Sightseeing Spots in Perthshire
Over the years, Scotland has become a popular travel destination, garnering attention worldwide because of its scenic beauty and film contributions. Upon arrival, tourists do not recognise the scale or extent of what the country has to offer. Perthshire lies in the heart of Scotland, with a robust history and outstanding scenery to pair, yet it can be often overlooked.
Places like The Hermitage, Kinnoull Hill, and Blair Castle are just a few of the experiences travellers may have in the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Perthshire's rich history includes kingly coronations and treacherous betrayals surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and charming towns.
The sightseeing spots we have gathered only represent a fraction of the opportunities you will find in Perthshire. Take a few days to explore, settling in at some of the area's historical and quintessentially Scottish hotels, such as Dunkeld House Hotel and Fonab Castle.
Scone Palace:
(Photo by PaulT (Gunther Tschuch), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED)
Dating back centuries, Scone Palace was once the heart of the Pictish kingdom, serving as the capital. It was here that, atop the Stone of Destiny, Scottish Kings were crowned. An impressive list of monarchs includes famous names such as Kenneth MacAlpin (traditionally known as the first King of Scots), Shakespeare's Macbeth, and Robert the Bruce, along with 39 others.
The Stone of Destiny, or the Stone of Scone, was seized from the Palace and taken back to Westminster in 1296 by Edward I. This is where the stone remained for nearly six centuries until 1950 when four Scottish Students broke into Westminster, stole the Stone, and brought it back to Scotland in an effort to rally support for Scottish independence. Although it was returned to Westminster, it has since returned to Scone. However, a mystery remains whether this stone you can visit today is the original Stone of Destiny.
Scone Palace hosts a long history of Scottish royalty and patriotism and is home to stunning artwork and 100 acres of woodland gardens. Walk along nature trails, wander through the Maze, and stroll through the Pinetum.
The palace today is owned by the Earl of Mansfield, whose family has owned the estate for over 400 years. Open to the public year-round from 10 am to 5:30 pm; ticket purchases go directly to the maintenance and restoration of this stunning piece of history
Book your visit to Scone Palace today for an experience the whole family will enjoy.
The Hermitage:
(Photo by Chris Golightly, Licensed by CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED)
Along the Banks of the River Braan, tucked away in the Craigvinean Forrest, you can find The Hermitage. Protected by The National Trust for Scotland, this extensive woodland is the home to designed landscaping, scenic nature walks, wildlife, and some of the tallest trees in Britain.
Easily accessible from the A9, light walking paths will lead you by the river and over classic stone bridges to Ossians Hall, overlooking the Black Linn Falls. The towering trees once were kin to the tallest tree in Britain and the first to reach 200 feet. Unfortunately, after a storm in 2017, the tree came crashing down after over 250 years. Its brothers still stand tall, giving the local area the fond nickname of ‘Big Tree Country’. You can sit on a carved bench where the tree fell and admire the grandeur of the canopy above.
Ossians Hall was originally built in the 1780s, replacing the old summer home of the same foundation. This circular temple-like building contained mirrors, reflecting the waterfall below, to create the imagery of constant water flowing around the room as if you were in the waterfall itself. This beautiful building was restored in 2007 and is now owned by the Trust.
For more information and maps on trails in and around the Hermitage Dunkeld, visit the Walking Highlands site.
Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park:
(Photo by Spodzone , Liscensed by CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED)
Kinnoull Hill is one of Perth's most stunning wooded walking areas. There are routes for the whole family, with difficulties ranging from easy to strenuous. If the circular walks do not wear the little ones out, there is a children's activity centre to entertain them. Kinnoull Hill is easily accessible from the M90 and A90, and there is a car park nearby.
Once you reach the hill's summit, you will be greeted by incredible views worth the effort you put into your walk. With magnificent panoramic views of the River Tay, the longest river in Scotland, and ancient ruins, the scene before you is straight out of a storybook.
Step into the Arboretum and find yourself amongst a collection of local and foreign trees. The mature Beech and Scot’s Pine trees steal the show, creating a canopy of greenery and the perfect walking space to reconnect with nature. Nearby Deuchny Hill is the perfect bike park for those looking for a faster experience. You can also hire horses to take you along the trails.
Blair Castle and Gardens:
(Photo by eltpics, Licensed by CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED)
Home to the Stewart and Murray families of Atholl for over seven centuries, Blair Castle’s history goes back centuries. Stories of Mary Queen of Scots, The Jacobite War, and even pirates bring this extraordinary place to life. This grand castle of white stone is magnificently placed against the stunning greens of its extensive gardens.
The 9 acres of grounds within the garden walls are home to a wooded grove where you can find red deer, highland cattle, and the occasional red squirrel scurrying amongst the trees. You will find yourself under the stony gaze of a lifesize Hercules statue and many other shadows of other sculptures of both modern and 18th-century descent.
Among the beauty of nature and art, you will also come across the ruins of St Bride’s Kirk. Centuries old, this kirk is the resting place for John Graham of Claverhouse, known as Bonnie Dundee, who had a major role in the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689.
Today, you can visit the castle grounds and inner apartments. Step inside the castle and step back in time as you walk through the entrance hall to the drawing room, dining room, and ballroom. You can find more information on tickets here.
The Enchanted Forest:
(Photo by Bob Hall, Licensed by CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED)
This seasonal attraction offers an incredibly magical light experience during the fall season. The Enchanted Forest will be open from October 3rd to November 3rd, offering a unique and family-friendly nighttime adventure. This event annually now has over 160,000 visitors.
You will find yourself surrounded by stunning visuals that have been crafted to mimic the original music score created to tell a story as you trek through the Faskally Wood. To be sure that the trees remain healthy and the forest along with it, The Enchanted Forest works closely with Forestry and Land Scotland to enhance the natural features and promote conservation.
Because of the forest's natural landscape, accessibility was once limited but has since been expanded. Special wheelchair tickets are available, and disabled toilets and parking have been installed. Learn more about accessibility.
You can purchase tickets now. As the visitor list expands yearly, we encourage you to book your tickets early for the best chance of securing your preferred time and date.
A Perfect Base
After you explore the beautiful area, rest in the heart of Perthshire at the Dunkeld House Hotel. In the quaint Scottish village of Dunkeld, this 4-star country house hotel was originally constructed as a retreat for the 7th Duke of Atholl. Now it is host to many elegant accommodation options with incredible amenities such as an in-house spa and on-property county clays. Dunkeld House Hotel is the ideal base for exploring Perthshire's treasures due to its proximity to various attractions, boasting that it is ‘90 minutes from 90% of Scotland’.
If you want an even more luxurious experience, head just 20 minutes north to Pitlochry where you will find the fairy tale Fonab Castle. A 5-star castle hotel with stunning views over River Tummel, this red Sandstone building has both charm and history. As an added benefit, the castle is only a walk away from the Enchanted Forest in Autumn and the adorable town of Pitlochry, where you can find local bites and shops. Award-winning restaurants and unbeatable spa experiences await you inside the stunning castle walls.
If this list of sights and experiences does not align with what you had planned, Perthshire is also a great place for those who enjoy whisky tasting, exploring charming towns like that of Dunkeld and Pitlochry, or enjoying a range of other outdoor pursuits such as kayaking and fishing.
