Planning an Outer Hebrides trip? We have put together a list of our fabulous featured businesses that you should definitely check out whilst you are travelling around the islands.
From boat trips, to artisan craft makers, to cultural tours and outdoor adventure activities, there is lots to see and do in the Western Isles!
Artisan Craft Makers and Artists
It is no wonder there are so many artists and craft makers living in the Outer Hebrides – there is no end of inspiration! You will find hand sewn Harris Tweed pieces, island inspired jewellery, hand crafted pottery capturing texture from natural materials, local candlemaker, glassmakers and artists capturing our epic landscape.
- Dancing Flower Crafts, Isle of Lewis
- An Lanntair, Isle of Lewis
- Coll Pottery Craft Centre, Isle of Lewis
- Atlantic Lights, Isle of Lewis
- Islewear, Isle of Lewis
- Ardhasaig Glass, Isle of Harris
- Holmasaig Gallery, Isle of Harris
- Sollas Bookbinding, Isle of North Uist
- Shoreline Stoneware, Isle of North Uist
- MacGillivrary’s, Isle of Benbecula
- Hebridean Jewellery, Isle of South Uist
- Buth Bharraigh, Isle of Barra
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Outdoor Adventure
We have the great outdoors waiting to be explored and these folks will help you find out more about our crofting life, our wildlife, experience exhilarating activities or get on horseback:
- Alpacan Croft Tours, Isle of Lewis
- Seatrek Boat Trips, Isle of Lewis
- Scaladale Activity Centre, Isle of Lewis
- Bespoke Bikes, Isle of Lewis
- Bernera Bikes, Isle of Lewis
- Kilda Cruises, Isle of Harris
- Sea Harris Boat Trips, Isle of Harris
- Ardvourlie Woodland nature centre, Isle of Harris
- Uist Community Horse Riding School, Isle of Benbecula
- Uist Sea Tours, Isle of South Uist
- Long Island Retreats Croft Tours, Isle of South Uist
- Hebridean Sea Tours, Isle of Barra
- Mingulay Boat Trips, Isle of Barra
- Barra Surf and Coastal Adventure, Isle of Barra
Guided Tours/Holidays
There is much to be gained taking a guided tour or holiday. Tour guides can make the experience more suited to your needs and there is nothing quite like some local intel to make your holiday special! Check out these guides:
- Heb360 Tours, Isle of Lewis
- Out and About Tours, Isle of Lewis
- Dave’s Archaeological Tours, Isle of Lewis
- Western Isles Tour Guide Association, Isle of Lewis
- Igot2travel, Isle of North Uist
- Skinny Tyres
- Walk Wild Scotland
Learn Gaelic
Gaelic is the first language of the Outer Hebrides. Today the islands are the main stronghold of this lyrical language in Scotland, and one of the few places you’ll hear it spoken as you travel around.
You can learn Gaelic with Love Gàidhlig in North Uist and there is an amazing summer school in South Uist each summer where you can learn to step dance, music and lots more at Ceolas.
Relaxation
If you are looking to sit back, relax and indulge in some time for yourself, the luxurious Hebridean Spa, Isle of Lewis is the place for you
Visitor Centres and Museums
Museums and visitor centres capture the distinctiveness of the Outer Hebrides, shaped by a unique combination of land, sea and people. And with a series of local museums up and down the islands you can delve into our islands past (and present) to learn about our islands culture, heritage and lifestyle. Check out these places:
- Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, Isle of Lewis
- Calanais Visitor Centre, Isle of Lewis
- Gearannan Blackhouse Village, Isle of Lewis
- Isle of Harris Distillery, Isle of Harris
- Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Art Centre, Isle of North Uist
Once you’ve done all this you’ll be wanting some food and drink. Browse our amazing food and drink ebook which celebrates our local produce and places! Check out: Harbour Kitchen, Eleven, Cleaver, HS-1 and Boatshed all in Stornoway.
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Create memories that will last a lifetime. Step off the beaten track and immerse yourself in island life. Meet the locals, hear tales of yesteryear, learn a little Gaelic, get up close with our animals and sample our island produce.
Inspired by the Atlantic coastline, Shoreline Stoneware draws inspiration from its unique Hebridean environment. Beautiful hand-crafted pieces, capture the essence of the Hebrides, reflecting the connection between the land and light of Uist.
Dancing Flower Crafts designs and handmakes one off, unique Harris Tweed® gifts and accessories. Inspired by the colours, sights, sounds, life, wildlife and environment of the magical Outer Hebrides. Each design is unique and I’m happy to design something special just for you.
A working craft centre featuring a blacksmith, glass, ceramics and jewellery. Here you can browse our galleries, watch us work from our viewing area and have refreshments in our tearoom. Classes and workshops available in glass and ceramics. We have ample car parking space for cars and coaches and disabled access.
Let your Hebridean Adventure begin with Seatrek, based in Uig on the Isle of Lewis, providing unforgettable day trips to some of our most remote islands such as North Rona and the Flannans, or take a boat trip round the stunning coastline.
Our St.Kilda day trip is our main trip and one we specialise in. Running from Leverburgh in the Isle of Harris the trip offers the shortest crossing to this spectacular duel World Heritage site. We also offer many other charter trips from the Isle of Harris to many other accessible Islands.
We run sightseeing trips along the east and west coast of Uist, along with trips to Mingulay, Monach Isles and St Kilda. Other island destinations available on request.
Mingulay Boat Trips in Castlebay on the Isle of Barra will take you to the uninhabited islands to the south of Barra
Skinny Tyres provide unrivalled and expert support for your road cycling adventure in the Outer Hebrides. Our fully customised vans & expert team of guides means you can be confident that we will provide you with an amazing cycling holiday.
Learn the Gaelic language with us and enrich your Gaelic conversation skills while visiting the Hebridean island communities. From immersion courses to one-off local lessons, let us give you a sense of belonging to the Gaelic world. We do not have an office/shop you can visit as we work from home.
Get pampered in luxurious surroundings and enjoy some much-needed relaxation time with Hebridean Spa.
Menus at Cleaver change regularly to reflect the seasons and ingredient availability with fish options changing daily depending on catches. Feast on exquisite Leurbost Mussels, succulent Hebridean langoustines and scallops alongside hearty Scottish braised blade of beef and pan-fried duck breast.
Eleven Restaurant, nestled within the Caladh Inn in Stornoway, offers a delightful dining experience that has become a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, the restaurant is a place where guests can enjoy an array of delicious options, all served with a friendly smile.
No visit to Stornoway is complete without dining at the Boatshed Restaurant, located within the historic Royal Hotel. This esteemed restaurant offers meticulously curated lunch and dinner menus that celebrate the best of locally sourced produce. Guests can indulge in fresh, locally caught shellfish and seafood from the pristine waters of the Hebrides, as well as savour the finest Scottish beef and the award winning Stornoway black pudding. Every dish at the Boatshed is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region, showcasing the unique flavours and ingredients that define Hebridean cuisine.
If you’re looking for a relaxed and casual dining experience, then look no further than HS1. Located in the heart of Stornoway town centre, HS1 offers stunning views across Stornoway Marina towards Lews Castle and its picturesque grounds. This prime location makes HS1 the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring everything the islands have to offer. The café style atmosphere, combined with friendly customer service, ensures that you will feel right at home from the moment you step inside.
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