8 Best Outer Hebrides Accommodations Money Can Buy
If you’re planning a getaway to take in the stunning Scottish landscape, then you’ll need to know the best Outer Hebrides accommodation to book into. I’ve loved my time up there, so I want to share the best places to stay in the Outer Hebrides, especially for you!
Where is the Outer Hebrides?
The Outer Hebrides is an archipelago off the west coast of mainland Scotland, otherwise known as a haven for adventurers and nature lovers. You can find rugged landscapes, beautiful beaches and rich Gaelic culture, all set against the backdrop of the Atlantic. But with all the outdoorsiness, you’ll no doubt want somewhere cosy to stay in the Outer Hebrides, to really make your trip.
All of the following suggestions for places to stay in Outer Hebrides have received exceptional reviews and none have had less than a 9 out of 10 rating. You can check all the cottages and guest houses in my recommendations below.
From highly-rated cottages like Sighthill Cottage and romantic escapes such as Vallay Sands to the historical charm of Hal O’ The Wynd Guest House, my guide to Outer Hebrides accommodation brings you the best offerings from this Scottish wonderland. Whether you fancy sea views, rustic vibes, or modern comfort, these handpicked options ensure a memorable and comfortable stay amidst the natural beauty of the Outer Hebrides.
The best Outer Hebrides accommodation
Choose from lodges, cottages and B&Bs in my list of amazing places to stay in the Outer Hebrides available to book on Booking.com.
1. Sighthill Cottage, North Tolsta
This 3 bedroomed, recently renovated, cottage is beautiful inside, and definitely amongst the best Outer Hebrides accommodation you can find with it’s rating on booking.com at time of writing an exceptional 9.9.
Located in the peaceful village of North Tolsta, Sighthill Cottage is 14 miles away from Stornoway and also near to the 3 wonderful beaches of Garry, Traigh Mhor and Geordail. The cottage has a garden, private parking, and free wifi. Of course it has a kitchen, dining area and living space but it also has a fireplace to snuggle up around.
If you like visiting attractions whilst on your travels then the Lews Castle, the Museum nan Eilean and grounds are open to the public are 20km away.
Stornoway has two large supermarkets, restaurants and cafes but there is also a quaint small community shop closer to the cottage with a post office to send those all important postcards from!
2. Vallay Sands, Sollas
How often do you get to stay in a four poster bed?
Well Vallay Sands is offering just that opportunity. Double room with en suite and stunning sea views are what’s waiting for you in this beachfront property.
This pet-friendly, eco-friendly (there’s an electric car charging point), rustic style romantic cottage is located in North Uist and the hosts are incredibly welcoming and are happy to welcome you into their home. However you do have your own main access door so you have the autonomy and privacy needed on a holiday.
If fishing, birdwatching, walking across the hills and breathing vistas are what you are looking for then you will find it here. With a 9.7 rating on booking.com you can understand why this is seen to be amongst the best Outer Hebrides accommodation.
3. Hal O’ The Wynd Guest House, Stornoway
In the heart of Stornoway you will find the gorgeous Hal O’ The Wynd Guest House which provides lots of cosy, communal, traditionally furnished charm. Conveniently located opposite the ferry terminal, this beautiful house, dating back to 1854, is great for sea views from most of its rooms.
A stone’s throw away is the town centre enabling easy visits to restaurants and shops. If you prefer a leisurely stroll you can meander round the harbour, the quay or take a visit to the museum. Lews castle grounds offer a wonderful view and atmosphere, as do the vistas stretching to Arnish point. However if golf is more your thing then Stornoway Golf Course is a mere half a mile away.
It also has a quaint dining room where Shona and Ali, who run the guest house, are eager to greet you, make you feel at home and show you why it is amongst the best Outer Hebrides accommodation around.
4. Benview Bed & Breakfast Luxury Lodge, Isle of North Uist
With an exceptional 9.6 rating on Booking.com, Benview Bed and Breakfast & Luxury Lodge on the Isle of North Uist has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. They offer rooms with garden views, sea views, lake views, and a terrace – so take your pick!
Situated in Paible and overlooking the sea, each room has flat screen TVs, private bathrooms and walk-in showers. Some rooms even have a fully equipped kitchenette but there is also a snack bar and lounge.
There is wildlife on your doorstep so it is perfect for nature lovers and if you’re into outdoor activities then there is plenty to keep you busy around Paible. Hiking and cycling are popular things to do in the area and bike hire can be arranged via the bed and breakfast itself. They are more than happy to help and are always accommodating so it is no wonder they have earned themselves a place on my best Outer Hebrides accommodation list!
5. Brae Lea House, Lochboisdale
In the heart of Lochboisdale you will find the superb Brae Lea House, a wonderful bed & breakfast with a sun terrace and picnic area (maybe bring your scarf though!).
Conveniently located only a short walk away from Lochboisdale ferry, with private parking and even an electric car charging point, Brae Lea offers gorgeous views of the Loch where you see far into this distance and take in the rolling hills.
Waking up to the sound of birdsong, and even the potential of deer in the garden, makes Brae Lea amongst the best Outer Hebrides accommodations you can find. The surrounding areas have much to see and do and are thankfully close by.
The nearest restaurant is a 10 minute walk away and only a 5 minute drive to the west coast beaches. You can even go otter spotting from the sea loch located at the end of the road Brae Lea is on! Grab a coffee in Lochboisdale fishing harbour before relaxing back at Brae Lea and enjoy dinner which is served between October and March.
6. Grianaig Guest House, South Uist
With an exceptional 9.8 rating on Booking.com, Grianaig Guest House is famed not only for its glorious bedrooms and ambiance but also for its restaurant. Chris, the owner and chef, serves fresh Hebridian meals in the restaurant and there’s even a gorgeous log fire. They also offer an abundant breakfast including unlimited tea and coffee and homemade baking.
