Things To See & Do in and around Comrie
Whether you are a confirmed adrenalin junkie, or someone looking for the peace and quiet of some of the UK’s most beautiful areas, Comrie and its surrounds will have something for you!
9 Hole:-
Comrie - 01764 670055
St Fillans - 01764 685312
Muthill - 01764 681523
Killin 01567 - 820312
Taymouth at Kenmore - 01887 830226
18 Hole
Crieff 01764 652397
Culcrieff at The Crieff Hydro 01764 655555
Callander 01877 330090
Auchterarder 01764 662804
Gleneagles:- Kings Course, PGA Centenary, Queens Course, 01764 662231
Dunkeld 01350 727524
Aberfeldy 01877 820535
Dalmally 01838 200619
Perth – Murayshall Country House 01738 551171
James VI 01738 632460
Comrie Angling Club
(Hon Secretary – Pat Silvey) 01764 679854
Fishing on the Rivers Earn and Ruchill
Lochearnhead and St Fillans Angling Association
(Daily and weekly tickets are available from the Village store and Coffee Shop in St Fillans) 01764 685309 for fishing on Loch Earn
Boats can be hired from Drummond Estate Boat Hire 01567 830400, about half-way along the north shore.
Crieff Angling Club
(Secretary – Gordon Taylor) 01764 656063
This club controls 3 beats on the River Earn: Upper Strowan, Braidhaugh, and Drummond Castle, covering some 5 miles of the river. Day tickets are available.
Drummond Loch.
This is in the grounds of Drummond Castle. It is an 86 acre fairly shallow loch regularly stocked with brown trout. Permits are available from Crieff Visitor Centre. For more details please see http://www.crieffangling club.org.uk-prices.htm
Loch Turret.
Tickets are available from Crieff Visitor Centre, currently £6.00 per day.
Kinkell Bridge.
Mainly fished for salmon which currently costs £60.00 per day in September and October.
There are many other fishing opportunities within an hour’s drive of Comrie, including large lochs, such as Tay, Rannoch and Lomond, many smaller and hill lochs, and rather a lot of rivers!
Comrie Croft Bikes (01764 670140) – for bike hire, mountain bike trails, bike repair.
Cycle Path (part of the National Cycle path scheme)
Mains of Taymouth Stables, Kenmore
(07712 321903) Trekking and riding lessons.
St Fillans Sailing Club.
Call in any weekend from April – October to learn about sailing.
Munros –
Ben Vorlich 985m (St Fillans/Lochearnhead)
Ben Chonzie 931m (Crieff)
Ben Lomond 974m (South of Stronachlacher)
Schiehallion 1083m (Kinloch Rannoch)
National Park - Loch Lomond and Trossachs.
Plenty of walks, covering all abilities
Details of beautiful walks in Perthshire can be found at the Wilderness Scotland website, or that of the aptly named walkhighlands. The walks range from short and easy to long and rather hard going. You choose!
Land Rover Experience Scotland –
01350 727 720 Butterstone Loch, Dunkeld
Splash White Water Rafting –
01887 829706 Dunkeld Road, Aberfeldy (Also do stand-up paddle board tours.)
The Canyoning Company –
07725 813 729 Birnam, Dunkeld
Phoenix Falconry –
07715 691803 Olcote, Auchterarder – next to the Gleneagles Hotel
Hobbies & Interests
Stirling Castle
Wallace Monument
Blair Atholl
Scone Palace
Crieff - Glenturret
Doune - Deanston
Aberfeldy - Dewars
Pitlochry - Edradour and Blair Atholl
Killearn - Glengoyne
Crieff - Drummond Castle Gardens
Scone – Scone Palace Gardens
Perth - Branklyn Gardens
Blair Castle - Hercules Garden
Aberfeldy - Bolfracks
Aberfeldy - Cluny House Gardens
Perth - The Bield
Braco - Castle Gardens
Blairgowrie - Glenericht House Gardens
History
Human activity in Perthshire has been dated back some 10,000 years, with the village of Dunning providing evidence of some of the earliest farming in Scotland going back to the 38th century BC. Not surprisingly, there are far too many sites to list here! However, we will suggest one or two nearby sites that may be of interest. Quite a number of sites are listed in our pages of ‘Things to see and do around Perth and Stirling’.
