37 Best Things to Do on Isle of Harris
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The best things to do on the Isle of Harris are all based outdoors. The beaches have bright white sand, turquoise waters and whichever direction you look in there will be a fantastic view. The photos speak for themselves.
Having visited all the islands in the Outer Hebrides I understand why Harris is often the first island people visit. It was the first island I visited as well.
Despite it being the most visited island in the Outer Hebrides there is not much information available about what to do. That is why I have put together this list based on my personal experience.
Overview of the Things to See and Do on Harris
To make it easier for you to plan what to do on Harris I have broken this post into separate sections:
1. Isle of Harris attractions2. Galleries and souvenir shops
3. Walks
4. Boat trips
5. Day trips
Things to Do on Isle of Harris
1. Explore the Beaches
Luskentyre and Seilebost are the two most famous beaches on Harris. On a sunny day these beaches are the places to come to appreciate the turquoise waters and white sands.
Close by is Scarista beach, another impressive beach often with large waves rolling in. However, Scarista beach doesn’t have the turquoise waters and white sands which the Outer Hebrides is well-known for.
All the beaches are on the west coast of Harris.
Read my Harris Beach Guide for everything you need to know
2. Golden Road
The Golden Road is the road from Stockinish to Tarbert on the eastern side of Harris. However, it is worth driving the winding single lane road all the way from Rodel Church to Tarbert.
It got its name since it was so expensive to build people said it must have been made from gold. The landscape on this side of the island is quite barren. There is not a single beach to be found.
Drive in the direction of Tarbert since you will have the sun behind you. On the way look out for seals basking in the inlets and islands off the coast.
There are also several art galleries and the Skoon Art Café which is worth a visit.
With plenty of stops you should plan to spend about half a day doing this drive.
3. St Clements Church (also called Rodel church)
St Clements church is in Rodel south of Leverburgh ferry terminal. It is a pretty stone church dating from 1520.
After the reformation in 1560 the church gradually fell into disrepair. It was restored in 1873 by the Countess of Dunmore who married the proprietor of Harris.
The church is free to enter. Inside it is bare but it was very atmospheric when I visited.
You can park outside the gate to the church. After entering, wander to the opposite side of the church to take photos like the one shown above.
4. Isle of Harris Gin Distillery
A tour and tasting at the gin distillery is one of the few things to do on Isle of Harris that is perfect for a rainy day.
The downside is that most other people have the same idea. If just showing up on the day you will probably be able to book a tour for later the same day, but you are unlikely to be able to do a tasting.
To ensure you can do a tasting as well, book in advance.
5. Look for Highland Cattle
From adverts for Scotland you would think that highland cattle are everywhere. That is not the case and Scotland has only 15,000 highland cattle left.
However, there are a few places on Harris where you can see them and that is why I have included it as one of the top things to do on Harris.
A couple of places where I have seen highland cattle are:
- Northton:
- Grassing along the road between Scarista beach and Northton village.
- As you drive up to Temple Café have a look in the fields either side of the road.
- The grassy patch below Ceapabhal (the mountain at the end of the peninsula). At the end of the road pass through the gate and look out for a herd of cattle. I have seen some large and quite intimidating-looking highland cattle here.
- Huishish: A herd of cows roam around the beach and parking area.
6. Visit a Tweed Weaver
To be classified as Harris Tweed the cloth must have been handwoven by an islander in their home in the Outer Hebrides.
Luskentyre Harris Tweed Company is the best-known place on Harris to see tweed being woven. Contact John on (+44) 01859550261 to arrange a visit.
Another option is at Taobh Tuath Tweed based in Northton.
Both require that you contact them in advance to make an appointment. They also sell tweed fabric and souvenirs made from tweed.
7. North Harris Eagle Observatory
Harris has one of the highest densities of breeding golden eagles in Europe. The observatory is one of the best places in Scotland to see these raptors.
This might make it sound like you are likely to see one – but unfortunately you need to be very lucky!
It is still exciting to sit in the small viewing hut and scan the skies and hillsides through binoculars.
The hut has a couple of benches and large glass windows. Binoculars are provided and there is a book with recent sightings noting where they were spotted.
Parking is at the North Harris Eagle Observatory car park which is at the what3words location of saves.emporium.views.
There is room for a couple of cars. It fills up early since it is the starting point for many of the hikes into the Harris hills. I have had better luck finding a free parking space in the afternoon rather than mid-morning.
