Sights & Sounds - oldmissionhouselewis

So Much To See And Do

Lewis and Harris have a rich history to explore, from the Callanish Stones to it's amazing wildlife and bustling town of Stornoway

BOOK NOW

Great Days Out

The Isle of Lewis offers a rich blend of history, culture and natural beauty that makes it a wonderful destination for visitors staying in a holiday house. One of the highlights is the ancient Callanish Standing Stones, a dramatic stone circle that predates Stonehenge and is steeped in legend. History lovers will also enjoy the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, where restored traditional crofting houses provide a glimpse into island life in the past. For something more modern, the Lewis Chessmen housed in the Museum nan Eilean give insight into the island’s ties to Norse culture. Stornoway, the island’s main town, offers plenty of charm too, with Lews Castle, lovely harbour walks and welcoming cafés serving local produce and seafood.

Nature enthusiasts are equally spoiled for choice. The island boasts vast stretches of unspoiled coastline, with highlights including the dramatic cliffs at Mangersta including the beautiful sea stacks. The Old Mission House is the perfect location to discover the multitude of white sand beaches in the Uig area, with the vast expanse of sand at Adroil recently being voted amongst the world’s top 50 beaches! Birdwatchers and walkers can explore the wild moorlands and lochs, while those looking for a slower pace can simply enjoy sunsets that stretch across big skies from the comfort of the house. Lewis also has a lively cultural scene, with music, festivals and traditional Gaelic heritage still very much alive.

Just to the south, the Isle of Harris beckons with its own treasures -most famously the world-renowned Luskentyre Beach, where turquoise waters meet dazzling white sands. Its rugged hills also provide excellent opportunities for hiking, making Harris a perfect day trip to complement a stay on Lewis.

GREAT DAYS OUT

Really Wild

Lewis and Harris is a haven for wildlife lovers, offering a rare chance to see some of Scotland’s most iconic species in their natural habitat. On land, red deer roam the moorlands, and otters can often be spotted along quiet shorelines and lochs, especially at dawn or dusk. Birdlife is abundant too - golden eagles soar over the hills, while corncrakes, curlews, and lapwings nest in the machair during the spring and summer months, filling the air with their distinctive calls.

The surrounding seas are rich with marine life. Keep an eye out for seals lounging on rocks or bobbing in the surf, and from the shore or on boat trips, you might spot dolphins, porpoises, and even the occasional minke whale. In the summer, puffins can be seen on nearby islands, along with gannets and razorbills diving dramatically into the water. Whether you're a keen naturalist or just enjoying a quiet walk, the wildlife of Lewis and Harris adds a truly special dimension to any stay on the island.