This charming little town is nestled in a breathtaking landscape of woodlands and rolling hills, just off the busy A9. Located on the banks of the River Tay between Perth and Pitlochry, it offers a peaceful retreat rich in character and charm.
The town is centred around a single main street lined with an array of independent shops, cosy cafés, and inviting eateries. At its heart lies a picturesque town square, which opens out to reveal the town’s most striking landmark—its impressive cathedral, a focal point of both beauty and heritage.
Set amidst breathtaking wooded parkland along the banks of the River Tay, Dunkeld is a town that blends rich history with stunning natural surroundings. At its heart stands the 14th-century Dunkeld Cathedral, a striking structure part-ruined and part-restored. Half of the cathedral was damaged during the Reformation and the 1689 Battle of Dunkeld, leaving evocative ruins; the other half remains in active use as a parish church, offering a unique glimpse into Scotland's layered past.
The surrounding countryside is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Just a short distance away lies The Hermitage, where you’ll find spectacular waterfalls and peaceful riverside walks beneath towering Douglas firs. To the north, the Loch of the Lowes is home to a renowned osprey hide, offering a rare opportunity to observe these majestic birds up close.
A short stroll across the river brings you to Birnam, home to the Beatrix Potter Exhibition and Garden, celebrating the author’s connection to the area. Birnam is also the original site of the famous forest that "came to Dunsinane" in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
The area is ideal for walking, cycling, and fishing, with scenic routes and peaceful trails in every direction. With excellent road links via the A9 and a railway station at Birnam, Dunkeld makes an excellent base for exploring Perthshire and the wider Highlands.
While Beatrix Potter is most famously associated with England’s Lake District, many don’t realise that her love of nature and storytelling was also deeply rooted in Scotland. As a child, she spent many idyllic summers in Dunkeld and Birnam, where her family had a long-standing and heartfelt connection to the area.
At the Beatrix Potter Exhibition and Garden in Birnam, you can explore this fascinating part of her life. Discover how the wild landscapes of Perthshire inspired some of her most beloved characters and stories. For keen fans, there's a wonderful collection of original memorabilia and insights into her time spent in Scotland.
There’s fun for all the family—children can play traditional games, dress up as their favourite Potter characters, and step back in time with a visit to the Victorian School Room. It’s an experience that blends history, nature, and imagination, all in one delightful setting.
Whether you’re a lifelong admirer or introducing wee ones to her magical world for the first time, the Beatrix Potter experience in Birnam is a must-visit.
Just 5 miles (8 km) north of Crieff, the Sma’ Glen is a strikingly beautiful and compact glen in central Perthshire, carved through the landscape by the fast-flowing River Almond. Though only 4 miles (6.5 km) in length, its dramatic scenery and layered history make it a place of quiet significance.
Winding along the narrow valley floor, the river accompanies the route once followed by the Romans, who built a fort and watchtower in the glen. Centuries later, in the 18th century, General Wade constructed one of his famed military roads through this strategic pass, remnants of which can still be traced today.
The glen’s atmospheric beauty even caught the eye of filmmakers—it featured in the iconic 1981 film Chariots of Fire.
At the northern end of the glen, be sure to look out for Clach Ossian—also known as Ossian's Stone. This impressive 8-foot monolith stands where the river and road nearly meet. Local tradition holds that this is the burial site of Ossian, the legendary 3rd-century Gaelic bard and father of Fingal, the mythical warrior immortalised in Mendelssohn’s Fingal’s Cave overture.
Whether you're drawn by its history, cinematic scenery, or simply the tranquil beauty of the Highland landscape, the Sma’ Glen is well worth a visit.
Winding through the hills of Perthshire, the Corbenic Poetry Path is a unique trail that blends natural beauty with the power of poetry. Meandering through open hillside, moorland, ancient native woodlands, hazel coppice, and riverbanks, the path invites visitors to explore hidden corners of the Corbenic landscape—quiet, magical places that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Designed with sensitivity to the terrain, the path’s varied surfaces rise and fall with the contours of the land. This naturalistic approach allows walkers to experience the rhythm and mood of the environment in an organic, immersive way.
More than just a scenic trail, the Poetry Path is a celebration of Scottish poetic voices, showcasing the work of some of the most talented contemporary poets in Scotland—many of whom live close enough to visit Corbenic regularly, and return for live readings held in specially crafted outdoor performance spaces along the route.
The creation of the Poetry Path is a community-driven effort, led primarily by the Estate workshop team. Its development continues to involve many of the workshops and individuals within the Corbenic Community, who contribute to the construction, installation, and ongoing care of the trail’s poetry installations and sculptural features.
