Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lews Castle
The Baronial mansion across the harbour from Stornoway town centre was built in the
1840s for the Matheson family, then owners of Lewis. The beautiful wooded grounds,
criss-crossed with walking trails, are open to the public and host the Hebridean Celtic
Festival (
Click here
)
.
The castle was gifted to the community by Lord Leverhulme in 1923 and was home to
the local college for 40 years, but has lain empty since 1997 (the college now occupies
modern buildings in the castle grounds); it is now slated for development as a museum
and hotel.
CASTLE
Lewis Loom Centre
(
01851-704500; 3 Bayhead; adult/child £1/50p; 9.30am-5.30pm Mon-Sat)
This
centre houses an exhibition on the history of Harris Tweed; the 40-minute guided tour
(£2.50 extra) includes spinning and weaving demonstrations.
EXHIBITION
Festivals
Hebridean Celtic Festival
(
www.hebceltfest.com
)
A four-day extravaganza of folk/rock/Celtic music held in the
second half of July.
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sleeping
Hal o' the Wynd££
(
01851-706073;
www.halothewynd.com
; 2 Newton St; s/d from £45/60)
Touches of
tartan and Harris Tweed lend a tradtional air to this welcoming B&B, conveniently located
directly opposite the ferry pier. Most rooms have views over the harbour to Lews Castle.
B&B
Braighe House££
(
01851-705287;
www.braighehouse.co.uk
; 20 Braighe Rd; s/d from £95/130; )
This
spacious and comfortable guest house, 3 miles east of the town centre on the A866, has
stylish, modern bedrooms and a great seafront location. Good bathrooms with powerful
showers, hearty breakfasts and hospitable owners round off the perfect package.
B&B
B&B
Park Guest House££
