Callanish Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Free entry
Details
Accessibility
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/calanais-standing-stones/access/
Brief description
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callanish_Stones
2025: "The Calanais Stones (or "Calanais I": Scottish Gaelic: Clachan Chalanais or Tursachan Chalanais) are an arrangement of standing stones placed in a cruciform pattern with a central stone circle, located on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. They were erected in the late Neolithic era, and were a focus for ritual activity during the Bronze Age. They are near the village of Callanish (Gaelic: Calanais) on the west coast of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
The Calanais Stones consist of a stone circle of thirteen stones with a monolith near the middle. Five rows of standing stones connect to this circle. Two long rows of stones running almost parallel to each other from the stone circle to the north-northeast form a kind of avenue. In addition, there are shorter rows of stones to the west-southwest, south and east-northeast. The stones are all of the same rock type, namely the local Lewisian gneiss. Within the stone circle is a chambered tomb to the east of the central stone.[5]
The Calanais Stones are managed by Historic Environment Scotland. There is a Calanais Stones Visitor Centre operated by Urras Nan Tursachan (The Standing Stones Trust).https://calanais.org/ "
Address
Calanais Standing Stones
Callanish
Isle of Lewis
HS2 9DY
Phone
Website
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/calanais-standing-stones/
Directions
"The Calanais Stones (grid reference NB213330) are situated on a low ridge above the waters of Loch Roag with the hills of Great Bernera as a backdrop.[1]
Numerous other ritual sites lie within a few kilometres.[1] These include at least three other circles, several arcs, alignments and single stones; many visible from the main site.[2] The most impressive – Callanish II and Callanish III – lie just over a kilometre southeast of the main Calanais Stones, and originally consisted of circles of stones at least eight in number.[1] The existence of other monuments in the area implies that Calanais was an active focus for prehistoric religious activity for at least 1,500 years.[3] (see Callanish III, Callanish IV, Callanish VIII and Callanish X). Historic Environment Scotland states that the stones were erected around 2750 BC, pre-dating Stonehenge.[3][4] "
2025: "12mlies west of Stornoway off the A859, Isle of Lewis.
There is a small surfaced car park next to the standing stones. Please take care and respect the local community when using this area. During the visitor centre redevelopment (anticipated reopening in 2026) there will be no access or parking for coaches.
Grid reference NB 213 330 "
Opening Times
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change.
"Calanais Standing Stones are free to visit and open year-round.
Please stay strictly to the paths on your visit.
The Calanais Visitor Centre is closed until 2026 to allow for major redevelopment. During this period there will be no facilities at the site and parking will be severely restricted."
https://calanais.org/opening-times/
2025: "The Calanais Visitor Centre is continuing on its exciting £10.1 million journey of transformation to enhance the experience for both our local community and visitors from around the world. To achieve this safely and within the tightest timeline the whole visitor centre site will be closed to the public from 1 November 2024 until the redevelopment is complete and the new centre is fitted out with state-of-the-art facilities.
Inevitably the closure will cause inconvenience in the interim, as there will be no facilities: no toilets, parking or access to the stones from the centre carpark. However, Urras nan Tursachan (UnT), its funders and stakeholders, believe the transformation of the Calanais Visitor Centre as part of the wider project for the site will lead to long-term benefits for all. Currently the primary concerns are the efficient delivery of the project and the safety of our visitors, team and Lewis Builders construction workers.
The new visitor centre due to open in spring 2026, will be a first-class facility designed to:
– Offer enhanced amenities for the community and visitors, including better accessibility
– Create more opportunities for community engagement and educational programs
– Create year-round jobs and add economic value to the area
– Provide improved interpretation of the Calanais Standing Stones and their significance
– Showcase local heritage and culture in innovative ways
– Support effective conservation of the stones
More information about the project can be found at https://calanais.org/calanais-2025/.
Please note: During the redevelopment of the visitor centre, the Calanais Standing Stones will remain open to the public 24/7. While it is expected that Historic Environment Scotland will be doing conservation works at the stones at some time, it is believed that these works will not require the closure of the stones for anything other than very minimal periods. "
Transport
https://calanais.org/visit/#plan
2025: "By Road: The Standing Stones and Visitor Centre (centre currently closed in preparation for redevelopment) 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. Please note that while redevelopment of the centre is in progress, there is no parking at the site, and only limited road side parking on the shore road.
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.
By Public Bus: To travel from Stornoway to the Calanais (Callanish) Standing Stones by public transport, you can take the W2 bus. Stornoway Bus Station is located near the ferry terminal and the phone number is 01851 704327. Check with the bus station for the timetable. Here are the key journey details:
- The W2 bus route connects Stornoway to Calanais village, where the standing stones are located
- The journey from Stornoway to Calanais takes approximately 30 minutes by bus
- The W2 bus runs from Monday to Saturday. There is no service on Sundays
- Once you arrive in Calanais village, the standing stones are a short walk from the bus stop. The main stone complex (Callanish I) is located on a ridge and is visible as you approach the village
- The visitor centre and main car park are closed, but you can access the stones by following the signs where it’s a 5-7 minute walk along the shore and then up the hill road to reach the stones
- Be sure to check the current bus timetables before your trip, as schedules may vary or change. Stornoway Bus Station phone number is 01851 704327, or visit the website Traveline Scotland https://www.travelinescotland.com
- If you’re planning a return trip on the same day, it’s advisable to confirm the return bus times with the driver when you arrive in Calanais
Remember that while public transport is available, services may be limited compared to urban areas. It’s always a good idea to plan your journey in advance and allow extra time for connections or potential delays.
For more detailed information about travelling to the Outer Hebrides, visit www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk "
Amenities
Calanais Standing Stones: Visitor Centre Site
Callanish
Isle of Lewis
HS2 9DY
+ Callanish Stone Circle 3
Isle of Lewis
Travel Information
For further travel information in Scotland please see: www.travelinescotland.com
Or call Traveline Scotland on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Location
Nearest Venues
13.27 miles*
15.22 miles*
Near Thatched Museum, Kilmuir, Isle of Skye
39.63 miles*
Visitor Car Park, Uig, Isle of Skye
44.32 miles*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.