Dunkeld and Birnam

One train station serves the enchanting village of Birnam and the picturesque town of Dunkeld, which are linked by an arched bridge over the River Tay.

Birnam is surrounded by wooded and hilly countryside and is popular with walkers. The area inspired Beatrix Potter, who spent her childhood holidays here.

Dunkeld was proclaimed the first ecclesiastical capital of Scotland by Scotland's first King, Kenneth MacAlpin. The majestic and partly ruined cathedral dominates the town from its idyllic river setting. Bridge Street and Atholl Street provide variety with their specialist and locally owned shops, while a riverside path provides excellent views of the bridge.

You can easily spend a day exploring Birnam and Dunkeld. We really enjoyed our time here and will definitely return. If you want to base yourself somewhere quieter, stay in Birnam; if you want to stay out late with riverside dining and bars, stay in Dunkeld.

There is an underpass at the north-west end of the car park which provides the pedestrian route to Birnam (300 yards) and Dunkeld (approximately 1 mile).

Birnam: Where to visit

BEATRIX POTTER EXHIBITION, BIRNAM ARTS

Potter spent many of her childhood summers in Perthshire. Here you can discover the story of her connection with the area, see original memorabilia, and children can enjoy dressing up and visiting the Victorian School Room.

Beatrix Potter Exhibition in Birnam Arts

BEATRIX POTTER GARDEN

Next door to Birnam Arts and with free entry, this enchanting garden contains sculptures inspired by Potter's stories. Meet Mr Tod, Mrs Tiggy Winkle, Mr Jeremy Fisher (hard to find!) and Peter Rabbit and friends.

BIRNAM WALKS

There are numerous glorious wooded, hill and riverside walks around the area, including Birnam Riverside Path passing the 500 year old Birnam Oak and its younger companion the 300 year old Sycamore, and Birnam Hill Path which has fantastic views.

The Hermitage, a magnificent forest managed by the National Trust for Scotland, is a 1.5 mile walk from the train station.

View of the River Tay from Birnam Riverside Path

Birnam Accommodation and Cafes

Walking distances to accommodation given from the train station

BIRNAM ACCOMMODATION

Merryburn (0.31 miles/0.49 km)

Self-catering rooms and apartments. Birnam Village Shop is nearby for supplies.

Note: this is no longer a hotel or B&B, despite the reviews being listed under 'Merryburn Hotel'.

Reviews (including from its time as a hotel/B&B): 4.9 on Google, 4.7 on TripAdvisor

Erigmore Leisure Park, Verdant Leisure (0.95 miles/1.52 km)

For something a bit different, how about a holiday park with everything on site: accommodation, food, leisure, and walks.

Reviews: 4.5 on Google, 4.5 on TripAdvisor

BIRNAM CAFES

Birnam Arts - Cafe

Reviews for whole venue: 4.5 on Google, 4.4 on TripAdvisor

Birnam Oak Cafe

Refurbished and under new ownership since June 2025 (was Chattan Tea Room)

Reviews: 3.5 on Google

Birnam Studio

Serves specialty tea and coffee.

Reviews including gallery: 5.0 on Google

Restaurants can be found a short walk away in Dunkeld.

Dunkeld: Where to Visit

DUNKELD CATHEDRAL

The cathedral was constructed between 1260 and 1501. It suffered damage due to unrest and later the Jacobite uprising.

Today the tower and chapter house are complete. The east end is still a local church while the west end is now ruined, having never been rebuilt. The Parish Church and cathedral grounds are accessible, however, unfortunately there is currently no access to the ruined cathedral nave or the tower.

Inside the parish church section of Dunkeld Cathedral

LITTLE HOUSES

Sited around The Cross and Cathedral Street are the brightly coloured 'little houses' which were built in the early 1700s.

Restored to provide homes for local tenants, these 43 properties are now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. It is not possible to visit inside but you can enjoy a wander round the streets.

Also look out for the Atholl memorial fountain which was built in 1866 by public subscription in memory of the 6th Duke of Atholl.

Colourful Little Houses and Atholl memorial fountain

DUNKELD WALKS

There are numerous glorious wooded, hill and riverside walks around the area, including Fiddlers Path riverside walk.

The Loch of the Lowes Path takes you to the Scottish Wildlife Trust Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre where you may see breeding ospreys, otters, deer and many birds including kingfishers.