39 Best Things to Do in Barra
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Looking for the best things to do in Barra? Then you have come to the right place.
With so many amazing things to do on Barra it is difficult to decide how to spend the time you have on this beautiful island. After several visits to the Outer Hebrides I have put together this guide to help you plan the perfect itinerary for your holiday.
This post covers the key attractions, the most scenic walks and the best daytrips to other islands. Make sure you do a mix of all these things.
Barra is a small island which can be explored over a couple of days. If you are renting a cottage for a week then plan to see at least one different island during this time.
For anyone doing a day trip to Barra, this list of things to see and do on Barra will help you plan your day.
Things to Do in Barra
1. See a Plane Land on Traigh Mhor
One of the most unique things to do on Barra is to see a plane land on a tidal beach.
At low tide Traigh Mhor is Barra’s airport. The quickest way of getting to Barra is on one of the twin otter planes from Glasgow. Flight times change every day to ensure they operate during low tide. Check the latest schedule in advance.
There is a large car park at the airport which is the most popular location to watch the planes land. It gets very busy.
For a quieter plane spotting experience walk past the airport keeping the terminal building on your right.
On the right, after the terminal building, a small track leads down towards the beach. Stand by the fence to watch the planes land.
You are not allowed on the sand when the runway is in use.
2. Kisimul Castle
Kisimul castle is situated on an island in the middle of Castlebay. Barra only has one castle and unfortunately, due to construction works, it is not possible to go inside at the moment.
However, boats taking you right up to the castle walls are still running. From land, the best views of the castle are from the ferry dock or on walk number 33 described below.
The castle was built in the mid-16th Century. It was the strong hold of the MacNeils until they were forced to sell due to heavy debts in 1838.
Prior to the MacNeils repurchasing the castle in 1937 it fell into disrepair. Some of its stones were used for ballast on boats and others even ended up as paving stones in Glasgow.
Today nobody lives at the castle. It has been leased to Historic Scotland for 1,000 years in return for a payment of £1 plus a bottle of whisky a year.
Inside the castle is a small courtyard, a feasting hall, a chapel and a watchman’s house.
3. Explore a Beach
In the Outer Hebrides exploring beaches is one of the top things to do. Barra might be a small island but it still manages to pack in some fantastic beaches.
The top beaches are all worth seeing but the ones not to miss are:
- Traigh Mhor
- Eoligarry Beach
- Traigh Eais
To plan a visit to Barra’s amazing beaches read my Barra beach guide
4. Taste Gin at the Barra Gin Distillery
Isle of Barra Distillers are based on the outskirts of Castlebay. Currently they only produce Isle of Barra Gin but soon Barra whisky will also be available.
The distillery was established in 2016 by a couple who wanted to move back home to Barra.
It is not easy to find work in the Outer Hebrides so they created their own.
To make the gin reflect the island surroundings it includes 17 specially selected botanicals. The key botanical is hand-harvested Carrageen seaweed.
This seaweed can only be sourced a couple of times a year when there is an extra low tide.
Just outline of Castlebay they have a small shop where you can taste and purchase their award-winning gin. Tours of the facilities are not available.
5. Drive the Ring Road
The A888 loops around Barra. It is one of the most picturesque drives in the Outer Hebrides with stunning views out to sea and of the beaches.
Part of what makes it special is the contrast between the two sides of the island. The eastern side is rocky whilst the western side is full of white sandy beaches and machair.
Make sure you stop along the way to explore the beaches and the little coves. The prettiest stretch of road is in the direction from Allasdale towards Castlebay.
Two viewpoints not to miss are:
- By Traigh Hamara is a layby with views out over the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. It is easy to stop and park. To help you find it the what3words for the location is sounding.sprinting.coached. You cannot get down to the beach from here. The beach is accessed from the village.
- From the parking area where you start the walk to the Our Lady of The Sea statue you get panoramic views out over Castlebay. The view is not as good as from the statue itself so make sure you read about the most scenic walks on Barra below.
6. Photograph One of the Two Red Phone Boxes on the Island
There are two red phone boxes in remote locations on Barra. They look out of place but make for great photos.
One is on the eastern side and the other on the western side of the island:
- On the eastern side the phone box is off the A888. With the sea in the background and sheep often lying around it, this is the more scenic of the two. The phone box is at the what3words location of squabbles.topic.adding.
