| Check out our free interactive The Hebrides holiday guide and discover The Hebrides's biggest attractions, best restaurants and much more. If you've visited The Hebrides before tell us your holiday tips and help other travellers enjoy great holidays in The Hebrides, United Kingdom. |
| Free The Hebrides Holiday Guide |
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| THE HEBRIDES LOCAL HISTORY |
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| The islands are home to the renowned Harris Tweed fabric, still made by hand on the crofts and of course malt whisky. With a history dating back thousands of years, the islands are full of archaeological sites of enormous interest. |
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The capital of the Islands, Stornoway on Lewis has Lews Castle, a 19th-century structure built by Sir James Matheson and famous for its exquisite gardens; The Museum nan Eilean, on Francis Street which exhibits island life and history - Ph 703773 and the Town Hall on South Beach which is home to the An Lanntair Art Gallery which also stages various music events - Ph 703307.
Or, take a boat trip to the awesome island of Staffa and the cathedral-like Fingal's cave, which inspired Mendelssohn or visit the Museum of Islay in Port Charlotte with its 8th–century Kildaton Celtic Cross, castle ruins and over 250 species of birds.
There’s also the island of Mull’s Torosay Castle with its exquisite garden and statue walk as well as art gallery, gold and silversmiths and traditional weaving to watch – Ph 812526 and Duart Castle – built in the 13th century and then home of the MacLean clan – Ph 812309.
Tourist information centres are in Oban, Craignure and Tobermory (Mull), Bowmore (Islay), and Mallaig. |
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| Legendary Scottish meals include shortbread and haggis (a delicious mix of lungs, heart and liver mixed with oatmeal and boiled in a sheep's stomach) with surprisingly tasty results. |
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Sunsets Restaurant - in Francis Street, Isle of Lewis in Stornoway specialises in fresh fish and shellfish and has a superior dinner menu and Digby Chick Restaurant in Bank Street is an award winning family run restaurant which caters for everyone.
Bonaventure in Aird - Isle of Lewis, Uig offers an eclectic selection of international and Scottish fare. Try their broccoli and stilton soup, crepe of finest haggis on sweet chilli sauce or their breast of barbary duck with light fragrant curry sauce. |
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Isle of Mull’s lively Aulay's Bar - in Main Street, Tobermory - it’s filled with character and serves fabulous bar lunches or an absolute must is the Mishnish (a ferry crossing away) with its harbour side setting and live traditional music.
The Isle of Coll bar - in the Portland Arms Hotel overlooks Loch Eathama and its fishing boats off-loading the catch of the day. A warm welcome and divine, fresh local cuisine awaits you at this little island hotel.
The Lorne Bar - in Stevenson Street, offering live entertainment, a beer garden and delicious local cuisine.
The Stein Inn Pub - MacLeods Terrace, Stein, Waternish on the Isle of Sky is extremely popular and affordable. All meals are freshly prepared and there’s a great choice including freshly caught Loch Dunvegan Prawn Tails and award-winning Black Pudding with Drambuie Sauce. |
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| The Hebrides are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean with beaches providing the most consistent surf in Europe. Over 100 islands are home to over 72 pristine, white beaches. |
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Crarae Garden, Inveraray, Argyll (Ph 01852 200366) contains one of the best collections of the genus Rhododendron in Scotland, unusually rich in cultivars, as well as part of the National Collection of Nothofagus.
Benmore Botanic Garden, Dunoon, Argyll, is famous for its collection of trees and shrubs. This sensational garden offers something of interest all year round. |
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From Celtic designs, hand-made chess pieces using local beach stones to pottery, art and hand made knitwear – there is something special for everyone.
In Tobermory you won’t find the dreaded tartan disease rampant in the other tourist shops. Pop in to Mull Pottery - Ph 302057 and the Tobermory Chocolate Company - Ph. 302526 or on the Isle of Mull you can saviour their award winning traditionally made cheese and check out their glass barn – Ph 302235. |
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Skye Serpentarium Reptile World Wildlife Park at the Old Mill, Harrapool, Broadford, Isle of Skye is an award winning and unique exhibition and breeding centre for snakes, lizards, frogs and tortoises.
Mallaig Marine World at the Harbour, Mallaig, Inverness-shire is a marine aquarium featuring sea life from the Scottish West Coast.
Wings Over Mull, Birds of Prey and Conservation Centre, Auchnacroish House, Torosay, Craignure, Isle of Mull, Argyll is a conservation centre and home to over 40 hawks, falcons, eagles, owls etc and there are daily flying displays. |
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