Welcome to our guide to the best places to stay in Perthshire. Situated in Central Scotland, Perthshire is home to a section of the breathtaking Grampian Mountains and a swathe of the Scottish Lowlands. Most of Perthshire lies in the slightly larger council area of Perth and Kinross. It is one of the best lesser-known places to stay in Scotland and the Highlands for a holiday.
The county is heaven for those looking for a holiday break in the Scottish wilds. With natural beauty spots around every bend in the highway, you won’t want to miss out on Loch Tay, Loch Tummel, Scone Palace, or fishing on the clear and fast River Tay. There are lofty views to behold from the peaks of Ben Lawers, Schiehallion, and Queen’s View. It’s not all wilderness though; the small city of Perth is renowned for its shops and arts scene, as well as its restaurants.
Perfect for an off-the-beaten-track holiday to Scotland, Perthshire is a superb choice. Families and couples alike will enjoy everything about this hidden gem of a region, so why not take a look at our collection of places to stay in Perthshire, Scotland? A stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages in Perthshire is the best way to get to know the area. Discover the joys of Scotland or click on the button below to find your Perthshire holiday property.
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Perth | The best for arts and shopping
Perth is a fine city stood along the banks of the River Tay, Scotland’s longest river. The rich heritage of Perth is easy to trace because the city centre is full of history with places of interest found near one another. The Grampian Mountains provide a glorious backdrop for the city, making it a picturesque place to take a city break.
Visit Scone Palace or the copper still of Glenturret to get a small taste of what’s on offer. The town also offers a host of independent shops and eateries, as well as museums and galleries throughout the city, and some riverside parks referred to as Inches. Just beyond the river bridges is the hilly Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, a beautiful wooded public space with stunning views of Perth.
Highlights
- Visit Scone Palace, the former crowing place of Scotland’s High Kings and former home of the Stone of Destiny
- Sample a wee dram at Glenturret, which is Scotland’s oldest whisky distillery
- Learn all about the town’s wonderful past and architecture on the Perth Heritage Trail
The best places to stay in Perth
Kinross | The best for wild landscapes
Kinross is situated in the Central Lowlands, close to the southern border of Perthshire and the picturesque Loch Leven. There are many walking trails in and around Kinross including the 16-mile Loch Leven Heritage Trail on the north and east shores of Loch Leven. Also, take a ferry across to Lochleven Castle which has infamous links with Mary Queen of Scots.
Enjoy the variety of local Kinross landscapes; it’s a real treat if you are an ornithologist or wildlife spotter, with much to see. If you like golf then bring your clubs along as you are in for a treat – local Gleneagles has three golf courses. You can also take part in some water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding in the area, and there are opportunities to go river fishing.
Highlights
- A self-described golfer’s playground, Gleneagles is golfers’ heaven with its three luxury courses
- Pull your boots on for the historical tour of Loch Leven
- Lochleven Castle holds a notorious place in Scottish history via Mary Queen of Scots – an unmissable highlight
The best places to stay in Kinross
Pitlochry | The best for mountain walks
Is Pitlochry loved the most for Queen’s View in the Tay Forest Park or Scotland’s smallest distillery at Edradour Distillery? Perhaps visitors and locals like nothing better than a day of hill walking in Highland Perthshire’s natural playground. Outdoor adventure activities such as bungee jumping, quad biking, mountain biking, and white-water rafting are available in and around Pitlochry too.
Pitlochry is home to some quaint restaurants, pubs, cafes, and independent shops, where you can relish the best in local hospitality. Enjoy some live entertainment at Pitlochry’s Festival Theatre or see the salmon ladder where during the right season (April to September) you can spot some awesome natural sights. There is lots to see and do around Pitlochry where you can experience the natural fusion of Highland and Lowland Scotland landscapes.
The best places to stay in Pitlochry
Dunkeld and Birnam | The best for forest walking
Dunkeld and its sister town of Birnam across the River Tay is a true Scottish hideaway. They are some of the most beautiful towns in Perthshire found at the heart of ‘Big Tree Country’. The twin towns are characterised by their eye-catching 17th and 18th-century slate-roofed buildings. Both towns are set against the lush green backdrop of deep forest woodland. Dunkeld and Birnam are wonderful places to while away your time eating at cafes, wandering about the independent shops, and enjoying strolls down by the leafy river where you can see wild salmon leaping.
Make sure you visit the striking Dunkeld Cathedral, where you can see the tomb of the Wolf of Badenoch. Dunkeld and Birnam are also superb bases for those looking to embark on some outdoor activities; there are lots of way-marked walking and cycle trails through local forests. If you are looking for where to stay in Perthshire, then Dunkeld and Birnam are sure to inspire you, as they are tucked away and certainly lesser known for lovers of remote yet accessible rural Scotland.
Highlights
- The unforgettable ruins of Dunkeld Cathedral offer lots of photo opportunities
- Take your binoculars to see the ospreys, red squirrels, and woodpeckers at the Loch of the Lowes
- Conjure up thoughts of Macbeth at the Birnam Oak, a local spectacle
The best places to stay in Dunkeld and Birnam
Loch Tay | The best for nature and lochside walks
Loch Tay is the largest freshwater lake in Perthshire. With its amazing scenery and natural beauty spots, the 15-mile-long loch has been enchanting visitors to Perthshire for decades. The loch’s shore is home to several villages such as Kenmore, Morenish, and Ardeonaig, where you can discover how life is lived lochside. Loch Tay is the perfect setting for long waterside walks and nature spotting as it is a hot spot for wild birds and mammals. Bring your binoculars.
The Loch Tay area has quite a few visitor attractions in the local vicinity such as Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre, Nae Limits Outdoor Activities, The Scottish Wool Centre, Loch Tay Boat Safaris, Killin Golf Club, the Falls of Dochart, and the Birks Cinema at Aberfeldy.
The best places to stay in Loch Tay
Enjoy a holiday in Perthshire
Now that you know a little more about Perthshire, do you feel inspired enough to look for a Scottish holiday cottage to stay in? If so, we have a collection of holiday accommodation that’s just perfect for you, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway with your partner, or a family break with your favourite people. We know that Perthshire is sure to provide a wonderful backdrop for your next break away.
Our Perthshire cottages