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Scotland is a breathtakingly beautiful country packed full of fascinating cities and outstanding natural attractions. But to really uncover Scotland, you need to go beyond the mainland.
Scotland’s islands have a unique history and culture, as well as a sense of community that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the UK. By far my favorite of the Scottish islands is the Isle of Lewis – and I’m willing to bet that these best things to do on the Isle of Lewis will get you very excited about going.
The Isle of Lewis (often just called Lewis by residents) is part of the double island group of Lewis and Harris. Although not as well-known as Scottish islands such as the Isle of Skye or the Isle of Mull, Lewis and Harris is actually the largest island in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.
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1. Calanais Standing Stones
By far the most popular thing to do on the Isle of Lewis is the visit the Calanais Standing Stones. There’s something fascinating about standing stones because they leave you with more questions than you answer. Why are they there? How did they get there?
Current evidence suggests the Calanais Standing Stones were “built for astronomical observation and ritual activity,” but there’s still a lot of mystery surrounding the stones.
The Calanais Standing Stones date back more than 5,000 years ago meaning they are older than the better-known stones at Stonehenge. Unlike Stonehenge, you can also get close to and even touch the stones here. These standing stones boast a dramatic beauty, and from the site here you can also enjoy incredible views over the ocean.
It’s worth noting that the visitor center and restaurant in Calanais are currently shut for renovations. These will hopefully reopen some time in 2026, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still visit the stones. If anything, you’ll find they’re quieter with fewer crowds of tourists if you visit right now.
Travel tip: There is no admission charge for the Calanais Stones and no opening or closing times. Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic photos of the stones.
2. Stornoway Harbour
Stornoway is the capital of the Outer Hebrides, and Stornoway Harbour is the region’s largest port. It’s likely that this will be your first impression upon arrival to the island.
The entrance to the harbor is dominated by a large lighthouse and the harbor has recently been modified to become a deep-water port so that larger cruise ships can dock here. But despite that, it still retains its traditional charm. You can watch fishermen hauling in their catch of the day and large lobster pots and fishing nets sit piled high along the docks.
As well as fishing boats, yachts, and now even larger cruise ships, you can also enjoy quaint shops and cafes in the town as you explore its harbor.
3. Have lunch at the An Lanntair Arts Centre
One of the places worth exploring when you’re in Stornoway is the An Lanntair Arts Centre. This sits in the heart of Stornoway overlooking the harbor, and its physical location in the heart of the island reflects its cultural importance.
This is the cultural hub of the Isle of Lewis. It is an art gallery, a performance space, and even houses the island’s only cinema. The theater and concert hall hosts some incredible performances from high-end touring production companies so it’s worth checking to see what’s showing while you’re there. You might just find yourself at an unexpectedly excellent production.
And the cafe here is delicious! Whenever I’m in Stornoway, this is where I stop for lunch. Simple dishes made with locally sourced produce are the order of the day here, and you can enjoy them with incredible views of the sea.
4. Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
For years my family home was close to the Butt of Lewis lighthouse so I have a vested interest in recommending this tourist attraction! This is an unpainted lighthouse constructed of red brick, which is a novel attraction in its own right. It stands at 37 meters tall.
But it isn’t the lighthouse itself that is the real attraction here: it’s the views. The rocky, rugged coastline is breathtaking, and the waves crash spectacularly no matter what the time of year thanks to this being the windiest place in the UK (and that’s official according to the Guinness Book of Records!)
On the way to the lighthouse, you will pass one of the best beaches on the Isle of Lewis.
Port Stoth is a picture-perfect white sand beach. It sits in a natural cove meaning it’s well sheltered and a great place for a summertime swim. This is a lesser-known beach popular with locals more than tourists, so if you want to really get off the beaten path then this is the place to be – and visiting is always considered by locals to be one of the best things to do on the Isle of Lewis.
Travel tip: If you plan to visit Port Stoth, park your car at the top of the hill and then walk down to the beach.
Although technically you can drive down the ramp, we don’t recommend this if you want to get your car back up to the top again!
