Places to See in and around Perthshire

Historical
Local history – in 1689 the dramatic Pass of Killiekrankie, 3 miles north of Pitlochry, witnessed a heated battle between Jacobites and Redcoats. Folklore has it that a Redcoat leapt a considerable distance to safety across the gorge – a spot known as soldier’s leap. The area enjoys outstanding beauty and is well worth a visit to judge for yourself the credibility of the story.
Castles
Blair Castle  open beg. Apr – end Oct.
5 miles north of Pitlochry
Home to the Dukes of Atholl and Britain’s only private army, The Atholl Highlanders.30 rooms displaying furnishings, paintings representing Scottish life from the 16th Century to the present day.
Scone Palace open end Mar to end Oct
25 miles south of Pitlochry
Crowning place of the kings of the Scots. Home to unique art collections, magnificent gardens and maze.
Castle Menzies open mid Apr to end Oct
10 miles south west of Pitlochry
Typical example of a 16th century clan chief’s fortified tower house
Huntingtower Castle  open Apr to Sept
20 miles south of Pitlochry
Two well preserved towers of 15th – 17th centuries and a very fine painted ceiling
Elcho Castle  open Apr to Sept
20 miles south of Pitlochry
A complete, well preserved fortified 16th century mansion with 3 projecting towers.
Loch Leven  Castle  open Apr to Sept
40 miles south of Pitlochry
A short boat trip across to the island where Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner before her dramatic escape
Burleigh Castle  open Apr to Sept
40 miles south of Pitlochry
A complete, though roofless ruin of a sixteenth century tower house, said to be haunted by Grey Maggie, the ghost of Lady Margaret Balfour
Glamis Castle  open Mar to Dec
50 miles south east of Pitlochry
Family home to the earls of Strathmore and childhood home of the Queen Mother and the legendary setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Guided tours, exhibitions, nature trail and Italian garden.
Stirling Castle  open all year
40 miles south west of Pitlochry
Imposing hilltop fortification, Stirling is one of Scotland’s most splendid castles. For centuries it was a meeting place for the Royal Court and from beneath its ramparts raged battles wheremedieval armies clashed deciding Scotland’s fate for centuries to come

Other Historic Buildings and Monuments
The Scottish Crannog Centre  open Mar to Oct
25 miles south west of Pitlochry
Guided tours, ancient crafts and exhibitions bring a prehistoric culture back to life at the Crannog Centre in Killin
Wade’s Bridge, Aberfeldy 
15 miles south west of Pitlochry
Designed by William Adam, this provided a vital crossing of the river Tay for General Wade’s 250 mile network of roads built in an attempt to control the activities of the rebellious Scots. These military roads were the first engineered roads in Britain since Roman times.
Black Watch Monument 
15 miles south west of Pitlochry
An imposing monument on the banks of the River Tay, near Wade’s Bridge, to commemorate the first mustering of the Black Watch Regiment in Aberfeldy in 1740. It was intended as a peace keeping corps for the Highlands
The Dunfallandy Stone 
2 miles south of Pitlochry
A well preserved Pictish cross slab from the 8th century, ornately carved with human and animal figures and Pictish symbols.One of the finest remnants of the Celtic age.
Dunkeld Cathedral 
15 miles south of Pitlochry
Located on an extremely beautiful, ancient site of Christian worship, this partly ruined Cathedral now serves as a parish church.
St John’s Kirk, Perth 
25 miles south of Pitlochry
Largely dating from the 15th century, this church was frequently visited by John Knox whose spirited ministery added impetus to the Reformation in Scotland. Exceptional quality stained glass and tapestries.

Parks and Gardens
The Scottish Plant Hunters Garden 
Pitlochry
A celebration of the plant hunters of the 18th century and their discoveries
Cluny House Gardens 
10 miles south east of Pitlochry
Wild woodland garden overlooking the beautiful Strathtay Valley. Many Himalayan specimens. Ideal opportunity to spot red squirrels.
Bolfracks Garden 
10 miles south east of Pitlochry
4 acre plantsman’s garden featuring rhododendrons and azaleas in a woodland setting. Meconopsis and orchids in Spring. Walled garden and large collection of roses.
Cherrybank Gardens 
25 miles south of Pitlochry
Over 900 varieties of of heather in a stunning garden setting
Branklyn Gardens 
25 miles south of Pitlochry
Impressive collection of rare and unusual plants visited by enthusiasts from around the world.
Drummond Castle Gardens 
40 miles south west of Pitlochry
One of Europe’s finest formal gardens with magnificent Victorian Parterre celebrating family and Scottish heraldry.
Rodney Gardens 
25 miles south of Pitlochry
Three linked gardens on the banks of the Tay with beautiful ornamental planting, public art and sculpture and an exceptional view of the city skyline.

Distilleries and Visitor Centres
Blair Athol Distillery 
Pitlochry
An enjoyable journey through the production of a single malt whisky with an opportunity to taste the end product, Blair Athol malt
Edradour Distillery 
Pitlochry
The smallest legal distillery in Scotland with a delightful insight into the art of the whisky maker and a wee dram into the bargain. Private tutored tastings available (with fee)
House of Bruar 
7 miles north of Pitlochry
Scotland’s premier country store and visitor centre, sometimes called the “Harrods of the North” is set in a stunning location at the foot of a gorge boasting two waterfalls with a delightful walk. How nice to return, exhilarated for refreshments in Bruar’s well supplied self-service restarant and to sample the delights of the foodhall and delicatessen. Fine country clothes including cashmere may also be purchased and a Fine Arts gallery has recently been opened.
Perthshire  Visitor Centre
15 miles south of Pitlochry
A unique combination of gifts, food and clothing in a conveniently situated visitor centre just off the A9 between Perth and Dunkeld. Here you will find many of Scotland’s finest foods and a Whisky and Wine Cellar stocking many rare Malt whiskies and interesting wines from around the world

Sport Leisure and Outdoor Activities