remind me of the Inca construction found in Peru because they are drystone constructions. This means they have been built out of meticulously arranged interlocking stones that do not have anything else binding them together. Considering how well preserved it is, is a testament to the amazing construction.

Today, Dun Carloway is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland and has a beautifully designed visitor center which contains an exhibit about what life would have been like in the Broch. There is a small car park with a well maintained path with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.  The walk to the Broch is short and stopping here is a must if you are visiting Lewis and Harris.

6. Visit The Mystical Standing Stones of Callanish (or Calanais)

Every now and then you come across a place that feels like actual magic saturates the air and touches everything you see.  Scotland seems to have its fair share of these places. And the Callanish standing stones definitely are on that magical list. 

These Neolithic standing stones are over 5,000 years old which makes them older and some say even more impressive than Stonehenge. Actually, The Callanish standing stones are one of the biggest sets of standing stones you will find in Scotland.

Interestingly there are a few theories on them. Some believe it was a place of worship. If you see Callanish from the air you see a circle in the middle with rows of stone looking like a cross, leading to the center. 

Another theory is that they were used to track the cycles of the sun and the moon.  Regardless of why they stand there, the mystical standing stones of Calanais are one of the unmissable things to do in Lewis and Harris.

P.S. – Although not the original inspiration for Craigh na Dun from Outlander, these standing stone can still give you the feeling that you are about to travel through time.

Things to do in Harris

Harris is the southern portion of the Isle of Lewis and Harris and is the home of the famed Harris Tweed. The northern part of Harris has the highest mountain range in the Outer Hebrides, with the tallest summit being the Clisham.

The Isle of Harris is also well known for its staggering beaches with golden sand and turquoise waters. Which is why spending time on at least one of them is a must when looking at things to do in Lewis and Harris. However its breathtaking beaches is just part of the allure. Here is a list of my recommended things to do in Harris.

7. Take a Tour and/or Sample Some Gin at The Harris Distillery

A stop at the Harris Distillery is a must on your visit to Harris. Since opening in 2015 this distillery has won several well deserved awards. Every drop is distilled in small batches before being bottled and sealed by hand. So do not miss the opportunity to tour the distillery and learn about the process and ingredients including the one ingredient that makes this gin so special – the local, hand-harvested Sugar Kelp.  

Touring The Harris Distillery is one of the best things to do on Lewis and Harris if the forecast is calling for rain or if you want to take a break from the beautiful beaches.  Just make sure to book in advance as spaces are limited to 11 people and the tours fill up quickly.

If you don’t wish to go on their tour you should at least stop by the gift shop to sample the award winning Gin and purchase a bottle or two to enjoy during your visit or to take home.

8. Learn How the Famous Harris Tweed is Woven at the Harris Tweed Shop

In order for tweed to be named Harris Tweed it must meet very specific and high standards.  

“Harris Tweed means a tweed which has been hand woven by the islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides, finished in the islands of Harris, Lewis, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra and their several purtenances (The Outer Hebrides) and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides”  

Today every 50 meters of Harris Tweed is inspected by the Harris Tweed Authority before it is officially stamped.

Not only can you shop for souvenirs but you can also learn first hand how the Harris Tweed is made. There are live demonstrations and you might even be allowed to try your hand at weaving. This is definitely and experience you do not want to miss. 

9. Hike to MacLeod Stone and Take in the Spectacular Scenery

Set on top of a hill overlooking the Seilebost beach is the MacLeod Standing Stone. The stone was erected around 5000 years ago and stands more than 3 meters tall.

Although tradition seems to associate standing stones with burials, archeologists rarely, if ever find that connection to single stones. Therefore the theory here is that it represented a link to the land. To show others the land was being used.

Another theory is that it was used as a navigational point to aid boats into the Bay. Regardless of the purpose of the Stone, the hike to the top is not difficult and the views are well worth it.

If you are interested in hiking to MacLeod Stone then click here for the instructions provided by walking highlands. We left our car parked at our lunch spot (The Machair Kitchen at Talla na Mara) and walked from there.

10. Make a Pit Stop to Glimpse the Northton Salt Marsh

This is another spot I put on my itinerary because I saw a picture of it on Instagram.  I was told by locals that it is right by the side of the road so it would not take much effort at all to see it. 

The only negative is there is no parking and I am not one of those people who would leave my car on the road while I explore.  However I did leave my husband in the car while I quickly checked it out.

But since I did not have water boots I could not go very far and unfortunately did not even get a good picture.  The landscape is still fascinating and was I was so glad I made the quick pit stop to see it. 

11. Examine the Best Medieval Sculpture of the Western Isles at St. Clemens Church in Rodel

St. Clemens Church in Rodel is praised as the grandest medieval building in the Western Isles. The praise comes from it being one of the few examples of Roman Catholic chapel that escaped being defaced during the 16^th century Protestant Reformation.