The Scottish Crannog Centre near Kenmore on Loch Tay. This is a reconstruction of an Iron Age dwelling, and tours include demonstrations of ancient crafts and technologies, including iron age cooking.
Not far from the Crannog Centre, Croft Moraig is Perthshire’s answer to Stonehenge. It is a little smaller (OK, a lot smaller!), and dates back to Neolithic times. The website Britain Express contains an interesting article.
St Fillans, 5 miles to the west of Comrie, on the banks of Loch Earn, has the remains of a Pictish hill fort, which is situated just behind the golf course on Dundurn Hill. There is not a lot to see, mainly a jumble of rocks, but the saint who gives his name to the village also had his chair (a stone) and a well on this site. The well, having been blessed by the saint, was reputed to have miraculous healing powers, and large numbers of people would come seeking a cure for their ailments. Apparently it was a guaranteed cure for barreness in women. You have been warned! A rather more novel cure, this time for rheumatism, was for the patient to ascend the hill, and then be dragged back to the bottom by the ankles. They probably died from concussion, but that would certainly have solved the rheumatism problem.
Wildlife
This area is rich in both wildlife and flora.
For a great opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife (not all of it native) a visit to Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre is highly recommended. Excellent for children of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents! An indoor play area, a hatchery, over 70 species of animals and a highly praised café are just some of the attractions. The Centre lies just to the south of Comrie.
Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, Killin. The reserve includes several of Scotland’s highest munros, a great deal of wildlife, and a visitor centre. You might even see a Golden Eagle from the high tops.
In and around Comrie you may see Buzzards, Red Kites, Osprey, Golden Eagles, Sparrow Hawks and a wide range of other bird species.
Carsbreck Loch is a fine wetland area near Blackford, that in addition to wildfowl, has seen Red-necked Phalarope, White Stork and Long-tailed Skua in recent years.
Rather larger, and a little further away, is Loch Leven, which has seen Great Northern Divers and Slavonian Grebe. You might even see a White-tailed Eagle.
On the mammal front, we have Red Squirrels, Pine Martens (though you be very lucky to see one), Red and Roe deer, feral goats, Otters and Beavers.
If you really want to find out more about the local wildlife, you might want to contact Perthshire Wildlife (07984 975 095, perthshirewildlife.co.uk) who can arrange guided walks and tours for you.
Slightly further afield
The attractions listed below are some, but not all, of the more local ones you may wish to visit in either Perth or Stirling. (Both of which are about 45 minutes drive away.)
Black Watch Museum,
This museum tells the story of the Black Watch Regiment from 1725. The museum, housed in Balhousie Castle (whose origins date back to the 12th century), contains a wide range of memorabilia, including paintings, uniforms, weapons and other artefacts from conflicts in which the Regiment has played a part. There is also a shop and a café. The museum is open year round.
Branklyn Garden
This 2 acre garden is run by the National Trust for Scotland. It was created in the 1920s by John and Dorothy Renton. Seeds for a wide range of plants were provided, including some by such well known plant hunters as Ludlow, Forrest and Sheriff.
The gardens hold several National Collections, including those of Cassiope and Meconopsis. The plants are predominantly from Tibet, Bhutan, China and the Himalayas, which tells you something about our climate!
Dogs are not allowed in the garden, and there is an entry fee, though it is free to NTS members. The garden is open between March 30th and October 31st, between 10.00 and 17.00.
Elcho Castle, Rhynd, Perth,
This is one of Scotland’s best preserved 16th century tower houses. It sits in an attractive position beside the river Tay, and is noted for the remains of its decorated plasterwork. Open 1st April until 30th September.
Fair Maid’s House visitor & education centre 15-19 North Port
This is The Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s visitor and education centre. It houses a wide range of interesting attractions with the Explorers Room, the Earth Room, the Education Room and the Cuthbert Map Room. Well worth a visit, especially if you have young people with you. Please phone to check opening hours.
