Laura-Jayne's Guidebook
Food scene
Offers everyday pub food, it is very popular with locals of all ages, but mostly appeals to younger people. This is a 4 minute walk from the flat and is located in the Royal Hotel; turn left on exiting the flat and walk into the town.
20 locals recommend
HS-1 Cafe Bar
Cromwell StreetOffers everyday pub food, it is very popular with locals of all ages, but mostly appeals to younger people. This is a 4 minute walk from the flat and is located in the Royal Hotel; turn left on exiting the flat and walk into the town.
This is located within the same hotel as HS1 Café Bar, but is a more upmarket restaurant and offers local seafood and local meats. This is very popular with locals and offers a nice setting for a special occasion.
17 locals recommend
The Boatshed Restaurant
Cromwell StreetThis is located within the same hotel as HS1 Café Bar, but is a more upmarket restaurant and offers local seafood and local meats. This is very popular with locals and offers a nice setting for a special occasion.
This restaurant offers a buffet style meal, it is a more casual setting than the above options. Located on James Street and is a 10 minute walk from the flat.
18 locals recommend
Eleven Restaurant & Bar
11 James StThis restaurant offers a buffet style meal, it is a more casual setting than the above options. Located on James Street and is a 10 minute walk from the flat.
Solas, the restaurant in the Cabarfeidh Hotel, is within 10 minutes walking distance and is highly regarded with locals.
8 locals recommend
Cabarfeidh Hotel
Perceval Road SouthSolas, the restaurant in the Cabarfeidh Hotel, is within 10 minutes walking distance and is highly regarded with locals.
Cafe situated in the Lews Castle Grounds which serves coffees and lunches. Very popular with locals.
17 locals recommend
Woodlands Centre
Cafe situated in the Lews Castle Grounds which serves coffees and lunches. Very popular with locals.
Cafe, located on the edge of the Lews Castle Grounds and serves both coffees and lunches.
7 locals recommend
The Hub Cafe
Willowglen RoadCafe, located on the edge of the Lews Castle Grounds and serves both coffees and lunches.
Sightseeing
Voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The drive to Luskentyre provides breathtaking views, as will the beach itself. Never busy it is a must see.
42 locals recommend
Luskentyre Beach
Voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The drive to Luskentyre provides breathtaking views, as will the beach itself. Never busy it is a must see.
This beach is a 15 minute drive from Stornoway, it is a 2.5km long beach and provides spectacular views. Even if the carpark is full the beach will appear empty. Has a neighbouring beach - Garry beach.
21 locals recommend
Traigh Mhòr
This beach is a 15 minute drive from Stornoway, it is a 2.5km long beach and provides spectacular views. Even if the carpark is full the beach will appear empty. Has a neighbouring beach - Garry beach.
This beach is a 15 minute drive from Stornoway. It is smaller than Traigh Mhor but has plenty rockpools to explore and stacs to climb.
18 locals recommend
Garry Beach
This beach is a 15 minute drive from Stornoway. It is smaller than Traigh Mhor but has plenty rockpools to explore and stacs to climb.
Older than Stonehenge, this is worth a visit to see the amazing array and organising of standing stones. There is a visitors centre onsite which offers coffees and lunches.
81 locals recommend
Callanish Standing Stones
Older than Stonehenge, this is worth a visit to see the amazing array and organising of standing stones. There is a visitors centre onsite which offers coffees and lunches.
Visit the Blackhouse to see the way of life for Islanders, until as recently as the 1970s.
36 locals recommend
The Blackhouse, Arnol
Visit the Blackhouse to see the way of life for Islanders, until as recently as the 1970s.
Lews Castle was built in 1850 for Sir James Matheson and was subsequently gifted to the islanders in 1923 by Lord Leverhulme. The Castle Grounds surrounds the recently refurbished castle and is worth a visit.
55 locals recommend
Lews Castle
Lews Castle was built in 1850 for Sir James Matheson and was subsequently gifted to the islanders in 1923 by Lord Leverhulme. The Castle Grounds surrounds the recently refurbished castle and is worth a visit.
Huisinis (pronounced Hooshinish) Beach is beautiful!
It has a scenic drive to it, along which you will most likely spot Highland cows and you will also drive past Amhuinnsuidhe Castle.
The beach is popular with locals and tourists.
6 locals recommend
Huisinis
Huisinis (pronounced Hooshinish) Beach is beautiful!
It has a scenic drive to it, along which you will most likely spot Highland cows and you will also drive past Amhuinnsuidhe Castle.
The beach is popular with locals and tourists.
City advice
Customs and culture
Sundays
Please note that most shops are closed on the island on a Sunday, except Engebretsons petrol station.
There are several churches in the town of Stornoway and are welcoming to tourists.
Use Sundays to explore the beaches or the Lew's Castle Grounds, Sundays are very peaceful on the Island.