Top 5 Attractions in Perthshire

1. Castles

Perthshire is known for its wide selection of historic castles, and there are plenty which are open to visits from the public. Blair Castle is a great place to visit during short breaks Scotland, and is still in use as the home of the Duke of Atholl. Then there’s the 15th century Balhousie Castle, the magnificent 14th century Garth Castle… or the stylised Castle Menzies. Alternatively, visit the beautiful gardens that surround the picturesque Drummond Castle.

2. Schiehallion

Anyone with a love for the great outdoors will appreciate a trip to Schiehallion; this is one of the largest mountains in Perthshire, and yet its gentle slopes make it an easy climb. Sometimes referred to as the centre point of Scotland, the site offers some truly fantastic views – from an altitude of 1083 metres above sea level!

3. The Pitlochry Dam

As well as providing hydroelectric power to the area, the Pitlochry Dam offers beautiful views across the Tay Valley and the River Tummel. At the side of the dam you’ll find the famous ‘Fish Ladder’, a series of steps to allow migrating salmon to jump all the way up to the top! Visit the dam during the summer months, and see this bizarre sight for yourself – it is estimated that each year, 5000 salmon make their way up the ladder.

4. Queens View

Reported to be one of the most photographed places in all of Scotland, this vantage point in the Perthshire Highlands offers a truly unparalleled view out over the surrounding area. You’ll see lochs, moors, mountains and forests, all laid out beneath you in a stunning patchwork quilt of colours. The name comes from Queen Victoria, who fell in love with the view during her 1866 visit.

5. Loch Tay

Another popular attraction for those staying in hotels in Perthshire is the nearby Loch Tay; this beautiful area boasts some breathtaking views, as well as traces of the earliest settlements in all of Scotland. It is believed that during the Iron Age, a series of man-made islands in the loch were home to local settlers – there are a number of replica islands in the loch today, which you’ll be able to visit during your trip.