Fergusson Gallery.
The Fergusson Gallery is devoted to the work of one of the celebrated Scottish Colourists, John Duncan Fergusson. The unusual exterior of the old Watertower, where the Fergusson Gallery is based, is a fine example of the city’s unique architectural heritage. The three galleries contained within display works by John Duncan Fergusson, the celebrated Scottish Colourist, and his wife, Margaret Morris, who was a groundbreaking modern dancer. Sketchbooks, costumes and photographs illuminate the fascinating lives and love of these two remarkable artists, whose marriage lasted almost half a century.
Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park
Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park to the east of Perth includes the five hills, Corsiehill, Deuchny Hill, Barn Hill, Binn Hill and Kinnoull Hill. Rising sharply from the banks of the River Tay in Perth, Kinnoull Hill is the highest of the five hills and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
This tranquil haven opened as Scotland’s first official woodland park in 1991 and includes an abundance of flora and fauna, as well as roe deer, red squirrels and excellent open viewpoints across the Perth countryside. The park also features grassy paths and waymarked nature trails through fine mixed woodland of Scots pine, larch, oak, birch and Norway spruce.
Kirk of St John the Baptist, St John’s Place
This is the oldest building standing in Perth, having been built in stages between 1440 and 1500, but it replaced a church from a much earlier period. The first written record of this church dates from 1128.
During the time of Scottish Reformation, St John’s Church played host to John Knox, one of the leading figures in the reformation. As a result, Perth’s three Catholic monasteries were destroyed, and all traces of Catholicism were removed from St John’s. There followed centuries of neglect, until in 1923 architect Sir John Lorimer began the work of renovation, leading to the building that you see today.
Perth Museum & Art Gallery
Perth Museum and Art Gallery has a fantastic collection of objects which reflect the history of the area and a changing programme of exhibitions and events.
Perth Museum and Art Gallery is one of Scotland's oldest established museums and is home to more than half a million local, national and international objects.
A changing programme of exhibitions, talks, tours and events are inspired by the very best of our Recognised Collection of National Significance to Scotland and celebrate the culture and history of the beautiful Perthshire area.
Perth Concert Hall
Long before Perth Concert Hall opened its doors in September 2005 an archaeological dig was carried out. The dig uncovered evidence of a medieval castle, first documented in the 12th century but destroyed by flood in 1209. Other finds included an arched stone bridge, metal objects, leather, wood, pottery, stone and bones, clay-lined tanning pits and stone-lined wells.
A series of burials identified a chapel dedicated to St Laurence. This was first mentioned in 1328, and was given to the Dominican friars in 1405. Until the dig, no archaeological evidence of the castle or chapel had existed.
The neighbourhood down the centuries:- 12th century, Castle; 13th century, Dominican friary; 14th century, Industrial suburb; 17th century, Horse market; 18th century, Tanning; 19th–20th century Pullars dye work. So, if you do attend a performance, you will be sitting above several centuries of Perth history.
The Concert Hall is a modern and elegant space that houses a diverse programme of concerts, performances and contemporary art. It has a dazzling glass-fronted foyer and copper-topped dome hall with a stunning auditorium and elegant studio.
Perth Theatre
One of Scotland's oldest theatres, Perth Theatre reopened in November 2017 following an extensive period of restoration and redevelopment. The transformed venue boasts a traditional Edwardian auditorium, new 200 capacity studio, dedicated community rooms, and spacious and welcoming public areas.
As well as creating and touring its own productions, Perth Theatre collaborates with theatre companies and visiting artists to bring the best of local, national and international work to its stages. The mix of performances covers drama, musicals, children's shows, dance, comedy, music, community events and more. Perth Theatre Cafe and Bar is open for coffees, home baking, lunch, dinner, pre-theatre suppers and drinks.
Perth Leisure Pool.
Enjoy a great day out at one of Scotland's most popular aquatic attractions. Opened in 1988, Perth Leisure Pool is complete with flumes and fun features ensuring there is something for everyone. Kids will love the Outdoor Lagoon and children under 5 go free.
