Where to stay
For a life of luxury during your stay, look no further than Gleneagles Hotel, where Andrew is based. Set in 850 acres of gorgeous Perthshire countryside, Gleneagles is one of the world’s most luxurious five-star resorts. The hotel is also home to three of Scotland’s top championship golf courses, as well as a wide range of other outdoor activities including shooting, horse riding and off-road driving. Alternatively, just a few minutes from Perth city centre is the Huntingtower Hotel, which is set in six acres of wonderfully quiet, landscaped gardens.
What to do
For some historical culture visit the castles that are located around the area. Huntingtower Castle features two fine towers that date back to the 15th and 16th century. Among the oldest castles in Perthshire is Blair Castle with over 740 years of history. Its roots go back to the 13th century, when it was the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Blair Castle is one of the most accessible Scottish castles with tours available to the public.
Relaxation
Where to stay
For a peaceful stay, head to Kinloch House set amongst 25 acres of countryside. Built in 1840 you’ll be greeted to this country hotel with friendly Scottish hospitality and experience a relaxed stay overlooking a magnificent valley. Or stay at one of the oldest hotels in Scotland – The Salutation. Guests have been staying here since 1699 and over the years they’ve welcomed some famous names through their doors, such as Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745.
What to do
Perthshire is home to exceptional greenery where you’ll find some of the best trees and woodlands in Europe. The county is widely known as ‘Big Tree Country’; here you’ll find the world’s highest hedge (Meikleour Beech, 120ft), one of Europe’s oldest trees (Fortingall Yew, between 2,000 and 5,000-years-old), the widest conifer in Britain (11 metres in girth) and the sole survivor of Shakespeare’s Birnam Wood.
Fun
Where to stay
In the foothills of Ben Lawers you will find 40 luxury pine highland self-catering lodges, a luxury house and a selection of tepees, wigwams and woodland cabins to stay in, courtesy of Loch Tay Highland Lodges. Constructed in Scandinavia the lodges provide warmth from the cold outside, a highly comfortable stay and a unique experience. There are amazing views over Loch Tay, while the village of Killin is just three miles away.
What to do
Dunolly Adventure Outdoors is an outdoor centre that has something for everybody to enjoy, from family adventures to adrenaline junkies. White water rafting is a popular choice among visitors and Dunolly provide for all levels, whether you are a beginner looking for a peaceful river trip or an expert who’s seeking something more thrilling. Other water activities include kayaking, canyoning, and gorge ascents. If getting wet is not your thing then another popular option is target archery. Great Away Days organised by BlueSky Experiences are one of Scotland’s leading specialised activity providers. Across their 740 acres of land, visitors can partake in quad bike trekking, mini highland games, archery, clay pigeon shooting and treasure hunts. Golfing and fishing are two of the county’s other favourite pastimes and Perthshire has an array of courses and lochs to choose from. Opened in 1992 in the heart of Highland Perthshire on unspoilt land perfect for a high-quality course, Kenmore Golf Course has been dubbed “Perthshire’s Finest Nine Holes.”
