Local Area Information

There are many things to do and see on the island. Here are a few suggestions.

Historical places of interest around the Island

Tiumpan Head Lighthouse (Famous for Whale watching, approx 4 miles away)

Arnish Point Lighthouse (A few miles away in Point)

Lews Castle & Museum (10 mins away in Stornoway)

The Blackhouse Arnol (30 mins drive away)

Shawbost Norse Iron Age Mill and Kiln (30 mins drive away)

St Columba's Ui Church (A few mins from the pod)

Uig Chessmen (Approx 1 hour away)

Uig Sands (Approx 1 hour away)

Whalebone Arch (Approx 45 mins away)

Callanish Stones (30 mins drive away)

Callanish Alpacas and Mollins Cafe (Near the stones)

Eoropie Dunes Playpark (40 min drive away)

Restaurants in Stornoway

Eleven @ The Caladh Inn (Scottish, International British)

Cleaver @ The Caberfaidh Hotel (Hebridean Seafood/Meat)

The Boatshed @ The Royal Hotel (International, Scottish)

HS-1 Café Bar at The Royal Hotel (International)

Harbour Kitchen (Seafood)

The Fank (Local Seafood and craft beer)

The Crown Hotel (British, Wraps, Pizza, Burgers)

Blake's Bar & Kitchen (International Cuisine)

Golden Ocean (Chinese)

Bangla Spice (Indian)

Thai (Thai)

Bridge Centre Cafe (Chinese, Pizza, Burgers)

La Balena (Italian)

Island Star (Chinese)

Thai (Thai)

Instanbul Restaurant & Tapas (Curries, Burgers, Kebabs, Pizza)

Fusion Takeaway (Chinese, Thai)

Kopi Java Cafe (Coffee, Tea, Cakes, Toasties)

The New Lewis Pub (Hebredean/Scottish produce)

New Lobster (Coffee Shop)

Artizan (Cafe)

Cameron's Chip Shop (Fish & Chips)

Pubs/Bars in Stornoway

McNeills

The County Hotel

Star Inn

The Criterion

Edge O'The World Brewery

Caladh Inn

Crown Hotel

The New Lewis

McNeills

Otter Spotting

Our islands are one of the best places in Europe to spot the European Otter (Lutra Lutra) as Otters in the Outer Hebrides are common and can be found in many of the islands’ coastal locations.

Male Otters in the Western Isles will range over a fairly large territory that will be home to several females and will include a source of fresh water.

Hebridean Otters spend much of their time in the sea and sea lochs where the find most of their food (fish and crustaceans). However in order to keep their coat in good condition it is vital for them to be able to wash the salt out on a regular basis. To do this they must have fresh water within their territory.

Western Isles Otters can be seen at all times of the year, but the females give birth to the kits in May and therefore spend most of their time in the den or holt during this month. An incoming tide is one of the best times to spot Otters in the Outer Hebrides as they tend to be much more active when the incoming waters rouse the crabs that form a large part of their diet.

During the winter, when it has been cold and there is ice on the lochs, can be a good time for Otter spotting in the Western Isles as you may hear the plop as they dive under the ice. At other times of the year they are more likely to be seen in the early morning or at dusk, but in quiet locations where there is less human activity, you may see Outer Hebrides Otters at any time of day.

Some of the best places to see Otters on the Isle of Lewis are the South Lochs and Uig and Bernera Districts, while good places for Otter spotting on the Isle of Harris include the Southeast and Bays District of Harris.

During the summer months the RSPB organise Western Isles Otter Walks in the Uists and these visit locations that are particularly popular with those who want to see Otter in the Outer Hebrides.

Boat Trips

Seatrek https://www.seatrek.co.uk/

Stornoway Seafari https://www.stornowayseafari.com/

Golfing

Stornoway Golf Club http://www.stornowaygolfclub.co.uk/

Uig Lodge Golf Course https://www.uiglodge.co.uk//

The Isle of Harris Golf Course http://www.harrisgolf.com/

Fishing

Hebrides Fish n' Trips http://www.hebridesfishntrips.co.uk/

South Uist Fishing http://www.southuistfishing.com/

Fishing tackle & equipment available to buy or hire from Underground, Francis Street, Stornoway.

Walking Tours - Guided or Self Guided