Issue 2
Your Retreat Guide
Overlooking the picturesque waters and twinkling lights of Stornoway harbour, sheltered by acres of rich, green woodland; Lews Castle by Natural Retreats offers a sumptuous stay amongst the turrets and towers of this iconic Hebridean landmark. Perfectly placed as the gateway to the rest of the Outer Isles, our guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor adventure and unforgettable new discoveries.
FREE
Resurrected to its former Victorian glory following a ÂŁ19 million restoration, our breath-taking home has become a benchmark for true hospitality, spectacular self-catering escapes and exceptional events & celebrations. We would like to extend our warmest welcome to all of our guests and wish them a truly memorable stay, as they become a part of the next chapter in the rich history of Lews Castle...
0 2. Guest Directory
04. Adventurers Guide
07. Weather Forecaster
verything you need to know E for an unforgettable stay.
Discover the best coastal trails, beaches, eateries and more...
Whatever the weather, we can suggest activities for all to enjoy.
LATITUDE 58.211509, LONGITUDE -6.394375 POSTAL ADDRESS: ISLE OF LEWIS HS2 0XP
Guest Directory During your stay at Lews Castle, we want to ensure that your experience is nothing short of unforgettable, which is why we’ve supplied a selection of essential information to guide you through your visit. For further information, advice & recommendations, please contact our Concierge Team on 01625 416430 or our General Manager - Colin on 01851 281111
Download our app to unlock a wealth of useful information! Search: Lews Castle
PLEASE VACATE YOUR ROOM BY 10 A M ON THE DAY OF DEPARTURE FOR YOUR SAFETY AND COMFORT
Medical contacts Local Doctors Surgery The Group Practice (01851) 793 145 Health Centre, Springfield Road, Stornoway HS1 2PS
Please make sure all electrical appliances, ovens and hobs are switched off prior to leaving your accommodation. Please also close and lock windows and doors when leaving for the day. Due to the age of the castle - floors, walls, and ceilings may be uneven, so please exercise caution when walking around the building.
FIRE SAFETY
PUBLIC TRANSPORT A daily bus service (ex. Sundays) runs from Stornoway Town Centre, (just a 20 minute walk away) via the Stornoway bus station. Visitors can travel across Lewis and Harris every few hours, enjoying the sights and scenery along the way.
FIRST AID
All accommodation at Lews Castle is fitted with Fire, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Fire Extinguisher and a Fire Blanket. In the event of a fire, please evacuate the building - avoiding the lift, and head to the fire assembly point in the main car park. Alert those around you by breaking the glass at the nearest fire call point.
First aid kits can be located under the kitchen sink, or via our team on the Ground Floor.
SMOKING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED WITHIN THE CASTLE WALLS.
Out-of-Hours Emergencies please call NHS 24: 111 or 999 Western Isles Hospital (01851) 704 704 Macaulay Road, HS1 2AF Dental Centre (01851) 707 500 Macaulay Road Stornoway
FUEL UP
MANOR FILLING STATION 70 Bayhead · 01851 701920
For further information please speak to our friendly team or visit cne-siar.gov.uk. PLEASE NOTE, CARS ARE LEFT IN THE CAR PARK AT OWNERS OWN RISK. WE CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR CARS, OR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE.
BANKING We are fully equipped for the use of cards but if you prefer using cash, there are many ATM’s available in Stornoway town centre, at both banks and supermarkets. The nearest cashpoint to Lews Castle can be found at the Macaulay Road Co-op Supermarket available 24 hours a day.
CAMPBELL ANGUS Cannery Rd · 01851 702127
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Lews Castle by Natural Retreats
“A warm welcome to Lews Castle! ” ‟My team and I are on hand to ensure your stay is as enjoyable as possible. From advice on the best local attractions, to making restaurant reservations, we’re happy to help!” – Colin, General Manager
Wi-Fi
Recycle
Have your say
We have complimentary Wi-Fi so you can catch-up and Facebook/Instagram your epic holiday snaps to @naturalretreatsuk #naturalretreatsuk
Our natural environment is spectacular, which is why we encourage you to recycle your waste. Please note that bins have been placed inside each room & apartment for general waste disposal. Should you exceed this amount, please tie up the sacks and place them in the large bins situated in the grounds (next to the museum).
If you’d like to share your top tips for future guests or have any issues or queries, we want to hear from you. If you do not find the accommodation prepared to your satisfaction, please speak to our General Manager, Colin, immediately upon arrival. Please also report any breakages during your stay to our team.
