Location: Pitlochry
Top Things to do in Pitlochry
Top 10 Things to do in Pitlochry, Scotland
Highland Perthshire places some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery within easy reach of both Glasgow and Edinburgh, and Pitlochry is the most geared-up base from which to enjoy it. It’s been a bustling mountain resort since the railways arrived in 1863, and these days manages to be both a cozy favorite for tourists who enjoy browsing in its woolen mills and taking in the repertory of plays at its famous Festival Theatre, and a magnet for adrenalin junkies in search of bungee jumping, canyoning, tubing and white water rafting adventures. Visitors of any age will be intrigued by the Pictish carvings on the huge Dunfallandy stone at nearby Ballinluig and, after a bracing mountain walk or visit to the famous salmon ladder, adults can enjoy a warming dram of malt whiskey after a tour at one of the two local distilleries, Edradour and Blair Athol.
Restaurants in Pitlochry
1. Ben Vrackie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By 555alexandrae
The experience and challenge of getting to the top were worth every bit of effort. The distance from the car park to the loch is very manageable and doable in about an hour. Take a bit of bread to feed the ducks, they will love you for it! The steeper climb from there is definitely more challenging, but it can be managed in bite-sized chunks if needed. We would recommend decent walking boots or shoes and something warm to slip into at the top. With it, you can spend more time up there and wait for any mist or cloud to be blown away. We sat and watched as the wind opened up the skies to reveal a gorgeous landscape.
2. Falls of Bruar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
This pretty waterfall is just a brisk two-mile hike from the House of Bruar shopping complex.
Reviewed By Richardbagwell - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Beautiful walk along the falls. It was raining but that didn’t dampen our enjoyment or views. There are steep cliff drops however it’s not a requirement to go to the edge to get a full experience. It’s located at the back of the House of Bruar which has a cafe post walk.
3. Blair Castle and Hercules Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,836 reviews
Discover Blair Castle and go on a journey into the fascinating past of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Unique amongst Scottish castles, the story here leads you from Mary Queen of Scot's visit to the Civil War, and from the Jacobite cause to Queen Victoria's famous stay which led to the creation of Europe's only surviving private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Over 700 years of Scottish history are on display across 30 rooms. Highlights of the castle tour include the Baronial Entrance Hall, featuring weapons used at the Battle of Culloden; the classic Georgian styling of the Picture Staircase; the grandeur of the State Dining Room and Drawing Room; and the magnificent Ballroom, bedecked in hundreds of antlers. The Castle sits at the hub of a breathtaking historic landscape and the gardens and grounds feature a 9 acre walled garden, a peaceful wooded grove, a ruined kirk, a red deer park and a whimsical Gothic folly.
Reviewed By asheleyn2019
Had an amazing visit to Blair castle, would highly recommend to all age groups. We didn’t visit inside of the castle, you need to book in advance and we just rocked up. Got tickets for the gardens (£15 for 2 ppl), I was sceptical at the price but what a treat! Lots of hidden gems and nice walks, the red deer were beautiful and very friendly at a respectable distance. The Hercules garden was also lovely.
4. Edradour Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,300 reviews
Due To The Outbreak Of Covid-19 The Distillery Visitor Centre And Shop Will Be Closed As Of 16TH March 2020. The Site Is Now Closed To The Public And Will Not Re-open.
Reviewed By BillyR_12 - Menstrie, United Kingdom
Situated approximately 4 miles from Pitlochry this quaint but thriving distillery located in the stunning Perthshire countryside . Upon arrival at the distillery shop we were met by extremely charming and knowledgeable staff and immediately we felt welcome. The tour itself was taken by a very knowledgeable, funny and pleasant lady who answered every question she was asked. Next to the really good bit THE WHISKY TASTING which was conducted by a charming and knowledgeable expert and after which we were each presented with a lovely tasting glass. Finally back to the shop where I had a field day tee hee. SLAINTE MHATHE (good health).
