Attractions
Stornoway, UK
Stornoway
Stornoway is the main town of the Outer Hebrides, the town's population is around 8,000, making it by far the largest town in the Hebrides, as well as the second largest island town in Scotland after Kirkwall in Orkney.
Stornoway, the ‘county town’ of the Outer Hebrides, is centrally placed for touring the Isle of Lewis and the most southerly point of the Isle of Harris is only about 1.5 hours’ drive from the Caladh Inn. There’s a diverse range of shops, serving local and tourist needs. Visitor attractions include an excellent museum of local history, the Lewis Loom Centre where you can learn about the history of Harris Tweed and the delightful grounds of Lews Castle.
The Isles of Lewis and Harris together actually form a single island, which is the third largest landmass of the British Isles. The separation of the two is by natural landscape, a sea loch, a mountain range and watercourses.
Travel a few miles in any direction from your ferry or airport arrival at Stornoway and you’ll find the treasures of the Isle of Lewis and Harris.
Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean, Isle of Lewis, UK
Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean
Enjoy the Museum nan Eilean built alongside the recently renovated Lews Castle, set in the stunning Castle Grounds in Stornoway. Discover the distinctiveness of the Outer Hebrides, shaped by a unique combination of land, sea and people.
For the younger visitors theres a dress up section to perform various island jobs, learn some Gaelic, and enjoy imaginative activities. Hear from islanders about the Gaelic language, work, religion, emigration and community. View the Outer Hebrides as never before in a wrap-around audio-visual presentation.
An Lanntair, Kenneth Street, Stornoway, UK
An Lanntair Arts Centre
An Lanntair is an arts centre in the town of Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The centre is home to a cinema, art gallery and cafe/bar. An Lanntair provides exhibitions, musical and drama performances, also cinema throughout the year, open daily, except Sundays.
Callanish Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis, UK
Callanish Standing Stones
A circular trip including the west side of Lewis will reveal a little of the fascinating history of the island and its people, many of whom are descended from Celtic and Scandinavian roots.
Most famous is Callanish (aka Calanis, Callanais, Calanais) – with its series of stone circles that pre-date Stonehenge. A wonderful site where, unlike Stonehenge, you can touch the stones, feel the magic and reflect on the lack of an entrance fee.
Further along the same road, there are substantial remains of a stone fort at Carloway Broch (Dun Charlabhaigh) which are over 2000 years old.
Gearrannan Blackhouse Village Ltd, Garenin, Isle of Lewis, UK
Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
Just on the edge of Carloway village, the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village will take you back in time and gives a clear picture of what life was like in a crofters’ community – there’s a cottage restored and containing everyday artifacts of the 1950’s that evokes memories for many who lived in that period.
There’s a wealth of history, too, with restored Blackhouses at Arnol and Gearrannan, which give a fascinating glimpse into life on the Isle of Lewis in the last century.