If you were one of the 5.2 million people who watched 2019 Call the Midwife Christmas Special, you will know the cast visited our very special part of the world - specifically Harris & Lewis.

You may be wondering if the locations were real or created in the studio.  Good news! Most of the sites used were genuine locations that you can add to your itinerary for your next trip to The Outer Hebrides and spend some time in the footsteps of your favourite east-London midwives.

Callanish Standing Stones

This late-Neolithic arrangement of standing stones, made from ancient Lewisian Gneiss – among the oldest rocks on the planet - is thought to have been erected around 5000 years ago.

Now, you are unlikely to find a majestic white stag roaming the land, but much mystery surrounds the stones original purpose.  One legend claims they are fossilised giants who refused to convert to Christianity.  In this awe-inspiring setting, you may just have a spiritual epiphany like Mother Mildred and Sister Monica Joan.

See more on Callanish Standing Stones

St Clement’s Church

Named St Faelan’s on the show, St Clements at the Southern tip of Harris was built around 1520 but fell into disuse and was restored in the nineteenth century, including some hidden stonework - look out for the broken heart or the flower in the wall.
Although over-night accommodation is only for fictional characters, you can still get married in this atmospheric medieval building.

See more on St Clement's Church

Eilean Glas Lighthouse, Isle of Scalpay

The Isle of Scalpay on the east coast of Harris (today connected by bridge so no rowing boats required) is a traditional fishing community and home to some of our most delicious seafood.

The very first lighthouse in the Hebrides (and the fourth oldest in Scotland), Eilean Glas Lighthouse has been protecting sailors since 1789.

The rugged walk to the lighthouse at the island’s eastern tip offers, space to clear your mind and good-for-the-soul views across to the mainland of Wester Ross.

See more on Scalpay Lighthouse

Gearrannan Black House Village

The residents of the these traditional blackhouses on Lewis’s west coast moved to more modern accommodation in the early 1970’s, which means you can now spend the night here and relax by a peat fire and wake to the sound of the crashing Atlantic Ocean, like Aunt Mina and Effie.

See more on Gearrannan Black House Village

Luskentyre Beach

Now, if you’ve not yet heard of Luskentyre Beach, “Outer Hebrides” is likely to be completely new to you too.

This beach is often the poster-child for our islands and the crystal-clear waters look so tropical that it was included in an advertising campaign for one of the Caribbean islands by mistake! 

The Turners sat on this beach, located on the West Coast of Harris, while contemplating moving to the Outer Hebrides - a conversation that will be much too familiar with those who have also sat on those white-sands.

See more on Luskentyre

Now the accents weren’t always convincing, and some of the religious references have caused much debate but what is unquestionable is that these islands stir powerful emotions in people - whether you are born here, make your life here or simply visit whenever you can. 

Stephen McGann who plays Dr Turner described the Outer Hebrides as “Stunningly beautiful. They can make you think about where your life is going and who you are and what you might want your life to be”.