Visit The
Calanais Standing Stones

  Their layout is unique. Hence not called a stone circle. Everyone and we mean everyone will at some point visit this site so get here early before the coach trips... read more or at the end of day. Cafe & visitor centre (with toilets) is not open every day so check before coming if that is important. Don't go without seeing the other 2 associated sites which are within walking

  This is very accessible site, not involving any serious hike or walk. The access was free of charge as well as the parking although it charges a few pounds... read more if one wants to see the visitor centre exhibition. There is a small cafe which we did not try. The site is not too big but the stone circle is of a good size. The scene of stones and their history have given us some imagination about the past. A must see when you are in Lewis.

  We arrived here around 10.30am on a sunday and the car park was almost full, it is a very small carpark and definitely not suitable for larger vehicles.
The stones... read more themselves are an amazing sight to see and you are able to get up close to them, which has good and bad points. Such as if your trying to take a photo, someone will probably walk right in front of you and get in your way without a doubt!
I have visited Stonehenge and did prefer the one way system they had, as people were all over the place and bumping into you here, as these are enclosed in a small field.
There is only one information board that we could see but there is more stone circles further along but we didnt have time to see them all.
It is certainly a must do when you visit Lewis and Harris.

  I felt the stones were ok but I was expecting them to be lit up with lasers or something. Plus in today's modern age there should be speakers on... read more each stone playing background music. I felt the site would also benefit from a large 'Brantano' discount shoe outlet but maybe I'm just bei

  We came on a Sunday - still a few people milling around but we took some great photos sans tourists. No gift shop open but there were toilets and plenty... read more of

  Step back in time (almost)
Great experience fantastic to see the stones.
A real feel of time gone by

  We drove a 51 mile circuit from our Stornoway B&B focusing on 3 of these stone circles used as the basis for the TV series, Outlander.
The Callanish Stones... read more Trail begins 17 miles west at Calanais III with its ceremonial complex to an ancient triple goddess. In sight, 200 m further, was Calanais II. From here it was ¾ mile to Calanais, the larger grouping with a stone outcropping called “Stones of Lewis” providing a 360 degree viewpoint of lakes, bog and a rounded barn.
9 miles north was the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village of traditional stone homes roofed in thatch from the late 1800’s, abandoned in 1974 and preserved into a museum with holiday cottages.
Finally, 11 miles northwest was The Shieling, an example of a herdman’s stone shelter used in the summer bog. From here it was 14 miles southeast on the main road, returning to Stornoway.
A perfect tour of Lewis Island, with a car in today's rain or a bicycle in nice weather.

  Their layout is unique. Hence not called a stone circle. Everyone and we mean everyone will at some point visit this site so get here early before the coach trips... read more or at the end of day. Cafe & visitor centre (with toilets) is not open every day so check before coming if that is important. Don't go without seeing the other 2 associated sites which are within walking distance.

  Very atmospheric and a must see if in this part of Scotland. Not too busy when we visited (in October) so ambience not lost in a jumble of people all... read more trying to take photos. There is a nice cafe near

  I was very impressed by the stones when I visited it during noon period with bright blue sky. Although it was not extremely crowded but taking a picture without someone... read more crossing your path can be a challenge. However I decided to pay it another visit during evening as I missed out another 2 sets of standing stones called Callanish Standing Stones II and Standing Stones III which was less visited. They are located within walking distances but driving will be the best option. But take note that the signage is very small and the car park can only take in one or two vehicles. The evening view was spectacular stunning with practically no crowd. With so much history, I felt I had travelled back to the new stone age period.

  Very poor food and service.

The Sweet potato soup was a murky orange water, they could not even provide bread to accompany the fluid even though the menu stated... read more it was soup & rollI was offered “a free cheese scone” in its place. How is that free if they are unable to provide the as describe on the menu. The cheese & ham salad roll used factory made / wholesale ingredients - are there no good quality food on the western isle’s that could have been used????
The food was worse than a motorway service station!
I feel ripped off

  Worth seeing and great scenery and roads around the area. Free admission and plenty of info on their history.

  Awe inspiring to see and scenery beautiful. Staff in the visitors centre very helpful and friendly. Totally r

  I was very impressed by the stones when I visited it during noon period with bright blue sky. Although it was not extremely crowded but taking a picture without someone... read more crossing your path can be a challenge. However I decided to pay it another visit during evening as I missed out another 2 sets of standing stones called Callanish Standing Stones II and Standing Stones III which was less visited. They are located within walking distances but driving will be the best option. But take note that the signage is very small and the car park can only take in one or two vehicles. The evening view was spectacular stunning with practically no crowd. With so much history, I felt I had travelled back to the new stone age period.

  We waited till sunset to visit after a sunny day. It was really lovely and atmospheric. Loves walking around looking at the stones from different angles and taking the time... read more to appreciate it for what is is and I definitely don’t think it needs speakers and lasers or lights as someone suggested 😆. It would take away the magic and originality of the place. The other standing stones are nearby as well so you can visit all 3 sites in 1 go. Loved it! Later the Blue moon/Sturgeon moon came out which was huge and red,