Whether you're drawn by a love of verse, a desire to reconnect with nature, or simply looking for a peaceful walk through inspiring terrain, the Corbenic Poetry Path offers a profound and poetic experience for all.
Wander among the ruins of one of Scotland’s most romantic cathedrals, set in a place steeped in history and spiritual significance. Dunkeld Cathedral, located on the tranquil banks of the River Tay, is part active church, part evocative ruin—offering a rare glimpse into both medieval grandeur and living tradition.
The cathedral’s peaceful setting, framed by trees and river views, creates a serene atmosphere that visitors find deeply moving. The grounds are beautifully maintained, inviting you to pause and reflect, while the Chapter House Museum provides fascinating insights into the cathedral’s long and storied past.
Though ongoing renovations may occasionally limit access to certain areas, most of the site remains open and continues to inspire all who visit. Whether you’re drawn by the architecture, the setting, or the centuries of history, Dunkeld Cathedral is a must-see for lovers of heritage, beauty, and quiet contemplation.
Nestled within the tranquil forest by the banks of the mighty River Tay, stands an ancient medieval oak—the last living remnant of the legendary Birnam Wood, made famous in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
This remarkable tree is thought to be over 500 years old and offers a direct, living link to the landscape that inspired one of literature’s most iconic scenes. Surrounded by peaceful woodland, it’s a powerful spot where history, myth, and nature meet.
Whether you're a Shakespeare enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a quiet moment beneath the boughs of a story-rich forest, the Birnam Oak is an unforgettable stop on any journey through Perthshire.
Just outside Dunkeld, the Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve spans 130 hectares of stunning woodland, lochside and wildlife habitat. Managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, it's a haven for nature lovers year-round.
From early April to late August, the reserve’s star attraction is a pair of breeding ospreys that nest just 150 metres from the observation hide. Visitors can get incredibly close views using binoculars, telescopes, and live video feeds, while interactive displays help bring the birds' story—and the wider ecosystem—to life.
Beyond ospreys, the reserve teems with wildlife. Spot red squirrels, woodpeckers, and a wide variety of woodland birds from the centre’s large viewing windows. In winter, the loch plays host to overwintering ducks and geese, while nuthatches, fallow deer, and even beavers—often seen at dawn and dusk—can be observed all year round.
Gift shop with wildlife-themed souvenirs and gifts
Hot and cold drinks and light refreshments available
Friendly staff and volunteers on hand to help you make the most of your visit
Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, a family looking for a day out, or just someone seeking peaceful views and rich biodiversity, Loch of the Lowes offers an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Towering Douglas firs, a spectacular waterfall, and a picturesque folly—it’s easy to see why The Hermitage is one of Perthshire’s most beloved walking destinations.
Originally created as a pleasure ground for the Dukes of Atholl, this enchanting stretch of forest near Dunkeld is home to some of the tallest trees in Britain, with centuries-old Douglas firs rising high above mossy woodland paths.
Follow the winding trail along the River Braan to witness the dramatic Black Linn Falls, where the river plunges into a deep, churning pool below. For the best view, step inside the striking Ossian’s Hall of Mirrors—a restored Georgian folly designed to surprise and delight with its dramatic outlook and reflective interior.
Don't miss the Hermitage Bridge, a charming 18th-century stone structure that offers postcard-worthy views of the gorge. It’s so picturesque that it was once captured by none other than J.M.W. Turner in his sketchbooks and paintings.
Whether you're looking for a gentle stroll, a moment of quiet among ancient trees, or a place to marvel at natural and architectural beauty, The Hermitage offers a truly magical experience in the heart of Highland Perthshire.
Dunkeld may be a small Highland town, but it boasts a delightful array of quirky, independent shops, galleries, and artisan boutiques. Visitors return year after year not just for the stunning scenery, but for the town’s thriving arts and cultural scene, which punches well above its weight.
From craft fairs and art exhibitions to folk festivals and classical concerts, Dunkeld offers something for every creative spirit.
Going Pottie
A charming pottery studio and shop where you can browse hand-painted ceramics or even try your hand at painting your own.
The Scottish Deli
More than just a deli—this award-winning spot also hosts live music evenings and art events in a unique and welcoming atmosphere.
The Atholl Gallery
A showcase for local and Scottish artists, with regularly changing exhibitions of painting, sculpture, and craft.
Dunkeld Art Exhibition (Annual)
Held each summer in Dunkeld Cathedral’s Chapter House, this popular event features works from artists across Scotland, supporting local talent and charities.
Niel Gow Festival
A celebration of traditional Scottish fiddle music, named in honour of the famous 18th-century fiddler from nearby Inver.