Hidden Lewis Treasures

1. Cornwall 

Sitting at the top of the list is Cornwall, one of the most beautiful places in the country, rural and coastal settings a plenty and a friendly atmosphere. Cornwall forms a peninsula with wild moorlands and many sandy beaches. The south coast of Cornwall is dubbed the Cornish riviera due to the climate and picturesque landscapes. Cornwall has a host of picturesque villages and seaside resorts

2. Standish 

A small yet humble town in the borough of Wigan has made it onto our list due to the small population, low pollution and lack of traffic jams. The village has a population of less than 14,000 people making it a perfect place to settle.

3.The Lake District 

One of the most beautiful places in the UK, it was always going to make it onto the list. A favourite for nationals and tourists the lake district is a region of Cumbria in the northwest of England. With a low pollution level and beautiful market towns such as Keswick, Kendal, Ambleside and Derwentwater. The lake district is a wonderful place to visit and live.

4. Wales

Wales made it on to the list due to the low levels of pollution and traffic free roads (mostly). Wales is a well known part of southwest Great Britain. With rugged coastlines and famous mountains located there. The celtic culture and welsh language is a draw for tourism.

5. Scottish Highlands

Home to famous loch Ness and many other famous attractions  the Scottish Highland is a wonderful place to move to and relax, benefit from rural locations and lower house prices you can pick up a lot of real estate for a lower cost.

As you can tell the most relaxing places to live in the UK appear to be more rural locations, this goes to show that city life really does have an impact on our health and ability to de-stress. Not everyone will be able to move to the locations or may not even want to but a short visit to a rural location is proven to reduce stress and help relax. If you live in a busy area it can be a great way to relax with a rural weekend away.

An Lanntair Arts Centre

In the centre of Stornoway, An Lanntair is the place to come for food and refreshments throughout your stay. Come in through the glass doors on the corner of Kenneth St and Francis St and you will find entertainment, arts, refreshment and friendly faces. Go up the stairs (or take the lift) to the café bar and restaurant with lovely views over the harbour.

There are a number of different seating areas where you can relax, eat and drink. In the café bar there is comfortable seating and local art on the walls, here you can enjoy some of the best coffee and home-baking in town. Then there is the bright airy 50 seat restaurant on the first floor looking out to sea. Or sit, chat, relax and pick up a magazine to read in the round room, a more private and cosy seating area.

The menu ranges from simple salads to prime cuts of Highland meats and local shellfish. Wherever possible the menu uses local produce and features interesting Scottish and international fare. All food is prepared fresh in our kitchens and there is a light daytime menu with daily specials in the evening.

Refreshments are available from 10am right through to closing time at 11pm. Last orders in the restaurant are at 9.30pm and the café bar will have usual bar hours and, on occasion, a late license. Please call us on 01851 703 307 if you have any queries or need special assistance.

Make An Lanntair your base in the islands, a place to relax, to plan, and to experience island culture and hospitality.

Find us in the centre of Stornoway on Kenneth Street – look out for the lantern shaped tower.

Morven Gallery Cafe and Restaurant

Morven Gallery stands on the edge of the Atlantic at Upper Barvas in a stone byre and coach house which houses oil and watercolour paintings, photographs, textiles and a gift shop. Browse at leisure over coffee and reflect on the many ways artists have celebrated Lewis light, landscape and life. Take time to reinforce your experience of being in Lewis.

Seatrek Boat trips

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Private beaches and basking sharks
There is no better way to discover Uig’s hidden treasures than from the sea. Our offshore islands with their private beaches and lagoons, ancient ruins and spectacular scenery can only be fully appreciated when accessed and explored by boat. Arrange a boat tour to get close to marine wildlife, from slumbering seals to basking sharks and porpoises.
Two hour trips leave from Miaveg, Uig, Lewis.

