10 Things To See and Do In Perthshire
The Hermitage – Dating back to the 18th century, the historic Hermitage woodland was created by the 3rd Duke of Atholl and covers approximately 33 acres. Now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, the woodland features an array of mixed conifer and deciduous trees, including one of Britain’s tallest fir trees. The pathways lead to the Black Linn Falls, where the River Braan crashes and bubbles to the pool below. For a magical view of the falls you can enter Ossian’s Hall which was built in 1757 as the focal point of the landscape.
Distance from Dunkeld House Hotel – 2.5 miles
The Scottish Crannog Centre – Built in the shallows of Loch Tay, the Scottish Crannog Centre is a 5-star living museum on water. The unique reconstruction of an ancient loch dwelling is a wonderful place to visit for families, history lovers or if you just want to dip into a bit of Scottish history. Overlooking the remains of 4 of the 18 ancient crannog settlements preserved in the loch, the roundhouse is one of the most recognisable sights in Perthshire. Here you can find hands on activities and an informative exhibition for those who would like to dive deeper into it’s fascinating past.
Distance from Dunkeld House Hotel – 23.2 miles
Scone Palace – A definite highlight of any visit to Perthshire is exploring the glorious grounds where Scottish kings were crowned and a palace oozing with history intertwining with that of Mary Queen of Scots and Marie Antoinette. Scone Palace is the true home of the Stone of Destiny and plenty to do including finding your way through the Murray Star Maze and gazing at the giant redwoods. There is a cosy coffee shop and the Old Kitchen Restaurant and tours around the palace can be done at your own pace with guides on hand to answer any questions.
Distance from Dunkeld House Hotel – 17.3 miles
Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre and Fish Ladder – this is a free, year round, indoor visitor attraction which tells a unique story about hydro electricity that combines social, environmental and engineering history. There are interpretation panels and interactive displays that help you unravel the great engineering projects carried out by Scottish Hydro, the people involved and the modern importance of renewable energy for a low carbon future. The visitor centre looks out over the Pitlochry Dam which is home to the famous Salmon Ladder where fish may be seen in the viewing chamber during their ascent past the dam.
Distance from Dunkeld House Hotel – 12.1 miles
Blair Castle and Gardens – Home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists and entrepreneurs, Blair Castle has been the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. The family history is brought to light against a backdrop of fine 18th century interiors and Scottish baronial architecture. As one of the first private homes to open to the public in Scotland, Blair Castle welcomes more visitors than any other. The story told here will take you from a visit by Mary Queen of Scots to the Civil War and from the Jacobite cause to the disaster of Culloden following Bonnie Prince Charlie’s own stay in the castle. The recently restored walled Georgian garden is a magnificent wonder and is perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Distance from Dunkeld House Hotel – 18.6 miles
Birnam Arts Centre – Standing in the centre of beautiful Birnam, Birnam Arts offers a variety of entertainment in a building that combines traditional stone core with a large and impressive extension such as music, comedy, theatre workshops and exhibitions. It is a fantastic venue encompassing the Foyer Café, Potter’s Junction Gift Shop and the Beatrix Potter Exhibition. Here you can enjoy a selection of home baking and coffee then pop upstairs to view the latest in their monthly arts exhibitions. As a not for profit organisation, any profit made goes back into their arts and community programmes.
Distance from Dunkeld House Hotel – 2 miles
Highland Safaris – Winner of the ‘Best Visitor Experience’ in Scotland, Highland Safaris combines the new Red Deer Centre with award winning exhilarating land rover safaris, inspiring walking and biking activities and Scotland’s only Gold and Gem Panning Centre. Their café serves fresh, local food that will keep you going throughout during your exploration. Also great for families where kids can let off some steam in their Play area and Tractor Park or on their Discovery Trail.
Distance from Dunkeld House Hotel – 17 miles
Land Rover Experience – Whether you attend a half day experience of a full day adventure you are guaranteed to leave feeling a real sense of achievement. You can be sure that your day will be one to remember as each experience is hosted by one of their world class instructors, all of whom are clued up on how to make the most of your experience. Did you know that guests of Dunkeld House Hotel receive 10% discount on their Land Rover Experience?
Distance from Dunkeld House Hotel – 5.0 miles
House of Bruar – Situated in rural Perthshire just 30 minutes’ drive from Dunkeld House Hotel, the House of Bruar is famed as a unique shopping experience. Offering country clothing for men and women, which includes Britain’s largest cashmere hall, there is also a selection of fine foods in their food hall and restaurant complemented by a variety of up and coming artist’s artworks. During your visit don’t forget to follow in Robert Burns’ footsteps by taking a stroll up the river.
Distance from Dunkeld House Hotel – 22.0 miles
Distilleries – Several of Scotland’s most famous Whisky Distilleries can be found just a short half-hour drive away including the fabulous Edradour, the smallest traditional distillery in Scotland and arguably the most unique, dating back to 1825. Another must is Blair Athol Distillery which stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in Pitlochry. Here you can visit for a distillery tour and see how they make their uisge beatha from golden malted barley, water and yeast, distilled in their traditional copper pot stills and matured in oak casks.
Distance from Dunkeld House Hotel to Edradour – 11.2 miles
Distance from Dunkeld House Hotel to Blair Athol Distillery – 11.1 miles
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