Things to see & do on Lewis and Harris

It's now over 9,000 years since the first people explored and lived on these islands, and there's some stunning reminders left behind. The Calanais Standing Stones are older than the Pyramids of Giza, but there are still questions as to what this stone circle was built and used for which you'll find out more about in the visitor centre.

There are few trees on Lewis and Harris, so those who lived here long ago had to be more creative with what they used to keep warm. Visit this traditional Hebridean Blackhouse at Arnol to find out about the peat burning.

Stornoway is the main settlement on Lewis, and the largest town in the Outer Hebrides, as well as having the main port, and an airport. Visit the harbour to see the fishermen at work and catch a glimpse of what could become a delicious dinner that night and explore the shops for traditional Harris Tweed.

As the main ferry terminal for Harris, Tarbert is also a great place to catch one of the many boat tours out to see the puffins and razor bills. Browse the shops for more Harris Tweed or an original framed island painting.

The reconstructed dwelling of Bosta Iron Age House was inspired by the remains of real Iron Age houses, exposed to the modern world after a wild storm in 1993. See the reconstruction which gives an idea of the life of farmers, fishermen and hunters back then.

A restored traditional crofting township, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village has nine cottages which were lived in until 1974. Watch the weaving of Harris Tweed, and take in the views of the secluded bay of Carloway.

Uncover the island's past and find out how it has shaped the way of life today at the newly redeveloped Museum nan Eilean in Lews Castle. Six of the iconic Lewis Chessmen are on permanent display here, after they were uncovered in Uig on the west coast of Lewis in the 19th century.

Go on a journey of a lifetime and join a boat trip to St Kilda. Recognised by UNESCO for its natural and cultural heritage, this incredible archipelago was abandoned by its inhabitants in 1930.

Pop into the Isle of Harris Distillery, as it's also known as the 'social distillery' to celebrate the generous character of the island and the people who live there. The working distillery is open six days a week, and produces both gin and whisky.

Explore the pristine beaches of Lewis and Harris, with their white sands and azure blue waters. Luskentyre Sands was named one of the UK's best beaches in the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards.