The Hebrides
The Hebrides
The Hebrides, a vast archipelago off the west coast of mainland Scotland, is a captivating destination for any sightseer. Comprising the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the region is home to an array of islands that each possess their own distinct charm and attractions, from the whisky of Islay to the windswept grasslands of Lewis.
Geographically, the Hebrides lie in the North Atlantic Ocean where they’re divided into the Inner Hebrides, closer to the mainland, and the Outer Hebrides which lie further west. The Inner Hebrides include Skye (Scotland’s single largest island), Mull, Islay, and Jura, among others, while the Outer Hebrides consist of a chain of islands stretching over 130 miles that includes Lewis and Harris at its northernmost point, moving south to North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, and Barra.
The landscape of the Hebrides is a mesmerising blend of remote mountain peaks, rolling peatlands, flower-covered machair (a rare coastal grassland), and pristine white sand beaches that contrast dramatically with the azure waters of the Atlantic, especially in the Outer Hebrides which boasts beaches like Luskentyre – frequently voted one of the world’s most scenic places.
Many of the Hebrides’ towns and villages are steeped in history and tradition. Portree, the largest town on Skye, boasts a picturesque harbour that’s equally used by fishing and tour boats while Tobermory on Mull, with its colourful waterfront buildings, is famed for its boutique shops and fresh seafood.
Stornoway, by far the largest town in the entire Hebrides, offers a blend of Gaelic culture and history as well as a pretty harbour and attractions like Lews Castle. It’s the home of Stornoway black pudding – an award-winning savoury sausage that can be used in a variety of dishes.
When it comes to tourist attractions, the Hebrides doesn’t disappoint. On Skye, the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and the Fairy Pools offer breathtaking hikes, while the historic Dunvegan Castle provides a glimpse into the island’s past.
On Islay, whisky enthusiasts can taste some of Scotland’s finest spirits on a number of tasting tours before heading to beautiful locations like the Oa peninsula, the 5-mile Strand beach, and the gobsmacking Loch Gruinart (visit when the tide’s out for the best views).
Meanwhile, the Outer Hebrides are home to the prehistoric Callanish Standing Stones on Lewis, mile after mile of golden beaches on South Uist, and unique places like Traigh Mhor on Barra, which is the world’s only beach airfield.
The Hebrides also boast a wealth of cultural attractions including traditional music festivals, crofting museums, and opportunities to learn about Gaelic language and culture. The islands are also renowned for their local produce with seafood, lamb, venison, and, of course, whisky, being highlights.
Subcategories
-
Pairc Peninsula Visitor Guide
The Pairc peninsula – also known as the Parish of Lochs – is situated on the southeast corner of the Isle of Lewis between Loch Eireasort and Loch Shiphoirt. This vast and almost entirely uninhabited area covers over 68,000 acres of rolling hills and rugged coastline, pockmarked by countless freshwater lochs. Visitors to Pairc will…
-
Quinish Point Visitor Guide
The walk to Quinish Point on the Isle of Mull starts at the village of Dervaig on the northern tip of the island and passes through woodland, rolling fields, and a dramatic coastline. Discover this beautiful part of Mull in this complete guide, which includes an overview and a 360° virtual tour.
-
Reuval Visitor Guide
The 124-metre summit of Reuval is the highest point on the Outer-Hebridean island of Benbecula. Though the walk up the hill is short it’s undeniably one of the highlights of a visit to this remarkable isle as the top offers gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding sea, beaches, and mountains.
-
Scarinish Visitor Guide
The Isle of Tiree, located on the west coast of Scotland, is a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its pristine beaches, unspoiled landscapes, and charming villages, Tiree is a paradise for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a peaceful getaway. One of the most picturesque villages on the island is Scarinish,…
-
Sligachan Visitor Guide
Sligachan is an area on the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The landscape at this location is breathtaking as it’s comprised of heather-covered moorland crisscrossed by a number of rivers, with the entire scene framed by the imposing Red and Black Cuillin mountains. Sligachan is a popular destination for photographers as…
-
The Best Scottish Islands to Visit in Summer
With the recent increase in staycations, many Britons are now flocking to Scotland’s west coast islands for their summer holidays. Many of these islands are pretty much untouched by tourists yet boast some of the country’s most spectacular scenery and its most abundant wildlife. In this article, you’ll find a selection of stunning Scottish islands…
-
The Best Things to do on the Isle of Mull for Couples
The second-largest island in the Inner Hebrides – the Isle of Mull – is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its wide range of attractions that include dramatic mountains, lush forests, historic buildings, golden beaches and stunning coastlines. Discover the top attractions for couples on the Isle of Mull with this guide…
-
The Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye for Families
The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s biggest tourism success stories, attracting over 600,000 visitors annually to the dramatic landscapes this west coast island is famed for. In this article, you’ll discover a collection of the best family attractions on the Isle of Skye along with a few suggestions for less-visited places. In addition,…
-
The Marble Line Visitor Guide
The Marble Line is located a mile south of the village of Broadford in the southern half of the Isle of Skye. This long-abandoned railway line was used to transport marble from a quarry 2 miles further south, but it has now been converted into a footpath that allows visitors to explore the clearance villages…
-
The Old Man of Storr Visitor Guide
The Old Man of Storr is a rock outcrop on the Isle of Skye located in the Trotternish region, around 6 miles north of the island’s main town of Portree. The landmark sits at an elevation of 719 metres and it can be reached via gravel paths, rough tracks and a scramble over bare rock.…
-
The Quiraing Visitor Guide
The Quiraing is an absolutely essential destination for any visitor to the Isle of Skye as it offers one of the most picturesque walks in Scotland. The Quiraing is the remnant of an ancient landslide that has formed a breathtaking series of valleys, gorges and mountainous peaks on the northern tip of the island. Discover…
-
Tiree Beaches Visitor Guide
Tiree enjoys the highest number of sunshine hours in the UK, and the beaches are some of the cleanest and most secluded in Britain. The island’s coastline is 36 miles in total so there are lots of places to enjoy watersports, and there are also superb festivals to attend on some of the beaches including…
-
Tiree Music Festival Visitor Guide
The Tiree Music Festival (TMF) is a Scottish folk music event hosted annually on the Inner Hebridean island of Tiree. The TMF was founded by a member of the band Skerryvore and has gained a cult following since the first event was held in 2010. A variety of music styles are played across three days…
-
Tourist Advice for Visitors to the Isle of Islay
The Isle of Islay on Scotland’s west coast is one of the country’s premier tourist attractions. The island offers visitors a wonderful experience whether it’s wildlife watching, relaxing on a beach, hiking through the countryside or sampling whisky. Discover tips and advice for visiting the Isle of Islay with this article that explains how to…
-
Traigh Mhor Visitor Guide
Traigh Mhor on the Isle of Barra is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches. The pristine white sand of Traigh Mhor is flanked by long banks of flowering machair to the north, south, and west, while turquoise waters frame the scene to the east. This beach is also famous for being an airfield which can…
-
Uidh Peninsula Visitor Guide
Welcome to the serene, untouched beauty of the northeast peninsula of the Isle of Vatersay, where the grass is greener, the air is fresher, and the scenery is beyond compare. Vatersay, an enchanting island with a population of just over 90 people, is a place where time slows down and the hustle and bustle of…
Search for Things to Do in Scotland
Looking for something specific? Try a search.
Find things to do in Scotland by clicking each region on this map.