It is a beautiful gothic building which sits on top of a small hill. St. Clemens Church was originally built for the Chiefs of the MacLeods of Harris and you can find many of the MacLeods buried in the graveyard. The most famous of the tombs is that of the church’s founder, Alexandre MacLeod.  This tomb is built into the south wall and is considered to be the best medieval sculpture in the Western Isles.

An interesting fact is that although in a picturesque coastal location the graveyard offers no sea view. Instead the slope ensures it looks north towards the mountains of South Harris. Today the property is part of Historic Environment Scotland. 

12. Drive The Golden Road

For some reason the name reminds me of the Wizard of Oz and I kept on picturing Dorothy and her crew skipping along the yellow brick road.  However, in reality the Golden Road is a beautiful scenic road along the east coast of Harris. 

As with most of the roads on Lewis and Harris this is a single track road that winds its way through small towns, dramatic coastal views and sparkling lakes.  This is a great opportunity to assimilate to the slower pace of island life. So go ahead and slow down, take your time making as many stops as you want. Stretch your legs and take pictures.  Simply follow that golden road and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.

13. Take a Walk on The Remote Beaches

I remember the first time I was told that the beaches on Harris look like the Caribbean. Shock was clearly displayed on my face and I am glad the person who told me could not see the look of disbelief.

Growing up in Venezuela and living in Florida, I have been spoiled with gorgeous beaches. I also had the privilege and opportunity to travel to amazing Caribbean beaches. So my doubts were well founded. However, much to my surprise, I am no longer in disbelief. 

The beaches on Harris are striking, and their beauty can easily hold their own against any Caribbean beach. Except when it comes to the temperatures of the water. And while the beaches in Harris lack the warm water, they do possess the powdery soft sand and beautiful crystalline water that even on a gray and rainy day shine in every shade of blue you can imagine. 

Needless to say the beaches on Harris stole my heart and no visit to Lewis and Harris is complete without experiencing a few its glorious beaches. So when looking at things to do in Lewis and Harris make sure to make time for its beaches. Here are two of my favorite:

Hushinish or (Huisinis) Beach

At the end of a 12 mile long, single track, narrow and winding road lies one of the most pristine beaches in Harris. This is a white sand beach with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as neighboring islands of Scarp and Taransay.

There is a small settlement with a few houses and a building with bathrooms, showers, and tables to sit at. The sitting area is surrounded by glass windows and it the perfect place to take shelter if you have inclement weather.

If you enjoy hiking then you can follow this hike or this longer hike which will take you to some more secluded beaches as well as provide you with enchanting views you won’t soon forget. 

Luskentyre Beach 

If you are looking to visit an award winning beach then look no further than Luskentyre. This beach is consistently named one of the best beaches in Scotland and the UK. Which is probably what makes it one of the most visited beaches in Harris. However, do not let this discourage you as it is also one of the largest beaches on Harris. So there is plenty of room for all to enjoy it.

Luskentyre has miles of white sand dunes with wispy grass that contrasts beautifully with the endless shades of blue-green water.  The mountains of Taransay serve as the backdrop that complete this picture perfect beach.

And if all that was not magical enough, you might get lucky and find two beautiful white horses roaming the sand dunes. Or you might see dolphins playing in the turquoise waters.  It is almost impossible to imagine a better beach anywhere.

If you like to see beauty without the crowds then check out this hidden gem on Skye

P.S. – Be careful driving the roads to the beach. We encountered a sharp rock turning the corner right before the cemetery. The rock punctured our tire and according to the person who came to change it for us it is a common thing in that spot.  

Bonus – Things to do in Great Bernera

I am well aware that Great Bernera is its own separate Island in the Outer Hebrides.  But it makes my list of unmissable things to do in Lewis and Harris because it is connected to Lewis by a bridge. A bridge which is actually of great importance in the international engineering world as it was the first stressed concrete bridge to be built in Europe. The connection via bridge makes Great Bernera easily accessible. You won’t need a boat or depend on ferry timetables to visit. 

We spent the night in our camper in Great Bernera, on Bosta Beach, and it was one of the best camping locations of our entire trip.  Not because it was fancy.  On the contrary the only facilities are toilets. But its isolation and rural location is part of the appeal. 

Also, before arriving at the campsite, we were greeted by two local Heilan cows which pretty much made the drive to Bosta Beach worth it for my kids. The Island also has its own charm, great historical sites, beautiful beaches and a museum and visitor center. So here are my picks for Great Bernera:

14. Callanish VIII

The Callanish VIII semi-circle is known locally as Tursachan, which actually means Standing Stones. As soon as you cross over the bridge to Great Bernera this megalithic group of four standing stones is located on your left.  And then there is a small area on the right where you can park your car in order to walk up a small hill to view the stones.

The standing stones are arranged in a semi-circle facing the waters that divide Great Bernera from the Isle of Lewis.  This makes their position really picturesque. So although not as large and grand as Callanish, they are still one of my favorite standing stones and are well worth the visit.

