No visit to Perthshire can be complete without a visit to the wonderfully unique Northern town of Pitlochry. Due to its rich history, culture and picturesque landscapes, Pitlochry is one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions.
Queen Victoria famously visited the site and put it firmly on the map, claiming the air was ‘cleaner’ and singing high praises of its spectacular scenery.
Here are some of the best things to see and do on your trip.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, a woodland walk, some history or culture, Pitlochry has it all. Here are just some of the things you can see and do…
The picturesque town centre of Pitlochry is surrounded by sprawling countryside and breath-taking mountains such as Ben Vrackie. Walkers, cyclists and drivers are spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic and guided routes. Most walks start and end in Pitlochry town centre, and are clearly marked, so even beginners can experience the dramatic Scottish landscape.
For adventure-hunters, Pitlochry is packed with fun and exhilarating things to do, such as white water rafting on the River Tummel and bungee jumping from Killiecrankie.
Discover the power of hydroelectricity the history of the ‘tunnel tigers’ at the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder Visitor Centre. Make sure you don’t miss the fish ladder to see salmon swim to their breeding grounds up river, it’s an amazing sight.
Step back in history and immerse yourself in the Atholl Palace Museum. The hotel is steeped in history and both adults and children will delight in exploring the many exhibitions portraying the life of the hotel and its inhabitants.
Find out about the history of Pitlochry and nearby Moulin in this fascinating heritage centre.
There are ancient stone circles and standing stones to be found all over Pitlochry, the most famous of these being the pictish Dunfallandy Stone, thought to have been carved around the 9th century.
The Queen’s View is a famous, stunning vantage point from which you can see one of the most iconic panoramas in Scotland, lying along the River Tummel.
For keen cyclists, every year the Etape Caledonia 81 mile cycle begins and ends in Pitlochry. For those who prefer to watch, spectators are catered for throughout the day and a series of enlightening talks by industry leading experts will take place the day before the race.
Since 1852 the Pitlochry Highland Games has brought locals and tourists to experience a day of competitions and games. If you don’t fancy participating, just come along for the day and enjoy Highland Dancing and an authentic Scottish day out!
For golf lovers, there is a club right in the heart of Pitlochry. The Pitlochry Golf Club is set against awe-inspiring views of the Tummel Valley and its state of the art clubhouse provides refreshments throughout the day.
Follow in the footsteps of the historic Scottish Plant Hunters and discover the plants of the world at the Explorers Garden! Scotland has produced some of the most successful plant hunters in the world, and this is explored through this unique and interesting garden museum.
Make sure you visit the Blair Atholl Distillery; find out how it’s made. Located on the southside of Perthshire, the distillery is a short walk to the river Tummel.
Perthshire is known for its independent shops, markets and arts programme, and Pitlochry is no different.
The Pitlochry Market runs every third Sunday of the month and includes a wide range of vendors selling food, drink and homemade gifts and crafts.
Experience something like you’ve never seen before: dazzling visuals and innovative design set against an original score in the woodland setting of Faskally Wood, just outside Pitlochry. The Enchanted Forrest is a truly unique event of sound and light and is making its glorious come back this year, between September - October 2022.
If you’re looking for one of the best shops in Pitlochry, you can find unusual jewellery and Scottish art and crafts at the Melt Gallery.
The Pitlochry Festival Theatre is renowned for its high quality performances held throughout the year including comedy, drama and music. Known for its uniquely detailed sets and large scale productions, many visitors to Pitlochry see a different show every night of their stay. Make sure you check the listings before you visit and make the most of this theatrical phenomenon!
Exploring can be tiring, so treat yourself to some authentic Scottish food at one of the best eateries in Pitlochry.
Located on the main street in the heart of Pitlochry, Café Calluna is a quaint coffee shop, ideal for lite bites, lunches or coffee and cake. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday Calluna adapts is beautiful interior with magically subtle lights and turns into the cosiest cocktail bar in the area, serving the most delicious cocktails and spirits.
Victoria's restaurant is an incredibly popular eatery ideal for dining before a trip to the theatre. The restaurant has an extensive menu including breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, and sister bar The Old Mill Inn hosts live music every Friday and Saturday.
For those who like to visit traditional pubs, then former blacksmiths The Auld Smiddy Inn in is for you. Serving real ales local to Perthshire, this cosy inn is known for its traditional Scottish fare such as Haggis, Neeps and Tatties and fresh seafood.
If you are planning on seeing a show at the theatre, make sure you stop off at its wonderful café. Set against a beautiful backdrop, there are lite bites, fresh bakes and cakes made locally; a truly theatrical pre-show snack!
Pitlochry is the ideal Scottish location for those who want it all: culture, art, history and adventure.
At Home from Home Perthshire we have a wide range of self-catering holiday homes including cottages, cabins and pet friendly apartments in Pitlochry. Contact us for more information.