Outer Hebrides

Travel Guide
Outer Hebrides
Journey into the ancient past, venture across wild landscapes and discover island cultures when you travel to this Scottish archipelago.

Embark on outdoor adventures, discover native wildlife and explore thousands of years of history in the Outer Hebrides. This island chain is also known as the Western Isles and sits off the west coast of Scotland. It enthralls with its rugged beauty, monuments, museums and ancient past.

More than 100 islands make up the archipelago although only a handful are inhabited. Each one has its own character and charm. Head to ​the western side of the island of Lewis to discover some of the island chain's history and heritage. Visit the Callanish Stones, a prehistoric formation that dates back more than 5,000 years. Learn about the Iron Age inhabitants of the island at Dun Carloway Broch, a well-preserved ancient fortification. Make your way over to the other side of Lewis to explore its capital, Stornoway.

From here travel south by road to the Isle of Harris, part of the same land mass as Lewis. Hike along signposted trails in the north and browse traditional Harris tweed clothing outlets in the south. Take a guided tour of the Isle of Harris Distillery, makers of gin and single malt whisky. Enjoy a "wee dram", a convivial glass to stir the spirits.

If you are looking for wildlife go on the Bird of Prey Trail. This self-guided route links 13 viewing locations covering the length of the archipelago from Lewis in the north to the Isle of Barra in the south. There are interpretation signs at each location and among the birds you may see are golden eagles, merlins and short-eared owls.

The Outer Hebrides is easy to get to by plane or ferry. There are no direct international flights, but planes depart from five U.K. airports including Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Alternatively, travel by sea from the Scottish mainland on the Western Isles ferry service. Get around to the many scenic and historical attractions by car or public transportation. Some of the islands are connected by causeways and bridges. Those that aren’t can be reached by inter-island ferries.

Caladh Inn
Caladh Inn
3 out of 5
11 James Street, Isle Lewis, Stornoway, Scotland
The price is €135 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
€135
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Stornoway. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (200 reviews)
Happy to return
"Very nice comfortable stay. Room was clean and food good."

Reviewed on 16 Nov 2023

Caladh Inn
The Royal Hotel
The Royal Hotel
3 out of 5
Cromwell Street, Stornoway, Scotland
The price is €170 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
€170
per night
12 Apr - 13 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Stornoway. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (184 reviews)
Fabulous!
"Fabulous, friendly, comfy! Great location, lovely room, wonderful staff, amazing food. Fantastic overall value!"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

The Royal Hotel
Cosy Hebridean Cottage overlooking the Atlantic on the west coast of North Uist
Cosy Hebridean Cottage overlooking the Atlantic on the west coast of North Uist
Isle of North Uist, Outer Hebrides
Stay at this cottage in Isle of North Uist. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Traigh nam Faoghailean and Balranald RSPB Reserve ...
10/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
Aimi
"Loved kettle cottage, exactly what was needed cozy and out of the way. Will be back!"

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2024

Cosy Hebridean Cottage overlooking the Atlantic on the west coast of North Uist
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cosy Hebridean Cottage overlooking the Atlantic on the west coast of North Uist
Cosy Hebridean Cottage overlooking the Atlantic on the west coast of North Uist
Isle of North Uist, Outer Hebrides
Stay at this cottage in Isle of North Uist. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Traigh nam Faoghailean and Balranald RSPB Reserve ...
10/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
Aimi
"Loved kettle cottage, exactly what was needed cozy and out of the way. Will be back!"

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2024

Cosy Hebridean Cottage overlooking the Atlantic on the west coast of North Uist
Cosy and newly-renovated house very close to the centre of Stornoway
Cosy and newly-renovated house very close to the centre of Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
Stay at this vacation home in Stornoway. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Museum Nan Eilean and The Good Food Boutique are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Very Accommodating Host
"Our travel plans changed at the last minute, but our host kindly went out of their way to provide us with first class accommodation. Thank you."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Cosy and newly-renovated house very close to the centre of Stornoway
Welcome to Airidh an Dobhrain - our secluded cottage by the lochside
Welcome to Airidh an Dobhrain - our secluded cottage by the lochside
Isle of Benbecula
Stay at this cottage in Benbecula. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Mol Mòr and Our Lady of the Isles are located nearby. Discover ...
10/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"Nice cottage, nicely decorated, nice pictures, furniture, lovely floorboards, good shower, heating, multi-fuel burner. Quiet but good access to North and South Uist. Weather I as bad most days I was on Uist so it was good to be able to get back to a warm cottage, shower and woodburner. Binoculars ..."

Reviewed on 28 Dec 2023

Welcome to Airidh an Dobhrain - our secluded cottage by the lochside
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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