Visit The
Calanais Standing Stones
Bring the Mystery to Life
Visiting the Calanais Standing Stones is an extraordinary experience. With so much of the mystery and archaeology of the Western Isles at your fingertips, you’ll want to make the most of your visit to one of Scotland’s best preserved prehistoric monuments.
Plan Your Visit
Stone site and centre opening times
The Calanais Stones are open to the public all year round, there is no charge for visiting the actual stone circle.
The Visitor Centre is open 6 days during the summer months, after September the opening times vary. The current times should be on the top right of the web site and on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CalanaisStandingStones
If you would like to book tickets for your next visit, you can do that quickly and easily. You can explore the history of the stones here and discover more about the mystery surrounding their legacy.
How to Get to the Calanais Standing Stones
By Road: The Visitor Centre is located in the village of Calanais on the Isle of Lewis, just off the A859. If you are travelling by road, the journey from Stornoway will take around 30 minutes, with the route passing through some breath-taking scenery. We are also on the W2 bus route. Alternatively, the site is on the stunningly beautiful Hebridean Way Cycle Route.
By Sea Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries make it extremely convenient to visit us by sea. We can be reached easily from Ullapool to Stornoway or from Uig in Skye to Tarbert. If continuing from Tarbert by road, you can follow the A859 north to Calanais and arrive in just under 50 minutes. You can also sail from Berneray in North Uist to Leverburgh in Harris. From there, take the A859 north for around 90 minutes before arriving at Calanais.
By Air If you are flying to the Isle of Lewis, the nearest airport to us is in Stornoway, around 20 miles away. Loganair flights make regular departures from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.
A Visitor Centre
for Everyone
Accessibility Matters
The Calanais Stones have a legacy for all to enjoy. The Calanais Visitor Centre is easily accessible, but if you are unsure of whether the site is suitable for a visit, please contact us in advance of your trip to make certain that we can accommodate your requirements.
In and Around the Visitor Centre
The entire Visitor Centre is on one level and the site boasts a paved, level courtyard with wheelchair access throughout. The well-stocked shop is accessible with a low step to access. The toilets are also fully accessible with a low step. We are a family-friendly site, and baby changing facilities are available.
Exploring the Monument Safely
The ground around the stones is uneven and covered in grass and peat, so we recommend that you bring appropriate footwear. For your own safety, and for the protection of the stone circle, we ask that all visitors take care when walking through the monument.
Dogs are Welcome at Calanais
Dogs are welcome to accompany you. They should be kept on a lead at all times and not left unattended, especially in vehicles. Owners are expected to pick up after their dogs. Well-behaved dogs are permitted in the shop. We have water bowls around the site and usually have plenty of dog biscuits available. Assistance dogs are permitted throughout the site, but we do not allow pets inside our café. There is ample outside seating that you are very welcome to use.
Discovering the Story of the Stones
A Rich and mysterious history
So much of the history of Calanais remains unknown. Exploring the Story of the Stones exhibition is the ideal way to deepen your understanding of the archaeological heritage of this inspiring landscape. It’s the perfect complement to your visit to the stones themselves. When you visit, you’ll discover the story of this beautiful and intriguing place, learn how the stones were built, and what they have meant to people through the centuries. The exhibition boasts a fascinating walk-through experience complete with graphic panels, models and a fully accessible audio-visual display.
Individual Admission to the Story of the Stones
Adults: £4.00 | Concessions*: £3.50 | Children (12-17 yrs): £2.50
Children (0-11 yrs): Free
*Concessions include over 60s, unemployed and students with valid ID. Historic Scotland members are welcome to visit the exhibition for free, but we do not offer member discounts in the shop or cafe.
Group Visits
Pre-booking a group visit is essential if you wish access the Calanais Stones or the Visitor Centre. The Standing Stones Trust cannot guarantee entry to groups that do not hold a prior booking.
We look forward to welcoming your group to the shop, facilities and the Story of the Stones exhibition. Our Calanais 2025 project will see us revolutionise our facilities, and you can discover exactly how our redeveloped Visitor Centre will enhance your visit.
When you Arrive
If you have pre-booked a visit for a group, a member of staff will welcome you and explain any changes to current procedures. We may ask you to divide into two smaller groups, with one group visiting the Standing Stones whilst the other takes advantage of the available facilities within the Visitor Centre.
Group Admission to the Story of the Stones
Adults (10 passengers and over): £3.50
Children (10 passengers and over): £2.50
Filming at Calanais
Beautiful Photography and Film
The Calanais Standing Stones provide an evocative backdrop for film and photography. The stone circle is owned by Historic Environment Scotland, and an application to film commercially must be applied for on their website.
Flying a Drone?
Historic Environment Scotland requires permission be sought prior to flying a drone at the stone circle. This ensures the safety of this historic site and the community who engage with it.
Discover more about the policy and how to apply for permission here.