Lewis

Lewis is characterised by peat bogs in the north, hills, lochs and sandy beaches on its west coast.  It is the largest and most populated of the islands with Stornoway (the administrative and commercial centre of the Western Isles) in the north-east, being the largest settlement.  Apart from its natural harbour, it is not an attractive town and has only a few visitor attractions: the Museum nan Eilean which provides the history of the Western Isles; An Lanntair Arts Centre; the Lewis Loom Centre; the 19th century Lews Castle with a woodland centre; and the ruins of the 14th century St. Columba's Church.  There are, however, boat wildlife trips around Lewis and Harris, and there is a four-day music festival Hebridean Celtic Festival in Stornoway in July. 

Places to visit in the north of the island include the lighthouse and the 12th century St. Moluag's Church at the Butt of Lewis and the Ness Heritage Centre at Tabost.  There are blackhouses and museums at Arnol and Gearrannan, and substantial remains of a 2000 year-old dry stone broch with visitor centre at Carloway (Carlabagh).  The Callanish (Calanais) Standing Stones have a magnificent setting at Loch Roag - an almost complete circle with a cross of 40 small stones within it - the exhibition in the visitor centre provides interesting background information.

The island of Great Bernera (linked to the mainland by a causeway) is well worth a visit to the beach at Bosta, the Bernera Museum and to view an excavated Iron Age village.  There are fantastic sandy beaches at Miavig and Mealista with boat trips to the Flannan Isles to view the seals, puffins and ruins of a 7th century chapel. There are beautiful sandy beaches and a heritage centre at Uig.

Information
There is a tourist office in Cromwell Street in Stornoway.

The hotels in the area include: Royal Hotel, Seaforth Hotel and Cabarfeidh Hotel (all in Stornoway); and the Doune Braes Hotel near Carlabagh.

The restaurants in the area include: Stornoway - Thai café, Park Guest House restaurant, HS-1 Café-Bar and Stornoway Balti House; Taigh an Chocair Restaurant in Gearrannan; Tigh Mealros in Garrynahine; and Bonaventure at Aird Uig.