We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 7 Stornoway Attractions »

Lews Castle

Stornoway, Scotland
Website
The last, and best view of the castle
Ranked #2 of 5 attractions in Stornoway
4.0 of 5 stars 10 Reviews
Type: Castles
Lews Castle The harbour and castle viewed from the Calmac ferry Close up, there are braces on the wall Statue of James's wife
11 visitor photos
Update attraction details
Write a Review

10 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    3
    4
    2
    1
    0
Date Rating
Keaau, Hawaii
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Not ready for prime time”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

The "castle" is actually a 19th Century mansion that looks somewhat like an old castle. At the time of my visit, it was under renovation and not open to visitors. It is still an impressive sight, though, looming over the town of Stornoway. Hopefully it will be put to good use soon, but until then, I can't recommend visiting.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
“lovely building”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012

it is a beautiful beautiful building and i am so glad it is being renovated

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Christine L for Stornoway
Merseyside
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
“Nice castle walk”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2012

Was informed by our guest house that there was a nice walk around the castle grounds. This we did. Coffee shop also in the grounds which gives the historic background to the castle. The castle was closed for renovation.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by jetsaver for Stornoway
Manchester, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“Pretty castle!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2012

I went for a walk around the castle grounds during my stay in Stornoway! Very beautiful area, I'm sure it would be even nicer on a summers day!!

Was this review helpful? Yes
Westbury
2 reviews
“Lews Castle”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2012

Was not open to view as needs about 2,000000 spent on it

Was this review helpful? Yes
Inverness
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Anne”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2012

Lovely grounds to go for a walk - peaceful area and lovely views round Stornoway.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Anne M for Stornoway
London England
Top Contributor
72 reviews 72 reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
70 helpful votes 70 helpful votes
“Interesting”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2012

It's nice to be able to walk around and see some of the history of the area,Stornoway itself has a lot of history and the castle covers this in great detail. There are some lovely nearby walks and the view from the castle over the harbour is great.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Edmonton, Canada
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
“Interesting past”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Once a private home, it was built in 1847 by Sir James Matheson who owned the Isle of Lewis. It served as a naval base in WWII. Great architecture & surrounded by a beautiful park, perfect for an evening stroll & views of the harbour.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
66 reviews 66 reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
49 helpful votes 49 helpful votes
“Nice Victorian country retreat with superb walks in the estate”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Victorian entrepreneur, James Matheson, made his fortune on the opium trade in the far east, and in 1844 he bought the island of Lewis for £190,000. The island was in an economic depression, but he invested and developed it - he built 200 miles of roads and established a steamer link to the mainland, and planted hundreds of trees and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by GeorgeSinclair for Stornoway
Barcelona, Catalonia
Top Contributor
217 reviews 217 reviews
Reviews in 85 cities Reviews in 85 cities
184 helpful votes 184 helpful votes
“Castillo abandonado”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful
Google Translation

More
Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Lews Castle also viewed

Stornoway Harbour
Stornoway Harbour
4.5 of 5 stars 4 Reviews
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
Callanish Standing Stones
Callanish Standing Stones
4.5 of 5 stars 47 Reviews
Isle of Lewis, The Hebrides
 
An Lanntair Gallery
An Lanntair Gallery
4.5 of 5 stars 6 Reviews
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
The Blackhouse
The Blackhouse
4.5 of 5 stars 6 Reviews
Isle of Lewis, The Hebrides
 
All things to do in Stornoway (7)

Been to Lews Castle? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Lews Castle, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing

Hotels travellers are raving about...

All hotels in Stornoway (6)

Browse nearby

Things to Do (7) | Hotels (6) | Restaurants (14)
Lews Castle
Stornoway
Scotland
Get Directions
What's Nearby:
Click map pins for more information.
Interactive map
Which Stornoway hotels are on sale?
See hotels

Popular Stornoway attractions

Hotels around Stornoway

Explore the world
Sightseeing
Hotels
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »