Skye Museum of Island Life
Kilmuir, By Portree
View on Google MapsPhoto: Skye Museum of Island Life
About Skye Museum of Island Life
Step back in time at this traditional thatched cottage museum near Portree, where visitors can enjoy refreshments and explore island heritage at their own pace with a picnic.
What's nearby
- Highland Deli & Takeaway next door
- Flora Macdonald Monument 400m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
This is a must visit on the Isle life. A great history and visual of life gone by. Amazing to see home life of a family of 12 living in a croft house, even though it seems they would be outdoors more than in, still such a small living space. Other croft houses, gave you a peak into history of the creation of the Isles, through the years. Famously interesting characters like Bonnie prince Charlie, Flora Mcdonald. The crofters life, wife. Summer walkers, peat, tools used, cultivation, Fishing, weaving, shoemaking, basket makers, wool processing, local fabrics, the smithy, and local shops/post office. Oh and world war 2 on Skye too. So much and for a good entry price. Was really interesting and great to see.
· via Google
Exceptional historical Crofter’s village museum on the Isle of Skye. Three of the homes were original. The furnishings & artifacts were very interesting & well displayed. There was a public bathroom, quite a bit of parking & a very nice gift shop. The museum property also had adorable Highland cows. There is also the excellent take away Highland Cafe. The pasties were amazing as well as the lemon cake. We highly recommend this lovely museum that shows a slice of life on Skye in days gone by.
· via Google
The Skye Museum of Island Life was worth a look and gives you a glimpse into what life on Skye was like years ago. We enjoyed walking around the traditional cottages, although it wasn't our favourite stop. The highlight for us was definitely the beautiful Highland cows—we even got to feed them, which made the visit really special! Worth visiting, especially if you love Highland cows.
· via Google
There is a large car park just up from the main ticket office, a decent eatery is also located in the car park which we thoroughly enjoyed. They offer traditional pasties as well as pastries and cakes. The museum itself is set in around 7 natural and traditional houses, each one has different information about island life on offer. The amount of reading boards is quite heavy; if you want to absorb all the information allow plenty of time. There is the all important gift shop and toilets are located just down the track from the main site. Well worth a visit if you want to learn what traditional island life and the history of Skye is all about. I totally enjoyed the visit.
· via Google
Visitors say this museum offers a fascinating and informative glimpse into traditional crofting life on Skye, with well-preserved cottages showcasing period items and local history. They also highlight the reasonable entry fee, ample free parking, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. Others also mention the delicious pies and coffee available at the nearby cafe, along with the opportunity to feed Highland cows.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Portree, IV51 9UE Get directions
- Category
- Museums & Galleries
- Guest rating
- 4.6 / 5 (1,976 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 4+
- Setting
- Indoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Isle of Skye