Places to Visit
Picturesque Towns, Villages, and Cities to Visit
Steeped in history and each with countless stories to tell, you will find some wonderful places to visit within a short drive. From unspoilt picturesque villages amidst lovely scenery to cities with a unique charm, it is easy to see what is so appealing about the character of this wonderful part of Scotland.
This is just a selection of some of the beautiful and fascinating places to visit within the area that have so much to offer.
(Bracketed numbers indicate the distance from the Leisure Park, in miles)
Aberfeldy (19 miles)
A bustling small town situated on the River Tay and 5km down stream from Loch Tay. There is a fine selection of local shops and restaurants around the main square. Attractions include:
Follow in the steps of Robert Burns by taking a walk to see the Birks o' Aberfeldy where you will also see the Falls of Moness - a spectacular waterfall.
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Aberfoyle (37 miles)
The village of Aberfoyle is regarded as the gateway to the Trossachs and lies in one of Europe's most beautiful locations. The area around Aberfoyle is steeped in history and has associations with Sir Walter Scott, William Wallace, Rob Roy Macgregor, and Mary Queen of Scots. It is also renowned for its festivals. In the Spring there is the T4 Great Outdoor Festival (T4 being Tramping Through The Trossachs). The Autumn Mushroom Festival is an extravaganza of food and entertainment. Visit the Poker Tree and discover the intriguing story associated with it.
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Auchterarder (37 miles)
Renowned for it's long High Street (1.5 miles) and thereby alternatively known as the "Lang Toon". Enjoy the panoramic views that were the inspiration for the location of the world famous Gleneagles Hotel. History addicts will love this area. Explore Pictish forts, Roman roads, Celtic chapels and Benedictine abbeys. Not forgetting the Innerpeffray Library - the oldest surviving public library in Scotland.
www.innerpeffraylibrary.co.uk
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Callander (25 miles)
Callander is gateway to Rob Roy country. A Victorian spa town, it became popular due to the proximity of The Trossachs and Sir Walter Scott's works including 'Lady of the Lake'. In the 1960s and 70s it featured as the fictional town of Tannochbrae in the long running TV series 'Dr Finlay's Casebook'.
www.incallander.co.uk
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Crieff (30 miles)
A holiday resort since Victorian times with a number of tourist attractions such as:
- Crieff Visitor Centre - well known for its paperweights and pottery. www.crieff.co.uk
- The Famous Grouse Experience at Scotland's Oldest Working Distillery (Glenturret) - see Visitor Attractions page.
- Stuart Crystal factory shop. Crystal and china emporium with plenty of bargains. Open June-Sept, Tel - 01764 654 004
Macrosty Park is one of the most picturesque in Scotland, with a fine collection of mature specimen trees and the Turret Burn flowing through it - ideal for a picnic. Montrose, Rob Roy Macgregor, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Robert Burns and many others from Scotland's colourful history have walked Crieff's historic High Street.
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Doune (34 miles)
The main attraction is the magnificent 14th century Doune Castle - the setting for the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and most recently - Ivanhoe. Historically associated with Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. More info on www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk
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Dundee (71 miles)
A vibrant and bustling city of discovery, Dundee has a rich industrial heritage and a great deal to offer the visitor. One of Dundee's most famous sons is the comic book hero Desperate Dan of the 'Beano' and 'Dandy' fame - see his statue on the High Street. Attractions include cinemas & theatres, castles & museums, restaurants & nightclubs, superb shopping, parks & gardens, sports & leisure activities, and much more. Visit Captain Scott's famous polar exploration ship Discovery.
www.rrsdiscovery.com
www.dundee.com
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Dunblane (36 miles)
Popular Victorian Spa town with a beautiful medieval cathedral and 16th cent bridge across the Allan Water. Other attractions include a cathedral museum, lovely parks and riverside walks.
www.dunblaneweb.co.uk
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Dunkeld & Birnam (36 miles)
One of the gems of Perthshire situated by the River Tay and surrounded by crags and woodland. It has its own Cathedral www.dunkeldcathedral.org.uk and was the 9th century capital of Scotland. Other attractions include:
- An annual Arts Festival - every June.
- The Hermitage - an 18th cent. folly built above a spectacular waterfall on the River Braan. Surrounded by some of the tallest trees in Britain amidst beautiful woodland.
- National Trust Houses & Shop - The National Trust for Scotland own and have restored most of the early eighteenth-century houses in Cathedral Street and the High Street. Tel - 013502-72 7460
On the west bank of the Tay lies Birnam whose woods feature in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Beatrix Potter spent many holidays here where she possibly had the inspiration for the Peter Rabbit stories. There are some lovely walks.
www.visitdunkeld.com
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Gleneagles (44 miles)
A golfers' paradise, Gleneagles offers the chance to play on some of the world's finest courses. There are four courses to choose from with courses and facilities to suit all abilities. It was also the venue for the 2005 G8 Summit.
