EXPLORE
Explore
Lews Castle Grounds with its mature wooded parkland and formal Gardens is Unique in the Outer Hebrides.
Discover its varied habitats, and extensive wildlife as you travel along its winding paths.
The extensive, scenic designed landscape stretches around the shore of the harbour and bay, covering an area of 283 hectares (699 acres) and close to the centre of Stornoway. Originally laid out in the 1850’s by Sir James Matheson the Grounds have been in community ownership since 1923.
The Private Gardens
The private Gardens wrap around the front of the Castle and were once the sole preserve of the estate owners and their guests...
The distinctive wooded parkland, unique in the Outer Hebrides, contrasts dramatically with the flat openness of the island landscape.
It is an outstanding example of mid to late Victorian ornamental and estate landscape. It has fine elevated views over Stornoway and beyond to the sea.
Carriage drives and paths wind through the woodlands, exploring different aspects of the landscape.
The Castle sits in the centre of the landscape design in a prominent and dramatic position, forming an imposing and impressive skyline when viewed from the town.
Maps
River & Woodlands
is crisscrossed with an extensive network of paths for walkers and cyclists, these wind through open moorland, coastline, wooded hill, and riverside...
