Baleshare Beach on North Uist
Discover the calm of the Outer Hebrides
Just imagine living on a beautiful, secluded island, surrounded by tranquillity and unmatched landscapes – that’s enough to bring happiness to anyone. You too can experience the Outer Hebrides and enjoy the life of an islander on a getaway trip.
Where better to get some well-deserved rest and recovery than in the Outer Hebrides. With an array of islands to choose from, including Berneray, Benbecula, North and South Uist, Eriskay, Grimsay and many more, you can immerse yourself in the unique character of each island and discover what makes this part of Scotland extra special.
Wander the islands on two feet with plenty of walking trails across all levels and terrain. Along the way you can spot a variety of wildlife, learn about the history and heritage of the islands, and even climb to the highest point of each island too. Slow down your travels by relaxing at the beach, soaking in the spectacular views – you can’t beat the clear waters and white sandy shores of the Hebrides! Cycling is also a wonderful way to see more of the islands, whilst still travelling at your own leisurely pace.
Berneray Causeway
Explore landscapes that stir the soul
With landscapes, coastline, and wildlife unlike any other in the UK, having these elements quite literally as your back garden creates the perfect ambience for a spot of self-care.
Delve into the unmatched landscapes of the Outer Hebrides that are guaranteed to bring a lot of joy to your trip! Picture 200 kms of beaches, mountains, vast moorlands, and sandy machair paired up with soaring eagles, otters, native deer and even orcas making an appearance out at sea.
Each island boasts its own unique landscapes. Berneray offers up rocky bays and sandy beaches, Benbecula is flat, home to plenty of wildlife, and the most populated island in Uist, and Eriskay can be reached from South Uist and is home to wild Eriskay ponies alongside a rich fishing history. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Hebridean islands. Don’t just imagine the islands, come and see for yourself!
Long Island Retreats & Larder at Loch Skipport, South Uist
© Long Island Retreats
Feast your way through the Hebridean flavours
Now, if you’re a foodie enthusiast, the Hebrides are bound to bring you happiness. With a rich larder of seafood on their doorstep, and traditional crofting kept alive across the islands, you can find delectable local and home-grown produce to enjoy. Stop in at cosy pubs and eateries to taste local produce cooked up in mouthwatering dishes, visit island distilleries to learn more about local whiskies and gin, and you don’t need to venture far to tuck into freshly caught seafood too.
Aside from must-visit restaurants, you can get proactive by discovering the Hebridean larder too. Venture on the Eat Drink Hebrides Trail which features an abundance of places to eat, locations where you can see produce being made, local shops to buy fresh produce and homemade goods, and more. Make sure to download A Taste of The Outer Hebrides eBook too, so you can take all the top tips and recommendations along with you.
Saltbox Sauna
© Saltbox Sauna
Reconnect your mind, body and spirit
After a day of exploring, calm your mind, body, and spirit at Saltbox Sauna. This wood-fired sauna has been touring Lewis and Harris since 2023, bringing a sense of wellbeing and relaxation to the islands. With a half-moon window you can enjoy scenic views as you cosy up inside. Why not complete the wellness experience with a cold dip in the sea afterwards?
Book a getaway with Long Island Retreats for a true authentic island experience. Head off the beaten track and enjoy a Croft Walking Tour where you can soak up the atmosphere. You can also get close to Highland cows, Shetland ponies, pigs, deer and more whilst you hear island tales and learn some Gaelic along the way.
Explore the spirit of the islands with taster lessons in Gaelic, traditional crofting activities, peat cutting, and black pudding tasting with Experience Lewis. Or for a unique activity to add to your itinerary, Immerse Hebrides offers up the opportunity to try out cave swimming, just a short boat ride away from Stornoway.
Eriskay pony on the Isle of Eriskay
Wildlife encounters in the Hebrides
These raw and unfiltered islands are the perfect place to see wild birds and animals like you’ve never seen before! Hundreds of species of wildlife roam freely here, and you rarely need to venture far from home to experience it all up close.
The Bird of Prey Trail combines an outdoor pursuit and wildlife spotting across 13 locations stretching from Barra in the south to Ness on Lewis. Set off by car, by bike, or via public transport and keep your eyes peeled for golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, hen harriers, short-eared owls and more along the way.
The Outer Hebrides is also home to nature reserves featuring habitats of a range of wildlife, birdlife, and native species. RSBP Balranald on North Uist boasts sandy shores and rich landscapes, RSPB Loch na Muilne on Lewis offers up dramatic coastlines with nesting seabirds, and Loch Stiapabhat is a nutrient-rich loch in Ness and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Whether you’re looking to spot birdlife, watch porpoises, orcas or minke whales appear out to sea, see eagles soaring overhead, or find elusive red deer in their natural habitat, there are plenty of wildlife experiences to tick off in the Outer Hebrides.
An Lanntair Arts Centre and Cinema
Embrace Gaelic traditions and experiences
One of the best places in Scotland to experience authentic Gaelic culture and language is the Outer Hebrides. These islands are one of the few remaining places that still speak Scottish Gaelic, meaning you’ve got the chance to connect to your past, ancestry and the local communities that still thrive here.
An Lanntair in Stornoway is a hub of creativity and offers up an eclectic year-round programme of events, with the centre hosting an art gallery, theatre, cinema, dance studio, concert hall, and café and gift shop too. Elsewhere, on North Uist, Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre is an award-winning museum and gallery that features a photographic collection, local artefacts, art and craft workshops, print & darkroom studios, a sculpture trail, café, and shop. Stop by to discover more about the area’s art, culture, and heritage.
Why not try your hand at a Gaelic class? Ceòlas on South Uist offers the chance to learn Gaelic from fluent local and native-speaking tutors in person, and online, with courses running throughout the year. You could even embark on a guided tour where you can soak up the Gaelic culture and atmosphere for yourself. HEB360° offers a range of preplanned and bespoke tours, and Vatisker Tours will invoke your senses as they guide you around the varying sides to the Isle of Lewis.