Riverside Park
Riverside Park sits on the left bank across the river from Tay Street in Perth. It takes in Norie Miller Park, Rodney Gardens, the historic Kinnoull Aisle and Graveyard, Bellwood Park, a newly discovered Victorian folly, the Willowgate Walk, and part of the River Tay Public Art Trail. Rodney Garden (sadly nothing to do with the Trotter family of Peckham) is a beautiful formal garden, with a circular lawn surrounded by traditional flower beds. The whole area is very well worth a visit, and is both child and dog friendly. If the weather is suitable, why not enjoy a picnic?
To get there from Perth City centre:- Norie Miller Park is a just a short, 5 minute stroll across The Queen’s Bridge at the end of Perth’s South Street. Parking is available on Tay Street or for a longer stay please use either the South Inch or Canal Street Long Stay Car Parks. Parking in Perth City Centre is free after 6pm. Alternatively, you can park in Rodney Garden’s car park which is open 24 hours, all year round. (Please note access is via the Queens Bridge to the Norie Miller Park) The gardens are open all year round, but are probably at their most spectacular in spring and summer.
Scone Palace, Perth
Home to the 8th Earl of Mansfield, 13th Viscount of Stormont, 11th Lord Balvaird and Hereditary Keeper of Bruce’s Castle of Lochmaben – and yes, these titles all belong to one man, William David Murray. He wasn’t so much born with a silver spoon in his mouth as a full canteen of cutlery.
One of Perthshire’s most popular attractions that really does have ‘something for everyone’. 1,500 years ago it was the capital of Pictland. Since then, it has been the seat of Scottish parliaments, and perhaps most famously, the crowning place of Kings of Scots, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. It was home to the famous Stone of Destiny, before it was removed by Edward 1st and re-sited in Westminster Abbey. (But now back in Scotland, following the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.)
The palace itself is a treasure trove of art, antiques artifacts and paintings. The extensive grounds also contain much of interest, and the head gardener is a member of BBC Scotland’s Beechgrove Garden team.
Abernethy Village
This is a very old village, the history of which can be traced back some 2,000 years. Much of the village dates from the 1700s and 1800s, but in a corner of the market square, sits the Abernethy Round Tower, which is very much older. To the south west of the village is Castle Law, an iron age foret which may well have still been in use in AD209 when the Romans built a fortress and a port on the River Earn at Carpow.
Whilst now more of a village than a town, Abernethy was once home to a cathedral, a monastery and a religious university, but this was in the days before the Norman Conquest. In 1072 William turned his attention to Scotland, and hostilities only ceased after the signing of the Treaty of Abernethy by William and Malcolm III of Scotland. Abernethy itself remained an important religious centre until the reformation of 1560.
A visit to the Museum of Abernethy is highly recommended.
Huntingtower Castle, Huntingtower,
One of Scotland’s less well known castles, but in existence since the 1400s. The castle is no longer home to either the Ruthvens (later Earls of Gowrie) or the Murrays (Earls of Tullibardine and later Dukes of Atholl) but is home to a large colony of pipistrelle bats, amongst other wildlife.( As you drive into Perth on the A85, the castle is seen on your left hand side.)
Stanley Mills, Stanley,
No, not a little known actor, but a well preserved relic of the late 1700s Industrial Revolution. The mill was built in 1786 with support from Richard Arkwright, and operated (on and off) for some 200 years, until closing for good in 1989. Open 1st April until 30th September, 9.30am – 5.00pm, 1st – 31st October, 10.00am – 4pm
St Serf’s Church and Dupplin Cross, Tron Square, Dunning, PH2 0RG
Probably of more relevance to whose interests lie in discovering old churches, rather than a casual visitor, but as the church is built on the site where 6th century St Serf is reputed to have killed a dragon, may have a slightly Harry Potterish interest! Parts of the church are 800 years old, but it’s layout indicates the changes that occurred following the Protestant reformation. The Dupplin Cross is one of several Pictish stones in this area, and carries a latin inscription recording the name of a Pictish king. The carvings on the stone also indicate the close relationship between the kingdoms of the Picts, Scots and Northumbrians.