Wi-Fi Password:
greatoutdoors (lowercase)
Our Recommended Restaurants
DIGBY CHICK Modern and elegant food with a relaxed dining experience. 01851 700026
THE THAI CAFÉ Authentic and quality Thai dishes from an extensive menu. 01851 701811
CABARFAIDH HOTEL Fresh food, beautifully prepared & presented in the Solas Restaurant. 01851 702604
THE PARK GUEST HOUSE Serving traditional Island dishes with a full dining menu served until 8.30pm. 01851 702485
HS1/THE BOATSHED The cuisine draws on traditional Scottish dishes, adding influences from around the world. 01851 702109
AN LANNTAIR Serving a delicious all day menu with daily specials celebrating great local produce from the Islands. 01851 708490
Please get in touch if you would like us to make a reservation on your behalf.
www.naturalretreats.co.uk
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The great le ws adventure Don't forget
WONDERFUL WALKS Choose to explore the 270 hectares of Castle grounds and gardens, walking along the River Creed to Stornoway town centre, or set your sights a little further afield to the wide open landscapes of Lewis, with a visit to sights such as ‘The Bridge To Nowhere’ in Tolsta or 'The Butt of Lighthouse' in Ness. For epic hill walking, head to An Clisham, the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides, (located on Harris).
to ask our team for their top tips & recommendations!
From the dramatic, mountainous landscape of Harris to the wide expanse of peat moors on Lewis, the Outer Hebrides have an abundance of stunning landscapes, which are best explored on foot. The only limitation is how far your legs will carry you!
Take a hike! Don't forget to take a look at our handy walking guides, to help you explore the craggy mountains and powder soft beaches of Lewis and Harris!
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Lews Castle by Natural Retreats
History of the Castle Lews Castle was built by James Matheson who purchased the Isle of Lewis in 1844, having made his fortune in the Far East. Designed by Glasgow architect Charles Wilson, the castle is a category-A listed building. Lews Castle is built on the site of the Seaforth Lodge, which was established by the Earls of Seaforth in the late 1600's. Part of the Lodge survives, including the harled wall which can be seen within the Storehouse CafÊ. The Castle was purchased in 1918 by Lord Leverhulme who then gifted the Castle and land of the Stornoway Parish to the local community in 1924. Then used as a military hospital, college and school, the Castle fell into disuse in the early 1990's until it’s regeneration, which you can see today!
www.naturalretreats.co.uk
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ons ndati e m m r reco
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WOVEN BY HAND – in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland –
let the fun be Gin !
25 North Beach, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, HS1 2XQ t: 01851 700 046 e: shop@harristweedhebrides.com
harristweedhebrides.com
Your unforgettable moment...
...Our unforgettable setting
Create your own perfect moment at a unique wedding venue with luxurious accommodation, nestled amongst acres of magical woodland, on the stunning Isle of Lewis. For further information contact our Event Specialist: 01625 416 424 | events@naturalretreats.co.uk 6
Lews Castle by Natural Retreats
Weather forecaster
Sunny days
Rainy days
STORNOWAY GOLF CLUB This 18 hole golf course, nestled in the Lews Castle grounds, boasts panoramic views of Stornoway Harbour.
MUSEUM NAN EILEAN, LEWS CASTLE Home to the iconic Lewis chessmen, this interactive adventure is the perfect start to your Hebridean journey.
CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING Situated inside the beautiful and idyllic Aline Forest, Harris Gun Club offers a shooting experience you’ll not soon forget.
AN LANNTAIR, STORNOWAY Multi-arts venue; a contemporary art gallery, a theatre, a cinema, a dance studio, a concert hall and more!
DAY VISITS & SEA TOURS There are a wide variety of marine adventures available from Stornoway Harbour – just ask our team for further details. EAGLE OBSERVATORY Located in the heart of a Golden Eagle territory within the spectacular Harris hills, the North Harris Eagle Observatory provides one of the best opportunities in Scotland for viewing this iconic species.
LEWIS SPORTS CENTRE, STORNOWAY Fantastic for families with a pool & soft play area. SPORTS NIS, NESS One of the best sporting facilities in the Western Isles, with badminton courts, 10 pin bowling & swimming pool. ESSENCE OF HARRIS CANDLES Learn about how candles are made, the inspiration behind them and how to pour your very own candle.
