Things To Do In Barra – Garden Of The Outer Hebrides

If you’re looking for things to do in Barra in the Outer Hebrides then look no further. This island might be small, but there’s a lot more to it than you might expect. A trip to Barra is special, it’s a place that not many visitors to Scotland consider but well worth the effort.

Sometimes known as The Garden of the Hebrides, you can find hundreds of species of flowers here along with rare wildlife and impossibly beautiful beaches. Barra is a place full of history and stories but also somewhere that’s very much still alive. There’s a thriving community here with crofters, fishers and many more calling this island home.

Whether you’re looking for a beach holiday, a wildlife expedition or a quiet place to explore, there are enough things to do in Barra that you might never want to leave!

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How To Get To Barra

Unless you fancy chartering your own boat or helicopter, there are two ways to get to Barra. It sits at the southern end of the string of islands off Scotland’s coast known as the Outer Hebrides. As an island you can only reach here by boat or plane and both have their pros and cons. One things for sure, however you do get to Barra, the approach is a treat.

How To Get the Ferry to Barra

The most common way to get to Barra is by Calmac ferry. If this is the first (or only) island in your Outer Hebridean adventure then you’ll be arriving from Oban. It’s a long ferry, usually around five hours, and you can travel either as a foot passenger, cyclist or driver. Make sure you head up to the outside deck on arrival at Castlebay to get the best view of Kisimul Castle!

If you’re arriving from the more northern Outer Hebrides then you’ll be getting the ferry to Barra from Eriskay. That island is connected to the Uists by causeways and is a great place to head if you want to continue your trip. It’s a much shorter journey of around 40 minutes but in both cases, make sure you book your ticket in advance!

How to Fly To Barra

One of the top reasons that people visit the island is simply so that they can fly to Barra. That seems strange until you discover this is the only airport where scheduled flights land on a beach! It’s a tiny plane and flights leave from Glasgow, taking just over an hour. Don’t worry about the beach landing, it’s even smoother than your usual tarmac.

The downside of flying to Barra is that it can difficult to get around the island purely on foot. Fortunately, there is car hire on Barra, which means you can easily collect your keys and get exploring. If you’re only exploring this one island then call 01871 890313 for Barra Car Hire and just leave a message if there’s no answer.

If you’re planning an island hopping trip through the Outer Hebrides then contact Car Hire Hebrides instead. They have a one way trip service so you can drop off at Stornoway airport at the end of your adventure!

Admire Kisimul Castle In The Bay

If there’s one thing to do in Barra that stands above all the rest, it’s a visit to Kisimul Castle. Unfortunately, Historic Scotland are currently carrying out conservation works so access inside isn’t possible. However, this island castle is picturesque enough to make just seeing it a real treat.

You can easily imagine how Clan MacNeil controlled the surrounding area from their wee fortress. From Kisimul Castle, their chief Ruari the Turbulent raided up and down the west coast in the 1500s. The Pirate Laird pillaged any merchant that crossed his path, but it’s said that he particularly liked English ships!

When Kisimul was leased to Historic Scotland, it had very special terms. The price of the 1000-year lease was just £1 and a bottle of whisky every year! Read a more in depth story about Kisimul in this post about Island Castles.

Head Inside Cille Bharra

The island of Barra is believed to have been named after Saint Barr and you can find his church a short distance from the airport. While Cille Bharra lies in ruins, probably an 1100s replacement for an older version, you can still see the beautiful arched doorway. North Chapel is still standing and on my visit, it wasn’t immediately obvious that it was open.

Don’t be afraid to try the door though because inside is just incredible. As churches go, it’s pretty small, but there’s a carved stone that makes this one of the best things to do in Barra. This is a copy of the Kilbar stone which sits in the National Museum and it’s a unique Norse-Gaelic combination. The runic inscription states “After Thorgerth, Steiner’s daughter, this cross was raised.”

Hike To Barra’s Highest Point

If you’re feeling energetic and looking for active things to do in Barra, then why not hike to the island’s highest point? Fortunately, Barra isn’t a particularly mountainous island compared to somewhere like Skye or Mull! It only takes around 2-3 hours to get to the top of Heaval, although far longer if you like to stop and take pictures (catch your breath) like me!

The vista from the top is just incredible, with views that stretch over all of the smaller surrounding islands. One of the highlights is a soaring statue that gazes down over Castlebay of the Madonna and Child. Raised in 1954, it’s known as Our Lady of the Sea and proudly marks Barra as one of the areas of Scotland that the Protestant Reformation never reached!

If you have even more energy then why not consider visiting Barra in early July and taking part in the Heaval race! This run the summit has been going for over 40 years now from the square in Castlebay. The record is 26 minutes and 25 seconds if you want something to aim for…

Relax On One Of Barra’s Beaches

There’s a good reason that this wee island is often known as Barradise! A visit to Barra wouldn’t be complete without sunning yourself on one of its beaches. Well, sunning might not be the right word but if you ignore the temperature then you could easily believe you’d landed in the Caribbean!

