Skip to main content
Top Isle of Lewis activities
Top Isle of Lewis landmarks
Beyond Isle of Lewis
Isle of Lewis trip ideas
Sunset at the Callanish Stones on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland.

Things to do in  Isle of Lewis

Hebridean heaven

The Isle of Lewis is the northern half of Scotland’s largest island, Lewis and Harris (which, confusingly, is a single island often referred to as two islands). The land is steeped in Gaelic heritage and home to millennia-old landmarks like the Callanish Standing Stones, so a visit to Lewis is an experience unlike anywhere else in Scotland. From exploring sea caves by boat to admiring buildings that date from the Iron Age, you’ll find plenty of things to do on the Isle of Lewis.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

Top 4 attractions in Isle of Lewis

Top activities in Isle of Lewis

See all Isle of Lewis tours

All about Isle of Lewis

Local Currency
British Pound (£)
When to visit

The Isle of Lewis is most appealing in late spring and summer, when the climate is as mild as it gets and the daylight hours are long. The peak tourist season of June to August typically provides the best weather for enjoying the great outdoors, but summer visitors should book accommodations and reservations in advance.

Getting around

Driving around the Isle of Lewis offers the most flexibility. If you are not keen on tackling the Highlands’ notoriously narrow, single-track roads, join a guided tour that visits Lewis’ top attractions. Local bus services connect the main town of Stornaway with many other places of note around Lewis and Harris, but services are infrequent and don’t run on Sundays.

Traveler tips

The Isle of Lewis is often said to be the last place in Britain to keep the Sabbath. While it’s true that in the not-too-distant past, even Lewis’ playground swings were chained up to discourage activity, much has changed over recent decades. Since 2009, ferries have run Sunday services from the mainland to Lewis; nowadays, many restaurants open on Sundays. Most shops remain closed, however.

en
3537bf6f-0fef-4f6c-87a2-3591315f7eae
attraction_list
People Also Ask
Q:What are the must-see attractions on the Isle of Lewis?
A:

A list of the must-see attractions on the Isle of Lewis includes the Callanish Standing Stones, believed to be up to 5,000 years old; the well-preserved Dun Carloway (Dùn Chàrlabhaigh), a massive structure dating from the Iron Age; and the restored traditional thatched-roof houses of the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village.

Q:How do I get to the Isle of Lewis?
A:

You can reach the Isle of Lewis by flying directly to Stornoway Airport (SYY) from Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Inverness. Alternatively, take the ferry from Ullapool on the Scottish mainland. Sailing from Ullapool takes two hours and 45 minutes, and driving to Ullapool from Glasgow or Edinburgh takes around four hours.

Q:What activities can I do on the Isle of Lewis?
A:

Some activities to do on the Isle of Lewis include exploring ancient sites, including the Callanish Standing Stones and Dun Carloway (Dùn Chàrlabhaigh); kayaking or canoeing along the coast; soaking up the sea air on beaches such as Traigh Mhor; and diving into Lewis’ heritage at An Lanntair cultural center.

Q:What is the significance of the Callanish Standing Stones?
A:

The significance of the Callanish Standing Stones is that they were built as long ago as 5,000 years ago, which means that they predate the standing stones of Stonehenge. Although their exact purpose remains a mystery, they are believed to have functioned as an astronomical observatory.

Q:Can I visit the Isle of Harris while staying on the Isle of Lewis?
A:

Yes, you can visit the Isle of Harris while staying on the Isle of Lewis. Harris and Lewis are two parts of the same island and are connected by road. You can drive from Lewis to Harris, take a bus, or even walk or cycle between the two areas.

Q:What traditional foods should I try on the Isle of Lewis?
A:

One of the best-known traditional foods to try on the Isle of Lewis is Stornoway black pudding (blood sausage), which has protected status, which means that it can only be called Stornoway black pudding if it’s made in Lewis. The Isle of Lewis is known for fresh seafood, particularly shellfish.

More Tours in Isle of Lewis

Things to do near Isle of Lewis

Popular on Viator