Relaxing holidays on the banks of the River Tay at Boatland Cottage in Perthshire, Scotland

Tourist Attractions In Highland Perthshire

Here are just some of the many highlights:

Perth & Pitlochry Theatres

Perth Theatre's superb yearly programme offers a series of two-week productions and a Christmas pantomime. Many famous TV personalities have tread the boards here including Una Stubbs, Andy Gray and Lorraine Chase.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre, only 20 mins away, is a unique cultural experience in the very heart of Scotland. Founded in 1951, it is one of the finest attractions in the local area. Known as ‘Scotland's Theatre in the Hills' - the theatre shows a wide selection of plays including farce, comedy and tragedy.

The main season also features regular foyer events, concerts, art and craft demonstrations and pre-performance entertainment. There is now a winter season programme.

Caithness Glass Visitor Centre

Watch and marvel, from spacious ground and upper level viewing galleries, at the skills of local glassmakers turning molten glass into beautiful paperweights.

Well-stocked factory shops offer one of the biggest selections of modern and traditional glassware.

Open 7 days, all year. Situated conveniently only a 10 minute drive from Boatland Cottage.

Perth Agricultural Centre

The original market was founded in the late 1850's in the centre of Perth and developed into one of the most famous cattle markets in the world. The market stages the Perth Bull Sales in February and October each year and has the largest collective sale of pedigree beef cattle in Europe. The new Centre has many other visitor attractions including Dobbies Garden Centre.

Pitlochry & Fish Ladder

A quite delightful Victorian town set amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. Enjoy distilleries, castles, the fish ladder and dam, the famous Pitlochry Theatre, great shopping, and superb local walks. The nearby "Queens View" and the visitor centre at Killiecrankie are well worth a visit.

Dunkeld Cathedral

Tucked away at the foot of thickly wooded hills, you will discover one of Scotland's gems - the cathedral town of Dunkeld. And that's not all! Resting on the opposite bank of the river Tay is the victorian village of Birnam. Together the beautifully restored buildings and rich heritage of these Highland Perthshire sister towns are an inspiration for lovers of history, the arts, music and the outdoors.

Shopping At The House of Bruar

Highland shopping and The House of Bruar, only 30 miles from the the cottage, are almost synonymous. 'Scotland's Harrods', as it is known is a must visit.

Perthshire Trees

Perthshire is " Big Tree Country". Visit some of the most remarkable trees and woodlands anywhere in Europe. Travel along our leafy country roads and:

• explore remnants of Scotland's ancient wildwood
• discover where modern forestry began in this country
• marvel at the stunning specimens they introduced from around the world
• perhaps have a close encounter with some of our woodland wildlife

A short trip from the cottage takes you to Europe's oldest tree, the world's highest hedge, Britain's tallest tree, the sole survivor from Shakespeare's 'Birnam Wood', Europe's oldest living thing (the Fortingall Yew est. 3000 - 5000 years old)...the list goes on.

Perthshire Gardens Collection

Perth, voted the most desirable place to live in Britain, several times over the past ten years, has some of the most beautiful public/private gardens in Britain. It has also achieved incredible recognition for its floral displays by winning many competitions including:

• Scotland in Bloom
• Britain in Bloom
• Entente Florale
• World in Bloom Challenge
• Queen Mother Birthday Awards
• Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medal
• National Civic Trust Award
• People and Places Programme
• Glenturret Tourism Awards
• Eco Schools Programme
• OCS Environmental Awards
• Greenfingers

Branklyn Gardens is described as the "finest two acres of private garden in the country". En route, experience the pleasure of walking along the River Tay, via the Norrie Miller walkway, Rodney Park and Pavillion. Open from March - October.

Bells Cherrybank Gardens, home to Europe's largest collection of heathers, some 50,000! Open from March - October.

Scone Palace, extensive and well laid out grounds with a Douglas Fir raised from the original seedling in 1824. Attractive walks and Butterfly Gardens. Open from April - October. 3 miles from the cottage.

Stanley Mills

Nine miles north of Perth, the complex consists of three cotton mills that were once Perthshire's largest industrial concern. The original Bell Mill was completed in 1878, designed by Richard Arkwright, celebrated inventor of water-powered spinning, who pioneered factory production systems. The Mid and East Mills date from the early 19th century and remained in operation until 1989.

They were subsequently rescued by Historic Scotland from demolition in 1995, and their ongoing restoration by the Phoenix Trust is a great architectural heritage success story. Acclaimed for the quality and style of the conversion, original features such as the vaulted ceiling and pillars have been preserved, whilst contemporary homes have been created within its shell.

Whisky & Castles in Grampian Scotland

Don't think whisky and castles are all about Grampian - they are very much alive and kicking in Perthshire, which hosts both Scotland's smallest and oldest distilleries - and some of its greatest and most famous castles - learn the history, relive the experiences, taste the 'water of life'. Must visits are...

Whisky Tours & Distilleries

• Glenturret - Scotland's oldest distillery, with a famous award winning visitor centre now housing 'The Famous Grouse Experience'. Guided tours, free tasting and woodland walk. Only 16 miles from Perth.
• Edradour - Scotland's smallest, and a real charmer! Only 39 miles from Perth.
• Dalwhinnie - home of one of the famous 6 Classic Malts, with a 5 star visitor centre and superb shop. Only 57 miles from Perth.
• Blair Athol - Established in 1798 in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. Only a 26 mile drive from Perth.
• Dewars World of Whisky - a unique exhibition and interactive centre that makes use of the latest technology to celebrate the courageous entrepreneurial spirit of the Dewar family. Only 30 miles from Perth.

Famous Castles In Perthshire

• Scone Palace - the original home of the Stone of Destiny and the site of the coronations of the Kings of Scots. Only 3 miles from Boatland Cottage.
• Glamis Castle - the childhood home of The Queen Mother and the legendary setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth. Only 26 miles from Perth.
• Blair Castle - one of the most famous Scottish castles, is home to the 11th Duke of Atholl and his own private army. The history of the castle is inextricably linked with Scotland's national history. Open April – October. A 35 mile drive from Perth.
• Castle Menzies - a spectacular sixteenth century castle, restored by the Menzies Clan Society. Only 32 Miles from Perth.