To Do,

Lochmaddy has much to offer to any visitor to the town.

People come to Lochmaddy and North Uist for the appreciation of the wonderful natural scenery and in search of peace. However, Lochmaddy also has a bustling community that can help you make more of your stay at Redburn House.

The bar and restaurant at The Lochmaddy Hotel has a large set and off the card menu. Its small bar has a pool table and Sky television, and also offers its own bar menu.

The Taigh Chearsabhagh Visitor centre has three art galleries, a cafe and shop selling the local craft, artwork and books in both English and Gaelic .

Close to the visitor centre is a gift shop, formerly the Wee Havit Shop. They have it - local crafts gifts and souvenirs.

The ferry port is where you would arrive in Lochmaddy - and as you can see from the aerial view, Redburn House is just a short walk away.

It is always fascinating to watch the ferry come and go - a sight available from many of the windows at Redburn House.

The Uists are renowned for the quality of wild brown trout, sea trout and salmon. North Uist Angling Club can provide information on hotspots, tuition, access and fees for all the fishermen amongst you.

Don't forget the opportunities for wildlife watching; deer roam free around Lochmaddys fields, otters reside in many of the lochs, and many rare birds can be seen, as well as seals, starfish, sea urchins and other amazing sea creatures residing in this ‘designated site of scientific interest'. Guided tours with the local wildlife rangers are available to really see it all.

Just next door to Redburn House is a very handy shop offering groceries, newspapers, gifts and souvenirs and other essentials.

Water sports are huge here in Lochmaddy, so come along and enjoy the exciting times that Uist Outdoor Centre has to offer, including sub-aqua diving, canoeing, power-boating, rock climbing, abseiling, walks and more.

The Lochmaddy tourist office is just a short walk from Redburn House and provides information for events and attractions around the islands, walks, local points of interest etc, we suggest you at least take a peek at their website (see links).

Boat trips around the islands are available from the Outdoor Centre, and visitors may be lucky enough to see common seals, (despite their name, really not so common) and grey seals (9000+ per year are born here making it Europe 's largest colony), and otters too.

For twitchers, an added bonus to North Uist are the many kinds of rare birds that may be seen by the enthusiast. Breeds spotted include; vocal corncrake, dunlin, oystercatcher, short eared owl, golden eagle, curlew, snipe and many others. The RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve provides guided walks for wildlife spotting.

The Uist Animal Visitor Centre has a play area, amusement arcade, cafe, and leisure area. A gypsy horse-drawn caravan is also available for hire!

North Uist has some of the most amazing beaches – a secret shared with just a lucky few, Clachan sands are a short bus ride / drive away on the north side of North Uist, and for impressive Atlantic breakers ideal for surfing, the west coast beaches such as Hosta are superb for a dip.

Childcare facilities can be pre-booked before your visit using the only nursery on the island, Saoghal Beag (small world) which offers childcare facilities and activities for kids up to five years old.

North Uist is simple to navigate around if you want to explore the island, there is a circular road, that if all roads off are explored, give cyclists, drivers and passengers (by bus or taxi), just over 45 miles of exploration. Dotted around the island are archaeological sites and churches, internet and viewpoints. Don't miss the folly known as Scollpaig tower near a fantastic beach and the small fishing harbour and market of Grimminis.

For a full list of North Uists delights we suggest you visit Uist Online, or the Western Isles Tourist Board .

The Air Force occasionally tests its planes over the Isles - always an amazing site to see and hear!

The Dark Island hotel in Benbecula over the infamous causeway does a great Sunday carvery and vegetarian dishes too, as does the Carinish Inn. For superb cuisine, book into the restaurant at Langass Lodge, just a few miles from Lochmaddy.

That's if you want to leave Lochmaddy! If you do there are many ways to be taken about using the local taxi services and bus firms. The post office from which various ‘post-buses' emanate is just next door to Redburn House, what could be more convenient for a day out?

To enlarge this full map of the Isles and most attractions, simply click on this picture.

We recommend when you arrive you visit the Lochmaddy Tourist Office to really make the most out of your stay.

Or you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the garden at Redburn House.

Remember - Contact Us and book early to avoid disappointment!!