From the car park it is 25 minute walk to the observatory along a gravel road. You can also cycle, but a barrier stops cars driving the road.
8. Drive to Hushinish Beach
A single lane road takes you from the main road by Aird Asaig to Hushinish beach over 45 minutes.
The road passes Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, the old whaling station and the Harris Eagle Observatory, with view of the Harris hills.
Huishinsh beach itself is nice, but for me it is the drive there that makes visiting the beach worth it.
Read my guide to Hushinish beach to plan your trip
9. Eilean Glas Lighthouse
The Eilean Glas lighthouse is located on a peninsula on the eastern side of the island of Scalpay. The lighthouse was built in 1789 and today it still guides ships by 3 flashes of its light every 20 seconds.
You can drive from Tarbert to Scalpay using a bridge linking the two islands. However, you can’t drive to the lighthouse itself.
The Scalpay lighthouse walk, detailed in the Cicerone “Guide to Walking on Harris and Lewis“, starts close to North Harbour Bistro. It takes 3 hours and is 9.5km long.
For a shorter route drive until the end of the road in Kennavay.
From there it is half an hour to the viewpoint which is in the general area of the what3words location of parting.wiping.workflow. Continue walking for 10 minutes to get to the lighthouse itself.
10. Look for Seals
The best place on Harris to see seals from land is on the east coast. Seals like to bask on the rocks and small islands offshore.
Close to Finsbay Art Gallery there is a seal viewing point with a telescope. It is called “Seal Viewing Point With Telescope” on Google Maps.
This is where I have had the most luck viewing seals from land.
11. Amhuinnsuidhe Castle Estate
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle dates from the 19th Century and used to belong to the Earl of Dunmore, the proprietor of Harris.
Apparently, the castle is home to the ghost of Lady Sophie Scott, a castle resident from the Edwardian times and she is said to keep a watchful eye on the guests.
The castle is not open to the public, but it can be rented on a sole-use basis and sleeps up to 18 guests.
12. Rubh’ an Teampuill
The ruins of this medieval temple is a 40 minute walk from Northton.
With views out towards Berneray and close to a small beach, I think these are the most picturesque ruins on Harris.
There are remnants of an Iron Age broch next to the ruins, but I have never managed to find them.
13. MacLeod’s Standing Stone
You will find standing stones all over Scotland and nobody really knows why they are there. One theory is they were placed as part of rituals performed in the Neolithic period.
The MacLeod’s standing stone is on the peninsula between Nisabost and Horgabost beach. It is easiest to access from Nisabost.
Park along the road and cross the beach. You can’t miss the standing stone since it literally sticks out from the landscape.
14. Stand-up Paddle Board or Kayak
Isle of Harris Watersports are located in Tarbert and offer kayaking and paddle board experiences.
They can be booked as 2 or 3 hour sessions or half day or full day tours. Sessions include a qualified instructor and all the equipment you need.
It is also possible to rent equipment without an instructor.
15. Go Surfing
Surf Lewis offer 2.5 hour surfing lessons at Nisabost including all the equipment you need.
Lessons are open to beginners. They will teach you all the basics such as correct board positioning and how to stand up.
Children over the age of 10 are welcome (over the age of 8 for private surf lessons). Customers must be able to swim 50 metres unaided.
16. Visit a Dun
There are two duns on Harris. One is called Dun Instagall and is located close to Leverburgh. The second is Dun Bhurigh in Borve. To be honest, neither are that impressive.
If you want to see a dun then take a day trip to North Uist and see Dun an Sticir instead.
17. Seallam Visitors’ Centre
The visitor center details life in the Hebrides, along with a resource library.
Seallam is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. It is closed on weekends.
Admission fees are £3 for adults and £2.50 for concessions.
18. MacHillvray Centre
MacGillivray was a renowned bird expert who was born on Harris.
It is close to the Northon bus stop.
19. Bunavoneader Whaling Station
During the early 1900s, a Norwegian company built a whaling station on Harris. It was used on and off for almost six decades.
Today only one of the three original red brick chimneys are still standing. Concrete platforms serve as reminders of the former structures.
You can also see the dock which once was bustling with whaling ships unloading their catch.
Shopping and Galleries
20. Finsbay Gallery
The gallery is on the eastern coast of Harris and sells paintings, photographs and prints inspired by the scenery and local wildlife.
It is open from 10am to 5pm every day except Sunday.
