Lewis and Harris

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Carloway, Isle of Lewis

Experience the history and heritage of crofting life in this unique self-catering accommodation.

Destinations and maps

Lewis and Harris

Off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris form the main island in the Outer Hebrides. They may sound like two separate islands, but Lewis and Harris are actually two parts of the one island, with the largest town Stornoway on the east coast.

With dramatic landscapes, a unique Gaelic culture and fascinating history, this is a great place to start your Hebridean adventure. You will be blown away by wild mountains, immense white beaches, rugged coastlines and lunar landscapes.

From ancient thatched blackhouses at Gearrannan and mysterious standing stones at Calanais to thrilling outdoor activities and superb food, there are plenty of things to do on the Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris. There are many more adventures to have as you head south to the other Hebridean islands along the famous Hebridean Way.

So experience life on the edge and start planning your Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris holidays now!

6 things to do on Lewis and Harris

Visit historic sites, places of incredible beauty and great cultural attractions on Lewis and Harris and be enchanted by the wonders of the Outer Hebrides.

Discover more things to see & do

An Lanntair Arts Centre

Calanais Standing Stones

Loch Stiapabhat

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Garry Beach, Tolsta

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse Opens a new window

Discover the Outer Hebrides on video

Hosta beach, or Traigh Stir, North Uist — Outer Hebrides Welcome Back1:16

Welcome back to the Outer Hebrides - we have missed you! We are ready to welcome you. Travel responsibly, plan ahead, support our community and follow the Scottish Government guidance.

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Carloway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides — Outer Hebrides Scotland's Gaelic islands2:30

Get ready to celebrate all things Gaelic! Gaelic is at the heart of our islands, from the food we eat to the clothe we wear and all that surrounds us...

Weave your own story in the Outer Hebrides1:37

The idyllic island chain of the Outer Hebrides offers a rich tapestry of experiences unlike any other place on earth.

Challenge Sophie Outer Hebrides video — The Ultimate Outer Hebrides Adventure Road Trip2:48

Magical days filled with sun up to sun down adventure on the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Castles, wild camping, stunning beaches, sea-kayaking with dolphins, adrenalin pumping adventure and the most breathtaking views.

Scotland's Gaelic Islands - Ancestry and Kinship2:24

Watch as Calum Maclean meets local historian Malcolm Maclean to learn about his family’s history in Uig and why ancestry and kinship are so important in Gaelic culture.

Scotland's Gaelic Islands - Crofting and Weaving4:00

Crofting and Harris Tweed are so much more than a piece of land or handwoven textile, they are a story of the Outer Hebrides, our people and their ancestry. Hear from crofter Domhnall Macsween from Air An Lot and weaver Annie Mackay from Crotal Harris Tweed.

Scotland's Gaelic Islands - Heroes and History2:35

As well as following in the footsteps of Norse and Gaelic rulers, clan chiefs and crofting heroes of the past, you’ll also meet many modern day heroes on the islands.

Scotland's Gaelic Islands - Food and Drink3:00

Hear from islanders, Kate MacDonald and Jonny Ingledew at North Uist Distillery who have opened North Uist’s first legal distillery and Iain MacRury from Charlie’s Bistro and Salar Smokehouse who discusses the quality of fish and seafood on the islands.

Map of Lewis and Harris

Self-catering on the Isle of Benbecula

Accommodation on Lewis and Harris

Find your perfect accommodation on Lewis and Harris, with a variety of hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, camping and more right across the Outer Hebridean island.

Lewis and Harris Travel Information

Getting here

Daily car ferries operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) run from Ullapool on the mainland to Stornoway, the main town of Lewis and Harris. If you want to fly, the island's airport lies just a few miles from the town centre, with regular flights with Loganair arriving and departing from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Benbecula. The port of Tarbert on Harris is linked to Uig on the Isle of Skye by daily ferries.

Travel to Lewis and Harris by ferry

Travel to Lewis and Harris by plane

Sail to Lewis and Harris by boat

Check out Loganair Fly Safe simple steps to healthy flying and safer travel with Calmac.

Getting around

The roads of Lewis and Harris are generally quiet and many of them are single track, with plenty of passing places. The local council provides a good bus service between Mondays and Saturday, connecting Stornoway with many of the island's other settlements.

Travel tip: Communities in Lewis and Harris follow a strong religious observance on Sundays, meaning that most shops and businesses are closed on that day.

Travel around Lewis and Harris by bus

Find more travel information for the Outer Hebrides

Get to know Lewis and Harris

You can find out more about where to visit in Lewis and Harris, how to get around and plan the perfect break.

Find out more at Outer Hebrides

Lewis and Harris