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Image: Baleshare beach in North Uist

  1. Home
  2. Places to go
  3. Islands
  4. Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides is a group of islands that sit off the west coast of Scotland, each with its own unique way of life. The Hebridean islands offer wild Atlantic waves, diverse wildlife and vibrant Gaelic culture. National Geographic has named the Outer Hebrides as one of the ‘Best of the World’ destinations for travellers in 2025. Add this region to your travel list and start planning your adventure today!

Get the latest updates on Scotland's ferries to plan your trip - spring and summer 2026 sailing information is now available and Scotland's islands are ready and open to visitors.

Great things to do in the Outer Hebrides

From spectacular coastal walks to wildlife tours, explore things to do in the Outer Hebrides.

Awesome activities in the Outer Hebrides

Enjoy adventure or relaxation in the Outer Hebrides.

Outstanding Hebridean wildlife

The Outer Hebrides offer plenty of experiences to get close to nature.

Why the Outer Hebrides is the Happiest Place in the UK

Delve into why people in the Outer Hebrides are amongst the happiest!

Slow down and unwind in the islands

Experience wellness in the Outer Hebrides.

St Kilda World Heritage Site

St Kilda is composed of five unique islands, Hirta, Dùn, Soay, Boreray and Levenish, alongside a number of towering sea stacks and islets.

Get involved in Gaelic culture

Discover the Gaelic language in the Outer Hebrides.

Top days out ideas

Experience the Northern lights or visit one of the stunning islands of St Kilda.

See the Northern lights

See this spectacular display in the Outer Hebrides, an elusive but unforgettable experience.

The Hebridean Way

Walk or cycle this epic trail which takes you from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis.

Museum nan Eilean Lionacleit

Museum nan Eilean Lionacleit is on the Isle of Benbecula, a sister museum of Museum nan Eilean, Stornoway.

Boat tours in the Outer Hebrides

Set sail around Scotland's beautiful islands.

39 Things to do on the Isle of Lewis

Check out travel blogger, My Voyage Scotland's, top recommendations on the best things to see and do around Lewis.

Hebrides People - find your family

Trace your family and find out more about your ancestry and history.

Passes & offers

Look for special offers, exclusive discounts, and unbeatable packages on last-minute accommodation in the Outer Hebrides.

Archaeology in the Outer Hebrides

Find out more about the islands through history. Discover Neolithic stone structures, medieval castles and even mummies!

Inspiring routes, trails & itineraries

Check out our ideas for curating your trip to the Outer Hebrides, including dramatic cycling routes and historical tours.

The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

Follow a route

From book trails to bird walks, it's amazing to be out & about in the Outer Hebrides.

  • Peter May Trail
  • Bonnie Prince Charlie trail
  • Bird of Prey Trail
  • Outer Hebrides Photography Trail

See what's on in the Outer Hebrides

Discover a jam-packed programme of events in the Outer Hebrides.

Barra Airport

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival across the islands, 20 – 27 June 2026 – Calling all wildlife enthusiasts! Dive into a week of adventure across the islands with boat trips, guided walks, wildlife talks, and hands-on experiences – from seabirds and seals to wild Hebridean landscapes at their best! 

Isle of Harris Half Marathon, 4 July 2026 – Run through some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. This popular Scottish road race winds past stunning west coast beaches, across rugged moorland, and finishes in the vibrant ferry port of Tarbert, with fun run options available for all abilities. 

Ceolas Summer School in South Uist, 5 – 10 July 2026 – Enjoy a buzzing week of cèilidhs, concerts and community events full of music, culture and Gaelic spirit. From world-class tutors to daily classes in song and dance, make lifetime memories in the Hebrides! 

Hebridean Celtic Festival in Stornoway, 15 – 18 July 2026 – Expect a vibrant celebration of Hebridean Celtic culture, with visitors travelling from across the globe. Enjoy renowned live music, traditional dancing, storytelling, and an electric festival atmosphere – not to be missed! 

Eilean Dorcha Festival in Benbecula, 24 – 25 July 2026 – Don’t miss this two-day, family-friendly festival – book your tickets and join the island celebration for live music, great food, and unforgettable Hebridean vibes! 

