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The Northern Lights are an incredible natural phenomenon that many of us would jump at the chance to witness, just once in our lifetime.
But not all of us can afford a trip to Iceland or Norway in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.
All hope isn’t lost though, as we’ve found a UK alternative for you, located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland where a room will cost you just £65 per night.
The Isle of Harris is a paradise of piercing blue waters and white sand beaches — largely untouched by hordes of tourists.
With its stunning rugged mountains and breath-taking coastline, it would make a perfect holiday at any time of year, but this September and October is when you’re most likely to see those all important Northern Lights.
Here’s everything you need to know about this lesser-travelled area of bonnie Scotland.
Beaches on the Isle of Harris
This large Scottish Island is perhaps most well known for its stunning beaches —the most notable being Luskentyre Beach.
Situated on the north coast, not only does it have picturesque white sand and turquoise waters but you can also see across to the neighbouring island of Taransay.
The area boasts tonnes of wildlife to spot too, such as dolphins, seals, otters and eagles.
It’s such a beautiful location that visitors struggle to believe it’s in the UK.
Tripadvisor reviewer Cyd J branded it ‘a slice of the Maldives off the coast of the Isle of Harris’ while others branded it ‘stunning’ and ‘spectacular’ with ‘pristine sand’ that left them ‘spellbound’.
Even further north on the island, you’ll find Hushinish Beach which is tucked in a bay on the Western side.
Other beaches that are also worth a visit include Seilebost Beach and Horgabost Beach – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Things to do on the Isle of Harris
Steeped in history, you can spend your days exploring ancient sites while waiting for nightfall to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.
A stand out attraction is the Calanais Standing Stones — very similar to Stonehenge. The large stones jut out of the ground in a cross formation and are believed to have been erected 5000 years ago, making them older than the Pyramids of Giza.
It’s also a sight where the Northern Lights have been spotted, so if you watch the sunset here, you just might just get lucky.
Perhaps what the island is most famous for is its Harris Tweed (hence the name). The shop is a must-visit, tucked at the mouth of the harbour in Tarbert.
Tarbert happens to be the main cultural hub of the island and the largest village — there’s a lovely loch too and you can even go kayaking.
If this interests you, you’ll want to travel to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village where you can see people actually weaving the Harris Tweed. Of course there’s a gift shop and cafe where you can make the most of your visit.
The Iron Age Village is a relatively new find in grand scheme of things, only being discovered at Bosta in 1993. Howling gales revealed the remains which were quickly excavated and the Bosta Iron Age House is now open for visitors.
Leverburgh is the second largest village with all the basics you might need throughout your stay, while Northton is home to the visitor centre to teach you more about the history of the island.
For a true slice of island life, the minute village of Hushinish has just four homes which overlook the beach we suggested you visit earlier.
Where to stay on the Isle of Harris
For example, No. 5 Drinishader, a 4-star hostel in a cottage, offers twin rooms for £65 per night, located in the small seaside village, or if you’re a solo traveller you can pick a hostel bed for just £24.
On Airbnb you can find tiny homes for £89 per night (essentially a glamping pod with underfloor heating), just 10 minutes from Tabert. But most Airbnbs for the area sit at about £100 to £150 per night.
On Booking.com there’s also a range of options including cottages you can rent from £160 a night, to private challets costing £300 a night.
For more luxury options there’s the likes of Flodabay Farm, a B&B with an exclusive chalet overlooking the water. This will set you back at least £550 for three nights, or £1,250 for a whole week.
In Tarbert you’ll find the larger Harris Hotel with 22 bedrooms — the cheapest starting at £129 per night. There are also two self-catered cottages on offer.
How to get to the Isle of Harris
By air, you’ll want to start at either Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness airport and fly Loganair to Stornoway Airport.
This is a 45-minute flight and it’ll set you back about £265 for a return ticket.
You’ll then be able to drive to whichever town you’re staying in or use public transport.
Going by sea gives you the option of whale and dolphin watching as you go. Caledonian Macbrayne ferries sail from Skye to Tarbert and it’s advisable to book this beforehand.
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You can also get near to Harris by rail. The Scotrail network will take you to Kyle of Lochalsh or Mallaig where there is a connecting bus service to the ferry terminal on the Isle of Skye.
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