Blair Atholl

BLAIR CASTLE AND GARDENS

This is the best visitor attraction we have visited and the best value for money.

Blair Castle is the seat of the Dukes of Atholl and home to Europe's only private army, the Atholl Highlanders. This is a picturesque white castle which was started in 1269 and progressively developed since then, set in beautiful grounds with mountains in the background.

Inside the castle a self-guided tour will take you on a visit to over 30 different rooms.

The gardens include a fantastic 9 acre walled garden, woodland walks with some of Britain's tallest trees, a sculpture trail, red deer park, field of Highland Coos, and a ruined Kirk which is the resting place of Jacobite leader Bonnie Dundee. There is also a woodland adventure playground for children. 

You can visit the castle and grounds, or grounds only. Even if you visit the grounds only, there is so much to see. Those with grounds only tickets also have access to the restaurant, shop and toilets.

On our most recent visit with a grounds only ticket we spent 3 hours here and could easily have stayed longer; visiting the castle and grounds you could spend the whole day here. 

If you visit the castle late in the day, the main driveway gates will be closed when you leave. However, it is still possible to get out that way through them as a pedestrian, don't follow the cars leaving the long way!

Prepare for lots of photos, we had a difficult time cutting it down to just these...

BLAIR ATHOLL WATERMILL

The watermill is so pretty, with mountains in the background, a stream running alongside, the wheel turning, and an outdoor garden tearoom surrounded by trees.

There has been a mill here since at least the 1590s and it is one of only three remaining operational watermills in Scotland. Water is from the River Tilt.

Inside there is a museum / working mill over three floors (Hopper Floor, Milling Floor and Finishing Floor) where you can watch the mill in operation, learn about its history and even have a try at grinding grains.

Visit the tearoom afterwards (inside or outside) to try something from their bakery, or buy some flour to have a go at baking yourself! This is well worth a visit.

ATHOLL COUNTRY LIFE MUSEUM

Located in the old village school, highlights include Scotland's only stuffed Highland Cow and a reconstructed 1930s Post Office from nearby Trinafour.

Next door is a Visitor Information Centre which is unmanned but is a nice, smart space. It contains information boards and interpretation panels about the Atholl Estate, history of the area, and local wildlife, as well as comfy seating and sinks.

The setting is pleasant, among trees and next to the park with a marked walking path.

WASTED DEGREES BREWING

Founded in 2016, this brewer produces a range of beers as well as Perthshire Cider. The barley is grown and malted in Scotland. Seasonal releases often use locally sourced ingredients, while their Perthshire Cider uses locally grown surplus apples and pears.

They offer free tours (no booking required) and Brewer For A Day experience. The Taproom operates on Saturdays during the summer for bar and pizzas made to order using in-house dough (booking recommended).

They are moving to Pitlochry in late 2026.

Page last updated 1 September 2025