Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean - Isle of Lewis

Kate B.

I do really loved the place. So much to get to know about people themselves (Islanders). Eeach person = one story. If you have some time to spare, definitely worth going there. Btw no need to follow google maps route to the roundabout when walking, there is a direct shortcut with signs straight to the castle museum few meters before.

hanneke

Very interesting to visit, very friendly volunteers, i especially did like the room where you can see the island trough the seasons, mòran taing, thig mi air ais gu cinnteach.

Peter D.

We went in Sunday when the museum is closed. The ground floor of the grand house was open and we had lunch there.

I was told there were no more eggs but later discovered someone receiving scrambled eggs. Disappointing.

Food was fine but not exciting. You order and it arrives at your table. Staff are young and enthusiastic. Coffee was ok but not great. But I guess it was good it was open on a Sunday.

Scott M.

Great museum, staff super friendly and helpful. Entry by donation (paid £10 for a family of 4) worth the money, kids enjoyed it and had a few activities to do which helped keep them busy. Would recommend for a visit if you are in Stornoway.

Bruce L.

NB this is a review of the grounds as we did not visit the museum. There are many lovely walks in the castle grounds affording good views of the harbour and town, and of the castle. Statues like the Gruffalo help to make it kid friendly too. Just a great place for a peaceful walk.

Tom D.

We paid the suggested £5 per person donation and found Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean to be a decent way to spend 20–30 minutes in Stornoway. The experience opens with a calming 10-minute, 3-wall projected timelapse of the Outer Hebrides – easily the highlight, very atmospheric and a great way to ease into the space.

The rest of the museum covers general local history, with a mix of artefacts and information panels. It’s well presented and gives a good overview of the area’s heritage, but nothing particularly unexpected. Personally, I’d have liked to see something on the history of the castle itself, given the setting – felt like a missed opportunity.

Overall, worth popping into if you’re nearby. A relaxing, informative little stop that’s easy to fit into your day.

Tim F.

Fairly small but very well presented museum with lots of multimedia exhibits telling the fascinating story of island life, the highlight being some of the famous Lewis chessmen.

Entry is free and includes access to the downstairs rooms of the adjacent Lews Castle. There’s also a cafe. Staff are super friendly and welcoming.

If you have time, the castle grounds make for a lovely walk - climb up to Gallows Hill for some nice views over the water to Stornoway town and port.

Mandy N.

Not a large museum but a "boutique" exhibition that shows a snapshot of life on Harris and Lewis. The individual rooms are well put together with both visual and audio information. The Lewis Chessmen were,of course,a highlight. The background information on their discovery was well presented. Guides are on hand for any questions.There is a small gift shop and admission is by donation,a suggested £5. There is also a cafe.