5. Take a Stornoway Seafari
The incredible views, beaches, and awe-inspiring array of wildlife are the real attraction of the Isle of Lewis. Which is why one of the best things to do on the Isle of Lewis is getting out to see them!
Stornoway Seafari is a company that offers sea tours around the island. You can choose from either twi-hour or four-hour excursions, and depending on the time of year you visit you can spot different animals. You’re likely to see orcas in the summer, and puffins are more prevalent during their breeding months.
No matter what the time of year you visit, there’s a good chance you’ll spot dolphins, sea otters, and birds of prey.
Local tip: If this is something you want to experience then definitely book in advance. The Stornoway seafari vessel only has 12 seats and can book up fast, especially in peak periods.
You can only take a seafari if you plan to visit the Isle of Lewis in summer. The tour season runs between May 1 and the October 15. Be warned that trips can be canceled if the weather doesn’t allow for smooth sailing!
6. Explore breathtaking beaches
By far the best thing you can do on the Isle of Lewis without spending a single penny is to explore the island’s breathtaking beaches.
What makes the perfect beach depends on personal perspective. Some people look for vast expanses of sandy shoreline while others want hidden, rocky coves. No matter you’re preference, there’s a beach for you here.
Bostadh Beach is the place to be if you’re looking for a beautiful stretch of white sand. Dalbeag beach is surrounded by high cliffs and is a popular spot for surfers.
But if you only visit one beach on the Isle of Lewis, make it Tolsta Beach. This beach has an international reputation for its white sands and is a beautiful place to walk no matter what the time of year.
7. Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
An incredible example of a living museum, the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village is located close to the Calanais Standing Stones so it’s easy to visit both attractions in one day.
Blackhouses are traditional Scottish stone-built homes where the whole family (and their animals) lived in one small building. They are called blackhouses because the peat fires that were at the center of the home meant the house was often smokey and turned the walls black.
You can learn about the history of blackhouses by walking around a preserved example. There is also a museum and loom where you can see how the local Harris tweed was created.
The village also offers epic sea views, and the small beach here is a popular spot for surfers and other water sports enthusiasts.
8. Lews Castle
Lews Castle is a small castle building, now converted into the hotel, with beautiful grounds that sits in the heart of Stornoway overlooking the harbor. It was built in the middle of the 18th century before serving time as a school and a college, but now it’s a hotel and wedding venue.
If you don’t have the budget to stay here then you should still visit Lews Castle. Walking around the grounds is potentially one of the best things to do on the Isle of Lewis. And the museum also houses the small but perfectly formed Museum nan Eilean.
This is a fascinating museum dedicated to life on the island. It’s an interactive museum, which means its suitable for kids, too. But the real highlight is the chance to see some of the infamous Lewis Chessmen at home in Lewis.
The remaining pieces are housed in the British Museum in London and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
There’s nowhere better to listen to the stories of those native to the island. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
9. Eat fish and chips in Camerons Fish Shop
At dinner time, the queue to get fish and chips from Camerons can wind down the street. And for a very good reason: many people believe this is the best fish and chips in Scotland (and I’m one of them!)
Camerons Fish Shop is located on Point Street in the heart of Stornoway. The fish is freshly caught every day, and the chips are exceptional. If you’re looking for something a little more unusual you can try battered black pudding and haggis balls with your chips here, too. Make sure to try as many Scottish dishes as you can.
And of course the divisive dessert that’s been attributed to Scotland is also on the menu here – deep-fried battered Mars bar anyone?
10. Party at HebCelt Fest
It’s not a permanent fixture, but if you’re thinking of visiting the Isle of Lewis in the summer months then be sure to time your visit with HebCelt Fest!
Known locally as simply Heb Fest, this takes place annually with the next festival happening from July 16-19, 2025. It has been running every year since 1996 and won multiple awards. The festival takes place on three different stages in the grounds of Lews Castle.
This year the headline acts were Skipinnish, James, and Del Amitri. The headliners for 2025 haven’t been released yet, and tickets aren’t on sale yet, but you can join the waitlist here.
Local tip: Festival week is the busiest week of the year on the island, so if you plan to visit then make sure you book your accommodation and ferry tickets well in advance.
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