Things to do
A Beautiful Island Full of Things to Do
Some enjoyable activities to partake in include exploring the breathtaking beaches, embarking on a boat ride along the picturesque coastline, touring the iconic Harris Tweed mills, sampling Harris Gin at the distillery in Tarbert, admiring the beautiful landscapes, hiking in the numerous hills on Harris, or cycling the stunning trails. Birdwatching, visiting local museums and galleries, and unwinding in one of the local cafes and restaurants are also delightful options. For those seeking a more active experience, a variety of watersports activities are possible, such as kayaking and fishing. Regardless of your choice, you are certain to have a splendid time on the Isle of Harris.
The Isle of Lewis is connected to Harris making it accessible for day trips to explore further afield so this page also includes ideas and tips for things to do on Lewis as well as Harris.
Things to do on the Isle of Harris
Where to Buy Food on the Isle of Harris
Mini Markets are An Clachan in Leverburgh, where you can also buy diesel/petrol, AD Munro in Tarbert, or the Ardhasaig Filling Station north of Tarbert.
Places to Visit, Historical Sites and Activities
on the Isle of Harris
Beaches: There are a number of stunning beaches within an easy drive, including Luskentyre, Scarista, Horgabost, Seilebost, Borve and Nisabost Beaches. These stunning beaches have miles of white sand and turquoise waters and are the perfect places to walk or for a relaxing beach day.
St. Clement’s Church: Rodel, Harris. According to Dean Donald Munro in his 1549 work about the Western Isles,[1] the church was built for the Chiefs of the MacLeods of Harris, who lived in Dunvegan Castle in Skye, probably from about 1520.
Kilda Cruises based out of Leverburgh Pier. Kilda Cruises pioneered the first day trip service to St Kilda, World Heritage Site, in 2005. Over the years taking thousands of people to this remote and fascinating part of the world. Based on the beautiful Isle of Harris, it is the ideal jump off point for the adventure of a lifetime. Local tip: take sunscreen! See https://www.kildacruises.co.uk.
Isle of Harris SeaTours: From the award winning Kilda Cruises, Isle of Harris Sea Tours brings a fresh approach to full and half day cruises along the beautiful coastline of Harris. See https://www.isleofharrisseatours.co.uk
Galleries, Craft Shops and Small Businesses to visit
on the Isle of Harris:
Talla Na Mara: is a brand new Community Enterprise Centre overlooking the golden sands of Nisabost Beach. Talla na Mara is Gaelic for the “Centre by the sea” and is owned and managed by the West Harris Trust on behalf of the local community. They also have a great restaurant. See https://www.tallanamara.co.uk.
Joceline Hildrey Artist is at Talla Na Mara. See https://www.jocelinehildrey.co.uk.
Skoon Art Cafe: Located in Geocrab, Skoon Gallery exclusively exhibits and sells original oil paintings by resident artist Andrew John Craig. The gallery also has a rather lovely cafe serving hot drinks and freshly baked goods! See http://www.skoon.com.
If island spirits are your thing then the Isle of Harris Distillery is the perfect place to sample the renowned Isle of Harris gin and the recently launched whisky, the Hearach!
Holmasaig Gallery: Margarita Williams is a Hebridean artist, and graduate of Glasgow School of Art. She works in watercolour inspired by the unique landscape, sea, and wild flowers of Harris, Lewis and St Kilda. See www.holmasaiggallery.com.
taobh tuath tweed in Northton. Rebecca Hutton designs and makes fabrics in her loom shed in Northton. See https://taobhtuathtweeds.com.
Finsbay Gallery a small contemporary Art Gallery. See http://www.finsbaygallery.co.uk.
Seallam! Centre Northton, Harris. Seallam! is the premier Visitor Centre on Harris and provides exhibition facilities to suit all degrees of interest, with a main static exhibition for the first-time visitor and changing displays for the many return visitors, also visiting exhibitions at times through the year. Fantastic Genealogy, books, history, exhibitions which give a rich and fascinating insight into the real Hebrides. See https://www.hebridespeople.com/visitor-centre/.
The Mission House: in Finsbay, Harris. A converted stone church in the Bays of Harris, it is the home and studio of Photographer Beka and Ceramist Nickolai Globe. All works on display in the studio are produced in-house. See https://www.themissionhouse.co.uk.