- On the western side of the island the phone box is on the way to Cleat beach. It is next to a cattle grid and a couple of houses. The exact location on what3words is wasps.episode.fuse.
7. Have Coffee at a Community Café
Many village halls in the Outer Hebrides double as cafes during the day.
They support the local communities so make sure you visit at least one on your trip to Barra. Things to do when it rains are few and far between on Barra so save this for one of those days.
One such café is Garadh A Bhagh A Thuath right next to Saint Barr’s catholic church in North Bay.
They serve delicious coffee and cakes and fresh vegetables are available from the polytunnel next door.
Opening times are 9.30-2pm Monday to Friday. The café is closed at the weekend.
8. Brevig Standing Stone
There are a couple of standing stones on Barra but this is the tallest at 3 metres (10 feet). It is worth the stop more because of the location than the stone itself.
It is on the eastern side of the island and there are views out over Brevig village and the sea.
For the most impressive standing stone in the area you need to travel to South Uist and visit the An Carra standing stone.
Neither Brevig nor An Carra measure up to the 5,000-year-old Calanis stones which is one of the top things to see on Lewis. However, it is too far to travel to Lewis in a single day.
However, the Calanais stones are so impressive that it is worth adding a couple of days at the beginning or end of your holiday to explore Lewis’ beaches and top sites.
9. Watch Sunset From a Beach
Since many of the beaches face west there are plenty of options for sunset. Pick a beach that is close to where you are staying.
Remember that in the early summer months sunset can be very late given how far north you are.
10. Kayaking or Paddle Boarding
Many of the beaches have the crystal clear turquoise waters you often associate with the Outer Hebrides.
There is no better way to experience this than in a kayak or on a paddle board.
Barra Surf Adventures offers half day or full day tours as well as gear rental.
For multiday tours for experience paddlers contact Clear Water Paddling who provide bespoke tours.
11. Wildlife Boat Trips
One of the most interesting activities on Barra is a wildlife cruise. The waters and skies around Barra are filled with wildlife from seabirds and golden and sea eagles to basking sharks, whales, seals and dolphins.
Don’t have too high hopes when it comes to seeing the more rare varieties such as golden eagles, whales and dolphins. They are difficult to spot.
To book a boat trip contact the tourist information at Buth Bharraigh or join a day trip to Mingulay, Barra Head or St Kilda.
To see whether you think a day trip to Mingulay is worth it read my Mingualy Guide
12. Look for Seals From Land
Seals regularly bask on the rocks off the coast by Ardmhor ferry terminal.
When getting the ferry to Eriskay you sail right past these rocks.
Seals are more difficult to see from land but locals living in the area report that on some nights the seals can be so noisy they have to close the windows to be able to sleep!
13. Look for Otters
One of the most difficult things to see on Barra are otters. There are several places where you might see them but keep in mind that they are notoriously hard to spot.
Reading posts online it is easy to get the impression that just by coming here you will see otters – that is not the case. Even after having been to the Outer Hebrides numerous times I have only seen a single otter.
Otters frequent the east coast, which is rocky, rather than on the sandy beaches.
Seeing one is mainly about luck but dawn and a few hours after low tide is when you have the highest chance.
People have even reported sightings in busier areas like Castlebay and by the ferry port in Ardmhor.
14. See the Machair
From May to July much of the Outer Hebrides have large wildflower meadows called machair. They can normally be found close to beaches so the west coast is the place to find them. On the east coast there are no beaches.
At the right time of year Allasdale has large meadows with colourful machair.
15. Eat Cake at Ardmhor Cafe
One café that deserves a special mention is Ardmhor café because of their delicious cakes. It is inside the ferry terminal. Outside is a nice deck with tables and views out to sea.
16. Have Afternoon Tea at Isle of Barra Beach Hotel
The Isle of Barra Beach Hotel sometimes serves afternoon tea in their café area upstairs. However it seems a bit random in terms of when this area is open to customers.
Despite being on a cliff looking out to sea and over Tangasdale beach the hotel is surprisingly dark inside. This also goes for the bar area where they might try to get you to sit.
When the upstairs area is open the views make this a worthwhile stop for a snack. If you are directed downstairs then I would recommend giving it a miss.
17. Dun Bharpa
A dun is a medieval fort. However, despite the name, this is not a fort but a cairn.
