Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides is the only place to experience a unique and diverse chain of inter-connected Scottish islands on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors who seek peace and tranquillity or active adventure will discover Gaelic culture, vibrant activities, local food and drink, music, art and crafts all set in an outstanding environment. Our islands have space to feed your soul!
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The Isle of Lewis and Harris is technically 1 landmass but divided into 2 'islands', Lewis to the north and Harris to the south, with a range of hills that separates them. Harris is famed for Harris Tweed, Luskentyre beach and Ben Fogle’s reality TV show Castaway. Lewis is famed for the discovery of the Lewis Chessmen on Uig Sands, Viking settlements, the Standing Stones of Callanish and an abundance of well-kept secret beaches.
It is the largest Island in Scotland with an intriguing history and a proud Gaelic culture. You can enjoy and discover both 'islands' from Broad Bay House.
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We have history with mystery - intriguing stones and ancient cultures.
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We have an epic landscape - beaches, machair, peat, moor, hills and lochs.
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We have amazing wildlife - seals, eagles, puffins, otters, whales, dolphins and an array of bird-life.
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We have the Atlantic larder - seafood, smokehouses and distilleries.
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We have traditional and contemporary crafts - Harris tweed, potteries and galleries.
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Your bucket list could include:
Callanish Stones - Scotland's best preserved stone circle which is the jewel in the crown at the heart of a vast network of Neolithic-era sites throughout the islands.
St Kilda - Listed by the United Nations for both culture and natural heritage, St Kilda or Hiort, 40 miles out into the Atlantic and uninhabited since 1930 is one of only 30 dual-listed world heritage sites anywhere in the world.
Machair - Low-lying fertile meadows above the beaches this unique habitat becomes a kaleidoscope of colour in the summer as the wild flowers come into bloom.
Beaches - Over 40 stunning white-sand beaches running the length of the Outer Hebrides. Often ranked among the best beaches in the world, let alone the country.
Bird-Life - Home to 10 breeding bird of prey species including golden and white-tailed eagles. Some of the best breeding grounds for migratory birds in Europe. One of the few places where you can still hear the call of the corncrake and with major puffin colonies on the offshore islands.
Sea-Life - The pristine waters of the Outer Hebrides bring a rich and diverse array of marine wildlife including whales, dolphins, basking sharks and seals.
Music and Festivals - Celtic cultures tinged with contemporary influences. The Hebridean Celtic festival in July is a multi-award winning international music festival.
Harris Tweed - Famous the world over, every yard of Harris Tweed is woven by hand in the home of an islander, made from pure virgin wool.
Hebridean Way - 10 islands, 6 causeways and two ferries, the 156 mile walking and 185 mile cycle route offer unexpected experiences passing through spectacular landscapes.
Boat Trip - take a rib to see the wildlife and discover the islands from a different prospective.
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Broad Bay House is situated in a small working crofting community in a beach-side location about 7 miles north of Stornoway on the east coast of the Isle of Lewis, providing easy access to the airport and ferry terminal. We enjoy a stunning coastal location with direct access to the beach some 60 feet away and views across the Minch to the mountains on the Scottish mainland. We are perfectly located in the middle of the island and are therefore an ideal base for exploring both Lewis and Harris.
We are very experienced in helping guests with travel arrangements, so please feel free to call to discuss your requirements. Additionally of you would like us to help you book a boat trip, local restaurant, distillery tour or advise on sightseeing, the best beaches, walks and where to see our wildlife, do get in touch.
To plan your visit we highly recommend the visitouterhebrides.co.uk website.