Tibbermore Parish Church
This church featured in S1, episode 11 of Outlander The Devils Mark as Cranesmuir Church. The present church dates from 1632, though the site has been a place of worship from the Middle Ages onwards. The church was remodelled and enlarged in 1789 to designs by James Scobie, made T-plan in 1808 and the interior refurnished in 1874. The present interior is little altered since that date. The graveyard contains many monuments of interest, in particular the exceptional memorial to James Ritchie, displaying his curling equipment and the recumbent figure of his bull. It was transferred to the ownership of the Scottish Redundant Churches Trust in 2001. The church is open by arrangement, tel. 0131 563 5135
Wester Pickston Railway, Methven.
This miniature railway is open to the general public on four days per year usually starting with Easter Sunday (see the website for further details). Entry and parking is free and you pay a couple of pounds for a ride on some of the trains. You can chat to the members, take a walk in the woods, have a cuppa or bring a picnic and there’s even baby change facilities!
Wester Pickston Railway runs for approximately 2 km through 7 acres of landscaped woodland 3 miles from Methven and 6 miles from Perth. As well as the railway, there are usually traction engines and a display of static models. The railway is owned and run by the Scottish Model Engineering Trust, a Scottish registered charity.
Allanwater Brewhouse
Bridge of Allan’s own brewery. Delve behind the scenes of a working micro-brewery, meet the brewer and dip into the secrets of making a hand-brewed Scottish pint using 100 percent natural ingredients. Entry and tastings are free – but do remember that the drink driving limit in Scotland is half that of England and Wales. Being arrested would definitely put a damper on your holiday.
Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum
This museum, set in the heart of Stirling Castle, traces the history of the regiment from 1794, including its famous defensive action in the Battle of Balaclava in 1854. Make sure you read the moving letters from the troops serving in the two World Wars.
Argyll's Lodging
This elegant building is Scotland's most impressive 17th-century town house, built for a wealthy local merchant and later acquired by the Earl Stirling, and later the Earl of Argyll. It is generally regarded as “the most important surviving town-house of its period in Scotland”. (At the time of writing this, the property is closed to visitors, so please check the website.)
Briarlands Farm
Situated just north of Stirling, it is perfect for a family day out. Traditional farm-themed fun, such as feeding the animals, picking fruit and mini diggers are combined with other activities such as riding the zip wire, archery and ceramic painting. Refuel at the team room to enjoy treats made from local produce, including the farm's own strawberry jam.
Cambuskenneth Abbey
One of Scotland’s most significant abbeys, Cambuskenneth Abbey hosts a fine collection of medieval grave slabs and architectural fragments.
The abbey can be reach by road or on foot from Stirling. The abbey grounds are free to enter and feature a magnificent 13th century early gothic bell tower as well as church and monastery ruins. and it was here in 1488 that James III was buried after the Battle of Sauchieburn.
Amongst the graves there is a Victorian tomb created in honour of him and his wife Queen Margaret.
Church of the Holy Rude
Founded in 12th century and setting for a Royal coronation, The Church of the Holy Rude by Stirling Castle is the second oldest building in the town, indeed so old it’s said King James IV helped build it.
The church has been the town’s parish church for 600 years; the infant James VI was crowned here in 1567, making it the only British church still in daily use to have witnessed a royal coronation. It even bears bullet marks from past battles. Visit for peaceful reflection, impressive architecture, the original oak-timbered roof and stunning stained glass windows. Make sure to explore the atmospheric cemetery too, which offers views across to Stirlingshire and The Trossachs.
Cowane's Hospital
Cowane’s Hospital was built as an almshouse in 1637 by the merchant John Cowane. He left 40,000 merks to build the almshouses. Apparently, he was known locally as ‘Auld Staney Breeks’, but we haven’t looked into exactly why. It has been closed since spring 2019, and is due to re-open it to the public once again in autumn 2019; please check the website for details.
Mar's Wark
Mar's Wark (wark is an old Scots word for 'building') is the ornate facade of a Renaissance town house commissioned in 1569 by the wealthy earl of Mar, regent of Scotland during James VI's minority. He intended it to be the principal residence of the Erskine family, whose chief had become hereditary keeper of Stirling Castle.
