Located on the east coast of the magnificent Isle of Lewis, Stornoway is the main town and largest settlement in the Outer Hebrides. As well as being the ideal spot to base yourself as you explore the delights of the islands and landscape nearby — such as the impressive Lews Castle, which has a number of pretty wooded walking trails attached — the town itself has plenty of treats to offer.

There’s a bustling fishing community here and the harbour is always busy. There’s also an annual Hebridean Celtic Festival held in the town, which is a vital hub for Gaelic culture, as well as the celebrated An Lanntair Arts Centre that hosts exhibitions, films, theatre, and dance. Stornoway is also a foodies’ dream, with many restaurants specialising in seafood arriving fresh off the boat, plus many serving the local delicacy Stornoway black pudding.

Stornoway Airport (SYY) is just two miles outside town and is served by regular flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness. A ferry sails to Stornoway from Ullapool on the Scottish mainland, with a journey time of around 2.5 hours. From the airport and the ferry terminal, buses are on hand to take you into town. There’s no train line on the island; the most convenient station on the mainland to access Lewis is Inverness, where you can take a bus to the ferry at Ullapool. If you wish to drive, you must book a place on the Ullapool ferry in advance. Car hire options are also available on the island, plus there are bus services that run from Stornoway to other towns and villages nearby.

Thanks to the sympathetic Gulf Stream, the Western Isles enjoy a (relatively) mild climate. But these same streams mean the weather can be unpredictable and slightly perplexing, such as the high winds that tend to appear in summer. But during the summer you’ll also witness the glorious wildflower meadows, known locally as machair, which is one of the rarest habitats in Europe. The island can get pretty busy during the high summer months, but from April to June you’ll encounter decent weather and a slightly mellower feel. Though throughout the spring and summer, there’s a good chance you’ll be plagued by midges, so have some repellent handy. Winters can be harsh in this part of the world, but also your best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. The Hebridean Celtic Festival takes place in the town every July, while in February there’s the Hebridean Dark Skies Festival, dedicated to stargazing.

Lews Castle

Built in the 1840s for the family who once owned the entire island, this impressive country house overlooks the harbour. In private hands for many years, it was eventually gifted to the people of Stornoway, and now the splendid palatial rooms can be enjoyed by all. Oozing with period features, the castle also has a local history museum attached, covering prehistory to the present, plus extensive woodland trails throughout the grounds.

An Lanntair Arts Centre

Opened on the Stornoway seafront in 2015, this is the arts and culture hub for the entire Outer Hebrides. Dedicated to a variety of cultural pursuits, there are galleries, cinemas, theatres, and dance studios, with a rotating series of exhibitions and events. The arts centre is also the epicentre for the annual Dark Skies festival each year.

St. Columba’s Church

Located amongst some breathtaking scenery on a sandy isthmus just outside of the town, this church is thought to date back to the 13th century. It’s believed that St Catan established a dwelling on the site back in the 6th century, and the chapel has been the final resting place of many notable islanders over the centuries. Make sure you explore the glories of Broad Bay and the nearby Braighe beach while you’re here.