Lews Castle

Self-catering accommodation · Na h-Eileanan an Iar ·

Lews Castle

Self-catering accommodation · Na h-Eileanan an Iar ·

Restored castle with museum, cafe, whisky bar, and grounds

Information

Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway HS2 0XP, United Kingdom Get directions

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"Lews Castle If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a castle, this may be the place for you. Perched on a hill overlooking Stornoway’s inner harbor, this Gothic Revival palace is the former home of Sir James Matheson, who owned the entire Isle of Lewis in the 19th century. Over the years, Lews Castle has housed everyone from nobility and World War II hospital patients to college students and schoolchildren. Today, the upper floors are a warren of palatial, self-catering apartments where guests can sleep like royalty amid the turrets and towers. In addition to sweeping water views, rooms feature modern decor, spacious bathrooms, and authentic details like Harris tweed and Hebridean prints. On the ground floor, guests will find all manner of Victorian details, including a central hallway with star-filled ceilings. There’s also a gracefully restored ballroom, a tranquil family room, a café with handcrafted island dishes, and a whisky bar featuring single malts and occasional live music by local songstress Miss Irenie Rose. For those hoping to explore the Outer Hebrides, Lews Castle is perfectly positioned near everything from Luskentyre Sands to the Callanish Standing Stones."

The Essential Guide to the Hebrides

Photo courtesy of Natural Retreats

Lews Castle

@silverkris

9,761 Postcards · 2,256 Cities

This island in Scotland inspired designer Vivienne Westwood - SilverKris

"A historic castle in the island's main town that is being repurposed to house new museum galleries; future displays will include the return of several pieces from the famous Viking-era Lewis Chessmen, bringing local heritage back into a prominent, restored setting." - SilverKris

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/nature-adventure/which-island-in-scotland-inspired-vivienne-westwood/

Lews Castle

Nick P.

Google

Truly a wonderful experience. Service was outstanding, friendly staff always present as required. The location is excellent with a scenic woodland walk into town for dinner and centrally located on Lewis for hiking and exploring. The building itself and the rooms were beautifully done (we stayed in the sunlight room). A luxurious bath with some whiskey tasters we brought along was certainly a highlight. The attached museum is also very informative for anyone wanting to learn about the island’s history or emigration history from the region. The ladies there were incredibly knowledgeable and keen to help with any questions we had. Our thanks to all the staff and museum employees for a lovely stay!

David C.

Google

Stayed here for two nights on Stornaway. A little separated from the rest of town it is connected by a short but lovely walk through the grounds. The rooms are spacious and well furnished. Breakfast is not included but there is a cafe on the ground floor open most days. Parking is plentiful. The castle itself is beautiful inside and out. It's lit up nicely at night making a good beacon to walk home from one of the many good restaurants nearby. It also doubles as an event, including weddings, and the rooms used are gorgeous.

Bridget S.

Google

We walked to the Lews Castle from Stornoway and spent longer there than we had intended walking around the vast gardens. The Castle was setting up for a wedding so we had a quick look inside. It looked very nice with huge rooms. The grounds are extensive and really well maintained for their size. Highly recommend visiting.

Kim

Google

A lovely castle and grounds. The attached museum is a fantastic place. At the time of our visit six of the Lewis Chessmen were on display. The cafe is also lovely. We had lovely soup served by young, friendly people.

Leon R.

Google

A beautiful bit of architecture situated in a fascinatingly beautiful non-native area. There's a cafe inside, though I can't attest to its food. I was slightly dissapointed by the interior of the Castle itself (which this review is for) since its all converted over to a venue. Its still nice to look at though!

Tim B.

Google

Really nice castle with the ground floor open for tours. Upper floors are private residences. Interesting museum on site with a history of the island and culture. Small gift shop and café with coffee and light snacks.

Colin I.

Google

Engaging exhibition on life in the Hebrides that is in enjoyable chunks. The all-around scenery room is great and the stories of people who lived and left interesting. Did not see the castle as there was a wedding. Nice cafe and no charge for the museum. Good activity before catching the ferry.

T H

Google

Beautiful place to visit however , no access to the second floor of the castle unless you pay to spend the night there in the castle .