A cairn is a mound of rocks which were placed for a reason – it is just that the reason is often not known. A short walk from the parking at Craigston takes you to the cairn.
Ruins of old duns are all over Scotland. The closest well-preserved example is Dun an Sticer on North Uist.
18. Surfing or Windsurfing
Most of the beaches face west and towards the Atlantic Ocean which means that large waves often roll in.
Traigh Eais on the northern end of the island is popular for surfing. Sheltered bays such as Traigh Mhor on the north-eastern side are better suited for wind surfing.
Before going windsurfing remember to look up the tide times since at low tide there is no water in the bay. At this time Traigh Mhor becomes the runway for the island’s airport.
19. Have a Curry
A curry house might not be what you expect on a small Scottish island.
Most other restaurants have a strong focus on seafood which is why Café Kisimul makes for a nice change.
It is a popular restaurant and gets booked out most nights. Make sure you reserve a table for dinner in advance.
20. Rent a Bike
Barra is a small island and the A888 ring road is only 21 km (13 miles) long.
Having said that, it is more hilly than you think so don’t underestimate what it takes to cycle around the island.
Another destination close by is island of Vatersay. From Castlebay to Traigh a Bhaigh it is 26km (18 miles) return.
An ebike or hybrid bike is a good way to reach most of the things to do on this on this list. Barra Bike Hire has both ebikes and hybrids as well as “standard” bikes.
21. Visit Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church
Located high on the hill the church looks out over Kisimul Castle and the bay. Castlebay isn’t the prettiest village but the bay is.
The church is always open.
22. Rock Climbing
Close to the Isle of Barra Beach Hotel is Beinn Tangabhal where you will find cliffs suitable for rock climbing.
Experienced climbers might want to consider the cliffs at Mingulay or St Kilda which are taller and more spectacular.
For beginners the Buth Bharraigh (tourist information) in Castlebay offer rock climbing tours with experienced mountaineers and climbing instructors.
23. Play Golf at Barra Golf Club
Barra Golf Club is the most westerly golf course in the UK. If that is not reason enough to play the views should win you over.
Like in Scarista on Harris where the golf course looks out over the beach this course has views of the Atlantic Ocean and the beaches in the area.
Visitors can either pay a daily fee or become members. It is a small course and although they have a club house, fees are paid at local hotels. Contact the golf club to book.
24. Cille Bharra
Norsemen are believed to have built this medieval church in Eoligarry.
Only ruins are left of the church but there is a chapel that was built later which is still standing.
Inside the chapel is a replica of the Kilbar stone. It has runic inscriptions on the back saying “This cross has been raised in memory of Thorgeth, daughter of Steinar” indicating that it was gravestone.
The original Kilbar stone is in the Scottish Museum of Antiquities in Edinburgh.
25. Shop at Buth Bharraigh in Castlebay
From the outside the building looks like your typical building built in the 1960s. Inside are small shops selling local goods and a café.
In addition, they provide tourist information and can help with arranging boat trips, rock climbing or any other activity you want to try.
26. Otter Statue
The statue of an otter chasing a fish is at the Ardmhor ferry terminal in front of the waiting room. Realistically, this is probably the closest you will get to an otter.
27. Borve Standing Stone
At less than a metre tall both the stone and the views are less impressive than the one at Brevig.
28. St Brendan’s Church
In Craigston is a small local church built in 1857. It is also believed there was a church here well before the 1800s.
Best Isle of Barra Walks
29. Hike to Our Lady of the Sea Statue
Of all the walks on Barra this is the one not to miss. The reason are the fabulous views over Castlebay and Vatersay.
It takes about 1 hour to hike up the steep hill to the Statue of Our Lady of The Sea. Barra has a few iconic views and this is certainly one of them.
30. Climb Barra’s Highest Hill
When you are at the Our Lady of The Sea statue most of the climbing to get to the highest point on the island is already behind you.
The top is called Sheabhal and it is at 383 metres.
Despite only being a short walk away from the statue the views from Sheabhal are surprisingly different. Castlebay is visible from a different angle and you can see both the western and northern sides of the island.
31. Walk on the Beach
You can’t write about walking on Barra without mentioning the amazing beaches. There are several longer and shorter walks along some of the finest beaches in Scotland.
