Isle of Lewis Shore Excursion: Calanish Stones and Stornoway

Ancient stones older than Stonehenge, set on the wild west coast of Scotland.

This six- to seven-hour shore excursion takes cruise passengers from their ship to three key sites on the Isle of Lewis: the Calanish Standing Stones, a prehistoric monument on the west coast steeped in mystery; the Butt of Lewis, where the island's northern edge meets the ocean in dramatic cliffs and coastal landscape; and Stornoway, the capital of the Outer Hebrides, where you have leisure time to walk the shops and streets. Pickup from your ship and a live English-speaking guide are included. You'll need a moderate level of fitness for the walking involved.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Isle of Lewis highlights

• Visit Calanish Standing Stones
• Enjoy views at Butt of Lewis
• Explore Stornoway town and shops

The experience

The Calanish Standing Stones are the centerpiece of this tour: a ring of ancient stones set on the wild west coast of the Isle of Lewis, older than Stonehenge and steeped in mystery. The site sits in one of Scotland's most atmospheric and powerful landscapes, and the guide walks you through the history and significance of the monument before you have time to explore on your own.

From there, the tour heads north to the Butt of Lewis, the island's northernmost point, where land meets ocean in one of Scotland's most rugged and unforgettable landscapes. The lighthouse and dramatic coastal cliffs frame views that stretch across the water, and this is where the tour captures the raw geography that defines the Outer Hebrides.

The final stop is Stornoway, the charming capital of the Outer Hebrides, where you have leisure time to wander the local shops, cafes and streets. This is where you get a sense of everyday island life and local culture before heading back to your ship. The whole excursion is timed to fit your cruise schedule, so you return to the port in time for departure.

What’s included

• Pickup from your cruise ship.
• a live guide in English throughout the tour.
• entrance to the Calanish Standing Stones and access to the Butt of Lewis and Stornoway.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 to 97 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Spirit Journeys Worldwide

Is this one for you?Book this if your ship docks at Stornoway and you want to see the Calanish Stones and coastal cliffs without managing your own transport or timing: the guide coordinates pickups and returns to match your departure.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What exactly are the Calanish Standing Stones?

The Calanish Standing Stones are a prehistoric monument on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, older than Stonehenge and arranged in a ring formation. The site is one of Scotland's most powerful and atmospheric ancient sites, and the guide explains the history and mystery surrounding the stones during the tour.

What is the Butt of Lewis like?

The Butt of Lewis is the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis, a wild and dramatic coastal landscape where the island's cliffs and rocky terrain meet the ocean. The lighthouse stands at this rugged edge, and the views stretch across the water in one of Scotland's most unforgettable settings.

How much time do I have in Stornoway?

The tour includes leisure time in Stornoway, the capital of the Outer Hebrides, so you can explore the local shops, cafes and streets at your own pace. The exact duration depends on the tour schedule, but it is built into the six- to seven-hour excursion so you experience the local culture before returning to your ship.

Is pickup from my cruise ship included?

Yes, pickup from your ship is included in this shore excursion. A live English-speaking guide meets you and leads the tour to all three sites, returning you to the port in time for your ship's departure.

What level of fitness do I need for this tour?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for this tour, as there is walking involved at each of the three sites: the standing stones, the Butt of Lewis, and Stornoway. Infants can sit on an adult's lap during transport.