See and Do near us
Harris is a wonderful place for those who enjoy a slower pace of life on their holidays and a chance to rest and unwind in one of the most beautiful places on earth. You won’t find any night clubs or blaring music here, but what you will find is a warm island welcome, peace and serenity that is hard to find in this age, and views to take your breath away!
Harris is a nature-lovers paradise, with an incredible combination of crystal-clear waters, long sandy beaches and mountains. Perfect for photographers, bird watchers and walkers who enjoy stepping off the beaten track.
Beaches
You can step out of Beachside onto the very edge of Seilebost Beach, with its glistening white sand and machair grasslands bordering the often turquoise-looking sea. Drive towards Tarbert, round the edge of Loch Fincastle and ten minutes later you are at Luskentyre Beach, which has justifiably been listed as among the top ten beaches…
Eating/Places to Eat
Head off south from Seilebost and you will first come to Blas Bhon Iar in Horgabost, where Richard serves the most amazing local, top quality take-away food. Next you will come to The Machair Kitchen at Talla na Mara, just a bit further along the road on the left. A couple of miles further is Scarista House Hotel, where you…
Fishing
Excellent salmon and sea-trout is available locally, by arrangement with the Borve Lodge Estate (01859-550358 or 07810-023255) on Lochs Fincastle and Laxdale. There are several other lochs with plenteous brown trout. Sea fishing trips can be arranged through the Isle of Harris Sea Tours in nearby Tarbert (www.isleofharrisseatours.co.uk)
Galleries & Artists
There are many galleries on the island where top-quality paintings and island photographs can be viewed and bought. The nearest studio to Beachside is Sparrowhouse Gallery, in the old Seilebost School, where Fiona Simes paints amazing natural and wildlife scenes. Just along the road from Seilebost is Talla na Mara, where the West Harris Trust…
Seallam! Visitor Centre, Northton
The Seallam! Visitor Centre at Northton provides exhibits to suit all degrees of interest, with a main static exhibition for the first-time visitor and changing displays for the many returning visitors.
Shopping
There are big supermarkets in Stornoway (Coop and Tesco, 1-hour drive from Beachside), and good, well-stocked, local stores in Tarbert and Leverburgh (both 15-minutes away), where all the food basics are readily available. Harris Tweed Shop The Harris Tweed Shop in Tarbert is a MUST-VISIT place! Absolutely packed with wonderful Harris Tweed products. And if you’re…
St Kilda
No visitor to Harris should miss the opportunity of visiting St.Kilda, the UNESCO World Heritage site 40 miles out in the Atlantic. Astonishing bird life, amazing history, an unforgettable adventure. Fantastic day trips are organised by Kilda Cruises sailing from Leverburgh (www.kildacruises.co.uk).