Barralive Music Festival, 31 July 2026 – A lively island celebration bursting with live music, local talent, and electric community spirit on the beautiful Isle of Barra – expect big tunes, dancing, and a vibrant Hebridean atmosphere! 

Hebridean Whisky Festival on Benbecula, 5 – 7 September 2026 – Set off on an island-hopping whisky adventure across the Hebrides with distillery tours, tastings, masterclasses, live music, ceilidhs, and local food – a celebration of Scotland’s whisky culture! 

Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival in Stornoway, 18 – 21 October 2026 – Four days of books, ideas, and conversation, as writers, poets, and thinkers from across Scotland and beyond gather for talks, readings, workshops, and inspiring literary events. 

Map of the Outer Hebrides

Explore Outer Hebrides

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How to travel to and around the Outer Hebrides

Getting to

Ferry

You can access the Outer Hebrides with a ferry from the mainland. Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operates ferries from Oban, Mallaig, Uig and Ullapool, on Scotland's west coast.

Visit the CalMac website

Travel to the Outer Hebrides by ferry

There are numerous marinas in the Outer Hebrides, so why not travel by sail-boat? 

Discover more about sailing in the Outer Hebrides

Flying

Travelling to the Outer Hebrides is all part of really experiencing the islands - you can choose to fly to Stornoway or Benbecula with Loganair.

Visit the Loganair website

Travel to the Outer Hebrides by plane

Getting around

Cycling

Why not explore the islands on a cycling holiday? Follow the Hebridean Way Cycling Route and pedal over 10 islands in the archipelago, passing some incredible attractions and scenery along the way.

Find bike hire in the Outer Hebrides

Bus and coach

Local bus services connect major villages, and there are plenty of great organised tours and taxi services that you can take advantage of. 

Travel around the Outer Hebrides by bus

New for 2026, travel around the Outer Hebrides by bus for just £2 for a single fare! This offer is open to locals and visitors alike, letting you discover more during your trip.

Find out more with Stagecoach

Ferry

Make saving on ferry journeys between islands and take advantage of HopScotch tickets issued by CalMac.

Travel around the Outer Hebrides using inter-island ferries

Driving

If you're planning to drive around the Outer Hebrides, make sure you're familiar with the rules for driving in the UK. 

Car hire in the Outer Hebrides

Taxis in the Outer Hebrides

Campervan/motorhome guide for the Outer Hebrides

View from the sky of the isle of Eriskay, with turquoise water and white sand beach, and a few houses scattered on the land.

Eriskay, Outer Hebrides

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Places to stay in the Outer Hebrides

Explore accommodation ideas for your trip to the Outer Hebrides. Choose hotels, self-catering or beachside campsites. Always book in advance during summer.

  • Accommodation on Lewis and Harris
  • Accommodation in Uist
  • Accommodation in Barra

Fresh Scottish seafood

Places to eat in the Outer Hebrides

Get a flavour of the islands with world-class seafood, Stornoway Black pudding and award-winning gin. 

  • Eat Drink Hebrides Trail
  • A Taste of The Outer Hebrides
Browse food & drink options
Berneray Causeway, Outer Hebrides

Berneray Causeway

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Find information on accessible trips

Enjoy island life in comfort with accessible trip ideas and accommodation.

  • Accessible places in the Outer Hebrides
  • Responsible tourism in the Outer Hebrides

Explore by area

The Outer Hebrides are made up of over 70 islands, although only 15 are inhabited. 

Lewis & Harris

Discover Lewis and Harris, with holiday ideas, accommodation, travel information, maps and things to see and do.

Isle of Barra

Long famed for its beauty - boasting beaches, hills, machair and moor all in a small island.

North Uist

North Uist is a paradise for wildlife and beach lovers and lies between Harris and Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides.

South Uist

South Uist is a relatively large island lying between Barra and Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides.

Benbecula

The small island of Benbecula lies between North and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides.

Berneray

Berneray is home to a wide range of wildlife including seals, stunning white sandy beaches and extraordinary seascapes.

Eriskay

Eriskay is alive with the essence of the Outer Hebrides. In 1941 the S.S Politician sunk off its shore inspiring the story of Whisky Galore.

Grimsay

This peaceful island in the Outer Hebrides is renowned for the quality of the seafood caught off its shores, particularly its lobsters.

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