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Kenmore & Fortingall (11 miles)
Kenmore is a picture postcard village of whitewashed cottages set in an attractive lochside location at the northern end of Loch Tay. A short distance from the village is the Scottish Crannog Centre (see Visitor Attractions page).
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Kenmore offers convenient access to the scenic Glen Lyon and Fortingall - one of the most beautiful villages in Scotland. Its other claim to fame is the Fortingall Yew Tree (see Visitor Attractions page). Glen Lyon the 'Crooked Glen of Stones' has been described as 'the most beautiful glen in the whole of Scotland.'
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Killin (4 miles)
A delightful highland village situated at the west end of Loch Tay and surrounded by some of the best mountain scenery in Scotland. The River Dochart crosses a ridge of hard rock to form the famed and spectacular Falls of Dochart. Killin has been the home of many ancient celtic tribes, saints and clans who have all left their mark on the village and its surroundings. The celtic saint 'St Fillan' is reputed to have been the keeper of some the famous 'healing stones' which are now kept in the Breadalbane Folklore Centre www.breadalbanefolklorecentre.com housed in a beautifully restored working watermill, overlooking the Falls. Open Mar-Oct.
www.killin.info
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Lochearnhead (12 miles)
Loch Earn, and Lochearnhead village in particular, is a centre for fishing, water sports, water skiing, canoeing and sailing. Loch Earn is unusual in having it's own 'tidal system'.
www.lochearnhead-water-sports.co.uk
www.charlieswaterskiing.co.uk
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Luss (42 miles)
Luss is a picture postcard village situated on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. The views across the loch to Ben Lomond are stunning. It has been used as the location for a number of films and TV programmes. In particular it is the location for the town of 'Glendarroch' in the Scottish soap opera 'Take the High Road'. Loch cruises are available here. Be aware that the village becomes very busy during the summer. It's near neighbour is Loch Lomond Golf Course - home to a number of tournaments including the Scottish Open.
www.loch-lomond.net
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Oban (59 miles)
A popular and picturesque coastal town, unofficial capital of the West Highlands - and "Gateway to the Isles". Enjoy panoramic views of the mountains, lochs and islands which have captivated artists, authors, composers, and poets for centuries. Oban's most outstanding feature is McCaig's Folly - a Colosseum like structure that overlooks the town and scenic bay. There is plenty to see and do in the area including boat trips, Rare Breeds Park, Mini Zoo and a Sea Life Centre.
www.oban.org.uk
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Perth (48 miles)
Perth is the perfect place for a special day out. Excellent shopping, eating out, entertainment, culture, leisure and sport are all within close proximity in the city centre. A Britain in Bloom award winner, the city centre is surrounded by open space where you can golf, walk, fish or just relax and have family fun at the South Inch park. Other attractions include woodland parks, riverside walks, museum & art gallery, working mill, leisure centre, ice rink, or a day out at the races. Not forgetting Scone Palace and the Caithness Glass Visitor Centre (see the Visitor Attractions page).
www.perfectperth.com
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Pitlochry & Killiecrankie (33 miles)
Queen Victoria's favourable comments on Pitlochry started it's growth as a popular tourist destination. It is an attractive town nestling amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. You will find a good range and quality of shopping as well as a wide selection of tourist shops and restaurants. Attractions include:
- Pitlochry Festival Theatre - situated on the banks of the River Tummel and internationally renowned for its fine repertoire of drama, music and comedy www.pitlochry.org.uk
- Scottish Hydro Electric Visitor Centre/ Dam & salmon ladder (see Visitor Attractions page).
- 2 distilleries - Blair Atholl and Edradour (Scotland's smallest distillery) both with visitor's centres. www.scotchwhisky.net
- A working brewery - the Moulin Inn in Moulin. www.moulinhotel.co.uk
The Battle of Killiecrankie took place in 1689 when a Jacobite army defeated the government forces. The spectacular wooded gorge, much admired by Queen Victoria is tranquil now, and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Soldier's Leap - during the battle the only escape route open to the forces was across the gorge. One soldier is recorded to have made a spectacular 18 foot leap with Highlanders chasing him with claymores swinging. Visitor Centre with exhibition.
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Stirling (41 miles)
The Royal Burgh of Stirling is one of the most important towns in Scotland's history and offers a wide range of visitor attractions, including:
- Stirling castle - (see the Visitor Attractions page).
- Wallace Monument - (see the Visitor Attractions page).
- Old Town - the old town which runs down from the castle, breathes history with it's ancient streets and historic buildings.
- Stirling Old Town Jail - brings the horrors of Victorian prison life to reality. www.oldtownjail.com
You can find out about the legendary 'Battle of Bannockburn' at nearby Bannockburn Heritage Centre, Bannockburn. This is the battle where Robert the Bruce and his army defeated Edward II of England and sent him homeward to think again. Open all year.
www.stirling.co.uk
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For more info visit:
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