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.

  • star rating  The stones are AMAZING, difficult to conceive of these being erected 4000+ years ago.

    Sadly the cafe staff lacked the welcoming approach and courtesy we have seen generally... read more

    jandj20012018
    May 27, 2022

    star rating  One of the ‘must see’ things when visiting the island. There is a good sized car park and toilets. Have seen a few stone circles and that one is probably... read more

    Aisleena
    July 14, 2022

    star rating  Exceptional standing stones site. The best stone circle I've ever seen. Didn't feel we needed to see any others after this... we thought any other would probably be a disappointment.... read more

    sygala
    July 4, 2022
  • star rating  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

    Scottish-Hidden-Gems
    September 23, 2021

    star rating  We visited the Stones on a very wet and windy day. It was still worth getting out to look at them and marvel at the age of them and... read more

    F9862VRalisonb
    May 27, 2022

    star rating  Scotland’s answer to Stonehenge but older!!! Great experience..these date back to circa 3000 BC.
    Loads of information at site with a great Visitor centre/museum/ shop.

    i-2112ScotAyr
    August 18, 2022
  • star rating  My last visit to Callanish was on a Sunday when the visitor centre was closed, but this time we were able to find out more about the stones, use the... read more

    Shieldsman
    July 5, 2022

    star rating  A brilliant ancient site. Very powerful as a place to visit

    The stones are very evocative and speak to the past that they represent

    Albia-Newton
    May 6, 2022

    star rating  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

    vrkung
    September 5, 2021
  • star rating  A fantastic place and so lovely the you can get up close to the stones and the kids can run around. We all thoroughly enjoyed our visit and found the... read more

    avatar thumb Jen D
    August 28, 2021

    star rating  Our cottage overlooked these stones so we went round them a few times including at sunset, although the midges were particularly bad that night. Well worth a visit.

    Q5264KBjanem
    September 5, 2022

    star rating  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

    Yoong Kit S
    May 6, 2022
  • star rating  i wouldn't miss this if you have the opportunity to go. the fact that it's free and you can get so close to something so old is incredible.
    i really... read more

    ve55el
    June 15, 2022

    star rating  It was a day of four seasons weather wise but in some ways this made it a realistic experience.It is on raised ground exposed bleak, provocative as it asks you... read more

    petesaund
    August 22, 2022

    star rating  My fourth visit and they impress
    An essential visit if you are on lewis & Harris
    Deeply mysterious
    Earlier than Stonehenge
    Old like the Ring of Brodgar on Orkney... read more

    BoogieBopBruce
    October 9, 2021
Image Credit: Grant Jones
Image Credit: Kenny Lam
Image Credit: Kenny Lam
Image Credit: Grant Hugh Jones

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.

For more detailed information about travelling to the Outer Hebrides, visit www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk.

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.

Image credit: Paul Tomkins
Shaun Libby
Image Credit: Grant Hugh Jones

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.

Image Credit: Grant Hugh Jones
Image Credit: Grant Hugh Jones
Image Credit: Kenny Lam
Image credit: Paul Tomkins

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.

Explore the stones in person

Discover calanais

Experience the wonder and mystery of the Calanais Stone Circle and be transformed by this ancient and inspiring landscape.
Pre-booking essential for groups.