Loomshed Hebridean Deli offers espresso coffee, traditional and herbal teas, sweet treats, freshly prepared sandwiches and hot lunch items with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. The Loomshed Deli also sell the best sausage rolls on the Island. With a large, dried goods and fresh produce section the deli also showcases a range of artisanal Scottish makers. See their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/loomsheddeli
Loomshed Hebridean Brewery has a tap room and is located at Unit 3 Iomairt an Obain, Urgha, Isle of Harris, Tarbert. See their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LoomshedBrewery
Places to Eat on the Isle of Harris
Isle of Harris Brewery is a small batch brewer which has now opened a bar and restaurant in Leverburgh (formerly the Anchorage restaurant), overlooking the harbour and Sound of Harris. See https://www.isleofharrisbrewery.com.
Scarista House located in Scarista and open to non-residents for breakfast, lunch and evening meals. Scarista House won the Good Hotel Guide 2023 Editor’s Choice Award for the best seaside hotel. See https://scaristahouse.com.
North Harbour Bistro in Scalpay. Wonderful five star chef, George Lavery, is another must. He specialises in seafood and local produce. See https://www.facebook.com/NorthHarbourBistro.
Talla Na Mara’s restaurant is part of the Community Enterprise Centre and overlooks Nisabost Beach.
Harris Hotel, Tarbert. This well-established hotel, is situated in Tarbert and offers traditional island hospitality, good food and a relaxing atmosphere. See http://harrishotel.com.
Croft36 is in Northton and is one of our favourites. Wood-fired oven pizza, fresh local seafood, paella, fabulous baking, hot soup and lots more. We would suggest you try them out as they are a hard-working local family producing all their own food; even growing it, they also offer courses in basketry. See https://croft36northton.wixsite.com/home.
You can buy hot meals and takeaway food from the fish and chip shop at Leverburgh Pier, or from the Butty Bus at the Horgabost campsite.
The Temple Cafe, Northton, is another stunning cafe located in Northton on the Isle of Harris. See their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheTempleCafe
Things to do on the Isle of Lewis
Where to buy food and essentials
on the Isle of Lewis
There is a Tesco and Co-op plus several great butchers and quayside seafood shops in Stornoway. Please note Stornoway is over 50 miles away and takes about 90 mins factoring in single track or windy roads, sheep and taking in the amazing landscape!
Places to Visit, Historical Sites and Activities
on the Isle of Lewis
As with Harris there are some wonderful beaches to visit, including Cliff Beach, Reef Beach and Uig Sands.
They are all quite a long drive from Harris, so it is worth planning what else you may want to do whilst in a particular area. For example, on the west coast there are the expansive Uig Sands, which is also where the Lewis Chessmen were found. A visit to the Uig Sands Restaurant, overlooking a massive sands there is recommended. Booking is advised.
The Standing Stones of Callanish: These ancient stones are situated outside Callanish on the Isle of Lewis and pre-date Stonehenge. There are a number of other standing stone circles in the Callanish area.
The Carloway Broch: This Iron Age fort is one of the best preserved in Scotland.
The colourful fishing port of Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles and capital of Lewis and Harris is a 90 minute drive away. Go seal spotting in the harbour, sample the local scallops or Stornoway black pudding, or visit the Outer Hebridean museum at Lews Castle and explore the trails within its grounds.
Seatrek offers sightseeing and wildlife boat trips around the stunning Uig coast, Isle of Lewis and Outer Hebrides. See http://www.seatrek.co.uk.
Galleries, Craft Shops and Small Businesses to visit
on the Isle of Lewis
Blue Pig Studio: Jane Harlington, Artist and Printmaker is located in Carloway, Isle of Lewis. See https://www.bluepigstudio.co.uk.
Wildlife and nature
Wildlife
Harris is home to variety of whilst life, white tail and golden eagles can be seen soaring overhead, deer roam the inner lands and hills, otters can be seen foraging along the coastline and seals can often be seen lazing out on the rocks. A walk to the eagle observatory on the way to Hushinish is well worth it.
Keep an eye out or marine life on the ferry over to Harris too – minke, humpback and fin whales are all summer visitors to the Minch and if you’re very lucky you may see orcas!
Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars with you!
Walking and cycling
There are many walks to do on Harris and Lewis, from coastal routes along the Machair past beautiful white beaches to more strenuous walks over the hills on Harris and Lewis, the stunning views are worth the effort! If you need a handy guidebook then we recommend this book of walks on Harris and Lewis https://www.cicerone.co.uk/walking-on-harris-and-lewis-2, but there are plenty of other guidebooks available.
Cycling The Hebridean Way from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis, The Hebridean Way is a truly iconic island experience. Spanning nearly 200 miles across 10 breathtaking islands, the route boasts rugged hills and dazzling Atlantic coastline, with plenty of pit stops to rest, refuel, restock and repair along the way. You’ll be immersed in the stunning scenery, wildlife and heritage unique to this ancient archipelago, and also discover a culture very different to mainland Scotland. See https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/hebrideanway.