There are seven main beaches in Barra, mostly on the west coast, along with several sandy bays to explore. None are too far to walk from parking spaces and each has its own character With turquoise water and a white expanse of sand, it’s no surprise that beaches feature highly on all lists of things to do in Barra.

Sample The Isle of Barra Distillery

All of that activity works up a drouth as we say in Scotland, so to quench your thirst you’ll want a local drink! Perfect time to visit Barra Distillery and sample some of their wares! Started by Michael & Katie Morrison as the first legal distillery on the island, this venture is still young but it’s thriving.

While the first whisky is a work in progress, the Isle of Barra Distillery has been producing fantastic gin, rum and vodka. I can personally testify that the gin is well worth drinking! It’s good to know that profits from the projecting go back into benefitting the whole of the Barra community too.

While the distillery can’t offer tours yet, there is an onsite shop where you can sample some goods before your purchase! Just make sure you aren’t the one driving…

Shop At Bùth Bharraigh

Don’t just scroll past this part if you’re not one for shopping! Bùth Bharraigh is far more than just a local shop, it’s the heart of the community with a wealth of information. If you’re stuck for accommodation or want to know more about things to do in Barra then just pop in here. They helped me out massively with advice and I saw them find somebody else a last minute bed.

As well as providing staple foods and local products, you can find free wi-fi here which is crucial since mobile signal is patchy at best. There are also leaflets, books and even beach wheelchairs to make sure that the best parts of Barra are accessible for everybody! A stop at Bùth Bharraigh will definitely be worth your while.

Enjoy A Round Of Golf

Scotland is famous as the home of golf and while we’re a long way from St Andrews, Barra is a great place to swing some clubs. In fact, if you book a round of golf here then you can boast to have played on Scotland’s most westerly course!

This 9 hole course also happens to be one of the most beautiful in the world, with views out to the Atlantic Ocean. Clubs can be hired from Bùth Bharraigh and green fees of just £10 can be paid at local hotels. For up to date information, have a look here.

Take A Boat Trip From Barra

With all of the wildlife and scenery to be found just off the island’s coast, one of the most interesting things to do in Barra is to get off it. Take a boat trip from Barra to explore the sea, head to Mingulay or even all the way to St Kilda! You’ll definitely come across seabird colonies, probably spot dolphins and maybe even find basking sharks.

Mingulay is the pick of the trips, found even further south in the Outer Hebrides and abandoned 100 years ago. It’s one of the Bishop’s Isles, named after King James VI stripped the MacNeils of this archipelago and gave it to the Bishop of the Isles. In practice, very little apart from the name changed and the MacNeils still ran the show there!

The island is known for its stories and songs, making it a poignantly quiet place to visit today. Wander the abandoned village, clamber up the hill or just sit and watch the puffins. You’ve got two good options for boat trips from Barra – Mingulay Boat Trips or Hebridean Sea Tours.

Drive Down To Visit Vatersay

You don’t have to get a boat to visit another island while you’re visiting Barra though. Drive south and across the causeway to reach the even smaller Vatersay. This wee island is famous for its dual beaches known as Bàgh Siar (West Bay), and Bàgh Bhatarsaigh (Vatersay Bay). The main road heads right between the two of them.

It’s a great place for a swim although be aware that you’ll often find cattle grazing around the beach. They’re not dangerous unless you do something daft but just be aware of any dogs you bring along. If you’re looking for a challenge then Vatersay is also the starting point for the Hebridean Way – a long distance hike up to the Isle of Lewis!

Vatersay almost ended up abandoned just like Mingulay is now, at the end of the 19th century the landowner evicted the tenants to replace them with sheep. A few brave individuals decided to fight back, building new crofts on the land and gaining the title Vatersay Raiders. They were taken to court and imprisoned but eventually the government bought the land and turned it into crofts!

Where To Eat In Barra

You’re going to need your energy with all of these things to do in Barra, so here are your options for where to eat:

Café Kisimul – Probably the most famous place to eat in Barra, Cafe Kisimul blends Hebridean produce with Punjabi cooking!

Castlebay Hotel – The Castlebay Hotel serves up good quality, Scottish cuisine with an incredible view!

Heathbank Hotel – To the north of the island you’ll find the Heathbank Hotel, especially well known for its delicious seafood!

Where to Stay In Barra

You’re unlikely to be visiting Barra on a daytrip so you’re going to need somewhere to stay for the night!

Cottage By The Sea – A perfect wee cottage for a group of up to 6 to explore Barra from.

Seaview – Another three bedroom cottage with excellent views of the sea!

Tigh na Mara – If you’re looking for a guest house complete with breakfast then Tigh na Mara is for you. It sells out fast though so you’d better be quick!

Dunard Hostel – If you’re travelling on your own or on a budget then Dunard Hostel has either bunks to rent or private rooms.

If these things to do in Barra have caught your interest, how about visiting the island on a Scotland’s Stories Tour?

Just click this link to make an enquiry and book your private driving tour today!

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