5. Queen's View
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,126 reviews
Reviewed By junem704 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
I love going here ..it has a car park usually busy ..climb to the top and it has the most amazing views .. sit back relax bring a picnic and relax in nature
6. Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,163 reviews
A unique, theatrical phenomenon in the heart of Perthshire Attracting over 100,000 people each year, Pitlochry Festival Theatre (PFT) is a unique, theatrical phenomenon in the heart of Perthshire. Each Summer Season, we produce and perform 6 excellent shows, all of which are played in daily rotation. That means you can see a different show every day, two on Wednesdays and Saturdays, as well as Thursdays, from September – October! A trip to Pitlochry Festival Theatre makes a perfect day or night’s entertainment or as many of those who already attend know, a superb short break. Many of our patrons stay for 6 days and see 6 plays. Or see 3 plays in 2 days, plus walking, golfing, shopping… We also have a year round programme of tours, talks, concerts, events, music and workshops, as well as delicious food and drink on offer in The Festival Restaurant. We look forward to welcoming you to Pitlochry Festival Theatre soon.
Reviewed By S1813PXjulied - Pitlochry, United Kingdom
We are fortunate enough to live in Pitlochry and have been to every show for the past three years and not seen a dud one yet. Some are more challenging than others, but that's great. This season's productions are as good as ever; Summer Holiday was just great fun a real feel good show, Blonds Bombshells was equally good with a very versatile and talented cast, Blythe Spirit captured all the fun of the old black and white film with Madam Alcarte shining as a great performance and The Crucible was suitably dark and thought provoking. Tonight it's Heritage. Can't wait. Well done to all the actors and those who "make it happen" as the sets are very clever and often unexpected but work very well. Pitlochry is lucky to have such a facility.
7. Blair Athol Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,876 reviews
Blair Athol Distillery is one of the oldest working Distilleries in Scotland established in 1798. We are open to the public 362 days a year and are the spiritual home of Bell's. We have a range of tours and tastings available and the full list can be found by our website. Following Scottish Government guidelines through their phased re-opening approach, the time has come to open our doors and welcome back our visitors from 28th April 2021. To ensure the health and wellbeing of our employees and visitors, we will be implementing a number of precautionary measures. Find out how we are keeping you safe on our website before you visit us.
Reviewed By BGA1980 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Great tour of the distillery with David, who was entertaining and knowledgeable.The team at Blair Athol have adapted the tour and tasting to comply with COVID-19 restrictions and it is well worth a visit if you are in the area.
8. Faskally Wood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 594 reviews
Reviewed By X6128TFjanet - Livingston, United Kingdom
Lovely walk with the dog. Several different paths to follow. We just had a stroll round the pond which was beautiful. Red squirrel sighting just completed the visit.
9. Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
A brand new, purpose built visitor centre at Pitlochry Dam. The centre hosts an exhibition over two floors and a gift shop and cafe with spectacular views over the river Tummel and Loch Faskally.
Reviewed By Guv2160 - Kilmarnock, United Kingdom
on our recent visit to Pitlochry we went to the dam and fish ladder and it was a good trip with fantastic views right up the loch and also great views from the visitors centre over the whole area it was a great walk right round and back into Pitlochry well worth going to.
10. Pitlochry Dam Power Station And Fish Ladder
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,644 reviews
Pitlochry Hydroelectric Dam and Fish Ladder spans the River Tummel at Pitlochry in Perthshire, Scotland. It was built between 1947 and 1951. By damming the River Tummel, Loch Faskally was created behind it. There is a salmon count monitor and the dam power station has a visitor centre.
Reviewed By timbermanbob - Carlisle, United Kingdom
Did we see fish? No But that’s what you get when your in the hands of wildlife! Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t However it was really interesting learning all about a salmon ladder, how the dan generates power. We walked round it twice, and hiked up the river twice, if you go over the suspension bridge and go straight there is a lovely park to play on and if you continue on up you come to the centre of Pitlochry Excellent day out
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