6-Day Scenic Exploration of Harris and Lewis with Optimal Visit Times

Day 1: Harris Coastal Wonders

Harris, UK on July 11, 2025

3:50pm

Arrive Tarbert Ferry Pier

Disembark from your ferry and get ready to explore the charming village of Tarbert, Harris's main entry point.
Included in ferry fare, 0h30m

4:30pm

Walk Tarbert Village and Visit Harris Tweed Shops

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Tarbert, browse the famous Harris Tweed stores, and engage with local artisans while the afternoon light is perfect for vibrant photos.
Free to explore, shopping varies, 1h15m

6:00pm

Check-in at Avalon B&B

Settle into your accommodation at Avalon B&B (HS3 3BG), giving you a cozy base for your Harris exploration.
Varies by booking, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at The Islesburgh Tearoom & Bistro

Savor locally sourced seafood and traditional Scottish dishes in this popular bistro, open until 9pm, perfect for a relaxed end to your day.
Approx £20-£35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Southern Harris Gems

Harris, UK on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Avalon B&B

Fuel up with a traditional Scottish breakfast included with your stay before a day packed with scenic wonders.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Luskentyre Beach

Visit this breathtaking white sand beach early to enjoy peaceful surroundings and crystal-clear waters before crowds arrive.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Harris Distillery Tour

Take a guided tour of the celebrated Harris Gin Distillery, sampling local spirits and learning about their craft; tours start at 11am and go till 3pm.
Approx £10 (tasting included), 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Standing Stane Café

Dine on fresh, locally sourced meals in a friendly café atmosphere, open from 11am to 3pm.
Approx £12-£20, 1h

2:30pm

Clach an Trushal Visit

Explore this ancient standing stone just south of Tarbert, arriving mid-afternoon when the light is ideal for photography and fewer visitors are present.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Tarbert for Leisure

Take a final late afternoon stroll or relax at your B&B before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Shipwrecked Bar & Bistro

Enjoy hearty Scottish fare with a cozy ambiance, open until 9pm.
Approx £20-£35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Northern Harris Landscapes

Harris, UK on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Avalon B&B

Prepare for your last day in Harris with a nourishing breakfast included in your stay.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Harris Hills and Taransay View

Drive through the picturesque Harris Hills in the morning light, stopping at viewpoints overlooking the uninhabited Taransay Island for spectacular photo ops.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Scalpay Bridge & Island Walk

Cross the impressive Scalpay Bridge and take a short nature walk on Scalpay Island, best visited in the late morning to early afternoon when weather is clear.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Scalpay Hotel

Enjoy lunch with views over the water at the Scalpay Hotel, renowned for local seafood and warm hospitality; open 12pm-3pm weekdays.
Approx £15-£25, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Tarbert & Relax

Spend your afternoon relaxing at Avalon B&B or exploring any remaining local sites around Tarbert at your leisure.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Prepare for next day's journey or enjoy dinner locally again

Choose to dine at Avalon B&B or revisit a favorite local restaurant for your final evening feast.
Varies, 1h30m
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Day 4: Lewis Island Arrival & Heritage

Stornoway, Lewis, UK on July 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Avalon B&B

Enjoy your last breakfast in Harris, included in your stay, before traveling to Lewis.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Stornoway, Lewis

Travel from Tarbert to Stornoway, the main town on Lewis Island, approximately 1-1.5 hours by car ferry or connecting roads and ferry.
Ferry cost varies, 1.5h

11:00am

Explore Lews Castle and Museum nan Eilean

Visit Lews Castle and the Museum nan Eilean to dive into the island’s rich culture and history; the site opens at 10am and entry is free.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at An Lanntair Café

Enjoy locally sourced seafood and contemporary dishes in this arts centre café, open 12-4pm.
Approx £15-£25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Stornoway Harbour and Lewis Shops

Stroll the harbour for scenic views and shop for traditional Harris Tweed and gifts while the afternoon light enhances the coastal atmosphere.
Free to stroll; shopping varies, 1.5h

5:00pm

Check-in at Stornoway Bed & Breakfast

Settle into your accommodation (HS1 2DR) to rest and prepare for the next two days of Lewis exploration.
Varies by booking, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The Old Racquet Court

Savor modern Scottish cuisine with local ingredients in this elegant venue, open till 10pm.
Approx £25-£40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Northern Lewis Ancient Sites

Lewis, UK on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Stornoway Bed & Breakfast

Start your day with a traditional Scottish breakfast included with your stay and prepare for an ancient sites tour.
Included, 1h

9:15am

Callanish Standing Stones

Visit the iconic Callanish Stones early to avoid crowds and enjoy the mystical atmosphere of this well-preserved Neolithic site.
Approx £7.50, 1.5h

11:00am

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Explore the restored traditional blackhouses to learn about islander life in the Hebrides; open 10am to 5pm.
Approx £5, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gearrannan Visitor Centre Café

Enjoy homemade soups, sandwiches, and cakes in a friendly setting, open till 3pm.
Approx £10-£18, 1h

2:30pm

Dun Carloway Broch

Visit this remarkably preserved Iron Age broch, an ancient drystone structure atop a hill offering panoramic views; best visited mid-afternoon for light and photo conditions.
Donation suggested, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Stornoway & Leisure

Relax in town after an active day of exploration or explore more local shops and cultural spots.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Bakery Restaurant

Try freshly baked goods and modern Scottish dishes in the heart of Stornoway, open evenings, booking recommended.
Approx £20-£35, 1.5h
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Day 6: Lewis Coastal and Cultural Highlights

Lewis, UK on July 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Stornoway Bed & Breakfast

Enjoy your final breakfast on Lewis, preparing for a mix of coastal scenic and cultural sites.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Steinish Beach and Stornoway Golf Club Viewpoint

Morning visit to Steinish Beach, a tranquil spot for birdwatching and sweeping sea views near the golf course.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Stornoway Town Historic Walking Tour

Self-guided or local guided walk covering the Old Church, Town Hall, and other historic buildings, best enjoyed before lunchtime to avoid heat and crowds.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Bazaar Café

Casual café serving both Scottish and international dishes, open till 2pm, perfect for a relaxed midday meal.
Approx £12-£20, 1h

2:00pm

Relax or Final Souvenir Shopping

Spend your last afternoon in town shopping or enjoying a quiet café until it's time to prepare for departure next day.
Free or shopping costs vary, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mullach Restaurant

Celebrate your Lewis adventure with a fine dining experience featuring local ingredients, open till 9pm.
Approx £30-£50, 1h30m
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