21. Holmasaig Gallery
Homasaig gallery is run by Margarita Williams, an artist and graduate from Glasgow Art School.
Her watercolours and acrylic paintings are sold in the gallery. They are inspired by the unique landscape, seas and wildflowers in the Outer Hebrides.
The gallery is in Quidinish on the east coast of Harris. It is open from 11am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sunday.
22. Mission House Studio
Located in a converted stone church in Finsbay the Mission House Studio sells photographs, paintings and ceramics. All are produced by the husband-and-wife team who run the studio.
Stop by between 11am to 4pm Monday to Thursday. Otherwise by appointment.
23. Buy Harris Tweed
There are several shops on Harris selling tweed souvenirs.
Behind the Harris Gin Distillery in Tarbet is a family run shop called the Harris Tweed Shop.
The family’s link with tweed goes back over 100 years to Marion Campbell. She started weaving at the age of 14 and went on to win many design competitions.
A second option is Borrisdale Tweed in Leverburgh.
Both shops sell a wide range of products such as jackets, soft furnishings, bags, wallets, hats and much more.
24. Grannie Annie’s
This shop close to Rodel sells a little bit of everything. In truth it is a strange mix of goods, but that is what makes it a fun place to stop.
If the owner is out leave the money for what you bought or pay using PayPal.
25. Luskentyre Beach Hut
Located shortly before Luskentyre beach the Beach Hut sells souvenirs, hot and cold drinks and ice creams.
It operates an honesty system where you leave the money for the items you take. You can pay by cash or PayPal.
Open from 11.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
5 Best Isle of Harris Walks
Buy the Cicerone Guide to Walking on Harris and Lewis
26. Beinn Dhubh
Distance: 11km/ 7 miles
Time: 4-5 hours
This is my favourite walk in the Outer Hebrides. Try to save it for a day with sunny weather. The views out over Seilebost and Luskentyre are out of this world.
The walk starts close to Seilebost where you climb the hill behind the bay. The route takes you along the ridge before descending close to Luskentyre beach.
Return along the beach at low tide, otherwise use the road.
For more information read my guide to Luskentyre beach or buy the Cicerone Guide to Walking on Harris and Lewis. The book has a map and a detailed description of this walk.
27. Ceapabhal
Distance: 14km / 9 miles
Time: 5 hours
Park at the end of the road in Northton village and pass through the gate. Follow the coast to the ruins of the old temple called Rubh’ an Teampaill before climbing to the top of the hill.
As is often the case in this part of Scotland, there is no clear path so just aim for the top.
From the top you get fabulous views over Scarista beach and the Harris hills.
At this point you can either follow the path back down to Northton (at least there is path for the first part). Or continue to Toe’s Head and return along the shore.
28. Coffin Route
Distance: 14km / 9 miles
Time: 5 hours
Walking from coast to coast you can really appreciate how different the east and west coasts are.
This is a circular route, but it can be cut in half if you can arrange to be picked up on the western side of Harris.
Start from Loch Stocanais on the eastern side of the island where there is plenty of parking. To begin with the path is marked with poles.
One thing to be aware of is that it can be wet and boggy so wear waterproof shoes.
The name “coffin route” comes from the tradition of carrying the dead from the east coast to buried in the sand on the west coast.
Imagine how difficult it would be to do this walk carrying a coffin!
29. Huiseabhal Mor From Huishinish
Distance: 14km / 9 miles
Time: 6 hours
The path hugs the coastline before moving inland to Crabhadail beach.
After about 30 minutes the path splits. Keep right to do the circular route over Huiseabhal Mor, Oireabhal and Huiseabhal Beag.
For a much shorter walk keep left to Traigh Mehilainen.
The mountains you cross on circular route are not very high but the weather in Scotland can change quickly.
When I was at the top of Huiseabhal Beag the fog rolled in. Had it not been for the map on my phone I would have walked in completely the wrong direction.
30. Harris Hills Circuit
Distance: 16km / 10 miles
Time: 6 hours+
The reason this is my favourite hike into the Harris hills is because a long stretch is along a ridge and you really feel like you are in proper mountains.
As with most of the other walks described above there is no well-defined path. You should be comfortable finding your way based on the detailed description and map given in the Cicerone Guide to Walking on Harris and Lewis.
This is walk number 13.