At low tide visit Eoligarry. At other times both Tangasdale beach and Traigh Eais are perfect for a walk.
From Traigh Eais there is a circular walk around Barra’s northern peninsula that takes in both this beach and Thraigh Mhor. Full details can be found in the Cicerone guide to walking on Uist and Barra.
32. Walk or Cycle Part of Hebridean Way
The Hebridean way starts at the southern end of Vatersay and ends in Lewis.
The walking route finishes in Stornoway and the cycling route at the Butt of Lewis.
Walking the whole route takes 10-14 days or it is about 6 days to cycle. But why not do part of the first stage which is across Barra.
The route goes past several beaches and through the more hilly area in the middle of Barra.
It is possible to walk it in one long day but make sure you work out how to get back to your starting point if doing it as a day walk.
33. Coastal Walk From Castlebay to Leideag
Despite not being a circular walk the views are very different depending on the direction you walk in.
From Castlebay follow the road to Leideag. Keep along the shore and a grassy track takes you past the bay and out towards the open sea. Look out for seabirds and seals. Sometimes even otters or whales can be spotted.
On the way back you get views of Kisimul Castle with Castlebay and the mountains in the background.
Buy the Cicerone Guide Book to Walking on Uist and Barra
Best Isle of Barra Day Trips
You can do many great day trips from Isle of Barra. Vatersay is close by and Mingulay is a short boat ride. It is also easy to go to both South Uist and Eriskay by ferry.
If you are staying for more than a couple of days, make sure to include at least one of these day tours from Isle of Barra to your itinerary.
34. Mingulay
Isle of Mingulay is an uninhabited island south of Barra. The main reason to visit are the 2,000 pairs of puffins that come here every year between early May and the end of July.
Puffins also breed at St Kilda and the Shiants but Mingulay is the only place in the Outer Hebrides where you can get up close to them.
During puffin season you are guaranteed to see puffins and other sea birds.
Seals are also seen on most trips. In terms of other wildlife it all depends on luck. Golden eagles, white tailed eagles, whales and dolphins are only spotted very occasionally.
In addition to its wildlife Mingulay has hill walks, scenery varying from rolling green hills to steep sea cliffs and a pretty beach. This makes it worth coming here at any time of year.
Boats leave from Castlebay at 10am and return around 4pm. On the way out the boat journey is about an hour. On the way back they take a long route around the cliffs on the western side of the island.
Tours are operated by Mingulay Boat Trips and Hebridean Sea Tours. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in the summer months.
Read my Mingulay Travel Guide
35. Barra Head
Barra head is a small uninhabited island which is sometimes referred to as Berneray. Don’t confuse it with the other island further north also called Berneray.
The island has a lighthouse and it is home to many seabirds.
For anyone who has already been to Mingulay, Barra Head is an interesting new island to explore. If not, try the tour combing Mingulay and Barra Head which Hebridean Sea Tours offer.
36. St Kilda
St Kilda was inhabited for nearly 2,000 years and the island has fascinating history and scenery. Today there are no villagers left on the island which at its peak had a population of 200.
The last 36 islanders voted to leave in the 1930s after life became too hard.
This does not mean the island is uninhabited. National Trust for Scotland and the Ministry of Defense (MoD) own the island. The MoD have someone on the island year-round to operate the radar station which was installed on the main island, Hirta, in the 1950s.
St Kilda has the largest puffin colony in the UK but it is where the nests are located rather than the number of birds which is the most important. On Mingulay you can get close to the nesting sites which is why it is the best place to see them.
Starting at 7 am and returning at around 8 pm, a trip to St Kilda makes for a long day.
Each way the boat journey is 3 hours, often through rough seas.
Anyone suffering from seasickness should consider visiting Mingulay instead. It is about 2.5 hours on the boat in total. Mingulay is often sold as “near St Kilda” but that is completely underselling this island.
37. Vatersay
Every trip to Barra should include a visit to Vatersay beach gate and the island’s beaches. It is connected by a causeway and there is public transport from Castlebay so it is easy to get to.
Start off at Traigh a Bhaig and the beach gate before doing the Heritage Trail past Bagh a’ Deas. After all that exercise stop at the local community café for homemade cakes.
To plan a trip to Vatersay read my Vatersay beach Guide
38. Eriskay
A 40-minute ferry ride takes you to Eriskay.
