Perthshire Castles & Gardens to visit (within 50 miles)
1. Blair Castle & Gardens (6 miles north of Pitlochry)
Description: Home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries, Blair Castle showcases a diverse history through its 30 rooms, featuring fine 18th-century interiors and Scots Baronial architecture. The surrounding gardens include a nine-acre walled garden, wooded grove, gothic folly, kirk ruin, and extensive deer park.
2. Castle Menzies
Description: A splendid example of 16th-century Scottish architecture, this restored castle served as the seat of the Clan Menzies for over 500 years. Visitors can explore its historic rooms and learn about its storied past.
3. Huntingtower Castle (approximately 22 miles south of Pitlochry)
Description: Comprised of two closely placed tower houses, this castle offers insight into medieval Scottish domestic life. It’s known for its well-preserved painted ceilings and connections to notable historical figures.
4. Drummond Castle Gardens (approximately 30 miles south of Pitlochry)
Description: While the castle itself is not open to the public, its formal gardens are considered among the finest in Europe, featuring intricate parterre designs and a variety of plant species.
5. Scone Palace (approximately 27 miles southeast of Pitlochry)
Description: The crowning place of Scottish kings, Scone Palace is a stately home filled with antiques and paintings. The expansive grounds include the Moot Hill, a Victorian pinetum, and a maze.
Gardens:
1. Explorers' Garden at Pitlochry Theatre (in Pitlochry)
Description: A celebration of Scottish plant hunters, this garden showcases a diverse collection of plants brought back from around the world, set within themed areas representing different continents.
2. Cluny House Gardens (approximately 12 miles west of Pitlochry)
Description: Known for its collection of Himalayan plants, including a notable array of rhododendrons and the rare Meconopsis (blue poppy), this woodland garden offers a tranquil experience.
3. Branklyn Garden (approximately 27 miles south of Pitlochry)
Description: Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, this two-acre hillside garden is renowned for its collection of rare and unusual plants, including the Himalayan blue poppy.
4. Bolfracks Garden (approximately 17 miles west of Pitlochry)
Description: Overlooking the River Tay, this garden features a variety of rare shrubs, old-fashioned roses, and a delightful walled garden.
5. Drummond Castle Gardens (approximately 30 miles south of Pitlochry)
Description: As mentioned above, these formal gardens are a masterpiece of design, offering visitors a chance to stroll through one of Europe’s most important formal gardens.
Please note that visiting hours and accessibility may vary, so it’s advisable to check the respective websites for the most current information before planning your visit.
