Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway HS2 0XP, United Kingdom
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Highlights
Nestled atop a hill overlooking Stornoway's harbor, this restored Victorian castle features charming self-catering apartments and inviting cafe delights.
Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway HS2 0XP, United Kingdom Get directions
"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."
Beautiful afternoon tea at the Castle, great service , you are even welcomed at the door.
We were treated to an extremely delicious spread 10 out of 10 thank you .
Neil MacLeod
Google
We didn't go into the castle on this occasion but walked the grounds with our dogs. Lovely even walking trails and all signposted. Throughout the grounds are informative notice boards recounting the history of the castle and its grounds. Also novelty gruffalo trail which both adults and children can enjoy. The wood carvings are fabulous. In all an extremely scenic walk of the castle grounds and gardens.
Alan Smith
Google
Lews Castle is a really interesting place to visit. The museum is really well laid out and enjoyable to walk around. The cafe is excellent and the staff are really friendly and very helpful. You can walk around the gardens and the ground floor of the "castle " ( it's more of a stately home than a castle) and discover the fascinating history of the place. There is no charge but they do ask for a donation to hell maintain the property and estate. Would recommend.
Donna Wright
Google
Large manor home in the style of a castle. First floor open to the public, including to rent for events. Fabulous view of Stornoway town and harbor. Gardens, also, that could use quite a bit of work.
Joan
Google
Well worth a visit! This castle is an easy walk from the town. The grounds are extensive and very interesting. Suitable for the whole family. The cafe inside the castle serves snacks.
C Hill
Google
Fantastic cafe and castle. Donation based fee for the castle and museum. Great gift shops too. I bought a Lewis chess set for L50.
Chris D'Alessandro
Google
The staff at Lews, rooms and amenities were all impeccable. The rooms are nice sized apartments with all the amenities, including full kitchen, dish washer and even washing machine. The grounds had trails throughout and we took nightly walks to enjoy the scenery. Every morning I stopped down at the cafe for an egg sandwich and a coffee, the waitstaff was always nice, accommodating and friendly. If you ever need a home base on the Isle of Lewis and Harris, Lews Castle is the perfect place.
Gareth Rees
Google
I was fortunate to visit on perhaps the hottest day of the year and Stornaway and Lews castle looked resplendent. I had a lovely walk to the castle and around the lovely grounds. There were some interesting architectural features inside but a little underwhelming. My brief interaction with staff was very positive. The principal negative was the eyesore attached to the castle hosting the museum. Many people deserve sacking for grossly detracting from an aesthetically pleasing castle. It is definitely worth the visit, especially if you get the wonderful weather I did. I also chatted to some locals during my extended walk and found them very welcoming. The port has built a deep water dock and I think this will be great for visitors and the local economy alike. I look forward to a return visit with one or both of my teenage children. Well done Stornaway and those involved in it's promotion as a heritage site worth visiting.