If you like outdoor activities then Grianaig is definitely amongst the best Outer Hebrides accommodation for you. A perfect location for golf lovers with it being 5 minutes away from Askernish golf course. Also fishing, cycling, walking and hiking are very popular with people who stay here as the surroundings provide a fantastic location for all of the aforementioned.
With beaches, supermarkets, cafes, fish & chips shops and the local pub all 5 – 10 minutes drive you really get the bets of both worlds by staying here. Local amenities, wildlife, and peace and quiet are the perfect mixture offered by Grainaig. Check it out for yourself here.
7. SEAcroft B&B, Aird Uig
Located in Aird Uig, SEAcroft B&B and Restaurant is a great little getaway offering an in-house bar to relax in, views of the Atlantic ocean from every room, king size beds, dog-friendly options, and even the wonderful touch of offering packed lunches for all your adventuring!
British cuisine, free parking, and even an electric vehicle charging station are all on offer here meaning SEAcroft is amongst the best Outer Hebrides accommodation out there. Stornoway Airport is 59 km away, and couples rate the location highly at 9.6.
SEAcroft, owned by Sarah, Elliot, and Andrew hence the acronym in the name, provides cosy accommodation in the beautiful parish of Uig on the Isle of Lewis. From April to October, they offer various options, including ensuite B&B rooms with ocean views, luxury SEApods on cliffs, and a large Lewis Longpod with a full kitchen. The November to March period is on a self catering basis. The accommodation is pet-friendly, welcoming up to 2 dogs with an additional charge. The owners, who moved to the Isle of Lewis in 2006, run a croft in Uig and enjoy the nearby beaches and cliffs with their three dogs.
With rural landscapes, wildlife, history, arts, and recreational activities, SEAcroft offers a serene escape with lots of various different pods with different features to choose from to suit your tastes and needs.
8. Wardicott, Back
Wardicott, in the town of Back, is a bed and breakfast which has received glorious praise for its restaurant, selection of foods and personal service received throughout peoples stay. Such praise makes it a shoo in for my list of best Outer Hebrides accommodation.
The rooms have a variety of vistas available to you from garden views to sea panoramas, and if you really want to see some sights then Wardicott is just 37 km from Callanish Standing Stones.
The property provides allergy-free rooms, free WiFi, and complimentary private parking; with each room having a desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, bed linen, and towels. Some even boast mountain views – so you have a plethora of exciting options to choose from when booking! The in-house and much-praised restaurant offers À la carte and Full English/Irish breakfast options with local specialties, fresh pastries, and fruits galore. It’ll keep you coming back for more!
Guests at Wardicott can indulge in activities like canoeing, hiking, and walking tours in and around Back. With activities such as snorkelling, windsurfing, and fishing, to be partaken in the surrounding areas it’s not hard to see why couples rate the location at 9.1 for a wonderful two-person getaway.
READ MORE: 16 Most Stunning Beaches in Outer Hebrides
My Harris accommodation
We did a lot of wild camping in the Outer Hebrides when we were there, but we did stay in this Airbnb in Cromore, in Harris. As soon as we got there we showered and just fell asleep after long nights in the tent!
We had a room in a lovely couple’s home, but they had to go to the hospital in Glasgow for a check up so, along with another couple who’d got a room on Airbnb, we had the place to ourselves. Hot shower, lovely kitchen, and a massive DVD collection with a big lounge meant we were very happy to be there.
We paid around £21 each per night.
Accommodation in the Outer Hebrides
What will it be? Sea views? Mountain views? Hiking? Cycling? Wildlife spotting?
There is so much natural beauty awaiting you in Scotland, especially in the Outer Hebrides. I hope you’re now fully invested in visiting! If you’ve enjoyed my suggestions for the best Outer Hebrides accommodation then all you have to do is make the tough decision about which wonderful place to stay.
Will it be the cliff top pod with hot tub, the a la carte restaurant or the 4 poster bed which helps you make up your mind? The good thing is, you really can’t go wrong as they are all excellent!
Quicklist of the best places to stay in Outer Hebrides
- Sighthill Cottage, North Tolsta
- Vallay Sands, Sollas
- Hal O’ The Wynd Guest House, Stornoway
- Benview Bed & Breakfast Luxury Lodge, Isle of North Uist
- Brae Lea House, Lochboisdale
- Grianaig Guest House, South Uist
- SEAcroft B&B, Aird Uig
- Wardicott, Back
What is the best month to visit the Outer Hebrides?
The ideal time to visit the Outer Hebrides is typically during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, you’ll experience the most favourable weather, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures.
It’s also a great time for wildlife spotting and engaging in outdoor activities. However, if you prefer a quieter visit, late spring (May) or early autumn (September) can be delightful, offering fewer tourists and a chance to see the islands’ natural beauty in a different light.
Do you need a car in the Outer Hebrides?
Having a car in the Outer Hebrides is definitely a good idea, as it gives you the opportunity to explore the islands at your own pace. Public transport options are available but can be limited, especially in remote areas or outside of peak tourist season.
A car allows you to access more secluded spots, and given the spread-out nature of attractions across the islands, it can be quite practical. However, for those who prefer not to drive, cycling is a popular alternative, and organised tours can also be a viable option.
How many days should I spend on the Outer Hebrides?
Personally, I’d recommend a stay of at least 5 to 7 days to truly appreciate the diversity and beauty of the Outer Hebrides. This amount of time allows you to explore several islands, each with its unique character, without feeling rushed. Remember, the pace of life here is slower, and a longer visit lets you truly embrace the Hebridean way of life.