Next to the ferry terminal is Prince Charlies Beach which is where Bonnie Prince Charlie is said to have first set foot in Scotland when he came to try to take the crown.
After exploring the beaches stop at the Politician pub which is named after the ship that was full of whisky which ran ashore.
Locals were very excited to hear about the ship’s misfortune so they could “rescue” the cargo. The events inspired the book called Whisky Galore.
Eriskay is a small island and it only takes a couple of hours to explore. On a day trip you have time to drive across the causeway to South Uist, the island just north of Eriskay.
To plan a visit to Eriskay read my Eriskay beach guide
39. South Uist
The island is 25-miles long and there are plenty of west coast beaches on South Uist. There are also more things to see here than on Eriskay.
Since Barra has many fantastic beaches, when on South Uist try spending the day visiting historic sites instead. The top ones are:
- An Carra standing stone
- Clad Hallan round houses
- Kildonan Museum
South Uist is linked to Benbecula, North Uist and Berneray by causeways but you will spend most of your time in the car if you choose to travel that far north on a day trip.
Although you can visit on a day trip it is worth spending a couple of nights in accommodation in South Uist to explore the area and the islands close by.
To plan a visit read guide to the best things to do on South Uist
FAQs on Things To Do On Barra
What to do in Barra when it rains?
- Taste Barra Gin at the distillery
- Have a coffee in a community cafe such as Garadh A Bhagh A Thuath
- Visit the church in Castlebay
- Shop for local produce at Burg Bharraigh in Castlebay
- Have a curry at Café Kisimul
What to do on Barra when it is nice weather?
This might look like a strange heading since most of the things to do on Isle of Barra are outdoor activities. But that is exactly why you need this list.
Even when staying for a week, you may only have a couple of days of good weather. So the question is what should you prioritise on those days? The answer is:
- Hike up to the Our Lady of The Sea statue and on to Sheabhal
- Spend a whole day beach hopping in Barra
- Do a day trip to Vatersay. Walk the Heritage Trail which takes in the 3 nicest beaches on the island. Afterwards stop at the community café for homemade cakes and coffee
- Go kayaking
- Drive the A888 ring road
What is the best time of year to go to Barra?
Spring and summer are the best times to visit Barra. April and May are colder but often have sunny days. The summer months of June, July and August are the warmest but this is school holidays and tourist numbers increase.
How many days do you need in Barra?
Barra is a small island but there is plenty to do. An absolute minimum is two days. Try to spend longer to give you time to explore the beaches, spend a day in Vatersay and do a couple of walks.
Can you take a car to Barra?
Yes, you can take your car to Barra. In fact driving is the easiest way to get around. Bus schedules are limited so you will be able to experience much more by having your own transportation.
Can you visit Barra without a car?
Yes, you can visit Barra without a car but not having one will limit how much you can see. Having said that, Barra is one of the easiest islands in the Outer Hebrides to visit without a car. The ferry terminal is in Castlebay where there are plenty of hotel options.
How do you get around Barra?
The easiest way to get around is by car. Buses run from Castlebay to Vatersay and around the A888 ring road. The schedule is more limited to the airport and the beaches on the northern part of the island.
How long does it take to drive around Barra?
You can drive around Barra on the A888 in less than an hour. With stops it will take longer because there are many places to admire the views and explore the beaches and bays.
Can you walk around Barra?
In theory yes but there are very few foot paths so you would end up walking long stretches on the road. It is much better to cycle or drive around the island.
Can you see puffins on Barra?
No, you cannot see puffins on Barra. Websites say that you can but that is misleading. They nest in inaccessible locations on steep cliffs together with guillemots and kittiwakes. Take a day trip to Mingulay between early May and the end of July to see puffins.
What is the main town on Barra?
The main town on Barra is Castlebay which is called Bàgh a’ Chaisteil in Gaelic. It is the main harbour on the island. The village itself is not the prettiest but it is well worth a visit to see Kisimul Castle and the gin distillery.
Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Barra
Barra might be small but it has incredibly varied scenery. It is easy to spend a week here. That would give you time to try many of the walks, day trips as well as the top attractions on this list.
If time is limited make sure to explore the beaches on the northern side of the island, hike to the Our Lady of the Sea Statue and visit Vatersay. I am sure that will make you want to come back and explore more!
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