A stone’s throw away from our hotel in Kinloch Rannoch, the picturesque little village of Blair Atholl may not be the biggest place around, yet what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in stature.
An area of great historical significance, the area itself traces its roots back several centuries, to before the time of the Jacobite Rising of the mid-1700s.
In the years since, Blair Atholl has firmly established itself as a well-loved favourite for those enjoying a Scottish holiday here in Highland Perthshire.
Don’t just take our word for it however.
Here’s just five reasons why you absolutely can’t afford to miss a visit to Blair Atholl the next time you come to stay with us here at the Dunalastair Hotel Suites.
Explore One of Highland Scotland’s Most Famous Landmarks
The highlight of any visit to the area, Blair Castle has stood tall and proud among the dramatic landscape of Highland Perthshire for over seven hundred years.
In that time, this magnificent venue has well and truly seen it all. From the Jacobite Rising to the Civil War and more, Blair Castle has played role in every significant event in Scotland’s history.
Today, each of its 30 rooms tells its own captivating story, including how notable guests such as Queen Victoria came to stay there.
Step outside, and the venue’s famous gardens are equally as remarkable, resplendent as they are with a variety of beautiful plants and flowers.
Looking to get up close and personal with native Scottish wildlife? Look out for the red squirrels and magnificent peacocks which roam the grounds, and be sure to head over to the red deer park.
For full details, see: blair-castle.co.uk
Step Back in Time for a Taste of Authentic Scottish Country Life
A few minutes’ walk from Blair Castle, you’ll find the area’s other star attraction, the Atholl Country Life Museum.
As entertaining for children as it is insightful for grown-ups, this renowned museum offers a unique opportunity to explore several generations of day-to-day life in an authentic Scottish village.
From a pre-WWII post office to unique artifacts from decades gone by, the museum is well worth a visit for anyone with an interest in Scotland’s fascinating history.
See the Place Where Breathtaking Beauty and Fascinating History Combine
A favourite with our team, Glen Tilt’s outstanding natural beauty and incredible past are alone worth the short drive from our Perthshire hotel.
Located on the outskirts of Blair Atholl itself, the spectacular glen is home to some of the Highland’s most impressive views, with soaring mountains standing bold and proud against delicate hillsides and lavish woodlands.
As you’re taking in such awe-inspiring views, you may want to take a moment to consider the long and storied history of the area.
From being at the centre of a lengthy court case in the Victorian age to its role in teaching us much of what we know about modern geology, this is one place where Scotland’s famous views, and our history, really do come together.
Enjoy a Walk Around an Area Beloved by Robert Burns
Glen Tilt may be the first place on our list to combine captivating history and stunning scenery, but it isn’t the only one.
For fans of the legendary Robert Burns, a visit to the Falls of Bruar is absolutely essential.
As extraordinary as the area looks today, it wasn’t always that way. In fact, for many centuries, the river banks stood mostly barren until the Bard of Ayrshire wrote his now famous ode, ‘The Humble Petition of Bruar Water.’
The poem was produced as petition to 4th Duke of Atholl to plant trees around the river banks and waterfalls. The Duke acted upon request, giving us the wonderful woodlands we see there today.
Step Into the Heart of ‘Big Tree Country’
Speaking of trees, the areas surrounding our Perthshire hotel are often referred to as Big Tree Country – a name which perfectly describes the towering woodlands which dominate the skyline.
Whilst you can see examples of Perthshire’s famously huge trees everywhere from Kinloch Rannoch to Pitlochry, nowhere else comes close to being the true heart of Big Tree Country quite like Blair Atholl.
Not only will you find the UK’s tallest Red fir and Japanese larch at Blair Castle, but just a short distance away, you’ll also find one of the country’s oldest managed forests, Craigvinean Forest.
A true hidden gem, the forest was developed by the 3rd Duke of Atholl back in the 18th century, and today serves as favourite for Scottish walking holidays, especially with the views it affords of neighbouring Dunkeld and the mighty River Tay.
Explore historic Blair Atholl on your next Scottish holiday with the Dunalastair Hotel Suites, Perthshire. Book your stay online today, or call our team now on +44 (0)1882 580444.