SEGWAY HEBRIDES Running throughout the Lews Castle grounds, the Segway experience is unlike anything you will have done before - these eco-friendly (zero emission) machines are intuitive, easy to ride & take only a short while to master.
BORGH POTTERY Workshop & showroom of hand made Lewis pottery. TIUMPAN HEAD LIGHTHOUSE Educate yourself in the history of the active lighthouse and take in the breath-taking views of the surrounding shorelines.
CALANAIS STONES Immerse yourself in the mystery of this Neolithic-era arrangement of standing stones.
HARRIS DISTILLERY Step behind the scenes and sample Harris' famous tipples on their fantastic tours.
Missing us already?
BOOK AGAIN BEFORE YOU LEAVE & RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR NEXT STAY! www.naturalretreats.co.uk
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Recipes for Budding Mixologists... If you've sought out your favourite tipple whilst exploring the Outer Hebrides, why not try your hand at some of our Lews Castle cocktail recipes - expertly crafted by our in-house team!
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THE STORNOWAY
THE MATHESON
DEOCH A'CHAISTEAL
Our modern take on the 'Dark & Stormy', to warm the cockles...
An elegant special, perfectly paired with the castle surroundings...
Quite literally, the 'Castle Drink'...
HAVANA RUM
COINTREAU
ABHAINN DEARG WHISKY
BUNDABURG GINGER BEER
CRANBERRY JUICE
DRAMBUIE
BITTERS
PROSECCO
Lews Castle by Natural Retreats
Take a little 'le ws' with you The Lews Castle Outfitters Store, (situated on the ground floor next to the Storehouse Café), stocks an array of clothing, gifts and souvenirs. Whether you need something for the grandchildren or a bottle of local whisky, we have a gift to suit all! We stock a range of outdoor clothing too, so whatever the weather, you can be sure you’re fully kitted out. Our selection of branded gifts and museum souvenirs will also ensure that you have something to treasure from your stay on the Isle of Lewis.
OPENING TIMES
Mon-Sat: 08:30 am – 17:30 pm Sun: 10:30 am – 17:30 pm Subject to seasonal changes.
*
www.naturalretreats.co.uk
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LEWS CASTLE
STOREHOUSE est. 2016
Located amongst the opulent ground floor rooms of Lews Castle, the Storehouse Cafe is the ideal spot to soak in the history of your surroundings during your stay. Proudly serving Starbucks drinks with a variety of locally-baked treats on offer, enjoy a well-deserved coffee break as you plan your next adventure. For a more substantial meal, the Storehouse offers a menu crammed with mouth-watering, locally-sourced dishes such as the traditional Scottish Salmon Platter and homemade pizzas, alongside freshly-toasted paninis and healthy specials.
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If you're looking to treat yourself to a hearty breakfast before exploring the island, there are plenty of dishes to tuck in to. From our traditional Full Scottish Breakfast (complete with famous Stornoway Black Pudding!) to creamy Scottish porridge or luxurious French Toast, set yourself up for the day in style.
ÂŁ4.50!
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Lews Castle by Natural Retreats
Join us for a pre-dinner cocktail or a taste of Scottish Whisky Serving a wide array of Highland tipples and hand-poured cocktails, our intimate Whisky Bar proves the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed drink before heading out to dinner. From aromatic Harris Gin (best served with a slice of grapefruit) to rich and peaty drams of Abhainn Dearg Whisky, let our expert team take you on a sensory journey of the Outer Hebrides from the comfort of one of our sumptuous Harris Tweed armchairs. From here, guests can gaze out over Stornoway harbour, watching the twinkling stars reflect in the inky blue waters of the Minch.
www.naturalretreats.co.uk
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Issue 2
Your Retreat Guide
FREE
READY FOR your NE XT ADVENTURE? “From cosy cottages to majestic castles, we have a holiday home for all to enjoy...”
Lews Castle | Isle of Lewis
John O’Groats | Highlands
Canalside Cottages | Highlands
CairnGorm Mtn| Highlands
Yorkshire Dales | North Yorkshire
Llŷn Peninsula | North Wales
The Cotswolds | Oxfordshire
Trewhiddle | South Cornwall
Rock & North Cornwall
Fistral Beach | Newquay
Explore & book our outstanding collection of Natural Retreats naturalretreats.co.uk | 01625 416430 | info@naturalretreats.co.uk FIND US #lewscastle
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Share your best moments with us using #lewscastle and our favourites will be re-shared and published in our next issue! 220818