Isle of Lewis tourist information

The Isle of Lewis is the largest and most populated of the Western Isles. In common with the other islands it is a charming place of fishing harbours and stone cottages with a traditional Gaelic culture.

However its main attraction is its natural beauty. The coastline is lined with craggy cliffs and lovely sandy beaches, offering wonderful peace and quiet for the enjoyment of these wild open landscapes. Some of the most beautiful are the white-sand beaches of Mhangurstadh - and Uig, where the famous 12th century Lewis Chessmen were discovered. Garry (Ghearadha) beach has amazing rock stacks. The Butt of Lewis, at the far northern tip, has some incredible cliffs great for bird-watching and a remote lighthouse. It is also officially the windiest spot in the UK.

These isles have been inhabited by people for thousands of years. The incredible Calanais Standing Stones are a ring of huge and mysterious monuments older than Stonehenge. Restored settlements at Bostadh Beach iron age village and 19th century Hebridean blackhouses at Arnol show the tough conditions that islanders faced in surviving on these isolated and rugged shores.

Stornoway is the 'capital' of Lewis and the Western Isles, with a regular ferry service to Ullapool and a small airport with services to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Stornoway also has the island's tourist information centre

This busy harbour town has pubs, cafes and amenities, but do be aware that many are closed on Sundays. The Museum nan Eilean and An Lanntair arts centre offer plenty to see and do if the Hebridean weather conspires to keep you indoors.