Things to do on the Isle of Harris

The Isle of Harris is a beautiful place full of things to do. Some fun activities you can enjoy include exploring the stunning beaches, taking a boat ride around the stunning coastline, visiting the iconic Harris Tweed mills, exploring the beautiful landscapes, hiking or biking the stunning trails, birdwatching, visiting the local museums and galleries, or relaxing in one of the many cafes and restaurants. For those looking for something more active, there are plenty of watersports activities available, such as kayaking and fishing. No matter what you choose to do, you’re sure to have a great time on the Isle of Harris.

Top places to visit on the Isle of Harris

The Isle of Harris is a beautiful, serene place that is full of wonderful sights to explore. Here are some of the top places to visit on the Isle of Harris:

Beaches:

There are a number of stunning beaches within an easy drive, including Luskentyre, Scarista, Horgabost, Seilebost, Borve and Nisabost Beaches. These stunning beaches have miles of white sand and turquoise waters and are the perfect places to walk or for a relaxing beach day.

Personal favourites

Isle of Harris Brewery & Kitchen at Leverburgh Pier. Small batch brewer. Every beer is brewed, bottled and labelled on site; there’s a restaurant, deli and shop. Overlooking the stunning Sound of Harris – great for sunsets and watching the fishing boats come in with the days catch. See https://www.isleofharrisbrewery.com.

Joceline Hildrey Artist is at Talla Na Mara, we are lucky to have some of Joceline’s beautiful artworks on the walls of Seashell Cottage. We would highly recommend a visit! See https://www.jocelinehildrey.co.uk.

taobh tuath tweed in Northton. Born and raised in Harris, Rebecca Hutton is an independent weaver designing and making fabric in her loom shed in Northton just as generations before her have done. The cushions and other tweed in Seashell Cottage are from Becca. A font of all things Hebridean. See https://taobhtuathtweeds.com.

Hand Made with Love on the Isle of Harris by Goldie McDougal beautiful hand-made gifts, jewelry, hats, door stops, wreaths, Harris tweed gifts and more. The Hamish door-stops in Seashell Cottage are made by Goldie. See https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063765783457.

Finsbay Gallery a small contemporary Art Gallery; pictures for collectors and first time buyers alike, some of the artwork in Seashell is from Val’s gallery by a selection of fine artists. See http://www.finsbaygallery.co.uk.

Seallam! Centre Northton, Harris. Seallam! is the premier Visitor Centre on Harris and provides exhibition facilities to suit all degrees of interest, with a main static exhibition for the first-time visitor and changing displays for the many return visitors, also visiting exhibitions at times through the year. Fantastic Genealogy, books, history, exhibitions which give a rich and fascinating insight into the real Hebrides. See https://www.hebridespeople.com/visitor-centre/.

Galleries:

Talla Na Mara: is a brand new Community Enterprise Centre overlooking the golden sands of Niseaboist Beach on the Isle of Harris. Talla na Mara is Gaelic for the “Centre by the sea” and is owned and managed by the West Harris Trust on behalf of the local community. See https://www.tallanamara.co.uk.

Skoon Art Cafe: Located in Geocrab, Skoon Gallery exclusively exhibits and sells original oil paintings by resident artist Andrew John Craig. See http://www.skoon.com.

Holmasaig Gallery: Margarita Williams is a Hebridean artist, and graduate of Glasgow School of Art. She works in watercolour inspired by the unique lanscape, sea, and wild flowers of Harris, Lewis and St Kilda. See www.holmasaiggallery.com.

Blue Pig Studio: Jane Harlington, Artist and Printmaker is located in Carloway, Isle of Lewis. See https://www.bluepigstudio.co.uk.

The Mission House: in Finsbay, Harris. A converted stone church in the Bays of Harris, it is the home and studio of Photographer Beka and Ceramist Nickolai Globe. All works on display in the studio are produced in-house. See https://www.themissionhouse.co.uk.

Restaurants & Cafe’s:

Scarista House located in Scarista and open to non-residents for breakfast, lunch and evening meals. Scarista House won the Good Hotel Guide 2023 Editor’s Choice Award for the best seaside hotel. See https://scaristahouse.com.

Croft36 in Northton and is one of our favourites. Wood-fired oven pizza, fresh local seafood, paella, fabulous baking, hot soup and lots more. We would suggest you try them out as they are a hard-working local family producing all their own food; even growing it, they also offer courses in basketry. See https://croft36northton.wixsite.com/home.

North Harbour Bistro in Scalpay. Wonderful five star chef, George Lavery, is another must. He specialises in seafood and local produce. See https://www.facebook.com/NorthHarbourBistro.

Historical Sights:

The Standing Stones of Callanish: These ancient stones are situated outside Callanish on the Isle of Lewis and pre-date Stonehenge.

The Carloway Broch: This Iron Age fort is one of the best preserved in Scotland.

St. Clement’s Church: Rodel, Harris. According to Dean Donald Munro in his 1549 work about the Western Isles,^[1] the church was built for the Chiefs of the MacLeods of Harris, who lived in Dunvegan Castle in Skye, probably from about 1520.

Activities

Seatrek offers sightseeing and wildlife boat trips around the stunning Uig coast, Isle of Lewis and Outer Hebrides. See http://www.seatrek.co.uk.

Kilda Cruises based out of Leverburgh Pier. Kilda Cruises pioneered the first day trip service to St Kilda, World Heritage Site, in 2005. Over the years taking thousands of people to this remote and fascinating part of the world. Based on the beautiful Isle of Harris, it is the ideal jump off point for the adventure of a lifetime. Local tip: take sunscreen! See https://www.kildacruises.co.uk.

Scaladale Centre wedged between the mountains and the sea, The Scaladale Centre is a hostel and outdoor centre, owned by the Lewis and Harris Youth Club Association. Whatever your age or ability, they tailor a mini adventure, activity session, day, or holiday, for you or your group or family. See https://www.scaladale-centre.co.uk.

The Hebridean Way From Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis, The Hebridean Way is a truly iconic island experience. Spanning nearly 200 miles across 10 breathtaking islands, the route boasts rugged hills and dazzling Atlantic coastline, with plenty of pit stops to rest, refuel, restock and repair along the way. You’ll be immersed in the stunning scenery, wildlife and heritage unique to this ancient archipelago, and also discover a culture very different to mainland Scotland. See https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/hebrideanway.

We hope this helps you plan your excursions when visiting us on the Isle of Harris.