15. Bosta Beach

This beach is unique in many ways but the two most prominent for me are the Iron Age Village and the time and tide bell.

The Iron Age Village was discovered in 1993 when a wild Atlantic storm exposed it. It was later excavated and many of the of the articles found as well as information discovered can be found in the local museum at Breaclete. Do to the exposed position of the site the excavated structures could not be preserved.  However a replica of the Iron Age house was built and is open to visitors. 

The beach also features a Time and Tide bell which works with the rise and fall of the tides. As the water moves in, it makes the clapper strike the bell creating a constantly varying musical pattern. The bell is a piece of art as well as a practical data collection point. It serves as a time marker of the sea levels indicating where the shoreline was and is now. 

You might also like: Best Place in Scotland to see Puffins

More Amazing Things to do in Lewis and Harris – What I Did Not See But Wish I Had Time For

There is really so many things to do on Lewis and Harris and with my limited schedule I did not have the time to see it all. I guess it is a good excuse to return. So here are a few things (In no particular order) I would like to do next time I visit Lewis and Harris:

• Garry Bridge/Bridge to Nowhere and Garry Beach
• Lews Castle
• Ardroil Beach in Uig with its famous Lewis Chessman
• Mangersta sea stacks
• The Blackhouse at Arnol
• The Clach an Truisiel (The tallest standing stone in Scotland)
• North Harris Eagle Observatory
• Abhainn Dearg Distillery
• Boat trip to St Kilda – Check out my friend Kathi’s post. Her visit to St Kilda has me dreaming of my own.
• Eilean Glas Lighthouse

Now that you know all the best things to do on Lewis and Harris here is some additional information you might find useful for your visit.

When to Visit Lewis and Harris and the Outer Hebrides

The best time to visit the Outer Hebrides is the time you have available to visit.  There is definitely a season for everyone and each season has its charm.  I visited early June and found it to be an ideal time although late May would be just as good. It is warm enough to enjoy some beach time. Although way to cold in the water for me to swim. Days are long so it allows for lots of time to explore and good light for driving the small roads. It is close enough to summer without competing yet with the crowds at campsites and attractions. Regardless of when you go it is always a good idea to book your stay well in advance as the B&Bs fill up quickly. 

Getting to Lewis and Harris

There is no bridge that connects mainland Scotland to Lewis and Harris. Therefore getting to Lewis and Harris will require a ferry or a plane ride. Using trains and bus/ferry combination is possible however it is not the most efficient.

Arrival by plane will be into Stornoway and on average won’t take more than an hour. With daily flights from Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow and weekly flights out of Aberdeen.  If you are considering flying you might want to rent a car as well as it is much easier to get around the Island by car than by public transport. 

If you will be in Edinburgh before or after your Lewis and Harris holiday, here is an Edinburgh city guide to help you with the best things to do in Edinburgh. 

Taking the ferry is the more popular option to get to Lewis and Harris. The main ferry departs from Ullapool on the North West coast and arrives in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.  This ferry takes 2 hours and 45 min.  You can also travel from Uig, Isle of Skye to Tarbert, Isle of Harris.  For timetables and to book your ferry check out the Caledonian MacBrayne website.

There is also a pass you can purchase is you want to go island hoping and visit additional islands in the area.

Where to Eat in Lewis and Harris

There are amazing restaurants in Lewis and Harris but we had a camper van and food supplies in it so did not get to enjoy many of them. One restaurant I did try and love was at The Machair Kitchen/ Talla na Mara.  The decor inside is modern and clean and the views alone are worth a visit.

I do realize views don’t make a good meal, but in this case you need not worry. The view is just a wonderful backdrop that enhances the scrumptious food. Everything we tried was amazing and you won’t be disappointed by the food either. Aside from amazing food the striking building holds the headquarters for the West Harris Trust. It also holds studio space and an art gallery.

I do not make a habit of recommending places I have not been to. Therefore, I am going to suggest you consider some options my fellow travel bloggers have tried and are recommending. For example here is a list from Katie MacLeod who used to live in Lewis.  And here are more recommendations of where to eat on Lewis and Harris by Kay the Chaotic Scot. I trust both these sources and know you will find some scrumptious places to eat amongst their suggestions. 

Where to Stay In Lewis and Harris

I actually stayed in my camper van and loved the small secluded camp site in Bosta Beach on Great Bernera. There are a number of beautiful camp sites all around the island. Here is a link to some of the other camping and caravanning sites in Lewis and Harris. Additionally there are a number of accommodations you can book through AirBnB . I do highly recommend that you book your accommodations in advance as they fill up quickly especially during the summer months.

Pin Now – 15 Unmissable Things to do in Lewis and Harris

Now you know all the amazing things to do in Lewis and Harris. And I hope it helps you plan your own visit. As always I love hearing from you.  If you are planning to visit and have more questions feel free to reach out to me.  If you have been to Lewis and Harris already and have additional suggestions feel free to leave them in the comments.  Alternatively you can get social with me on Instagram or Facebook.