Incredible Places To Stay In Highland Perthshire

One of Scotland’s most spectacular regions, accessible Highland Perthshire is home to some of the country’s best hotels.

Seeking the greatest of the great outdoors? Scotland’s Highland Perthshire – near Glasgow and Inverness – is a sprawling rural masterpiece of mountains, woodlands, glens and lochs. Amongst the unrivalled nature and wildlife are dotted ancient castles and characterful towns with shops, theatres, eclectic festivals and restaurants serving hearty local cuisine. Adventure is never far with chances to hike, white water raft, go on safari and even bungee jump. Get into the thick of it with a stay at one of these top hotels, from luxury castles to farmland cottages.

1. Knockendarroch Hotel and Restaurant

Hotel

Marvel at this four-star country house built in 1880 with its original stained glass windows and grand staircase. Rooms offer panoramic views and are country chic in style with plush armchairs, bookshelves and binoculars – especially useful in the Balcony Room. After a day of road tripping around spectacular Pitlochry, indulge in whisky and canapes by the roaring fire before an award-winning three-course dinner. Think guinea fowl, Highland beef and Scottish cheese boards to finish. Here for Pitlochry Festival Theatre? Knockendarroch offers pre-theatre dining and complimentary transport.

2. Fonab Castle Hotel

Spa Hotel, Hotel

Exterior of imposing castle-like Fonab Castle Hotel, surrounded by grass with Bentley in front

Live like royalty at this historic castle turned five-star hotel in picturesque Tummel Valley. Hit the spa’s Aroma Relax Room before indulging in the seven-course gourmet tasting menu for West Coast scallops and confit salmon. Sip drinks in lochside luxury pods complete with a music system and mood lighting, then relax in your Castle Penthouse with dressing room, Ulf Mortiz glass-studded wallpaper and chandeliers dangling from high wooden ceilings. Bringing your furry friend? Loch View Lodge Rooms are pet-friendly with patios overlooking Loch Faskally.

4. Errichel House and Cottages

Cottages, Hotel

A cosy bedroom at Errichel House and Cottages, with purple cushions on a white bed, two bedside tables and two large lamps

Immersive yourself in this working farm with fantastic views across the Tay Valley to the Grampian Mountains. Cosy farmhouse rooms come with traditional breakfasts while two self-catering cottages boast rustic kitchens, wood-burning stoves and an impressive vaulted-ceiling dining area. The hotel’s Thyme Bistro uses ingredients grown and reared on the farm with international twists, like the Perthshire Lamb African ‘Bunny Chow’. Don’t miss the deli’s award-winning treats including preserves, cheeses and meats, nor their on-site cooking classes.

5. The Old Manse of Blair

Hotel

An outside seating area at The Old Manse of Blair, with black stylish chairs next to a patch of green grass

Dating to 1828, this listed mansion in Cairngorms National Park offers rooms in the Mansion House or the converted cottages, including pet-friendly Stable Snug Rooms. Expect great views, free-standing bathtubs and eclectic art nodding to the hotel’s history. Explore the countryside or nearby Blair Castle, then relax with a tipple by the grand piano and open fire in the drawing-room. Dinner at the five-star The Orangery Restaurant is a must: try the roast Scrabster cod. On mild evenings, enjoy the fire pit-lit courtyard under the stars.

6. Dunalastair Hotel Suites

Suite Hotel

A birds-eye view of Dunalastair Hotel Suites, surrounded by green grass and mountains

From the moment you see greystone Dunalastair with its grand staircase topped with a deer antler chandelier, you know you’re in for a treat. The former Victorian sporting lodge is stylish with deep greys and blues accenting the rooms, some boasting mountain views. Opt for the Flagship Suite to tuck into fresh fruit platters, handmade chocolate truffles and complimentary bubbly in your very own castle turret. The Kinlock Rannoch lochs and glens offer nearby exploring and you can finish the day with Scottish salmon fillet or vegan wellington at Dunalastair’s fine dining restaurant.

7. Fortingall Hotel

Hotel

Scottish community charm ebbs through Fortingall. Head to the bar for home-brewed cider from the 100-year-old apple tree in the grounds, with a traditional side of pickled egg and live music. Singing or playing along with the band is encouraged and dogs are welcome. Fortingall is a four-star country house hotel ‘where time stands still’. Old worldly charm sweeps throughout with roaring fires, an ornate library room, country-themed decor and views over Drummond Hill or neighbouring Glen Lyon – Scotland’s largest glen.

8. The Inn on the Tay

Hotel

A light and cosy bedroom at The Inn on the Tay, with two beds, a sofa and coffee table, armchairs and lamps

This family-run inn sits on the banks of the River Tay, meaning you’re a stone’s throw from adventures like white water rafting, boat safaris or salmon fishing. Rest in one of the six colourful rooms: some boasting river views, some dog-friendly and all with breakfast included. Don’t miss the riverside garden bar for woodfired pizza and 16-year-old local whisky as the Tay rushes past. Look out for leaping salmon or rare red squirrels as evening falls and the candles come out.

9. Squirrel Cottage

Cottages

For a romantic break for two, check into this self-catering cottage with sunroom to watch the woodpeckers, red squirrels and deer scamper past. There is a garden with a waterfall and river flowing through whilst the large bedroom window has a one-way film so you can gaze at the oak woodlands without leaving your bed. The colourful lounge area has a wood pellet fire for cosy nights in. Tour the nearby 1689 Jacobite battlefield of Killiecrankie or amble along the River Garry to Pitlochry or Blair Atholl.

10. The Hayloft B&B

Bed and Breakfast

A light and cosy bedroom at The Hayloft B&B, with a cushioned sofa, grey armchair, bedside tables and lamps

This secluded ivy-strewn stone barn has stylish flair with vintage Ercol furniture and sumptuous tweed fabrics throughout. Marvel at the surrounding Cairngorms National Park over a complimentary continental breakfast of local Blair Atholl Watermill products on the private terrace at this self-catering hidden gem. Relax the Scottish way at nearby Edradour, the smallest malt distillery in Scotland, before a trip up into the mountains to see Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer. The more adventurous can even brave the Garry Bridge Bungee Jump.

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