Buy the Cicerone Guide to Walking on Harris and Lewis
Boat Trips
The two main operators of boat trips on Harris are:
31. Shiants
A 45 minute boat ride takes you from Tarbert to the Shiant islands. The main reason to visit is the wildlife.
There are lots of seals and you can often see sea eagles. Between May and the end of July puffins will be bobbing in the water next to your boat.
The scenery is also spectacular. The islands are craggy with steep cliffs. One of the islands has basalt columns, like you can see at Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.
Some trips allow you to go ashore, others don’t. Bear in mind that if going ashore you will not be on the island with the puffin colonies.
The only place you can see puffins up close in the Outer Hebrides is on Mingulay. It is much further south and you can’t do a day trip to Mingulay from Harris.
32. St Kilda
St Kilda is renowned for its diverse bird population and the rich history of its former inhabitants.
These remote islands have been home to people for over 4,000 to 5,000 years. Life was challenging due to their isolated location and harsh weather conditions.
In 1930, the final 36 islanders made the difficult decision to leave.
Since then, St Kilda has gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site and has become a popular destination for day trips. Book a trip with [xxx].
A word of advice, if you’re prone to seasickness, think twice about going to St Kilda. The boat ride is 3 hours each way, and the seas are choppy.
33. Taransay
Taransay sits opposite Luskentyre Beach. It is the largest of Scotland’s 697 uninhabited islands.
In the summer, trips start at 9 am from Horgabost Beach.
The boats ride is 15 minutes and you will have 6 hours on the island. Whilst on Taransay look out for red deer, golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, and seabirds.
Seals often lounge on the nearby rocks. If you are really lucky you can see dolphins in the surrounding waters.
Tours are for groups of up to 10 guests. Book in advance through the Isle of Taransay website.
Day Trips
34. Lewis
On a day trip to Lewis visit the Calanish stones and the Uig chessmen at Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway.
Lewis’ beaches look different to those on Harris. Many are more dramatic with steep cliffs or mountains in the background.
My favourite Lewis beaches are Uig Sands and Gary beach, close to Stornoway.
For lunch book the Uig Sands Restaurant. It has beautiful views out over Uig Sands and the home-made smoked salmon is to die for. You must make a reservation in advance.
To plan your trip read my guide to the top things to see and do on Lewis
35. Great Berneray
Great Berneray is a small island connected to Lewis by a bridge. It is halfway between the Calanis stones and Uig Sands so you can easily combine the two on a day trip to Lewis.
The main draw of the island is Bosta beach and the Iron Age house. The Iron Age house was discovered during a storm in 1993. When archaeologists started digging, they found 5 houses buried in the sand.
The house by the beach which you see today is a replica. To preserve them for the future the original Iron Age houses have been buried again.
Read my guide to Bosta Beach to plan your trip
36. Berneray
From Leverburgh ferry terminal it is one hour by ferry to Berneray.
The main reason to come here is West beach, but make sure you don’t miss East beach. I did miss it on my first visit, but East beach is a pretty bay with views towards Harris.
In the village there is a museum and the other must do activity on Berneray – viewing seals. Park at Seal View parking and walk through the village.
Sightings are most likely at low tide when the seals bask on the rocks in the bay. The seals are very timid so stay quiet and don’t get too close or you will scare them away.
Read my guide to Berneray Beach to plan your trip
37. North Uist
South of Berneray is the island of North Uist. It is a short drive from the ferry terminal on Berneray to the nicest beaches on the island, such as Clachan Sands and Malacleit beach.
North Uist is home to one of the top beach walks in the Outer Hebrides. It is a circular walk on the Udal peninsula taking in 5 of the prettiest beaches on North Uist. It takes 2 to 3 hours.
Afterwards have lunch at Langass Lodge before going to Barpa Langais, a Neolithic burial chamber and Dun an Sticir, an Iron Age broch.
Read my guide to the top things to see and do on North Uist to plan your trip
Final Thoughts on Things to Do on the Isle of Harris
Seeing Luskentyre and Seilebost beaches at low tide is a must. Afterwards, drive along the east coast to see the other top beaches on Harris. For even better views do at least one of the recommended walks.
The one thing Harris lacks is historic sites. Luckily both Lewis and North Uist are close by. On Lewis see the Calanish stones and the Uig Chessmen. On North Uist visit Barpa Langais and Dun an Sticir.
LOOKING FOR MORE ON THE OUTER HEBRIDES?
Top 10 Best Isle of Harris Beaches
Exactly How to Get the Ferry to Harris
