Included Lews Castle Walking Experience
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Port
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
Information Not Currently Available
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 2¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Begin with a stroll to the Castle. Walk along the seafront and admire the delightful fishing boats dancing on the waves before crossing the bridge and following the pathway along the coastline. On the way, pass by grounds that were originally laid out as part of Lews Castle’s formal gardens, built on the foundations of an estate house dating back to 1680. The grazing land was transformed into extensive woodlands, large gardens and a conservatory complex to house a wide range of native and exotic plant species. On the way hear about the fascinating local stories and learn about Stornoway’s rich history.
Arrive at the impressive mock Tudor Castle, the lavishly appointed Lews Castle is a Victorian era home built on the back of opium money by the islands one-time owner Sir James Matheson. During the Second World War the house was used as a naval hospital, a period during which the groomed woodlands fell into a wild state and the fantastic glasshouses dilapidated. The former site of the glasshouses now houses the Museum for the Hebrides in a custom-built building. Stornoway Trust is working on major works to enhance some of the features of the Castle Grounds.
After your tour of the castle grounds, return to the ship with your guide or independently if you wish to explore the castle and grounds further.
Please note:
Wherever Included Experience tours are offered, guests are allowed to participate in only one included experience per call unless otherwise specified in the tour description. This season, the castle will have available portable systems free of use for guests to pick up when they enter the castle and use for a self-guided tour. Your tour guide will remain with the group until the end of the tour so if guests are within the castle before the end of the official tour timing (as the tour ends on the castle grounds), the guide may be on hand to answer any questions as well. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Terrain features some significant inclines. The museum within the Castel is closed on Mondays- guests will still be able to explore the castle grounds with self-guided headsets.