The Isle of Harris has the Calanais Standing Stones, which are a great spot to see the Northern Lights
(Picture: Getty Images/500px)
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.
The Northern Lights can be spotted on the Isle of Harris and adjoining Isle of Lewis (Picture: Getty Images/500px Plus)
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.
Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland (Picture: Getty Images)
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
With a population of less than 21,000 people, you may think you’ll be starved of things to do on this stunning island, but you’d be wrong.
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 …read more
Source:: Metro