Mercat Cross
Stirling became a Royal Burgh around 1124 and the Old Town started to develop below the castle. In the 15th and 16th Centuries, the Stuart monarchs held court in Stirling and rich merchants built their houses here. The Mercat Cross stands in Broad Street and was once the focus of the town's trading activity. The unicorn figure on top is known as the puggy.
Nearby is Norrie's House. This was the house of the Town Clerk, James Norrie and is a good example of a 17th Century merchant's house.
By 1550, the Tolbooth stood next to the Mercat Cross. It was the court house, council meeting place, armoury and prison. The town's money was kept there. It served as the administrative heart of the old town, The original Tollbooth was in such a bad state that it was demolished around 1700. The present Tollbooth was built around 1703-05 by Sir William Bruce, who also designed Holyrood Palace. A courthouse and jail were added in 1809. The tower features a rare surviving example of a Dutch pavilion roof.
Old Town Jail
This impressive Victorian prison building lay derelict from the 1960s until 2015, when it was reopened as a visitor attraction. Costumed guides lead tours around the former prison cells and up to the top of the observation tower, with superb views of the Old Town and the surrounding countryside.
Settle Inn
A warm welcome is guaranteed at Stirling’s oldest pub (1733), a spot redolent with atmosphere, with its log fire, vaulted back room, low-slung ceilings and Friday-night folk-music sessions.
Smith Art Gallery & Museum
Oswald the museum cat greets visitors to this treasure trove of local history, which tells the story of Stirling from prehistoric to modern times. The prize exhibit is the world's oldest football, discovered in 1981.
Stirling Bagpipes
Bagpipes are handmade and repaired in this combined shop and workshop, which also houses a collection of antique bagpipes and piping paraphernalia. The place is a focus for local pipers, and sells books and CDs of bagpipe music.
Stirling Castle
Hold Stirling and you control Scotland. This maxim has ensured that a fortress of some kind has existed here since prehistoric times. You cannot help drawing parallels with Edinburgh Castle, but many find Stirling's fortress more atmospheric – the location, architecture, historical significance and commanding views combine to make it a grand and memorable sight. It's best to visit in the afternoon; many tourists come on day trips, so you may have the castle almost to yourself by about 4pm.
Stirling Old Bridge
Dating from the 15th century, this graceful arched stone bridge is one of the oldest in Scotland, now reserved for pedestrians and cyclists only. An earlier wooden bridge, which once lay a short distance upstream, was the site of The Battle of Stirling Bridge, at which William Wallace defeated Edward 1.
The Engine Shed
Except that it wasn’t an engine shed! It was part of the railway infrastructure, but used as
a goods transfer shed, but that would make rather an unattractive name! It is Scotland’s
dedicated building conservation centre. That may not sound very interesting, but check
out the reviews on TripAdvisor
The Tolbooth
The Tolbooth, built in 1705 as the town's administrative centre, is now an arts venue.
Wallace Monument
Perched high on a crag above the floodplain of the River Forth, this Victorian monument is so Gothic it deserves circling bats and croaking ravens. In the shape of a medieval tower, it commemorates Sir William Wallace, who was one of the main leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence. A role in the film Braveheart, played by the well Scottish actor Mel Gibson!
Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway
A must see for those interested in railways. Apart from a service of steam trains, the site also boasts Scotland’s largest railway museum.
Bo’ness Motor Museum.
We have never been, but it gets (mainly) 4 and 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor.
Bridge of Allan Parish Church.
If architecture is your thing, then the Parish Church in picturesque Bridge of Allan is a must. Famed architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed the chancel furnishings including the communion table, pulpit and organ screen in 1904. The scenic riverside Darn Walk offers a cost-free breath of fresh air.
Callendar House, Falkirk
In Falkirk, elegant and turreted Callendar House is a favourite spot for picnics with its leafy park, woodland walks and outdoor play area. You can enjoy a close-up look at an imposing stretch of the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site, which marked the ultimate northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Callendar House itself features impressive historical exhibitions and a working 1825 Georgian kitchen. The Park Art Gallery adds to the attractions close by.