Out and About Tours

Cultural, wildlife and walking tours which explore the beautiful scenery.
If you are travelling to the Islands as an independant traveller and enjoy walking or sightseeing, you should consider one of our tours as part of your visit.
Lewis and Harris is the third largest island in the British Isles and there is lots to see. If you are planning to spend a fairly short time on the island our experience and expertise can help you to get the best value out of your visit.
Cultural, wildlife and walking tours which explore the beautiful scenery.
If you are travelling to the Islands as an independant traveller and enjoy walking or sightseeing, you should consider one of our tours as part of your visit.
Lewis and Harris is the third largest island in the British Isles and there is lots to see. If you are planning to spend a fairly short time on the island our experience and expertise can help you to get the best value out of your visit.

The pace of an ‘Out And About Tour’ is relaxed and our itineraries offer you many opportunities to explore the islands in depth and learn about the history, archaeology, wildlife and culture of the Outer Hebrides in the company of a knowledgable guide who lives on the island of Lewis.
A number of short and medium distance walks can be included in each tour, and for them a moderate level of physical fitness is required. Many of our walks make use of the existing footpaths and trails around the islands and a good many of them lead to sites of historical or archaeological interest.
The cost of a full day customised guided tour or guided walk on Lewis is £135, and on Harris is £155.
Please note these prices are inclusive of transport and the services of your guide and are not dependent on the size of group.

Canoe Hebrides

Sea Kayaking, Outdoor Activities and Bike Hire
Kayaking and outdoor activities for all abilities. Book now for an unforgettable Hebridean adventure.

The Blue Pig Art Studio

View a selection of original paintings, cards, and silk scarves, or explore your creativity and book a short course or informal session covering any of the following themes:

• Paper making
• Textiles
• Watercolours
• Printmaking
• Silk painting

Sessions from 2hrs – day

A visit to Galson Farm combines a harmonious blend of historic house and setting, stunning coastal views, luxury modern en-suite bedrooms, elegant guest lounges, comfortable dining room, providing a calm and peaceful base from which to explore the amazing variety and beauty in the area. Welcoming high quality farmhouse cooking prepared fresh daily using produce from our walled garden and croft, or sourced locally, are served in a congenial atmosphere at the end of the day. We feed mind, body and soul. Licensed and non-smoking.

Our small but cosy bunkhouse is ideal for young families and single travellers alike, and provides a welcome haven at the end of a full days walking, cycling, surfing, birdwatching, or just discovering our unique part of lewis, Our croft covers over 40 acres and is home to a Horse, Donkies, Texel and Blackface Sheep, and a band of rather naughty Belted Galloway cattle. The arrival of two heifers, born september 2005, who are currently undergoing training in the ways of a breed, that are both intrigueing and intelligent, means that herd expansion is underway. Our latest arrival made his appearance in early july, 2006.

Our conservation area based around the water meadows of the South Galson River is quietly rewarding our gentle hand of assistance, with many new species in evidence. The installation of footpaths throughout the croft provides access to to the river and links North and South Galson together once again. In early January 2007, the house played host to the formal signing and handover of the Galson Estate to the community, bringing years of land struggle to an end by completing the circle. “At the edge of the Atlantic, and the beginning of land, Footprints will bear testament of your passing, for but a short while”.

The 5 star Broad Bay House opened in May 2007, and has rapidly developed a reputation for being one of the finest places to stay in the Hebrides.

It is the first 5 star hotel or guest house anywhere in the Outer Hebrides, and has also been awarded two coveted Eat Scotland “Silver” awards for the food, which is based on the freshest local fish, meat and game.

The location itself is worth the 5 star rating, just a few miles north of Stornoway, and adjacent to a sweeping sandy beach with direct access from the house to the shore. On a clear day, the Scottish highlands can be seen across the Minch.

Inside there a four spacious luxury en-suite bedrooms, including one for the less mobile visitor (category 1 accessible). . All bedrooms are equipped with home cinema system, Samsung flat screen TV and a dock for your iPod. Outside each bedroom is a personal decking area. The house is furnished in solid oak, with a restful contemporary decor and a great collection of local original artwork.

Other free guest facilities include wireless internet access, guest laundry, guest library (with PC/printer, local maps and books and a good CD/DVD collection), bikes for loan, Micro Gym and collection from air or ferry port.

The house is fully licensed, and has a wide ranging and interesting wine and malt whisky list.