Dollar Museum
Don’t be fooled by the name, the Museum is free to enter and it’s not about currency – you’ll find out about the 877 Battle of Dollar between Danes and Scots (spoiler alert: the visitors win), see evocative Neolithic stone carvings, check out the recreation of Granny’s Kitchen, and more. This fine, independent local museum can carry you deep into Dollar village’s fascinating history.
Doune Castle
Magnificent Doune Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Scotland, having remained largely unchanged since it was built for the duke of Albany in the 14th century. It is one of the most famous film locations in Scotland, having been used in Ivanhoe (1952 with Liz Taylor and the BBC’s 1996 adaptation, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Game of Thrones and Outlander. So, pay a visit, and who knows which film or TV star you might meet?
Dunblane Cathedral
Dunblane Cathedral is a superbly elegant example of Gothic architecture – the lower parts of the bell tower date from the 11th century and the rest mainly from the 13th century, though it was all restored in late-Victorian times. There are fine 15th-century carved-wood misericord stalls in the chancel, and a 9th-century carved Celtic cross stands in the north aisle; a modern standing stone commemorates the town's children who were killed in the shooting at the primary school.
Go Country
Make a splash here on the edge of Loch Ard, which is located east of Stirling in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Water-based activities you can try include an inflatable water park, canoeing and cliff jumping into a loch!
Back on dry land the fun continues with orienteering, climbing, abseiling, mountain biking and more.
Kinneil Museum, Boness
Located in the 17th century stable block of Kinneil House, Kinneil Museum provides an interpretative centre for Kinneil Estate, and the ‘2,000 Years of History’ exhibition tells the story of the park from Roman times to the present day. You’ll be associating with Emperor Antoninus Pius, Saint Serf, Mary, Queen of Scots, inventor James Watt and many other iconic figures.
Leighton Library, Dunblane
The musty old Leighton Library, dating from 1684, is the oldest private library in Scotland. It was founded on the collection of Robert Leighton, Bishop of Dunblane between 1661 and 1670. In the company of a guide, visitors get to handle and read books from the original collection of Robert Leighton.
Loch Lomond.
It is always worth seeing the world famous Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. And, if you go down to Balloch, you can see the Maid of the Loch at Balloch Pier. Last in a long line of paddle steamers on the loch, she was also the last such vessel built in Britain.
Macrobert Art Centre.
This is situated between Stirling and Bridge of Allan, on the site of Stirling University. Over 400 performances take place here across the year including dance, comedy, music, and art exhibitions, as well as a year-round film programme. The centre offers a particularly family-friendly programme featuring productions and workshops especially for kids.
Rob Roy’s Grave.
Rob Roy MacGregor was a Scottish folk hero, seen by some as the Robin Hood of the Highlands, although unlike Robin was a real person. His infamy turned to fame after a fictional portrait was published by Daniel Defoe, and that fame became even greater after publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel, Rob Roy.
He is buried in the atmospheric churchyard of Balquhidder.
Scottish Owl Centre, Polkemmet Country Park.
The motto of the centre is ‘Education, Inspiration, Conservation’ sums it up. Well worth a visit.
The Falkirk Wheel.
The wheel is an enormous boat lift, built to connect the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. Rather than re-instating a series of locks (not lochs!), British Waterways decided to create dramatic 21st century landmark. They succeeded.
The Kelpies.
At 30 meters high, these are the largest equine statues in the world. They are situated in The Helix, a large new parkland area that provides a range of activities. A Kelpie was a shape-shifting water spirit, and not something that you would want to meet!
You are also less than 90 minutes away from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee, cities which all have a multitude of attractions. You certainly shouldn’t be bored during your holiday in Scotland!
It might be worth mentioning that parking in Edinburgh can be very difficult, especially during the summer months when the Edinburgh hosts its International Festival, The Fringe and The Military Tattoo. Our suggestion, should you wish to visit, is to follow the signs for the airport, then use the Park & Ride carpark, and take a tram ride into the city centre. Alternatively, for travelling into either Edinburgh or Glasgow, you could take the train from Dunblane.